Category: Travel

Trip to Dumaguete…

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boat on anchor

Having a 4-day weekend was perfect for an out-of-town trip and since there was an invitation for Dumaguete, I was overwhelmed and planned for a dive trip in Apo Island (one dive site in my wish list!) plus a possible cruise to Siquijor. It was such a perfect escapade!  🙂

I sneak from the Independence Day celebration before it ended to catch up with our boat going to Cebu, leaving at 11am in broad daylight is new to me. Night boat trip for Cebu is the usual thing.  It was drizzling when we got to Pier 4 arriving at past 6pm, we hastily get off as we still need to get tickets for Dumaguete.  But alas, when we got to George & Peter Lines, there was no available trip for the night!  I need to be at Dumaguete before 8am, so our only alternative (after calling a friend) is to take the bus to Santander and cruise from Liloan to Sibulan, Negros Oriental.  It meant only 2 hours of sleep, since we need to get the 1st trip at 3am to catch the 6am fast craft to Sibulan.  Well, this is an adventure, surprises may come and an open mind is necessary to adjust to situations such as this.  Our refuge for the night was at guest house of DA 7 Regional Office, I was just thankful that I have good friends I can count on especially for necessary arrangements.

We started early so we could catch up the schedules, we cant afford to miss the bus consequently the fast craft.  By God’s grace, we arrived perfectly at SPUD compound almost 7am and was welcomed by the sisters.  We joined breakfast with Fr. Roman – a fun loving, articulate and friendly chaplain of SPUD. We learned that the sisters have arranged already for Siquijor cruise that day, it meant I’ll miss the trip since I have to go for my dives.

We hurried off after our breakfast, as the diveshop will picked me up at 8am (I need time to get on to my contacts, whew!) and Ate Inday with the sisters will take off for Siquijor hop.  Sir Snoopy informed me that  Justin will fetch me at SPUD gate 3, I was eagerly waiting while talking to the friendly guards. Finally, they arrived (a white multicab with tanks at the back – as Sir Snoopy described) , so I joined them and tried to talk with Justin about the trip. I was up for surprise no. 3 – he informed me that we’re not diving at Apo Island! 😦 So I keep my cool and go with them – I was bit disappointed since I have been dying for Apo Island.  We arrived ahead at the site, then DM Alvin arrived with other divers. There were two couple divers and I ended up with Justin as my buddy.

I was asking if we’re going on a boat, but DM Alvin said all our dives will be beach entries – well, it would be another lesson to learn!  Dauin Car Wreck – our first site to explore, the weather was good and it was too perfect for underwater escapade.  Dauin is one of the coastal municipalities of Negros Oriental with community  –  managed environmental protection and preservation.  I wasn’t surprised when Alvin told me that wearing gloves is not allowed.  😛  I was thankful that Scuba Ventures has the same professionalism as with other PADI dive shops I encountered with, Alvin and Justin was friendly and helpful.  I need their assistance for doning gears and carrying to the water.

Imagine white sands, turquoise waters and sun brightly shining – then we got deeper and their lies the wreck, the body and axle separated,  but lot of fishes hovering on it, colored corals covering it.  Lion fishes, anemone fish, scorpion fish, sea horse, ghost pipe fish.  We’re hoping to find the frog fish but wasn’t around.  I keep following Alvin, frequently glancing Justin as I go through enjoying the site.  Until DM Alvin signaled for us to surface, after we played with the two seahorses while our companion tried to take video,  during our safety stop.

We get off and took our early lunch in one of the carenderia near the police station, and as usual I choose to eat little and got bas-oy veggies (squash, malunggay, beans).  I joined Justin and Alvin while the two couples in another table.  We left for Bacong, as our appointment for DUCOMI pier is at 12 noon.  Under the blazing heat, we went to beach near the pier.  I was wondering what the pier could offer underneath, I was bit excited.

We swim again on the sandy shallow area until we went into the drop-off, then going to the pier area directing to the concrete posts.  All covered with colored soft corals combined with abundant fish life, then sunlight shining through – what a sight!  It’s a forest-like scene, a forest under the water!  Lion fishes, bat fish, angel fish, puffer fish, anemone fish, clown fish, nudi branches among others.  We circled around, up and down enjoying the marine life. We spent an hour floating, going around enjoying the scenery – in silence – so beautiful!  We swam back to the beach, in disbelief that it was already an hour passed.  We get into our transpo and left the place with the other divers as Justin was going the other way. I got the chance to hop from one resort to another with the divers going home.

I joined DM Alvin to the dive shop hoping to meet Sir Snoopy or Ms. Percy but they were not around. Well, I need to pay my fees and wanted to see Scuba Ventures Dive Shop.  We went to drop off  a couple at Bethel Guest House along the famous boulevard of Dumaguete.  They finally drop me off at SPUD gate no. 3, home at last.  I arrived early as expected and was able to take a rest after shower and washing my gears. It was such a long day!

Around the City

The next morning we attended a Sunday mass at the university chapel, then have a sumptuous breakfast later.  Sister Luz have arranged for our city tour:  Silliman University, Boulevard, down town looking for souvenir shop, take a snack at a shop, National Bookstore to buy card.  Then we rushed back to SPUD for our lunch as instructed  – well, sisters have that kind of lifestyle, everything is structured and you need to abide with it. 😛

Our afternoon outing is also structured, we need to get back at 4:15pm (not 4:00 or 4:30!) because we will attend a dinner party with the nuns.  We thought  that we will go alone to the Our Lady of Gardens but Sister Luz joined us!  Anyway, we went to Sibulan for the Gardens and enjoyed the overlooking view – so breathtaking!  We went back to the city as it started to rain, and went to pier to buy our Supercat tickets for the morrow’s trip back home.  We joined the sisters later at the dinner party and was too full when we got back home. We made one last round at the boulevard by night before we finally settled that night.

Coming Home

After our final packing the following morning, we attended mass at the sisters’ convent, then have our breakfast again with Fr. Roman – again I was enjoying his stories, he’s so fun loving and so articulate.  We hastily left for the pier after bidding bye to everyone,  and get into the Supercat for Tagbilaran.  I promised myself to get back to Dumaguete for one reason:  to dive at Apo Island  with Angel hopefully soon.

After two hours, we had a stop at Tagbilaran and left  for Cebu afte about 30 minutes.  We arrived at the Queen City of the South a little past 12 noon. We went directly to the Travelers’ Lounge, bought tickets back for CdO and had our lunch as we get famished already.  I was hoping to get a chance to visit the Sto. Nino Shrine but Ate Inday was too tired for a downtown tour, so we stayed at the mall and went to Powerbooks instead. I was overjoyed because I finally found French Woman for All Seasons in paperback and at a discount!  🙂 We went back to the Lounge and took some break sipping cappuccino and started to read my book – well, this is life!  🙂

We finally went to Pier 4 for our boat, and settled in our cots.  We took our dinner at the boat’s café and settled for the night as I need energy for the morrow as I have to get back to work.  We will have a project meeting (11am) and I have some presentations to make…  We arrived too early the next morning thankful as I have enough time to prepare for the day’swork.

Another journey ended but then again, it brings smile to my lips.  There were lessons learned and surprises that came along, making it a trip to be remembered.  There’s always that feeling of newness every time I got back from a trip.  I promised myself another Dumaguete trip to dive In Apo Island hopefully soon, and without doubt not missing a Siquijor hop next time! 🙂

Once More in Samal Island

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Diving at White Rock & Mushroom Rock

  

For the past days I have been mobile due to work responsibilities, and the pressures of year beginnings got me.I was supposed to be at Sinacaban for a project meeting but have to travel instead to Davao for an urgent and equally important meeting. I was rushing my Notes to FS as it has been due already.For sure there will be report requirements again for this trip, more deadlines to cope up, consequently shorter sleeping time and more labor for paper works that come with it. 

 

Since my plan to dive in Dolphin Island was restrained I think otherwise to divert it to Samal while in the Davao meeting.So I pack my mask & snorkel in my backpack wishing I could find time for my great love – the underwater life!The meeting was too hectic – deadlines, reports & catch up plans – retiring for bed was always late. Nevertheless I took time to be with Io & Hope – sumptuous crab dinner at Asia Restaurant, eating native durian at Magsaysay Park and exploring People’s Park.It turn out to be a lovely night with them, haven’t seen them for ages and we’re animatedly talking about our next trip together! 

 

So after my breakfast and bidding bye to LAJ and HGV, I left Apo View Hotel for Sta. Ana wharf, DM Maeng told me to be at the dive shop at 8am. Well, my bags will go ahead of me to CdO. I was praying I would be feeling good as I lack sleep and had cholesterific meals. It was a bit down cast morning and I was thinking the viz wont be too good especially that there were rains in the past days.Being alone, I was glad to see DM Maeng, Keiko, Ernest with son Mark.I realized only three of us women (with Keiko & Montana) among 17 divers (I think) in the group – I could only wish females would not be outnumbered in exploring the underwater life.Hmmmmm, is this a gender issue?

 

We sailed off to our first site, while getting into chat with DM Arnold, DM Charlie, DM Yoyong & Allan – I wasn’t feeling perfectly well but praying hard I could make it thru the day… DM Arnold took time to point out those sites we had last time, we passed Talikud – I can’t help reminiscing coral gardens -I spent 65 minutes last time exploring the vast marine life in the area. It was an hour when we finally get into our first site, I would be with DM Charlie and a german national (I forgot to ask his name), we descend at White Rock – a wall dive with alternating currents as we go around.One time I was kicking forward but wasn’t moving, I didn’t find any diver ahead of me, I look back to find out that Charlie drifted away, I hastily followed them – I just couldn’t afford to be lost! We wandered into shallower part with hard & soft corals and smaller fish species, lingering for our safety stop.Funny was I float up no matter how I tried to deflate – though not completely on the surface. I was wishing Charlie would look up but he didn’t! In a little while, he went up with the deutsch man and joined them in ascending completely.

 

Our surface interval includes our lunch (I have no food with me, except water and mentos candy), Charlie shared his pack lunch with me (thanks Charlie!) well, this is about adventure with the boys!  There was lot of food actually, especially the Japanese group which had an array of yummy looking foodies.  I tried to relax after my lunch praying hard that I would feel better for my next dive – it felt like I was giddy.  Pewee & Ernest keep on story telling – crazy, funny stories…. He mentioned he dove at Banaug Shoal (in Mantangale Alibuag Dive) and enjoyed so much the big moray eels.

 

Our next dive was in Mushroom Rock – strong current!The instruction to descend was to go straight to the bottom and hold on before going around.I jump and drifted for Charlie – my belt went off and I requested for his help. We descend and I watched our companions flat on the sand holding on – an unusual sight for me. J It’s more of drift diving watching all those mushroom looking soft corals scattering around the big white rock, we passed a colorful soft corals area, fishes like anthias, anemone & clown fish, nudi branches and more but no groupers or jackfish or wrasse… I stayed near with Allan going around in tow with Charlie – carefully checking my SPG now and then…I joined Allan for our safety stop near a fish trap (actually I dislike seeing them in diving area) until he finally signaled for our ascent.Lingering on until the boat pick us up, finally getting into our refuge – thanks God I made it!I tried to relax on our way back to the wharf, I still need more strength for my trip back to CdeO.

 

Arriving at the shop, I helped myself for some tea – I just needed something warm to refresh me up. I planned to get the 8pm bus to CdO, but Pewee & Ernest overheard and discouraged me for safety reasons – they said going thru Bukidnon’s high elevated mountains is risky, going thru Butuan is more advisable.  My mind wasn’t conditioned for such long trip but it would be good I can come home.  Allan was too good-hearted to volunteer in bringing me to the bus terminal in his car – I was tired and all I wanted was curl up on my bed! 

 

Nevertheless, it was a beautiful Saturday – diving in Samal , meeting new friends, good weather and more….I’m looking forward for my next dive in Samal during our DIY Coron anniv trip on first week of March – Angel and I promised ourselves. I can’t help to be excited to explore the other parts of the island!  The Lord is gracious indeed….

Diving in Balicasag Island Panglao, Bohol

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Balicasag_Island
cruising to balicasag island…

Black Forest & Cathedral
23 January 2009

After some time of waiting and wishing I could get back to Balicasag, I finally made it during my work trip in Bohol.  I was dying to dive and I missed the smell of the sea as well as the diving gears. J On our second day in Bohol Plaza, I tried to reach Genesis Divers to inquire their schedules but unfortunately no one can give exact information unless their master divers could get back to the shores. So, while we had our Dumaloan Beach fun on the next day, I sneak away (with Enri) to Alona Beach to search for a dive shop.

Alona Beach is more lively, after three years ago during my last visit – the area become more populated and there more structures sprouted. There were more bar, resto, resort, diveshops lining the beach.  We hastily search for Genesis Divers, it was almost dusk and I was fortunate to catch up with DM Noel who was preparing for a night dive with some foreigners.  He informed that their next day trip would be some surrounding islets but not Balicasag, he said the visibility for the past days was not good and surely divers wont be pleased with such condition.  He recommends to check at Sierra Madre Divers just beside Oops Bar.  Good enough, next day’s trip will be in Balicasag! I was asking if some divers have signed up with them – just a Chinese couple so far.  I decided to sign up especially that their rate was cheaper, we left hastily after I signed the waiver and providing Norman (owner & manager) necessary information about my diving background. We need to catch up with the group at Dumaloan, I felt like starving already… L

I was just getting excited the next morning, thinking of my underwater encounters at Balicasag.  Hah! Last time when I snorkeled at marine sanctuary I was ecstatic during our fish feeding, as soon as I got into the water with crackers (sorry, it’s not good practice), the surroundings came alive! The fish swarmed me and my sister, it was too wonderful having them too near to us.  After that, I promised myself to be back in the island to explore more of the deep waters – to dive!

After packing my luggage, taking our breakfast, arranging our tickets back, saying bye to friends and some picture taking I left the hotel on a motorbike – the cheapest transpo I could get going to Alona. I dashed off when I reached the area as it was past 9am already, we’re leaving for the island at 9:30 as scheduled.  I was just on time as they were starting to bring the paraphernalia to the speed boat that would bring us to the dive boat.  Oh, how I love the sight and smell of the sea.  Norman was telling me that I would be with Bart – a fun loving DM who will be my buddy one on one.

Our first dive was in Cathedral – a drop off wall rich with marine life… Well, the viz was about 20 feet, not bad – I was sure I could see many sights on that condition. How I miss the underwater life!  I just love floating deep down watching the marine creatures – I was so amazed to see a giant napoleon wrasse! We found a cute nudi branch, searched & find cleaner shrimp and star feather crab, angel fish, bat fish, anemone & clown fish, anthias, variety of hard and soft corals, sponges and more…Bart signaled to ascend after 50 minutes, I still have 80 bars of air when we surfaced. Lee & Shirley (the Chinese couple) almost at same time ascend and went up the boat.   My surface interval was spent talking with DM Bart, eating my bananas, sending SMS to friends about my dive and taking notes for my log book.  I requested the boat crew to let go the anemone fish in the tabo, I can’t imagine the small creatures face death for no good reason.

Bart briefed me that there would be mild current, so we will be somewhat drifting on the second dive.  The boat moved to Black Forest, we descend to wide sea grasses area – all green and swaying with the current, with variety of fishes swimming around – such lovely sight!  I spotted a puffer fish and tried to chase the frightened little thing.  I can see its pleading eyes, I wanted to touch it but Bart summoned to the opposite direction. J Drift diving was new to me, it was a lesson to learn as a diver – just floating and going  with the flow! It was effortless but I just need to stay near Bart.  I saw again a giant napoleon wrasse swimming coyly, a school of big jacks, school of batfish, big groupers, those fish sticking out from the sand (I forgot I need to check fish ID J). We sighted a fish trying to dig the sand probably attacking its prey, played with clown fish stretching my hands to them, there was a table top coral, sponges like I saw in Lapining, and more.  I was hoping to spot a sea turtle but there was none – no luck. Finally, Bart signaled for our ascent, he inflated his signal device as we have drifted away from our boat and we notice some boats above us.  After 53 minutes and my air down to 90 bars, we finally surfaced near another boat. J After awhile, the boat picked us up – the Chinese couple ahead of us.

We sailed back to Alona Beach as I took notes and worked on my phone, it was past 2pm already.  I ordered my late lunch, although I was not famished I need to fill my stomach as I planned to roam down town Tagbilaran.  After settling my bills, bidding bye, and asking for directions to go to sawang for my transpo to the city, I left the area but promising myself to be back again for another dive – the island having many interesting dive sites to offer! I rode the mini bus for Tagbilaran with a smile on my lips thinking of the beautiful rich marine life in Balicasag.  All things has its own appointed time even my small wishes like dive trips… I can always thank the Lord in His unending generosity – surely He can never be outdone and He never forget His promise….

Diving in Samal

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Babu Santa beach…

Almost two years ago, I had a brief hop to Samal with my sister and cousin. I was not yet a diver then, but I promised myself to be back again to explore more of the beauty and secrets of the island. I took the opportunity to join the DIY trip of Owen, thinking it will be a wonderful trip since I’ll be diving in one of the famous destination in the country.  It is even more forward looking aside from having my sister with me, I’ll be seeing DIY friends – Angel & Owen, and meet other joiners to this trip. And I need to get away…..

Busy Friday

It was another busy day at work and there was lot to attend to – Excom meeting, documents, referrals, communication to prepare and so on. I left at 6:30pm hastily to have dinner early, I have to catch up a community teaching at 7:30pm at the Cathedral. It was almost 10pm when it ended and I have to rush away for home. I still need to finish packing for the trip. I finally left almost 11pm for the Agora bus terminal, I was not sure on aircon bus departures for Davao. I was blessed to get a non-stop bus for the trip, I can be sure to arrive on time. The bus finally left at 12:30am…

Full Saturday

I was trying to calculate the time we got into the Arakan Valley – the critical area we will pass going to Davao – good enough, it will be morning already and not dark anymore, it will be safer. I tried to take a nap but it was too cold – brrrrrrr…. My sweater, pashmina, and socks didn’t quite help. L I whipped out my music player and had praise songs all throughout the trip. I arrived at Ecoland bus terminal at 6:30am (6 hours indeed), but my sister’s bus was still on the way so I waited for her. We left the area after our breakfast and arrived Davao Scuba Dive past 8:00am already. At last!  🙂

Maeng, our dive master was there to welcome us – I was just too excited to hear more from him about our exploration today. Denise pygmies! I haven’t seen one before, that would be amazing! I was introduced to fellow divers for the day – Ernest & son Mark, Keiko (Japanese national), a foreigner couple, and dive guides. After awhile, the group arrived – so kumustahan, kuwentuhan…. 🙂

We are so blessed for the good weather. We left Sta. Ana Wharf at about 9:00am, DM Maeng said I still have time to sleep since it would be more than an hour to our first stop (he knew it was a long night trip from CdO). Well, the same PADI professionalism I was enjoying from dive centers I got into! J I invited my fellow joiners to try intro diving – Gilbert, Angel, Kay, Dan & Donnabel – considering the fee, at P 750.00 it’s the lowest cost I have encountered so far.

We proceed to Babu Santa for our lunch and surface interval – a beach perfect for fun under the sun.  But I don’t need the scorching heat, I just need a break for my next dive and some food for energy…

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Sunset at Davao Gulf

Our next stop was at the Coral Gardens for my second dive. I dive with Keiko and DM Arnold – it felt free swimming and watching in awe all those wonderful creatures – giant grouper, sea snake!, “lato”, lion fish, stone fish, variety of hard and soft corals, sponges, sea fan, and more…. We surface after 65 minutes far away from the boat, I never had done this before, my buddies made sure we’re near the boat when we ascend. But I wont see much of the gardens if we wont go far, anyway the boat picked us up with no hasssles – I guess the operator had binocular to keep track of their diver guests! No worry –  no waves, no current – the waters was perfect for swimming.

We had a brief stop at Isla Reta 2 to explore a small cave, but there’s nothing much to see. We waited for the divers who tried their luck to see a dugong or whaleshark, but there’s none.  On our way back, we had tour along the coast of Samal viewing the beach resorts lining up the beach including the famous Pearl Farm and Malipano Island.  We had the opportunity to watch the glorious sunset at Davao Gulf.  It was already dark when we finally got into Sta. Ana Wharf.  After settling our bills, we headed for our lodgings at DMSF.  Of course, we need good dinner to regain back our energy.  We went to Penong’s at People’s Park… My plan to go up Jack’s Ridge was cancelled. We settled for our beds when we got back to DMSF, everybody was tired….

Another Day

Kay and I woke up to attend a morning mass as planned.  After a brief morning chat with Gilbert and Angel, we rush to San Pedro Cathedral. We were just in time when the mass was about to start. We catch a brief walk to find some place for breakfast.  We rush thinking we could still catch up the guys back at the lodgings, but they had left laready when we got back.  We finally pack and catch a taxi for the bus terminal. We’re going home….  There is a reason to be back in Samal, northern part of the island is also an interesting spot to explore. One day…

Another wonderful trip to be thankful for!

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Diving in Coron Waters!

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divers-before-us1
explore the wrecks!

It was a bright sunny Monday morning and after a sumptuous Filipino breakfast, I went up to the diveshop to sign up for two fun dives. I learned I’ll join a German diving instructor (Manfred), who’s on a diving trip in Coron. Jasmine (diveshop assistant), collected the gears for me, trying to find my size. Earlier, she was eyeing on me asking things like – “no physical disabilities?”, “mentally sound & healthy?” but I signed no waiver. After some preliminaries, I got into the boat. The dive master, Manong Nonoy informed me that our baon would be bread and bananas only, suggesting that I’ll just take full meal during dinner. I don’t find it a problem since I feel comfortable diving with less food intake.

We started our cruise to Akitsushima Wreck – our first dive site – at Manglet Island which took one hour and forty minutes. Blue waters, blue sunny skies, green mountains. The waves rocking our boat….

Akitsushima Wreck

A Japanese Seaplane Tender 118 m long located between Culion & BusuangaIslands, near MangletIsland. N 11*59. 218′, E 119*58. 417′

The IJN Akitsushima was a seaplane tender/carrier. The ship displaced 4724 tons, had a length of 118 metres and was 15.7 metres wide. The ship was powered by four diesel engines driving twin props, a total of 8000 shp, giving a maximum speed of 19 knots

Akitsushima was armed with 10 25 mm anti-aircraft guns, four five inch (50 cal) guns and carried one large Kanwanishi flying boat.

The Akitsushima is a very big warship laying on her port side. She was hit near the stern where the flying boat rested on the metal tracks and sank immediately. The ship was almost torn into two pieces. The flying boat disappeared. Only half of the metal on the starboard side and half of the metal on the bottom of the ship kept the stern from separating from the rest of the ship. The internal damage is impressive.

The crane used for lifting the seaplane out of the water is intact. The crane is lying on the sandy bottom and attracts schools of giant batfish and barracudas. One mounting of a 3-barreled AA (anti-aircraft) gun is still present at the front of the flying boat tracks. This is a fascinating dive where you can see giant groupers, schools of barracuda hiding under the bow, and yellow fin tuna.

Due to depth and metal hazards within, no swim throughs are allowed without wreck diver certification. Wreck divers can make an impressive penetration into the engine room to see the four engines. The gears and machinery for operating the crane are the main objects of interest for a penetration into the stern.

Max depth: 35 or 36 meters, average depth about 26 to 28 meters. Recommended certification level: Advanced Open water Diver. For penetration: PADI Wreck Diver specialty.

I wasn’t expecting to be diving at the wrecks as my certification is only for open water diver. But Divemaster Manong Nonoy who speaks Visayan as he hails from Escalante City, was kind. He told Manfred, he’ll be accompanying me as I don’t have a buddy so Manfred will be alone. The waters was bit rough, I descend through the bouy line slowly as I equalize, Manong Nonoy with me. At first it was hazy, banner fishes emerged as we continue to descend. Then the wreck appeared, like a big monster lying there. We got into the deck and I feasted with everything I saw – such rich marine life! Lion fishes, bat fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, surgeon fish, colorful anthias among others…. There was that snake-like specie in white, my first time to see such thing. Colorful sponges, hard & soft corals, feather star, nudi branches… Real amazing! Manong Nonoy signaled we go inside but I signaled back for no — I know I’m not allowed (for sure my dive instructor will disapprove). But he held my hand as we go through an entrance like crevice. Wooooooo! The walls rusty and the insides dark, he gave me the light as we penetrated on our way. I passed by a rusty wall with reefs, suddenly something moved – I examined closely and found out it’s some kind of a big clam attached to the wall. Yikes! Few critters are watching me I guess. J In few moments we got out into the open, we didn’t spot Manfred. We ascend slowly through the bouy line equalizing again, had our safety stop before we finally surfaced…

We went down at 28m in 37 minutes, not bad…. While having our surface interval, we had lunch of bread & bananas cruising to our next dive site. Manfred was story telling until we had our second dive at Tangat Wreck.

The Tangat Wreck

A Japanese Freighter sitting upright in approximately 30 mts of water and located very close to Tangat Island in Coron Bay. N11*58. 291′, E 120*03. 707’S

The Olympia Maru was 122 metres long and almost 17 metres wide, displacing 5612 tons. The ship was originally powered by a steam engine but during 2 June to 2 August 1930, an oil two stroke six cylinder engine producing 582hp was installed. The ship was built for Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha Ltd and was owned by them right up till it sank. It was requisitioned by the Japanese Defence Forces during the War but was still owned by Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha Ltd.

A very good dive spot with a variety of marine life. Large shoals of banana fish, giant bat fish and giant puffer fish, especially around the mast, bow and stern. There are also specimen crocodile fish and scorpion fish so be careful where you put your hands. Easy penetration at the cargo rooms. It offers a good opportunity to discover wreck diving. Max depth: 28-30 meters, deck level 18-24 meters.

Manong Nonoy was again with me, we descend slowly from the bouy line as I equalize. It was bit hazy at first until we saw the wreck… We got down on the deck, filled with colorful reefs. We toured around, then we went through a square entrance just enough for a diver to penetrate – I was bit hesitant again but Manong Nonoy went first signaling me to follow. Pinnnngg! My tank bump a little bit as I went through. J So wonderful – big lion fish (first time to see one that big), sweet lips, oversize grouper, bat fish, butterfly fish, big puffer fish (looks funny), colorful nudi branches, a stonefish!, sea anemone with anemone fish & clown fish. The critter on the wall was there also, which closed when I got near! We went some stretch of the wreck. Finally, we sighted Manfred who pointed to us the stonefish – great find! We had our safety stop on the rusty ship pole covered with reefs, with anthias swimming around. So fantastic, these colorful fishes swimming around so close to my face. We finally surfaced, Manong Nonoy tagging along to assist me in taking off my gears while on waters. The tank is heavy for me and I need to be careful with my shoulders.

We went 25m in forty five minutes.As they were going for another dive for Manfred – we talk leisurely for their surface interval as we eat bananas again. Manfred wanted to find a crocodile fish and a mermaid. Perhaps he heard about Dyesebel! 😀 We moved to East Tangat Gun Boat for a short 20 minutes dive for the two guys.

East Tangat Gunboat

This ship was a small gunboat or submarine hunter 40 meters long. Location: Inclined on the coral reef on the east side of TangatIsland. The wreck is 40 meters long, 500 gross tons, it lies listing to starboard down a sandy slope, with the stern at 22m and the top of the bow at 5 m pointing 320 degrees This dive site is good for wreck diving beginners and underwater photographers. It is also a lovely dive between deeper wreck sites. The wreck starts at only 3 meters down so even snorkelers can see the shape and explore the bow of the ship.

To make most of my time, while waiting for the guys to surface I went to snorkel near the wreck. I sighted a handful of angelfish as I got into the water. Going further, I got into a vast of coral reefs! Amazing sight – I went on to find rich marine life… Nudibranches in yellow, brown, violet; super big hard corals in white, yellow, purple, green; sea fans, and sponges. There was also a starfish, big black sea urchins, butterfly fish, fusiliers, a yellow puffer fish! I sighted also a lone hawkfish – I thought they dwell in deep waters only. Wonderful sights, I never thought I had encounter with those creatures in such shallow waters. J I was so engrossed I didn’t notice I had gone far from our boat. I swam further to catch a glimpse of the wreck, I sighted its bow end only. I swam near the boat when I notice the two divers were surfacing already.

We got all into the boat and cruised back to town, with a smile in my face I tried to etch in my hard drive up in my head all the things to scribble on in my logbook on my marine life encounters I have for the day. But while few things can be written about this experience, a lot more of these will be left unsaid or unwritten but forever impressed in my memory.

while-on-surface-interval1
on a surface interval…

Exercises from my Dive master today:

Clearing my mask
Using his alternate air source and back to my own regulator
Diving inside a wreck, penetrating a wreck

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