The Beauty of the Underwater World through Scuba Diving

"Hala! Two hours nalang wala pa ko ka-blog post today," I told my younger brother this when I woke up few minutes ago. I was dead tired earlier today. We had our distribution and mentorship in Olango Island and went island hopping after. My body seemed recovering from different vigorous activities between work and personal life. But, I found my balance there. I managed to do something super exciting to fill-in my day-off. I rediscovered yet another adventure - scuba diving. 

Detour from Practice

It was already 15 minutes past five in the morning when I woke up so I rushed to wake up my younger brother too for our dragon boat practice. Although we managed to arrive at the location before 6:30AM, the team already were paddling towards the 1st bridge. Unfortunately, we never made it for that day's practice.

But I had an idea. While I waited for the team to be back on shore, I told my brother if he wanted to go scuba diving. True enough, he didn't hesitate to affirm. I immediately sent the diving shop a message if we could walk-in for scuba diving. 

The Whale Dive Shop

It was a month ago when I communicated with the Whale Dive Shop since I saw their promo dive. However, October was so tied up that I had forgotten about scuba diving and setting an appointment with them. Finally, I had the courage for a dive because I missed our dragon boat practice and I didn't want to spend my day-off at home (sleeping). 

After a series of questions thru chat, we came up with the agreement for an 11:00AM dive. Alex, the person in-charge, greeted us warmly. He was, I should say, a good receptionist/conversationalist. He didn't make me feel awkward at all. He asked us to relax a bit until we were well-rested and ready for our fun dive.

Then, we met Dil, our dive master. He instructed us about the do's and don'ts of diving. Just like any other diving instructor, he told us the basics of diving - breathing, hand signals, etc. 

A Way to Relax Underwater

The last dive I had was on 2018. It was the deepest, by far. I dove 25 meters deep without any hesitation. My cousin who was my dive master at that time was also amazed how I naturally took the challenge of diving that deep. In fact, scuba diving isn't new to me because I was introduced to it last 2014. But, I only had few meters dive - 5 to 7 meters deep back then.

In the present though, I felt that it was a new passion for me. I took time to breathe properly with the apparatus. Honestly, I was nervous if I wouldn't do it right. I was so conscious at the first few minutes before finally relaxing myself underwater. I didn't expect myself to feel that way. 

Where was that "superwoman" who wouldn't mind jumping off the cliff for a good splash of the sea? What happened to that lady who went out for a solo travel most of the time? Where was that "girl" who wouldn't mind hiking and diving to the unknown territories?

Those thoughts came flashing in my mind when I was 5 meters deep. I only focused on my breathing whilst looking at the underwater environment. I wanted to have fun but first, I needed to regulate myself properly to keep my self safe and to enjoy what scuba diving has the offer. 

Indeed, what calmed me down was the school of blue and silver fish just in front of me. I began opening up and forgot that I was mind-struggling with my breathing. In that moment, I began acting like a real life mermaid who has the ability breathe underwater. I began to see its beauty again. 

The Pandemic Effect

When we went back to the shore after diving, I had a short talk with Dil. He shared to us how the business took a nosedive. The once bustling industry became so quiet and how it affected their living. But, one thing that he noted to me which I truly appreciated. 

Due to the pandemic, the water world is slowly recovering. It is healing from the hands of irresponsible divers and tourists. He told me that he noticed that the corals are restoring its beauty. In other words, the underwater is getting back in "shape". This created a huge impact in the marine ecosystem. Truly, nature is healing and living by itself without human activities. 

All in all, my detour to scuba diving after missing out my dragon boat practice brought me back to my two realities - spending my day-off fruitfully and realizing that Nature Principle No. 1 is non-negotiable - "Nature Knows Best".

Additional Information:

1. Whale Dive is located at the Mark Resort in Punta Engano. Few meters away before Movenpick. 

2. They have an on-going promo buy 1 take 1 of Php2000 inclusive of hot/cold drinks, towel, video and photos whilst diving and diving gears. 

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