Part 1

Part 2

Weeks before the official end of the summer, I was fortunate to do my check out dive in Anilao, Batangas. That weekend was the official start of my underwater escapades. Charley, Chiky and I brave the rocky waters to perform the exercise we have learned during the pool sessions. Surprisingly it was relatively calm underwater with occasional surges and visibility was quite clear.

During the first dive, we stayed somewhere close to the shore of Mainit where currents where minimal. After all, this is our first dive in the open seas. Sir Dave made us practice our mask clearing and regulator recovery techniques and then our buoyancy. When we were done with the exercises, we explored the surrounding area where we had the chance to see a lionfish (nice to look at but dangerous to hold) and play with a pin cushion star fish (it was like having an underwater frisbee). When we surfaced we headed to a hut near boatman Poly’s house to have a nice lunch (Green Mango Salsa, Roast Chicken with Hoisin sauce, Grilled Tilapia, and Sinigang na Hipon that will really wake up your senses and remind you that you are in Batangas - “ala-e maanghang”).

For the second dive, the group went to “Bubbles”. The place is like being in a mild Jacuzzi where bubbles are coming out of the sand (caused by water being heated by lava - the source is Taal Volcano according to DM Elmer). The temperature underwater was quite warm, contradictory to the temperature at the surface which was windy and cold, so the warm water was a blessing. During the dive, Sir Dave started to signal and point something. After a brief moment of confusion the group finally understood that he was pointing to a rare visitor… “Crush”. A sea turtle decided to spend some time with us. So the group tried to keep their distance and let “Crush” go on with his business.

I finally got to see a green sea turtle...Yahoo!!!!!!!

It was already late in the afternoon when we surfaced and headed back to the resort. While waiting for dinner time, I had the chance to meet the other members of the group who are just doing their fun dives and filling their dive log books namely, Doc Mark & Minnie, Mike & Kay, Tata - who happens to be the boss of a friend at HSBC, Albert aka.“Paparazzi Angel”, Jomy and Anton. I decided to retire early after dinner in order to prepare for the next day, plus I had to catch up on sleep because of the busy week that just passed.

The following day was a little better; however the water in front of the resort was still rough so we had to go back to Mainit on the "dive truck" to complete the check out dive.

For the third dive, the group went to Mainit point which was situated near the tip of the cove. It was my first time to experience “drift” diving. It was an unforgettable experience. It was like flying and cruising at the same time, you need not exert effort to move around - just hover and ride the current… another Nemo experience for me... While we were riding the current, Sir Dave pointed to something and I tried to look to the direction where he was pointing to but all I see was black murky green area. When we surfaced, Sir Dave asked me if I saw the Black Tip Shark. Then I realized it was what he was point at during the dive. Too bad “almost saw “is not included in dive log books. Darn! Better luck next time. However, I still have a sea turtle in my log book.

After yet another sumptuous lunch in the hut (Spicy Shrimp Salad, Grilled Liempo, Kalderetang Spareribs and Bulalo) the group went to Aphol's for our last dive for the weekend.… uhhhh…. There was a slight current but not strong enough for a drift.

I was fortunate to see again my best friends, the lion and stone fish, a small puffed puffer fish and nice to look but painful to hold, fire urchin. All the dives, except for the first one, we had to do a safety stops, so it was a good time to practice suspending in mid water techniques and I am getting there. When we finally surfaced, it signaled the official end of my practical test in scuba diving.

I would like to thank Sir Dave aka. “Tatay Dave, for the knowledge and wisdom he imparted; Ms. Paz who became the bridge to my underwater adventure life; Albert, Mike & Kay, Mark & Minnie, Tata, Jomy, Anton, etc. for the camaraderie and support during the weekend. To my classmates, Charley and Chiky, hoping to dive with you again maybe somewhere in the PI or Down Under.

So till the next dive dudes!

- Joseph Duke Real

PHOTOGRAPHY: Paz Santos

]]> http://diveshoppe2003.wordpress.com/?p=2142 Sat, 03 May 2008 15:53:47 +0000 Paz http://diveshoppe2003.wordpress.com/?p=2142

CONGRATULATIONS to the new PADI Open Water Divers Mark, Matthew, Monica, Pam, Kay & JN. Welcome to the Diveshoppe Family.

Jett was on-hand to assists Dave and also acted as their official topside and underwater photographer. Way to go Jett :)

It has been the tradition in Dave's side of the family to commemorate the end of the holidays by checking in a hotel for more bonding activities and to celebrate the coming of another year. After burning the internet lines, his siblings finally decided to get certified during the Christmas break. Kuya Rogi & family soon arrived from Bangkok, then Rupert & family from Chicago as well as Monette & kids from Baguio.

Everyone was excited, most especially the kids.The first lecture was done a few days before Christmas followed by the pool sessions after Christmas. The kids had superb water skills that the pool session was a breeze and they took to diving like a fish to water. After two pool sessions they mastered all the skills needed for the checkout. Muchas Gracias to Ali for assisting Dave.

Check-out was done at the Crystal Blue and we were lucky to have the whole resort to ourselves. First dive was done in front of the Cemetery beach, followed by lunch on the beach then second dive in Layag-Layag. The first day was capped with karaoke activity. Next day, we dove the Cathedral for some fish feeding and everyone had ear-wide smiles after that. The last dive was done at the Barge & Twin Rocks to watch the yellow fusiliers and the school of "talakitoks".

Everyone was in high spirits after two days of diving and can't wait to take their final exams. As expected, Kuya Rogi proved that he's still the "nerd". Come midnight, the whole clan gathered in front of the resort to watch the fireworks. It was a very memorable New Year celebration for everyone.

Congratulations to the Santos Family Open Water Divers: Kuya Rogi, Kevin, Celine, Andrew, Rocky, Monette, Mika, Dawn, Migo, Rupert,Teena & Gedo.

Until our next family get-together and dive :)

Congratulations to the latest PADI Open Water Divers !!!

:) Angel, Arnel L., Paul, Hazel, Odette, Sharon :)

Sorry guys that it took me some time to post your batch pictures.

Here are the long overdue pictures. Enjoy :)

Tauchplatz: Bleibtreusee

Ort: Brühl/Köln

Zweck: Ausbildung

Bedingungen:

Einstieg: Vom Ufer

Wasser: Süss 19°c 4m Sicht

Oberfläche: Ruhig

Brandung: Gering

Gezeiten: Keine

Strömung: Keine

Wetter: Sonnig 22°c

Tauchgang:

Getauchte Tiefe: 5,00 m

Getauchte Grundzeit: 30 min

Bar zu Beginn: 150

Bar bei Ende:100

Wiederholungsgruppe Anfang: B

RSZ: 25

TGZ: 75

GGZ: 105

Bemerkungen:

Da die Übungen schon beim letzten Tauchgang super geklappt haben konnte ich hier mehr Spass haben. T. hat navigiert und ich habe ganz entspannt in der Gegend rum geguckt. Die zwei Kilo haben mich echt angekotzt ohne die wäre ich perfekt austariert gewesen. Wir haben den Bleibtreusee von seiner besten Seite gesehen. Die Sicht war gut und der bewuchs üppig. Stellenweise sah man wieder den "Schlaim" (gelbe Algen). Neben viel Entenkacke haben wir auch wieder einen tollen Fischschwarm gesehen. An den Pflanzen hafteten kleine Krebschen. Am Abhang entlang zu tauchen stellte sich als viel Schwieriger heraus. Juchu! Endlich OWD

Fehler:

Blei

Datum: 23.9.07Tauchplatz: Bleibtreusee

Ort: Brühl/Köln

Zweck: Ausbildung

Bedingungen:

Einstieg: Vom Ufer

Wasser: Süss 19°c 4m Sicht

Oberfläche: Ruhig

Brandung: Gering

Gezeiten: Keine

Strömung: Keine

Wetter: Sonnig 22°c

Tauchgang:

Getauchte Tiefe: 5,00 m

Getauchte Grundzeit: 30 min

Bar zu Beginn: 200

Bar bei Ende:160

Wiederholungsgruppe Anfang: XXX

Wiederholungsgruppe Ende:B

Bemerkungen:

Die letzen beiden Ausbildungstauchgänge im knallharten einzeltraining. Ich absolvierte eine Übung nach der anderen. Alles klappte ganz gut, auch weil wir aus Rücksicht auf meine Ohren nicht ganz so tief runter waren. Einzig die Maske aus zu ziehen, kostet mich etwas Überwindung (kaltes Wasser ist irgendwie doof ;-)). Hovering klappte laut T. ganz prima. :-) Notaufstieg war angeblich auch super. Für die Übungen waren 12 Kilo optimal aber fürs normale Tauchen wären 10 Kilo optimal gewesen.

Fehler:

Blei

CONGRATULATIONS to the new PADI Open Water Diver Minnie, wife of Mark Panganiban. Check-out dive done in Anilao, Batangas. Dive sites: Arthur's Rock, Koala, Cathedral & Daryl Laut.

Photography: Paz Santos & Albert Godinez

Congratulations to the new PADI Open Water Divers JB Liclican, Mike Re yes and Trisha de Chavez. Check-out dive done in Anilao, Batangas. Dive sites:Twin Rocks, Cathedral & Mainit.

Photography: Paz Santos