The Apo Island is the only one of its kind in the Philippines. It is one of the world’s top dive destinations, and you can rent a banca for a 40-minute boat ride to take you over to the coast at Dauin, Negros Oriental and back. My place has a great patio view of the entire beach area. Even though the island only has electric power from 630PM until 930PM, the diving is spectacular and there are many shoals of fish.

I got an email from my buddy Mark who went to dive 2 months ago, and here’s what it says:

“As a veteran scuba diver, Apo Island I must say was an adventure in itself. I’ve seen more than the usual coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. And the topography! WOW. Man I wish you had been able to join me. The clear inviting waters gave me the joy of exploration, and being underwater it felt – different. I’ve entered a mysterious yet beautiful world where you can have an enjoyable opportunity for taking underwater photography. Since it’s a deep blue sea, scuba diving the island is like climbing a mountain cliff.  But I was fearless. And out I went and down. The experience was priceless.”

For those of you not in the know, Apo Island is a sweet little island filled with tiny village residents, who embrace a sustainable living through boating and diving businesses. Here’s some pics I took yesterday:

And just a few minutes before our departure a boat fiesta celebration was happening in honor of Sto. Nino. The banca boat that ferried the locals was full, and they were dancing along with constant beating of the drums. For all those wondering what’s in the Sto. Nino celebration, here’s a little history:

“On April 7, 1521, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived and planted the cross on the shores of Cebu, claiming the territory for Spain. He presented the image of the child Jesus, the Santo Niño, as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon. Hara Amihan was later named, Queen Juana in honor of Juana, mother of Carlos I. Along with the rulers of the island, some 800 natives were also baptized to the Roman Catholic Church. At the moment of receiving the holy image, it was said that Queen Juana danced with joy bearing this image of the child Jesus. With the other natives following her example, this moment was regarded as the first Sinulog. This event is frequently used as basis for most Sinulog dances, which dramatize the coming of the Spaniards and the presentation of the Santo Niño to the Queen. A popular theme among Sinulog dances is Queen Juana holding the Santo Niño in her arms and using it to bless her people who are often afflicted by sickness caused by demons and other evil spirits.” Source: WIKIPEDIA

I took a video of it that is worth sharing, so have a look at it at this link: Sto. Nino Video At Apo Island

I have also taken  many more pictures apart from the ones I ‘ve uploaded, so have a look at all of them on my site at Marks Travel & Adventure

Cheers,
Mark

Tata at Alona Golden Palm Resort and Maritess with Alona Divers have been excellent in helping plan the trip via email.

During the trip I will keep up a “live blogging” with my Blackberry.  Then when back to Manila will update with a summary post and any higher quality pictures and videos I get.

Flight is on Cebu Pacific Air at 8am.  Plan to be in front of the condo in Ortigas by 6am to flag down a taxi to NAIA Terminal 3.  Time for bed!

We popped down in April to get a little fresh air and stayed at Eagle Point Resort. Very nice resort, with great restaurant and views. Has a wonderful swimming pool that is “tiered” down the side of the mountain. A complete dive shop is available, and they even have a small saltwater pool with baby black and white tip sharks you can snorkel in.

The beach was white and the skies were blue.  Very nice day.  Walking the beach, wading in the clear water, playing on the swing and having delicious foods were on the agenda.

The dive facilities at Artistic Diving were top notch.  After a short discussion with Alvie the dive master, we planned a 2pm dive on nitrox at A Rock.  The dive site was only 5 minutes from the resort, and I think the max depth was around 22m.  The vis was quite good, no current, and we saw lots of different wildlife.  Pipe fish, flounder which enjoyed being petted by Alvie, and lots of other macro sea life.  After 60 minutes, I gave Alvie the sign it was ok to go up.  You know, I think he wanted to stay down longer, can’t ask for more than that from a dive guide!

Next time I look forward to spending more time in Sipalay and exploring many of the dive sites available there.