Gotta give credit where it is due. Last month, we had a wonderful and successful freediving event that was full of nothing but positive vibes, plus unlimited laughter — all we need to pull off a successful event.
It was an honor to organize such wonderful event with the renowned free-diving athlete, Marese Secades, the Philippines’ deepest freediver, and five-time record holder.
We started off with an early plunge at Apo Island, rated as one of the world’s Top 10 dive sites, widely known for its amazing marine life, and the mass of fishes and sea turtles with which you can swim along, too!
The weather was just perfect that time, with the sun smiling down at us, and the pristine waters ready to welcome us for a fun dive.
We went as a huge group of 40 people, and were divided into two big boats. We all jumped off the boat, and explored the ocean respectively.
While others went in cliques, I wandered the ocean with my little family. Chebby and Raxu had the best time chasing big and small sea turtles, while observing rich marine life with the colorful fishes.
Chebby’s highlight of the day was seeing a sea snake right in front of her! I could hear her screaming through the snorkel. She was ecstatic to see it. Mind you, she wasn’t screaming in fear, rather she was screaming in excitement; these were species she only used to see on TV.
Chebby loves everything about science, especially about the ocean, so that explains right about it.
Of course, after spending a great time at Apo, it was time to head back to meet, and learn from the Philippines’ best female diver. The workshop was about mental techniques for freediving, safety, and rescue.
Most from our group were Wave 1- and Wave 2-certified divers, and was joined by the lovely Suna Yildirim, who happens to be a local favorite instructor as well.
It was nice to be refreshed by the things we learned from our respective coaches, especially about safety and rescue. We also learned new things regarding mental techniques which I found so helpful for me.
After quite a long discussion, we were surprised by a line of tasty relish appetizers and desserts, not to mention the Italian soda that we all kept coming back for.
That explains why Silver Reef Dive Resort is our top choice when it comes to celebrating anything, let alone rare events like this.
Ever since they started in 2019, the food and service at Silver Reef Dive Resort has always been on point.
For our event, the smooth accommodation was brought to you by no other than Silver Reef’s COO Reggie Reyes.Gotta give it to Sir Reggie for making the event overall superb!
Of course, I wouldn’t make everything possible from programs down to certificates without the help of my Lurop PH family, too, especially my angel Aurora Basha Ab Latif for a fun- filled atmosphere.
We culminated with fun games and prizes sponsored by our local favorites, Ryu Sushi, The Green Chef (plant-based diet subscription), and Puncak Tanawan in Sibulan.
The event was participated by different teams of the freediving community of Dumaguete that is Lurop PH Spear&FreeDive Lifestyle, FreedivingDumaguete, Dumagute Wetsnipers Spearfishing, and some independent group who came united to share nothing but positive energy.
We’d like to recognize our sponsors for the tokens: thank you, Seven Arts & Crafts Ph, for the native tokens, and polymer clay earrings, and Jonnah Pearcy Pastor-Barrica for the organic piece from Lipay Mundo Co.
And of course, if you want to feel the thrill, you got to take the risk, and what better and safe way to do it than by taking the courses. You may inquire about your freediving journey from the Facebook pages:
APNEA Philippines (community)
Apnea Philippines Dumaguete
@Freediving Dumaguete
Until our next adventure.
Lujana Ciarra Romero-Herrenauw
[email protected]
