Deep Ones
It was the smooth tide and the assurance of the dive master that made four novices, including the author, brave the salty waters of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu. Certified Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) trainer, Simplicio Gilig, fondly called BOYLA, short for Boy Lagum, has been guiding scuba divers since 1980 hence the dark skin color from all the years of sun exposure. “One can do intro diving if he knows how to swim, has a good judgment, healthy body and can pull his act together if the situation calls for it,” explains Gilig, along with his staff, during the confined water training, a preface to the equipment and skills required for underwater swimming. Each diver was geared with a mask, fins, snorkel, Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), Regulator, Cylinder, Exposure suit, Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG), and an Alternate Air Source and had a chance to use it on shallow water with green algae and sand bottom with rock boulders.
The real journey started when the amateur divers were taken to a diving spot and had to step off the boat. As one descended to an easy dive of 5 to 10 meters, pelagic species can easily be sighted. From time to time, a discomfort in both ears could be felt. This is the normal effect of water pressure pressing in on the ears but a diver can easily ease the unpleasantness by blowing while covering the nose with the index finger and thumb.
The light accentuated the garden of hard (scleractinians) and soft corals (gorgonians). Instead of swimming away, reef fishes seem to anticipate bread handouts, as if on cue, while sea stars, sea horses, nudibranchs and flat worms just minded their own business as they foraged for hard-earned food. A saddleback anemone fish, seemingly making that scriptural kiss with a brain coral, could have been Nemo’s relative. Gilig and his assistant diving instructors clenched their hands into a fist, which conveyed “danger,” and pointed at a cradle of sea urchins and at the lion fish swimming above it. Marine life reigned in full color, as if for a flat screen TV ad. Looking at the different species against the majestic blue open water couldn’t have made it more relaxing. Even the sea cucumber, ghost pipe fish and staghorn corals would vie for your attention for a macro photography. Diving is not just a rich man’s hobby but could also be a remedy to stress-harrowed spirit.
“It is an understatement to say that it’s a different world down there. It is a mysterious and magnificent place where I can gladly escape to. Now, I’m hooked,” states Julius Marco Albeza, an urbanite and a beginner in diving.
There are some people who are hesitant to dive because of certain fears like running out of air or feeling claustrophobic underwater. A gauge tells you how much air a diver has at all times and a diving buddy has a spare mouthpiece that allows to share a single air supply while swimming to the surface. Cousins Ian Betonio and Steve B., during their fun diving, declare, “although all the equipment can seemingly weigh a diver down, the weightlessness one feels under the sea makes it freeing.”
With over 27 years of seafaring experience, Dive master Gilig has different itineraries in store for every type of diver. His 3-4 day safari adventure includes diving in popular sites in Mactan, Bohol, Dumaguete, Apo Island and Siquijor with an affordable complete package of US100 per day. For more information, you may reach them at info@boyladivingresort.com
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