Surf Lanuza 2008

Kapu Tiki Hand Carved Cocowood from Siargao

Last Sunday's Daytrip in Malapascua

Suluan Island's Blue Hole

This is Suluan Island's Blue Hole we renamed Cauldron. Took us an hour of snorkeling to locate the site last August.  This area usually have big waves. Suluan Island's Pacific side is what international surfers called the Secret Spot! Really amazing place both topside and underwater. Suluan is a small island in the Philippines, in the province of Eastern Samar. It lies east of Leyte Gulf, near Homonhon Island and Calicoan Island. It was the first ever landing place of Ferdinand Magellan's Armada after their 98 days Pacific crossing.

Congrats Luke Landrigan!

KUTA BALI, INDONESIA - OCTOBER 20: Luke Richard Thomas Landrigan of the Philippines won silver medal in the men's longboard surfing competition of the 2008 Asian Beach Games at Kuta Beach on October 20, 2008 in Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Burglars Wants to Dive

Burglars ransacked my room yesterday afternoon while I'm doing an event set-up at Holiday Gym & Spa's Anniversary Party. Took my favorite Stinger Dive Computer and Underwater Digital Camera leaving the housing behind. Feel bad, but what can I do? Shit happens.

I wonder where he will use the dive computer. 

Maybe he wants to learn how to dive. Ha ha ha!

Surf Camp Surf Trip

Had a blast at The Surf Camp since Monday (Oct 6-9). Went surfing for straight 3 days :) Hope can do it again soon and give myself more challenge to overcome... like riding an unridable board! Learned a lot on this trip. Thank you KOREA :)

Dreaming

Camotes Wreck

Found the legendary wreck (Sulpicio) of Tulang Island, Camotes lying in perfect condition at 200feet yesterday. Almost gave up searching until i saw a huge silhouette right in front of me. Visibility not so good that day and drop tank wasn't prepared for this dive, so we didn't stay long to explore. Good thing Eric was able to take a picture of Me and Fred to show that there is really a wreck down there :)

Lantau Island

Lantau Island will always be my favorite destination in Hong Kong. Been there in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000 & 2001.
It's like a pilgrimage to visit Po Lin Monastery and pay my respect to Tian Tan (Giant Buddha).
Lying just offshore Lantau island is the most modern airport in Asia - the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. I saw it during its construction period from 1992 to 1993 when i hiked the second & third highest peaks of Hong Kong - Sunset Peak (869m) and Lantau Peak (934m) situated side by side on the island. I also like to walk along the beach of Fan Lau coast down to the fishing village of Tai-O to see the spectacular sea view.
After almost six years since my last visit there when we competed in the World Cup Argentine Tango finals at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium... i went again this year with my Cebu family to celebrate my 35th Birthday and to check out Lantau island's newest attraction - Disneyland!

Dive Guiuan

Guiuan is a quaint town located on the southern part of Samar Island bounded by the historic Leyte Gulf and the Pacific Ocean. Although surrounded by water and known as one of the oldest exporter of aquarium fishes, scuba diving in Guiuan is still in an off the beaten path.

I was lucky to visit this town several times through the invitation of my dive buddies - Kevin & Joy Go - owner of the world-class tropical hide-away resort in Calicoan Island, The Surf Camp and the luxury yacht cum diveboat, Nauticat.

Everytime we fly there, i am always Capt. Kevin's co-pilot on either of their Cessna 182 (RP-C1828) and Cessna 206 (RP-C1996).

On board the Nauticat, i was able to explore Leyte Gulf's Baul, Binabasalan and Pearl islands.

More exploratory dives are on schedule and hoping to finally visit the Blue Hole of Suluan Island and see the prized golden cowries of Calicoan Island.

Dive Apo Island

Last weekend our dive group - Me, Paolo, Joy & Kevin, Barbi, Fred and Eric went on a road trip to Negros via the thrilling Bato-Tampi-Bato barge ride at the Tañon Strait. We stayed overnight at Coco Grande Hotel in Dumaguete City.
The next morning we checked-in at Bahura Resort & Spa and took our boat ride - right away to visit Apo Island's Mamsa and Rock Points. We also visited the famed DuCoMi Pier to do some forest trekking / critter hunting underwater!
The next day - joined by Ana, Jeneen & Kim - we checked out Dauin's best dive sites (Car Wreck, El Dorado and Masaplod).

Quatro Islas / Four Islands

Raja Ampat (Four Kings) is one of my dream dive destination off Papua, Indonesia. But even seasoned travelers are having a hard time getting there... so in the meantime, i'll just settle with our own Raja Ampat - the Quatro Islas off Hilongos, Leyte.
It may not totally posses the Rock Islands mushroom features but the dreamy postcard beauty of its white sand beaches are equally stunning.
Last weekend, our group - Eric & Agnes with Ken & Alexis, Joy & Kevin, Fred, Barbi,Tanya, Ana, Me, Luv, Francis, Oliver and Akards - camped overnight on one of its secluded beach in Mahaba Island where we did our half tank night dive after a back to back dives in Himokilan Island (1) marine sanctuary.
With matching "burn fire" and "choco fondue" we managed to feel the island vibe while sleeping under the moon and stars (and fireflies)... waking up with shooting stars and awesome sunrise!
After a SPAMy breakfast, we did another back to back dives in Mahaba Island (2) marine sanctuary before cruising ICHIBAN near Didjo Island (3) and Dapit Island (4) where a pod of dolphins are waving us goodbye... same pod that greeted us upon arrival.
A perfect weekend getaway capped by a dusk dive at Tinggo to meet the thresher shark at night... and hoping for another adventure dive off the beaten path soon!

Dive Mantangale

Cebu Divers aka Deco Nuts made a huge splash at Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort last weekend after Milenyo thru the invitation of our photo guru - Doc Stan.
There we met Misamis Oriental divers - Mario, Jun, RJ and the owner/divemaster Dodong Uy who attempted to feed me underwater!
Our group (Me & Paulo, Tim & Barbi, Kevin & Joy, Eric & Agnes and Fred Q) started our dive day straight from the seaport of Cagayan de Oro to check the famed Duka Bay. We did 2 dives at Medina Paradise Underwater Spring and Aquarium - included in the Asian Divers 101 Coolest Dive Sites in the World.
Our last dive of the day was the most memorable one as we visit to take a look at the ultimate critter -the pygmy seahorse of Lapinig!
Second day, we visited the resort's Again House Reef - a pinnacle with lots of wintry green and orange black coral trees and huge moray eels.
After lunch, we checked Sta Ines Wreck and there we saw some more underwater springs. We ended our dive vacation by visiting once again the star of this trip - the pygmy seahorse of Lapinig! (worth mentioning twice!)
By the way, as soon as we arrive Cebu - Me & Paulo / Tim & Barbi still decided to proceed to Malapascua even with the cloudy weather but diverted instead to Moalboal. And yes, we only managed to do a single dive at Kasai Point due to howling wind and surfable waves!
What a bunch of Nuts!

Bee Festival

Just got back from judging the Buyogan Festival of the Municipality of Abuyog, Leyte last August 26.
It was my 2nd time to judge this very cute and unique BEE street dancing festival under the leadership of their very active lady mayor - Mayor Ofelia K. Traya.
Another project i wanted to help promote in this town is diving. I can see the potential and i hope one of these days i can finally organize the exploration dives i've been planning since last year to document the beautiful coral gardens and lagoons of the area.

Dive Puerto Galera

Just got back from another liveaboard diving in Verde Island, Puerto Galera and Anilao on board Borneo Explorer. I'm starting to like cruising with Expedition Fleet Liveaboards because of the convenience and great service it offers. The only thing i don't like is the headache i get every after dive due to sea sickness.
The trip was great as always with our wacky Cebu group and Manila based friends. The 13 passengers including myself are Paulo, Tim, Barbi, Kevin, Joy, Fred, Eric, Richard, Tanya, Cielo, Hans and Yvette Lee. The staff headed by Rommel - the boat manager (also of Oceanic Explorer) and Padoy, Elmer and Sten (from Maldives) - the shaker sherpas.
We started our day by embarking at Mabini Pier in Anilao. After check in, we had a nice dinner and went to bed early after a full day of shopping at the sprawling Mall of Asia.
Early morning the next day our boat cruise to Verde Island where we did 2 dives at the Wall. During lunch we cruise again down to Puerto Galera in Mindoro to dive Hole in the Wall, Sabang Point and a night dive at Sabang Junk.
The next day, we did 2 action dives at the Canyons before we cruise back to Batangas to do our last 2 dives in Mainit with a hot underwater bubble bath to cap the trip.

The Freeman Lifestyle

SOL EUGENIO: Lord of the Dance
by Ariel A. Allera
August 21, 2004

The young director from Manila who used to choreograph dance numbers in GMA-7’s That’s Entertainment was sent to Cebu in 1990 to handle the dance and modelling departments of Cora Doloroso Career Centre. But never did he—Sol Eugenio—expect that, one day, he would eventually settle down here and call Cebu his home and consider himself a “Cebuano.”
“When my contract with CDCC expired, I tried living in Davao City for three years. But I guess nothing compares to Cebu; that’s why I came back. In fact, everytime I arrive from an out-of-town trip, I always get the feeling of ‘It’s nice to be back home’,” Sol confesses.
Here, he has never rested on his laurels. Sol not only continues his dancing and directing stints despite having made it big, but has become one of the country’s most sought-after events producers (for bookings, visit his website: www.soleugenio.com), a well-respected entrepreneur, and a diving master.
Q: You dance, you choreograph dance presentations, you direct events and you go scuba diving. What is your priority as of now?
A: All of the above. If I’m not booked to dance or to direct shows, I go scuba diving to relax. During free days, I’m usually at our coffee shop in Mango Square, supervising the operation.
What was the first thing that you learned to do? Did you ever dream of making it this big?
Dance. And I guess I already achieved what I want in my life as far as dancing is concerned. Right now, I’m enjoying my diving and am thinking of doing something big to help promote our dive industry here in Cebu.
As a dancer, you’ve participated in several international competitions abroad, especially in the 2001 World Cup Argentine Tango championships held in Hong Kong where you were a finalist. Tell us about that.
World Cup is usually held in Miami (Florida, U.S.A.) or in some parts of Europe, but Hong Kong hosted the event that year. Though my partner (Marti Ybañez) and I were not ready, we went there to compete and we were so happy representing the Philippines, not minding the fact that we were dancing side by side with other international champions. We just enjoyed every moment of the competition; I guess it’s our passion about dance that landed us in the finals.
Differentiate a teacher from a choreographer.
A dance teacher teaches dancers the basics or the more advanced forms of dancing, while a choreographer designs the dance presentation using the skills of the dancers. Choreographers usually work with professional dancers.
When you choreograph dances, do you have to be first and foremost a good dancer? Are dance teachers/choreographers necessarily good dancers?
I guess it’s better if you’re also a good dancer so you can do both—teach and choreograph—at the same time. However, there are great and—in fact—famous choreographers who do not know how to dance.
For some who do not really know how to shake a leg, is becoming a good dancer an impossible dream?
Anybody can learn how to dance and become a good dancer. Just be patient and practice the skills regularly. What differentiates dancers is their ability to show natural rhythm.
What influenced you to direct events? What is your cup of tea—fashion shows? concerts?
Directing, for me, is the only way wherein I can express my artistic ideas. If I don’t have an outlet to apply it, I’ll explode! As for my forte, I go for fashion shows and concerts. I like to infuse dancers in concerts and I want to work with models who know how to dance.
What was your first major directorial job and what was it like being a first-timer?
A theater show in Metro Manila promoting the anti-drugs campaign of Caloocan City Mayor Rey Malonzo. It was just like a normal thing for me—no pressure whatsoever. I guess I was born to direct shows.
Tell me about your being a PADI Divemaster. What does PADI stand for? What fascinates you about diving and where do you usually go diving?
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Divemaster is the one who supervises certified divers diving enjoyable dive tours. I took my Divemaster apprenticeship in Scuba World, Plantation Bay, under great instructors: Arnel Tagsip, Alain Rabor and Harumi Imai. I usually dive in Mactan, Moalboal, Panglao, Cabilao, Balicasag and Malapascua. I’ve also been to Coron, Samal, La Union and Boracay.
Tell us about your coffee shop in Mango Square. Why coffee?
It’s called CoffeeDream. I am a heavy coffee drinker (average of 5 cups a day) so I was already a regular customer of CoffeeDream before. When franchising was offered, I asked my friends if we could apply for a franchise. We got two branches already—the other one is in SM City-Cagayan De Oro.
What about Sol Eugenio Management & Promotions Agency? What has been the biggest event it has produced?
SEMPA was able to produce several major gala fashion shows in Davao City—of Renee Salud and Randy Ortiz—as well as the Ballroom Dancing Cebu held in Cebu Plaza Hotel a few years back, featuring ballroom dancers from Arizona, U.S.A. Most of the events SEMPA organizes here in Cebu are private and by-invitation-only shows.
Aside from scuba diving—surfing and sky diving are your current sports. What fascinates you about extreme sports such as these?
I love extreme sports. (I studied Aeronautical Engineering). They can kill you in seconds if you’re not prepared well. You need gallons of coffee to make yourself alert. That’s why I love to challenge myself in skydiving and board surfing. By the way, I don’t consider scuba diving as an extreme sport; it’s a lifestyle.
They say that if you’re a “jack of all trades,” you’re a “master of none.” How do you see yourself?
I don’t see myself as that. They call me Cebu’s Lord of the Dance, and I’m already a divemaster and have been a finalist in the World Cup ArgentineTango. My focus is still intact: DANCE and DIVE. Other things are just spice of life.©

Dive Boljoon

As i have mentioned in my previous blog, one of my goal is to explore the underwater treasures of Cebu... and Boljoon is a gem waiting to be discovered.
Last Sunday, our dive group upon the invitation of Paulo Garcia, did some exploration on the dive sites of the Municipality of Boljoon - One of Cebu's heritage towns.
We saw giant clams, sea snake, turtles, lobster, stingray, barracuda and some big pelagics i couldn't identify due to bad visibility and fogged mask!
But inspite of that, our 2 dives are still great and i can see its potential even without the presence of our favorite pelagics.
A large area is already protected as a marine sanctuary... and few more years, this will surely attract visiting pelagics that will make this sites a world class dive destination.
We use Stu Gould's residence as our dive base and inside their extensive property is one of the fabled baluartes of Cebu - the Baluarte Granada.
There are about 40 baluartes (watchtower) doting the coastline of Carcar down to Santander that act as a defensive warning device to signal the other towns to get ready for the approaching Moro pirates... just like in the Lord of the Rings mountaintop baluartes!
Aside from the baluartes, the most famous landmark of Boljoon is their church built in 16th century. It has amazing frescos, carved limestone, fortified like a fortress and its windows are constructed to fit canons. Nuestra Senora Patrocinio de Maria church is currently declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippine National Museum.
I guess Heritage Sites are becoming my favorite destinations this year.

Nostalgia

Since i'm planning another trip to La Union, i just thought of searching online what other places i can visit nearby. I tried searching for San Fernando and then i saw this very familiar photo of a house. I checked it and yes indeed, it was the house we used to live in San Fernando, Pampanga.
As far as i can recall, my only childhood memories starts there and i'm so glad that it was already declared a Heritage House in 2003. I am now excited to go back there after more than 25 years. I wanted to walk again on the railroad track, the sugar central, the church, the calesa rides, my prep school...
I also remembered that after San Fernando City, we moved to Bacolod City. I think i should go back there too... I'm really enjoying this feeling of looking back to your wonderful past nostalgically.

Dayrit-Cuyugan House (MacArthur Highway, Barangay Dolores) Built in 1920 by the couple Joaquin Dayrit y Singian, sugar farmer, and Maria Paz Cuyugan y de Leon. Inherited by their eldest daughter Luz Dayrit y Cuyugan who was married to Ulderico Rodriguez from Bacolor.
This ancestral house, which exemplifies the architecture prevalent during the American colonial period was declared a Heritage House by the National Historical Institute on 27 January 2003 by virtue of Resolution No. 5, S. 2003. (http://cityofsanfernando.blogspot.com)

Coffee Dream

I love coffee and i can't live without it. It fuels my passion to do these extreme sports i'm getting into.
It also helps me daydream of possible concepts and images that i can use on my creative works.
I average 5 cups of brewed coffee or 2 cups of espresso on a normal day but more if i need to create a concept paper.
Anyways, without too much testimonial about coffee... i actually just wanted to invite you guys to visit our franchised Coffee Dream outlets at Mango Square Mall, Cebu or at SM City, Cagayan de Oro. Thanks!