Thanks to the Unlimited Office Choice team in Australia for donating six boxes of school supplies, donated to five schools that very much need support. The schools donated to were two schools at Verdi Island the San Agapito elementary school, the San Agapito National High School. Then the two boxes to Baclayan Magyan elementary school, one box to Paraway elementary school and one box to Vilaflor elementary schools. Also a thanks to our good friend John Cassidy from the Beef Steak and Burgundy (B&B) club, Manila for donating the money to mail these boxes and to Paul Jones, Rhuby Soderstrom and the El Galleon/Asia Divers team for helping to organize and distribute all boxes, it was great fun and very rewarding.

Allan, Rhuby and Paul went over to Verde Island to deliver a nice gift for the school. EL Galleon/Asia Divers have been doing several projects at the school and this was the latest one. Daniel Ninofranco,  ANTONIO Gacusan,  Joshua Dolotina and Julio Endara owner of Volenday  kindly gave the computers to the San Agapito high school. Julio is a member of the B&B Manila which is where Allan and Paul met him. This will be a huge benefit for the kids and the teachers.

Congratulations to Kurt Eaton for completing his “on the job training” at El Galleon as part of his school’s requirements. He learned lots about working in a Resort and preparing for the “real world” in the future!

It was another great day of fun in the water park for the staff with plenty of food and alcohol to put a lot of smiles and silliness into the day!

So what to do on a hot sunny day when it’s not too busy in the resort?? Well of course it’s time to go out and play! Allan, Rhuby, Kjell and about 30 of our staff went along for this really fun day of playing in the water pools to Tagbungan in Baco which was about one hour, twenty min away from here.

For those interested, our IDC candidates are organizing a Project AWARE “Dive Against Debris” on the 1st of July here in Puerto Galera. We will meet at 10 am for a briefing and a fun trash treasure hunt underwater.

All items collected will be analyzed and data uploaded to the global Project AWARE database so it can help with policy development and basically making a bigger difference!! Come join us!!

It is that time of year again for the annual Back to School Pencil Drive. The start of the school year can be an expensive time for parents. Springboard Foundation helps families from poor backgrounds by providing school supplies. Last year we helped over 3000 students from struggling families across the Philippines and this year we are aiming to help 5000! To donate to this very worthy cause please use this link: http://springboard-foundation.org/back-to-school-pencil-drive-2017/

It’s been very nice to get to know Ron Lucas who’s been here with us for a few days after he completed a photo workshop in Anilao. I think Ron is our first visitor from Bermuda!

“I came to Anilao to participate in a Macro Photography workshop at Crystal Blue and then came over to PG and EG to have 4 days of general diving with an emphasis on Coral Reefs. I particularly like the Verde Island and reef dive sites.  I did 38 dives over 14 days. This is my third trip to Philippines and I really enjoy the diving and the people here. I think the boat crews and instructors/ divemasters are great and when I had equipment issues including a broken mask these were quickly sorted out with the minimum of fuss.

I have been married to Lorraine a Born Bermudian for almost 48 years, have 2 children and 5 grandchildren and am myself an adopted Bermudian. We have lived continuously in Bermuda since 1980 although we also spend a little time in Toronto Canada.

I have been privileged to contribute photographs to marine experts for educational, research and related projects and have had a silver commemorative turtle coin produced based on one of my photos to celebrate 40 years of the Bermuda Turtle Conservation Project as well as having a first day cover (stamps) produced featuring 6 of my Bermuda Fish Images

I have a photo website at www.ronlucasphoto.smugmug.com and have produced many underwater photo books for various destinations available at cost from Blurb.com. You may also download free ebooks for the Philippines and Indonesia for the iPad from this site.

I have realized that in addition to having had a fantastic life I have also been extremely privileged to travel and photograph in wonderful exotic destinations worldwide and I hope to continue doing this as long as my health holds up. Underwater Photography is my passion and a way of sharing the wonders of our coral reefs with others. “

Jacqui, Troy and Pete are having a lot of fun dancing off with Candyman wearing “klompen” (the Dutch wooden shoes) in the point bar. They’ve not only got some cool moves but also used it well to knock down the nails on the floor as they go. Always a good time when partying with Candyman!

Just a reminder that there is another way to get to Puerto Galera thanks to Air Juan. It’s quick, and convenient! Flights direct from Manila can be booked easily though this website:  http://www.airjuan.com/