My Quest for a PADI Diving License

I must confess that I got scared. Not for myself but for the one I love so much. What have I gotten him into? I persuaded him to try this adventure sports. He caved in after much prodding. And there we were, my husband and I, almost at the finish line before we get certified as PADI open water scuba divers.

Ervin, Willy, Marlo and Caloy

After a year since we started our confined water dives to get our license as certified divers, we were finally in Aqua Reef Club in Anilao last May 29-30, 2010 for our “check out” in the open sea. We started the morning with a review of the skills we learned in the pool. However, this time we did it 20 feet under the sea. We reacquainted ourselves with the technical aspect of the sport like setting up our scuba gears. We practiced emergency skills like sharing air or replacing scuba mask. It took us two hours practicing all these skills before our instructor, Willy Guevarra, decided we were ready for our open water dive.

Caloy and Ervin setting up our scuba gears

Practicing the "tired buddy" skill

The First Open Water Dive

I was excited for that moment to finally feel like a real diver. At around 3:30 pm, we rode a boat that took us to a dive site nicknamed Koala. We noticed that the water current was strong that afternoon. It was full moon the day before which may have explained the early tide. Nevertheless, we took it in stride feeling exhilarated by the adrenalin rush of a neophyte diver.

Fully geared up, I took a back roll and plunged under water. It was pretty scary at first not knowing what to expect when I finally hit the deep ocean. There were four of us who dove that afternoon – Willy, our instructor; Ervin, a 23 year old handsome gentleman; and my husband and I.

Caloy about to do a back roll

My heart was in my throat when I started to descend. I tried to keep my mind clear so I could remember all what I learned. It was generally a smooth descent until I saw my husband going down so fast. I learned later that his weight belt was too heavy for him that it pulled him faster than normal. In diving class, we learned that one should descend slowly, trying to equalize the air spaces in the body every now and then to avoid that “squeeze” in the ear which could really hurt.

Caloy had a rough time during his first open water dive

According to Caloy, when he noticed he was going down fast, he tried to fight it by trying to ascend. He sort of panicked when his ears started to hurt due to the drastic change in air pressure. He began breathing faster than normal and paddling vigorously. I saw our instructor swimming up towards him. My heart skipped when I saw one of my husband’s flippers slipped out of his foot as he was kicking hard to swim upwards. Willy retrieved the fallen flippers and put it on my husband again underwater. I tried to be stable and calm but attentive to what was happening to him.

Eventually, Caloy found his composure. He started floating along side Ervin and I. Then our instructor Willy had to restrain him again as he was swimming faster than the rest of us. Caloy kept on paddling his flippers, pushing him farther away from me, his dive buddy. The current was strong so it pushed him even farther away from the group. Willy was signaling him to go slow but Caloy didn't seem to understand. Willy signaled Erwin and I to be buddies while he kept an eye on Caloy the rest of the dive. I saw how tired Willy was as soon as we hit the boat. He apparently got exhausted just watching over Caloy!

(Dive) Buddies forever!

It was a 60 feet dive with a bottom time of 27 minutes. What could have been a thrilling and exciting adventure for me turned out to be an unpleasant experience. That evening, as I lay down in bed, I was anxious and worried for the next day’s dive. What if the same thing happened again or worse? Will I ever forgive myself if something wrong happened to my husband? What if it happens to me instead? All those negative scenarios were playing in my mind as I tried to fall asleep. I realized that diving is not one you can take for granted. No wonder one must get certified first by a reputable organization to avoid any of the underwater disasters. That first open water dive was a real learning experience for us. We learned the importance of checking the dive equipment thoroughly prior to making that dip. Like any sports perhaps, it takes practice to gain the necessary confidence.

A Breathtaking Dive

Good thing my husband was confident enough to give it another try. I was very hesitant to continue with the dives and willing to give up that dream of being a certified scuba diver. He overruled my weaker judgment and convinced me to finish off what we have started. So, off we went again for our next dives the following morning.

True to what Willy said that succeeding dives would be better and more pleasant, I had such great time during the next two dives. Caloy had finally settled down calmly and serenely throughout the dives.

For the first dive, we went to Twin Peaks site in Anilao. There I saw the most beautiful and colorful fishes my eyes laid on. As we were admiring the under water surrounding, a school of large, silvery fish (Talakitok or Jack fish) passed our way. They formed a giant silver curtain as thousands of them propelled towards us in synchronicity. Then just below us, I saw a school of yellow fish swirling around and around in circular motion. All of these were a sight to behold! I floated there, awestruck! It was the most breathtaking sight I have ever witnessed. There was also this huge butterfly fish that hovered beside me. It was fascinating how it kept following us wherever we swam. Our guess was that, perhaps, it was waiting to be fed with breadcrumbs. Fascinating!

The butterfly fish that followed me throughout my dive

This butterfly fish was huge!

Our second dive that early morning was equally mesmerizing. However, aside from fishes, we saw beautiful corals spread compactly in a wide bed of sand way 70 feet below. We witnessed it in the dive site called “Cathedral.” It was named as such because of the cross planted there by Fidel Ramos when he was still President. The cross lay in the center of two big domes. As we passed the cross, we swam beside a beautiful reef facing the dark and empty open sea. There I saw colorful corals clinging to the reef and small fishes feeding on it.

We made it!

Whoa! We almost missed that wonderful adventure if I succumbed to my unfounded fears. Diving is really fun! Diving affords you an opportunity to see a world that few can ever witness. Being down there amongst the fish and corals is a spiritual experience. It makes you feel one with all of God’s creation. It is really fascinating and awe-inspiring! I can’t wait again for my next dive, especially now that we are finally PADI certified open water divers!

Finally, am now a certified PADI open water diver!!!! Hurray!!!!

Bali Through My Eyes

Bali, at least for me, conjured up images of a tropical paradise with coconut trees swaying in the breeze; terraced rice paddies going way up the sides of the mountains; active volcanoes spewing fiery smoke up in the air; white beach with half-nude maidens bathing under the seething sun; magnificent mountain scenery viewable from narrow, winding roads; and flowering bushes everywhere. I imagined it a peaceful and serene place where one could meditate all day; a refuge for a weary soul waiting to be recharged from the chaos of modern civilization.

I wasn't disappointed when I visited this enchanted island in 2007. It was all I have imagined except for a few misses. There were no half-nude native women any longer. With the myriad of tourists and the onset of modern civilization, the women started putting on clothes to cover their tops. Kuta beach, the famous long stretch of white sand in Bali overlooking the Indian Ocean, was not that white as I imagined. The sands of Boracay is more enticing and alluring. As for peace and order, it is still wanting considering the infamous Bali bombing just few years past.

My parents in front of the Bali Bombing memorial shrine in Denpasar

Denpasar, the capital of Bali, is a bustling town with street vendors hawking their ware everywhere and motorcycles lording it like kings on the narrow roads. The main thoroughfare is lined with boutiques and galleries, all grabbing the attention of tourists. Bali could well be just an ordinary tropical paradise except that it has a unique culture and tradition that fascinates adventure-seekers like me.

The Rituals and Traditions

Most Balinese are Hindus and sacrifices are an important part of their religion. Every Balinese makes at least three times a day sacrifices to honor the spirits. I saw offering baskets of fruits or flowers everywhere: in the streets, inside the hotel, in front of a store; and even in McDonalds. Hindu women and girls, dressed in beautiful sarongs, bring offerings in baskets that they carry on their heads to the temple. Ritual ceremonies are big part of every day life of the Balinese. Aside from the usual birthdays, wedding and cremation ceremonies, they have life cycles ceremonies like seventh month pregnancy rite, 47^th day rite, third month rite, among others. They even have dental filling rite!!!

An offering basket of flowers and fruits

Balinese making offerings to the spirits

I was really fascinated to learn about Balinese culture. It was totally a new paradigm for me. I was told that there still existed a caste system in the island. Hinduism has four castes: Brahmans, the highest caste; Warriors, Merchants and finally Farmers, who are the lowest. Knowing this made me glad I was not born here.

A native garbed in traditional clothes

They also have an interesting way of giving names. In Balinese culture, if you are the first born ( male or female ) you will be called either Putu, Wayan or Nengah. Second born will be called Made or Kadek. Third born Nyoman, Ika or Kamang, fourth born Ketut. If you are #5 you go back to 1. Isn’t that interesting? That takes care of having to remember names! Fascinating!

Balinese men on the way to a ceremony

Our Villa

We arrived in Bali the day after Christmas, which also happened to be my 20th wedding anniversary. I was with my husband and kids, parents, my husband's sister and her family and other special love ones. The adults in our group were billeted in a luxurious garden villa in Jimbaran while the young ones chose to stay in a boutique hotel beside the beach.

What makes Bali enchanting for me are their villas. Ours was patterned after a typical Balinese home made of teak and coconut thatches over the roof. The bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and living room are separate structures within the compound. We had our own pool at the center of the villa surrounded by a lush and well-manicured garden.

And boy did I love the bathrooms! Our garden bathroom was fitted with an oversize bath tub sprinkled with rose petals, an outdoor rain shower, double washbasins and a toilet. It was in a pebbled courtyard planted with green foliage surrounded by walls for total privacy. Awesome!

River Rafting

There are a hundred things to do in Bali. We chose to start with an adrenalin rushing activity - white water rafting! We proceeded to the Ayung River in Ubud where the adventure began. We traversed the river stream overcoming several rapids along our path. We were dazzled by the natural landscape of our surroundings. We even passed a Hindu artwork intricately carved on the rocks along the river bank.

We had a wonderful time water rafting along the Ayung River!

This work of art is engraved in stone along the Ayung River

Ubud

Ubud was my favorite spot in Bali. It is located in the middle of the island. Being the center of art, music and dance, it is an artist's paradise. Here you will find all sorts of tourists - shabby backpackers, new agers, artists, bohemians and curious tourists like us. Ubud to me looks like a typical provincial municipality in my country with its narrow, unpaved roads, rice paddies, tropical trees and nipa houses. Except that, elegant five star hotels and sprawling villas abound. It is surrounded by scenic rice terraces, art galleries, ancient temples, jungle gorges, rivers and small villages. For me, Ubud is the best place to be for nature, adventure, culture and inspiration.

My husband and I purchased a Bali painting

A must do in Ubud is to see a cultural show. We watched the Legong dance performed in the courtyard of the ornately carved Ubud Palace. We caught the show just when the sun set in. Hence, the Palace became even more enchanting as it was lit only by fire. Now I understand where the classic musical South Pacific found the inspiration for the mythical island paradise of Bali Ha'i. Young Balinese dancers in shimmering traditional garb told stories from the Ramayana through their hand and eye movement. Men in demon or monkey costumes dance to the rhythm of the bamboo instruments with passion and vigor. The show was riveting and mesmerizing!

Hindu History

I was told that the whole of Indonesia was Hindu before it became the largest Muslim nation in the world in terms of population. When the Hindu Majapahit Empire in Java was in danger of succumbing to Muslim invasion, their artists, intellectuals, musicians and priest of the royal court all fled to Bali. There they established a colony until it flourished into a vibrant and colorful society that is Bali today.

Phallic symbol of Hindu god Vishu inside the Elephant Cave

We were able to visit a Hindu shrine called Goa Gajah that literally meant Elephant Cave. I was told that the Goa Gajah used to be a monastery for Hindu and Buddhist monks during ancient times. They would enter the cave and meditate for hours. The cave was dark, cold, cramp and creepy inside. The only thing I saw were phallic images which symbolized their god Vishu. I was really fascinated to learn about an entirely different belief system. So interesting!

Our group in front of the Elephant Cave

Batur Volcano

Indonesia is known as an active volcano belt. Hence, it's also a must see to visit one of its many volcanoes. We chose to visit Batur Mount Volcano located in Kintamani District. We went to a restaurant in Penelokan Village for the best view of the Batur Volcano and lake. I read that the volcano erupted several times already, the biggest in 1926 destroying the Batur Village. From our vantage point, the volcano seemed an arms reach away. It was so close to us.

Eat, Pray, Love

I read the book of Elizabeth Gilbert "Eat Pray Love" while on this Bali vacation. Under the chapter on "Pray," the author wrote about her encounter with a Bali medicine man. My niece Kristine persisted that we go visit him. My husband and I decided to have a foot reflexology instead (it was the best I ever had, I swear). My mom, son Andrew, nieces Kristine and Kaye, and sisters-in-law Bebot and Susan, went to see him. His name is Ketut Liyer. From the pictures they took, he was short and stocky, smiling through his ears and wearing an "I love NY" T-shirt. He read their fortunes (which took a fortune, I was told!) and tried to sell them his paintings. I guess he can ask for an enormous sum because he is now famous!

My niece Kristine having her fortune told by Ketut Liyer from "Eat Pray Love."

My mom, sister-in-law Susan, Andrew and Kaye with the Medicine Man

As I boarded my plane back to my homeland, I imagined Bloody Mary waving at me, beckoning me back while singing "Bali Ha'i." At last, I have fulfilled a childhood dream of being a part of this beautiful and enchanted island. I and the rest of my group definitely had the most wonderful and fascinating journey. I owe this trip to my husband's sister Bebot and her most generous husband Jojo. They were the most gracious host who made sure that we will have a most unforgettable vacation.

Our gracious hosts, Jojo and Bebot Marigomen

Drew, Kaye, Kristine, Bebot, Susan and Mama Trellie: Enjoying shopping in Ubud

Caloy with Balinese women

We had sooo much fun!!!

Sydney in My Mind

Australia beckons like a mystery. My first view of the continent was on air. Looking down from my airplane window on a starry night, I saw a large expanse of dark empty space with isolated dots of lights that appeared to me at first as fishing boats. It dawned on me later that the dark empty space was nothing but the vast barren land of the world’s smallest continent. Its very center is empty. Only its coastal borders were adorned with lights of life.

Intoxicating. Sydney is a blending of cultures. No other city that I have been to have such cultural diversity. I saw Middle Eastern people, dressed in their traditional fashion, strolling freely around the suburbs. There’s the ubiquitous Chinese community in Chinatown; Vietnamese majority in Hurstville; Thai, Italian, Lebanese territories in a borrowed land. Sydney offers many flavors of the East and West. I had my taste of kebab, Turkish bread, Vietnamese noodle, Japanese sushi, Thai roll, Italian pizza and “Hungry Jack.” It is what makes Sydney intoxicating. It is the blending of these cultures that gives it its unique character.

Breathtaking. The intrinsic beauty of the country captured my imagination. Its magnificent sights is a visual delight. I was mesmerized by the strong waves crushing with all its power against the rocky slopes of Kiama and The Gap. I was astonished at the agile surfers in the magnificent Bondi Beach as they try to outmaneuver the giant waves. I felt a deep affinity with nature as I strolled through the unspoiled bushes of the Filsroy Falls in Kangaroo Valley and the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. I gushed at the sight of pelicans as they glided through the waters of the Myall River at the Tea Gardens. I was captivated by God’s signature in the crystal formations of the Jenolan Caves. I could not help but be awed by the beauty and splendor of our Creator. Australia is indeed blessed with such a natural beauty and wonder.

The "blow hole" at Kiama

Inside the Jenolan Cave

Exhilarating. I felt like a child again as I sand boarded down the steep dunes of Stockton Beach in Port Stephens, truly one of nature’s masterpieces. I was thrilled at the experience of an off road safari adventure in a bush mobile. I marveled at the friendly bottlenose dolphins cruising alongside our vessel at Nelson Bay. I got the thrill of an adrenaline rush as I jumped with the waves while onboard the Moonshadow. My face brightened with joy as I saw kangaroos in the wild on my way to Canberra and a seemingly lost dolphin at Anchorage. I had a visual spectacle of the ocean’s beauty at Fingal Bay.

I tried "sand boarding" at Port Stephens

The Regozos and Velayos took me to Port Stephens

With my mom, nieces Yna and Nikki at Cockington Green Gardens in Canberra

Captivating. The city itself offers first time visitors with thrill and excitement. I had my share of close encounters with “Bruce” the shark and “Nemo” the clown fish at the Sydney Aquarium. The model of the Great Barrier Reef at the aquarium was a sight to behold. It felt like you were really in it – communing with those colorful sea creatures. I got to peek through the lenses of a telescope at the Sydney Observatory. The 3D presentation of the planetary system was just out of this world. I enjoyed the ferry rides to Taronga Zoo and Manly Beach. I have never seen such big chimpanzees as those in Taronga. And of course, one’s trip to the zoo is never complete without a visit to the habitat of the cuddly koalas and kangaroos.

At the Sydney Observatory

My bff Jacqui treated me to a day at Taronga Zoo

The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are man’s gift to the city. It is an awe-inspiring testament to man’s creativeness and ingenuity. I walked the length of Pitt Street and George Street and admired the many shops and its merchandize. I stood at Circular Quay and watched street performers do their act. I entered Sydney’s past as I walked through the cobblestone roads of The Rocks. I was fortunate to see Sydney high above the ground. On one occasion, I saw the city in the stillness of the night at the 47^th floor of Century Towers Building. The lights below looked like fireflies spread on uneven grass in a meadow. There were birds flying above the towers, mesmerized by the neon lights of the city. On another occasion, I was blessed to witness the setting of the sun amidst a burst of colors in the horizon while on top of the Centennial Towers. There I was transfixed and captivated by God’s beauty and wonder.

My mom and I at Circular Quay, overlooking the Opera House

Interesting. The houses are very European. Mostly made of bricks, houses in the Western suburbs are bigger and sprawling. In the Eastern suburbs, especially the areas of Elizabeth Bay, Rose Bay and Double Bay, the houses are ultra modern and chic. I love the beachfront apartments. Each unit has its own glass- covered terraces where owners or tenants can just sit awhile and enjoy the ocean view. Nearer the city, I have noticed Victorian houses dressed in intricately laced-designed metal balconies. The commercial building in old suburbs reminded me so much of towns of long ago in American Western movies. I had to remind myself that, like America, Europeans first colonized Australia. Sydney is a blend of the old and new. In the city, one will notice 18^th century buildings beside 21^st century structures. They have successfully kept their culture intact. No wonder many Aussies are proud of their heritage.

Inspiring. But Sydney is just a city. Probably just like any first world city. What make Sydney in my mind memorable and inspiring were the people that surrounded me throughout my 3 weeks stay. There’s Mary Carroll and Adrian Warren, my first Aussie friends. I met them during a “Tony Robbins” seminar I attended at the Sydney Entertainment Center. They proved to me that Aussies are warm and friendly.

Then there’s Connie, Edith, Arni and Elenita – all my brother Bong’s friends. They are the sweetest strangers I have met this side of the world. Only my first time to have met them but they showed me such thoughtfulness and hospitality. Elenita and Edith took turns to pick me up at 2 in the morning – after a long day’s seminar. Connie and Edith, who are siblings, shared their talent in cooking by preparing special dinner in their respective pads. In return, I’d share with them some nuggets of wisdom I gained from Tony Robbins. I spent several long evenings with them just singing the night away. They are beautiful people, single but not lonely; and they have the best of hearts.

With Connie, Edith, Bong, my mom, sister-in-law Tiffi and her daughters

Heartwarming. But my fondest memory and most heartwarming experience of Sydney were the moments with my forever friends - Bobby and Jette, Titoy and Jacqui. I guess Sydney in my mind became most extraordinary and pleasant because of the love and friendship I felt during my weekends with them.

Drs Bobby and Jette Regozo

Titoy and Jacqui Velayo in front of their house in Penrith

I have very few earthly treasures. Among the few I kept closest to my heart are my fabulous “forever friends” – Junette, Jacqui and Nerissa. Imagine the joy in my heart the first time I saw Junette after 7 years. Her exquisite beauty is a sight for sore eyes. She has maintained her youthful glow. We could not help our gibberish talk because we were so excite to see each other. Ever the sophisticated lady, she treated me to a luxurious facial at the Hopewood Health Center on the second day of my visit to her adopted country. Jette is a friend I truly admire. Despite the struggles of a hands-on mom in a foreign land, she was able to bring up three excellent gentlemen – Rainier, James and Jaron. Rainier is the typical teenager – so cool and in love with his fine featured car. James has the looks of her mother – very handsome. And Jaron has the smartness of his dad. Jette does deserve all the caprices and whims she desires since she has done very well as a mother and wife.

My favorite doctor turned I.T. whiz, Junette Regozo, at Fingal Bay

I have not seen Jacqui in fifteen years. Yet, she has remained ever the angelic beauty. Despite being five months pregnant during my visit, she was still radiant and beautiful. I could not have imagined her as a successful professional at the center of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. She is a city girl, knowing all the ins and outs Sydney could offer. I had a hey day with her strolling along the guarded fences of the Taronga Zoo. It seemed that both of us had this affinity with nature. We could go about a day just resting in a park, watching seagulls fly; or having lobster mornay and grilled salmon at the Fish Market while the world goes by. Equally as angelic is her little Hope who impressed me with her command of the written language. Jacqui is a blessing and a source of inspiration to her mother and sister. And, likewise, Tita Aling and Mary-anne are blessings to her, Hope, Titoy and yet to be born child.

My corporate executive friend, Jacqui, in the valleys of the Blue Mountains

Titoy, I know very little of. But I have heard much about him from my brother Bong. Titoy did reminisce with me those days when he was just starting off his life in the land downunder. Was that 15 or 18 years ago? And look where he is now! Indeed, he has gone a long way. God is good to both him and Jacqui. They have a lovely home in a beautiful community in Penrith. He took pleasure capturing every moment Jacqui, Jette and I had together through the lenses of his video camera. I am forever grateful to him for that one moment in Baguio many years ago where he was able to capture the “forever friends” in a bench in Burnhan Park. That picture has remained a memorabilia of the happy years of our youth. A naturalistic person, Tito has this gift for all things green. I could still see in my mind’s eye his lovely garden in the valleys of the Blue Mountain.

Titoy, Jacqui, Bobby and I

And Bobby.. a sweet and gentle soul, has the kindest of heart and spirit. In Jette’s absence, he took the burden of driving me around to showcase the beauty Australia has to offer. I learned quite a bit about Australia from him, I had my share of thrill and excitement at Port Stephens and the Jenolan Caves because of his adventuristic spirit. Jette is indeed blessed to have a loving partner in Bobby. And so does Bobb. He has proven how determined Filipinos can make it big in a foreign land. I gained a friend in Bobb and that I will add to my treasure chest.

As I go back to the memory lane of my Sydney experience, I feel a gnawing pain in my heart. I did enjoy my visit to the land down under tremendously. I do miss my friends. But these beautiful experiences are now an addition to my emotional bank account. Each time I will feel depressed or lonely, I can always go back to these happy memories and remember the many deposits of love and affection I have received while in Australia.

My "forever friends in Frisco!"

I thank God with all my heart for letting me feel Him through the beauty of Sydney and the love of my friends. It had been a truly extraordinary experience!

Written October 12, 2003