Michelle Nuevo Dano

The Monk’s Candy By: Michelle Dano There’s that magical moment when a place you’ve dreamed of visiting turns out to be even better than you imagined. That was Fo Guang Shan for me. Fo Guang Big Buddha, Kaohsiung, Taiwan Of all the places in Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan was the one I couldn’t wait to visit. My heart made a little dance when I first glimpsed Buddha’s head as I approached the 100-hectare sacred place. That tiny preview of what was waiting ahead made me tear up in excitement – I was finally here!  Walking around inside was even better. The place wasn’t crowded, just a few other visitors here and there, making it feel extra peaceful. And that massive Buddha sitting right in the center of everything was just amazing. Simply breathtaking. You know how sometimes places look hyped on social media, but then you get there and you feel kind of meh, and say a quick ‘okay let’s go’? This wasn’t like that at all for me. Fo Guang Shan was everything I hoped for and more. What made this visit truly unforgettable was a small encounter with a monk, involving nothing more than a piece of candy. It left such a mark on me that when I got back home, I got my first tattoo. Fo Guang Big Buddha with the 4 stupas: Wisdom, Compassion, Vow, and Practice. I was inside one of the stupas when a monk came up to me with a smile. She had this incredibly calm aura about her. Everything about her whole presence was so gentle and peaceful. She was talking to me calmly in Chinese, always smiling, and even though I couldn’t understand what she was saying, I just kept nodding and smiling back at her because I found our situation cute. Then she gave me a piece of candy. It seemed like such a small gesture, but as soon as I walked away and looked at the candy, I became emotional. Tears suddenly came out of nowhere! T_T I stopped and just stood off to the side, lowkey weeping while looking at the candy and the whole place in front of me. I didn’t understand what she was saying, but somehow, her calm voice, her gentle presence, and the candy she gave me felt like exactly what I needed. I couldn’t explain it. Maybe it’s because of my hormones that I was so emotional that day. But just standing near her for those few minutes, watching her smile as she handed me that candy, it felt like her serenity had somehow rubbed off on me. Like peace was something that could spread from one person to another. But more than that, I also felt like her gentle presence was sent to me as a comforting reminder that everything would be okay, and that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Lately, the constant self-doubt and whether I was making the right career moves – it was all becoming too much. I kept wondering if I should be doing something else, if I was good enough, if this was really what I was meant to do. But in that moment, looking at the candy and realizing where I was standing – there I was, confident and free in this beautiful place, miles away from home – something shifted. My worries suddenly felt smaller. To make this story a little more dramatic, I was actually standing at a corner with this view. ↑ Such a simple thing, but as I held the candy in my hand, a profound sonder also washed over me. Here was this monk, with her own life story I’d never know, crossing paths with a worried remote worker at exactly the right moment. It felt like the universe had arranged this whole meeting, this tiny exchange that somehow made all my fears feel lighter.  My hands were shaking a bit as I unwrapped and ate the candy, still lowkey crying and smiling at the same time while I continued walking down to get on the next bus, back to the city center. Something about that simple moment had cracked open something inside me.  This wasn’t my first spiritual gut punch. I made a wish at Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong – one that actually ‘almost’ came true the very next day, and I’m still amazed thinking about it! I had wished for higher monthly earnings, and just like that, the next morning, I woke up to an email offering me a $25 per hour project. Funny enough, that’s exactly what someone has also been teasing me about, saying that must be my current rate, when in reality, I’m nowhere near that amount.  What’s wild is that I had applied to this company way back in May 2024 and pretty much forgotten about it. But I didn’t take the offer. They wanted me to work full-time, night shift, and attend multiple meetings throughout the week. I felt like the role would demand so much from me, and I wouldn’t be able to enjoy or experience the small freedom I have right now. And if you guys know me, you know that I avoid virtual meetings.  I’m still happy to know that someone out there thought I was worth that much. After my previous corporate job, where I felt so small, so worthless sometimes, this felt like the universe giving me a gentle nudge, saying “Hey, you’re worth more than you think.” Sure, $25 might not be much for some people, but it was huge for me. A reminder that what I am doing has value. After Fo Guang Shan, more good news just keeps flowing in too. It’s like a domino effect of small good things started happening. Small wins that felt like whispers saying I’m going the right way! Life’s weird like that, isn’t it? The answers sometimes come from the most unexpected places. A random job offer, a piece of candy from a

3 Amazing Health Benefits Of Freediving That You Need To Know By: Michelle N. Dano You may have wanted to try freediving for quite some time now. Seeing those amazing underwater photos and videos of freedivers on social media makes you want to try it immediately. You start to feel the urge to do the same because it looks so cool and exciting, and you begin to imagine yourself being one of them.   More than the beautiful images and videos you see on social media, freediving can also give you physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. But before we dive into the benefits, let us first know what freediving is.   What is Freediving? Freediving is underwater diving that requires you to hold your breath and not use any breathing apparatus. It has been around for centuries and has become increasingly popular over the years.    Freediving is a unique experience as it allows you to test your abilities and explore the ocean’s depths while feeling calm and connected to your environment. Freedivers use various techniques to maximize their distance, such as streamlining their bodies, kicking efficiently, and controlling their breathing and buoyancy. It is physically and mentally challenging and requires a lot of practice, training, and focus.    Types of Freediving There are many reasons why people freedive. Some people do it as a hobby, to secure food or livelihood, and some for athletic competitions. Here are three types of freediving that you can try.   Recreational Freediving Recreational freediving is the most popular type, where divers do it for leisure and enjoyment. It involves exploring underwater, gracefully gliding through the water, taking photos and videos, and enjoying marine life’s beauty and tranquility.   Applied Freediving Applied freediving refers to diving for a purpose. These reasons include scientific research, fishing, and collecting aquatic resources. Examples of applied Freediving are the extraordinary abilities of Haenyeo (Women Divers) of South Korea and Badjao of South East Asia. Freediving has been part of their life and culture for centuries, and they use it mainly for hunting food.   Competitive Freediving Competitive freediving is where divers compete to break national or world records and challenge themselves. It is a type of freediving that requires intensive training and focus. Divers use special breathing techniques and gear, such as fins and weights, to achieve their goals.   Competitive freediving has ten disciplines: Static Apnea, Dynamic With Fins/ Bi-fins, Dynamic No-Fins, Free Immersion, Constant Weight with Fins/Bi-fins, Constant Weight No-Fins, Variable Weight, and No-Limits.   It is important to note that no matter what type of freediving you do, you must learn it from a certified instructor and always dive with a buddy.   Benefits of Freediving   Divers can enjoy and benefit from freediving for a variety of reasons. No matter what type of freediving you try, it will give you physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, and here’s why.   Physical Health Benefits Freediving can be a great way to increase your physical fitness and improve your overall health. When you dive underwater, the water exerts pressure on your body due to the force of gravity. It will force you to exert effort and use your muscles to move around underwater, thus increasing your body’s strength, endurance, and flexibility. It will develop your muscles and also increases your lung capacity.   Mental Health Benefits Staying underwater longer requires you to be present and concentrate on breathing and relaxation to slow your heartbeat. This exercise will help you improve your mindfulness and concentration. It helps reduce stress and anxiety because it calms your mind and body. Also, it can build confidence in yourself and your abilities as you push your boundaries and discover new depths. It makes you feel good about yourself, thus making you more productive.   Spiritual Health Benefits Freediving is a unique form of meditation that can provide spiritual benefits. When you hold your breath and dive deep into the waters, you enter a space of stillness and quietness. It helps clear your mind of any worries and tensions, allowing you to connect with the natural world and the ocean’s energy. It strengthens your spiritual connection with the universe as it awakens your senses and connects you to the world around you.   Are all people capable of freediving?   Some people fear freediving because they do not know how to swim. While some people are naturally suited to freediving, the truth is that anyone can learn freediving with the proper training and dedication. You are not required to be an excellent swimmer to learn freediving. With the appropriate training and a commitment to safety, freediving can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone.    Start Your Freediving Journey There are a variety of locations where you can learn freediving, including specialized freediving schools and recreational centers. Enrolling in a freediving class is essential because the instructors can provide important safety tips and techniques to help you dive safely. They can teach you to control your breath, conserve energy, and stay calm underwater. Learning from a certified instructor can help you develop good diving habits and help you make the most of your freediving experience.  

Freediving is an activity that appeals to so many people, as it allows you to explore the ocean with minimal gear and maximum enjoyment. However, when starting in freediving, you might feel hesitant. You might feel the fear of the unknown that comes with starting something new. It can be overwhelming, but learning tips can make the process easier and more enjoyable.    To get the most out of freediving, here are essential tips you should know before you start.   1. Get the Right Gear For freediving to be safe and comfortable, choose the right gear that fits you properly. Invest in quality gear such as a mask, snorkel, fins, or wetsuit. The use of wetsuits is only optional and typically used for deeper dives. You can wear a rashguard or swimsuit for shallow water less than 5 or 10 meters. You can practice using your gear in a swimming pool or before diving to become familiar with it.   2. Eat Light Food and Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol Freediving is very physical, so you’ll need to stay focused and have a clear head. You should also consider not drinking coffee before diving since caffeine increases your heart rate. The goal is to be as relaxed as possible to conserve air and energy. That’s why before diving, it is also best to eat light food so that our stomach does not have to work too hard.   3. Dive With a Buddy The golden rule in freediving is never to dive alone. Having a partner to monitor your dives can help to ensure your safety, as they can keep track of the time you have been underwater and look out for any potential dangers. They can also provide moral support and help you push your limits while ensuring you are safe and comfortable. They will be able to assist if anything goes wrong.   4. Listen to Your Body When freediving, listen to your body and be aware of unusual sensations or any signs of distress. Understand your limits. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop and take a break. Always ensure you have a safety dive partner who can help if needed.   5. Be Aware of the Environment  Be aware of your environment. Respect the ocean and the animals that live in it – don’t disturb or harm them. Always observe ocean etiquettes, such as not touching corals and wildlife.   Conclusion Overall, freediving can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience – but only if you prepare correctly. It is essential to follow these tips to stay safe and get the most out of your dives. Have the knowledge and confidence to help you overcome those fears and take your first dive. Good luck, and happy diving!   For more information about freediving, check my blog for tips and ideas on where to go on your next dive.    

Dapitan City lies on the northern tip of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. It is nationally famous for its historic landmark, the Rizal Shrine, where the national hero Jose Rizal was exiled.   Dapitan has gained more attention because of its spectacular dive sites. It boasts rich marine life and pristine white sand beaches, including the Aliguay and Selinog islands. Most of the city’s coastal areas are white sand, making it a perfect location for relaxation and water activities like swimming and diving.   How To Get To Dapitan City  There is no airport in Dapitan, so you must fly to Dipolog, a neighboring city only 20 minutes away from Dapitan. You may also travel by sea and embark at Polo Port, Dapitan. Public transportation is available from these ports to get you around the city.   Accommodations are available in the area, from the luxurious Dakak Park and Beach Resort to the several hotels along the coast that offers reasonable prices.    Best Dive Sites in Dapitan City Dapitan offers a lot of breathtaking dive sites, but here are the curated top dive locations:   Eskwelahan The Eskwelahan is known as the top dive site in Dapitan. Located near the marine sanctuary on Aliguay Island, Dapitan, this site is accessible by boat for approximately one hour.    The name Eskwelahan is coined after the local term of school because several schools of fish inhabit the site, including barracudas, jackfish, mackerels, surgeons, snapper, diamond angelfish, and bannerfish. Manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, and sea turtles also pass through the area.   Here you’ll be amazed by the impressive variety of colorful soft, and hard corals home to different reef fishes.   The depth ranges from 20 – 30 meters and is suitable for beginner to advanced divers.   Tag-ulo Dive Site Located in Tag-ulo, Dapitan City, the Tag-ulo dive site is famous among local freedivers and SCUBA divers. The dive site features a majestic wall extending up to 15 meters to the bottom. You can hover between 5 to 10 meters to marvel at the magnificent wall and the reef that spread on it.   The Tag-ulo dive site is home to soft and hard corals, lionfish, banded sea snakes, bannerfish, and other reef fishes. There are also sightings of sea turtles in the area.    It is suitable for beginners and advanced divers due to its gentle to moderate currents. Liuay Rock Dive Site The Liuay Rock Dive site features a protruding rock pinnacle scattered with hard and soft corals, anemones, and nudibranchs perfect for macro-photography.   The dive site’s depth ranges from 5 to 20 meters, which is ideal for beginner and advanced divers. The shallow part of the reef is a crowd favorite for snorkeling and freediving. Taguilon Pier Dive Site The Taguilon Pier dive site is only five minutes away from Dakak Park and Beach Resort. The maximum depth is 10 meters, and the current here is gentle to moderate, perfect for beginner to advanced divers.   The site offers experienced divers the chance to do night dives between the pillars of the pier and view the interesting macro critters, while beginners can admire the corals and fish that thrive on the pier. Canlucani Dive Site The Canlucani Dive Site is usually where the Dakak Aqua Sports conducts its Open Water lessons. The site features a sandy area that looks like a driveway towards the white beach, sandwiched by two coral reefs. Marine life to look out for in the dive site includes mackerels, garden eels, reef fishes, and sea snakes.   Beginners to advanced divers can enjoy this site because the current ranges from gentle to moderate, with a depth of 5 to 15 meters. Aseniero Dive Site The Aseniero Dive Site begins with a sloping reef that leads to a cove at the bottom. Aside from the abundance of corals, this dive site is home to reef fishes, lionfish, nudibranchs, and octopuses. The site is suitable for divers of all levels as the current at this site is gentle to moderate, and depths range from 5 to 22 meters.   Dapitan City is an all-year-round travel destination, but the best time to dive here is from March to June.   You may visit Dakak Aqua Sports for more information on these dive sites and to accommodate your diving needs. Dakak Aqua Sport is the only SCUBA dive center with a licensed dive master in the province. They can guide you to the exact dive locations in the area, so make sure to check them out!  

Apo Island, located in Dauin, Negros Oriental, is a volcanic island and one of the popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is even recognized worldwide as one of the top diving sites because of its exceptional and abundant marine life.   You can never get enough of this island because it is home to a wide array of marine life, including green sea turtles, rays, and thriving coral reefs. You can casually see a lot of green sea turtles munching sea grass near the shoreline. The island is their feeding ground, and you can immediately see them just a short swim away.   A majestic boulder sits in front of this island. You will surely not miss it because it is noticeably the unique feature of Apo Island.   If you have more time and want to explore the place, you can also hike to the island’s highest point. You will see from there a panoramic view of Apo Island, the Sulu Sea, and the neighboring provinces.   How to get to Apo Island The easiest way to get to Apo Island is by traveling to Dumaguete City by air or sea transport. You can take a private or public service from Dumaguete City to Malatapay Port.   Boats are readily available at the port to take you to Apo Island in less than an hour. If there are no boats for hire on standby, you can coordinate with the port authorities, and they will gladly help you contact and arrange your transport.   Many tour packages in nearby tourist destinations such as Siquijor, Dauin, and Cebu include a day tour to Apo Island. Also, resorts and dive shops on the mainland along Dauin offer day trips to the island. If you would like everything organized and hassle-free in terms of transport, accommodation, or food, take advantage of those tour packages.   When is the ideal time to visit Apo Island? Divers and visitors can visit Apo Island all year round. Dive centers have already mastered the suitable dive sites for each season. But the ideal time of the year to visit Apo is from November to June. This time of year, the weather is warm, and the sea condition is calm. But if you wish to avoid crowds during the summer months, you might want to visit Apo during the off-season.   Before visiting the island, you can always use apps and websites to check the weather conditions, tides, currents, and waves.   Can you stay overnight on Apo Island? There are two resorts fronting Apo Island, but Liberty’s Community Lodge and Dive Resort is the only one currently operating. They offer a variety of rooms at reasonable prices. Almost all of their rooms have a private balcony where you can view the beach and marvel at the sunset. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their restaurant. You can also enjoy a drink at their Sunset Bar. Below the restaurant is their dive shop for your SCUBA diving and snorkeling needs. Staff will be more than happy to assist if you have special requests or need information about the island.   Some residents also offer rooms for rent at a reasonable price. Locals are friendly and accommodating, so don’t hesitate to ask about the location of homestays.   Popular dive sites on Apo Island Apo Island has multiple dive sites. Each site offers a different scenic view and experience. Regardless of your experience level as a diver, your SCUBA dive master will take you to a suitable dive site.   You’ll have a blast exploring the following dive sites:   Largahan Dive Site You can find this site northwest of Apo Island. This site has a maximum depth of 24 meters, moderate current, and is ideal for open water and advanced divers. There is a cliff in the area with a depth of 10-20 meters. The most exciting part of this dive site is the geothermal activity that emits continuous streams of bubbles. It’s a heaven for macro lovers, filled with Nembrotha nudibranch, bearded scorpionfish, bump heads, parrotfish, flatworms, frogfish, ribbon eels, and turtles hiding among the coral bommies. There are also soft and hard corals, like black corals and tube anemones.    Katipanan Dive Site You can snorkel and scuba dive at this site since the depths range from 5 to 20 meters. The current is gentle to moderate, ideal for new and advanced divers. Your eyes will be delighted by the soft coral garden that is breathtakingly beautiful. During your dive, expect to see cuttlefish, nudibranchs, sea snakes, and turtles harmoniously cruising through the corals and across the sand.   Coconut Point Dive Site With a maximum depth of 24 meters, this site is suitable for experienced divers due to the strong currents. Coconut Point dive site is where advanced divers can experience an exciting drift dive. It is popularly known as “the washing machine” because underwater currents will come from all sides. There are colorful reefs, bigeye trevallies, and big fishes waiting for divers.   Cogon Dive Site Its name comes from the local term for the blady grass on the shore in front of the site. The site is for advanced divers because it offers an exciting drift dive and a beautiful reef with a maximum depth of 28 meters. This site is home to filefish, sweetlips, sea turtles, schools of big eye trevallies, and scenic landscapes such as sand slope, wall, and coral slope!   Mamsa Point Dive Site Named after the local term for jackfish that is abundant at the dive site. Advanced divers can only access this site because of the intense and unpredictable current in the area. Its maximum depth is 25 meters. The location is known to have a school of jackfish forming a colossal circle. There are also several reef fish species at this dive site, including giant frogfish, sea turtles, moray eels, eagle rays, and Moorish idols. There are also bubbles escaping on the sandy

Honestly, I was a little hesitant when our friend Vannessa suggested taking our dive group to Pandilusan Island. The place was unfamiliar to me. Even though I live in the Zamboanga Peninsula, I had never heard of Pandilusan, so I immediately went online to learn more.   After doing some research, I found that the place is not yet widely known.   I must say that it made me want to visit the place even more.   And it was now or never.   So we traveled from Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, at around 6 AM despite the early warning signs of rain. The drive was long, so we had a few stops.   Heaven was on our side that day because everything went smoothly on the road. When we reached Zamboanga Sibugay, the sky was clear, and the weather was warm. I felt like the universe was telling me everything would be okay.   Despite the long road trip, I knew it was worth it. My travel buddies never ran out of jokes, so it didn’t seem like a long way, either.   When we reached Payao, we immediately jumped into the boat and headed straight for the island. We had already coordinated with the tourism office in Payao and arranged a boat rental, so everything went smoothly.   On the way to Pandilusan Island, we spotted a huge naked island in the middle of the ocean. How cool is that?   When we finally reached Pandilusan after one hour, I was immediately blown away by its beauty. The first thing that hit me was the powdery white sand—it looked like it came out of a giant jar of flour. Warm water touched our feet, and it was so clear.   As soon as I stepped foot on the island, I felt a sense of peace and calm. Maybe because there were only a few visitors that time, or perhaps it was the vibe the Talisay Trees’ autumn colors were giving me.   Did I already tell you that while we were still 15 minutes away from the island, we were greeted by a massive school of fish jumping out of the surface while white seabirds dined on them? Talk about abundant marine life!   At that time, I thought it was strange that the island was not more widely promoted. The best island in Zamboanga Sibugay, in my opinion.   Pandilusan Island is now one of my top list of diving destinations, and here’s why:   Gatorade Blue Water It was the most transparent water I had ever seen. There was no haze in the water, and I could see the bottom of the ocean. I could see corals and fishes right through the surface.   Perfect Place To Camp and Dive The island made me feel like I was on a retreat throughout my stay. It was serene, quiet, and beautiful. I didn’t have to think about anything but be in the moment. Pandilusan Island is the perfect place to relax and get away from the city.   Abundant Marine Life There is no doubt that the marine life on the island is thriving and healthy. The famous school of fish featured in Becoming Filipino can be seen just by standing near the shore. And from a distance, you might be surprised to see a school of fish jumping out of the water. Thousands of colorful soft, and hard corals will fascinate you and make you feel like you are in another world.   The Perfect Snack For Divers: 100% Visibility! I experienced 100% underwater visibility for the first time. While I was underwater, I took more pleasure in the view because everything was so clear. My videos didn’t even require much color grading. Check out the video I posted on Facebook about Pandilusan Island, which gathered a lot of appreciation.   Stunning Sunrise and Sunset If you’re on an island, you wouldn’t want to miss seeing the sky in its prettiest color, orange, wouldn’t you? Because the island is so tiny, you can quickly find the best spots to view the sunrise and sunset. The experience was truly magical.   A Great Place To Spend Time With Family And Friends It was a relief to spend time with my family and friends on the serene island. You can all sit down and talk about anything, laugh, and make new crazy memories.   Freediving with my dive buddies on Pandilusan Island was an experience I will never forget. The experience of being on that untouched island was magical in every way. I would never hesitate to return to the island and experience it all over again. Whether you’re a diver, tourist, or visitor, it has a lot to offer you.   If you happen to visit or live near Zamboanga Sibugay— Pandilusan Island is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit!  

Zamboanga Sibugay has a lot to offer to tourists and freedivers because it is home to several beautiful islands and white sand beaches. One of the most underrated tourist destinations in the province is Pandilusan Island.   ABOUT PANDILUSAN ISLAND Pandilusan Island is a small virgin island located in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. It is an hour away from the mainland and accessible by boat.   The island is well-known for its crystal-clear water, powdery sand, and abundant marine life underwater, making it a high potential for tourism and a freediving destination.   It is a small island, so there are no residents. There is, however, a military base camp to keep visitors safe and protect the island from illegal fishing. The local government has also assigned caretakers to keep the island clean.   Tourists and locals are welcome to visit the island. However, it is necessary to coordinate with the Local Government Unit and arrange a boat rental before you visit the island.  HOW TO GET THERE Pandilusan Island is part of the municipality of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. It is accessible from different locations, but if you are unfamiliar with the area, the easiest way is to go directly to Payao.   If you are traveling from a distant location, the nearest jump-off city is Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. From there, you can hire a private service that will take you directly to Payao in two to three hours. Having private transport is recommended because Payao is a remote location.   Another option is to ride a public bus from Pagadian City and drop in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay. Rent a motorcycle from Imelda to take you to Payao, which is only an hour away.   Another jump-off location is in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. If you live near the area, you can travel from there for 3 hours to reach Payao. You can hire a service to take you directly to Payao or ride a public bus from Ipil and stop in Imelda. From there, you can rent a motorcycle to take you to Payao.   ACTIVITIES YOU CAN ENJOY ON THE ISLAND To fully enjoy and experience the whole island, these are the activities you can do with your friends and family:   • Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and Freediving (Bring your own equipment) • Banana Boat • Swimming • Volleyball • Sunset and Sunrise watching • Camping   WHAT TO BRING If you plan to visit this island, make sure to bring these essentials:   Camping gear or a Hammock Because there are no hotels or rooms on the island, camping gear is essential for those wishing to stay overnight. There are tents and cottages for rent, but you can also bring your sleeping gear.   Toiletries There are toilets and bathrooms, but fresh water is not available. The water on the island used for cleaning and bath is salty.   Drinking water Since there is no fresh water source on the island, you will need to bring your own. A mini store on the island sells 20L of drinking water if you want hassle-free travel.   Food, cooking, and eating utensils Bring your food because there are no restaurants in the area. There is, however, a mini store that sells limited groceries.   Powerbank The island does not have regular electricity or a power source. A light source is only available at night for a few hours, so bring power banks and flashlights.   Life jacket A life jacket is optional because life jackets are available for rent in Payao Port. Freediving or Snorkeling gear The island is perfect for underwater activities, so bring your mask, snorkel, and fins. There is also a buoy for rent in the Payao Port.    Pandilusan Island is serene and simply captivating. It’s the perfect place to unwind, relax, and escape the city. You can visit the island any time of the year, so if you want to spend your weekend somewhere new, Pandilusan Island is the place to go!

Sea turtles are one of the most fascinating animals that live in the ocean. They symbolize calm, peace, wisdom, and good fortune because of their long life span and underwater behavior. Aside from that, they make a significant contribution to the ocean and have an impact on other marine life. Sea turtles still hold a lot of mysteries to this day, but so far, here are some of the most interesting facts known about them: 1. The average lifespan of a sea turtle is about the same as that of a human.  Sea turtles have a lifespan. They start to mature and reproduce when they reach between 20 and 30 years old. 2. They appear to be crying when they are on land.  They look like they are crying when you see them on land, but they’re not. They only excrete excess salt through their eyes after consuming salt water. 3. There are seven species of sea turtles.  There are seven species of sea turtles: Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Flatback, Kemp’s Ridley, and the most common type, Green Sea Turtles. They can be found worldwide, except in the Arctic and Antarctic. 4. Sea turtles don’t go into their shells to hide.  Unlike turtles that live on land, a sea turtle can’t retract its head and flippers inside its shell. This is why they are so vulnerable to predators and other threats. 5. The heaviest sea turtle ever found weighed 900 kilograms!  In 1988, a Welsh farmer found what he called a “monster on the beach” and reported it to the authorities. It was a leatherback turtle, approximately 100 years old. It was already dead when it washed up on the beach, and it is believed that it drowned after getting caught in a fishing net. Its body is now preserved and displayed in the National Museum Cardiff. 6. Like humans, sea turtles cannot breathe underwater and need air to survive.  Sea turtles are marine reptiles. They are capable of adapting to both land and water. They can only lay eggs on land, and they need air to breathe, but the majority of their lives are spent underwater. 7.  They can hold their breath for up to 10 hours.  Sea turtles have the ability to stay underwater for several hours, depending on their activity. If they are active, they can hold their breath for 5 to 10 minutes. However, when they are resting or sleeping, they can hold their breath for several hours. They can slow their heartbeats to once every nine minutes in order to conserve oxygen in their bodies.  8. Sea turtles are natural navigators.  Female sea turtles travel back faithfully to the beach where they were born to lay their own eggs. They navigate their way through the use of their sensitivity to Earth’s magnetic field.  9. The temperature of the sand in the nesting area determines the egg’s gender.  The temperature of developing eggs determines whether the offspring is male or female. A cold temperature produces males, while a hot temperature produces females.  10. Sea turtles never see their parents.  Once a female leaves her nest, she never returns to take care of it again. When the eggs hatch, the hatchlings all make their way to the ocean without ever finding their parents. 11. They migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles.  Sea turtles migrate for food, living conditions, and safety. When it is nesting season, they travel again to where they were born. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy website to check out the list of active sea turtles! 12. Sea turtles are already threatened and endangered.  They are now struggling to survive because of human activities, pollution, and climate change. Human activities like illegal trade and too much commercial fishing are the main reasons for the sudden rise in sea turtle deaths. They are hunted and sold for their meat, skin, and shells for different reasons.  Sea turtles can also die from drowning when caught in a fishing net. They can’t slow down their heart rate when stressed, so they can’t stay underwater for long.  Oil spills and human garbage, which are very harmful to them, already pollute some parts of their habitat. Sea turtles that eat jellyfish may ingest plastic by mistake because they confuse it with jellyfish. Destruction, disturbances, and other obstacles in their nesting area also decrease the survival rate of the eggs and hatchlings.  The sudden temperature rise caused by climate change may also mean that more female sea turtles will be produced in the future, resulting in a male shortage. This phenomenon could indicate that reproduction will be reduced, eventually leading to extinction. According to research, some species of sea turtles will be extinct by 2050. In the future, when the last living sea turtle dies, we will no longer be graced by this beautiful creature.  13. Conservation Efforts to Protect Sea Turtles: Despite being around for millions of years, sea turtles are in danger and threatened. Everyone is responsible, and these are the efforts made to protect sea turtles and create a better environment for them: ◉ Do not throw garbage into the ocean.◉ Enforce laws to eradicate dumping pollutants in sea waters.◉ Raising awareness about illegal trade and enforcing laws to prevent them.◉ Increase public awareness and community involvement.◉ Educating people, tourists or not, on how to avoid disrupting the nesting places on the beach and how to protect them.◉ Regulate the fishing industry.◉ Collaboration with conservation groups and government agencies. These efforts should not be left unchecked because sea turtles are an integral part of the ocean. Despite the many challenges, conservationists remain optimistic about increasing the survival of sea turtles. Although it may be challenging to prevent sea turtle deaths caused by factors beyond human control, there are many things everyone can do to help these endangered animals thrive in the future. Whatever small contributions we can make will collectively have a significant impact.