At the end of April this year, I had the chance to combine two of my favourite things: diving and underwater photography — on an incredible trip to the Philippines.
Touchdown
After arriving in Manila in the evening, I quickly got myself sorted with the Grab app (the local equivalent of Uber), and within 10 minutes I was cruising toward my hotel in Aseana City. I was struck by how tidy and orderly the area was and security guards were stationed on every block. It felt worlds apart from the chaotic traffic scenes I encountered on the rest of the trip.
The next morning, I headed across the city to visit an underwater photography store. That turned into a day of mall-hopping, including a stop at the enormous Mall of Asia. I made the rookie mistake of stepping into Ikea — and then spent 45 minutes just trying to find the exit. (Yes, I did consider sending out a distress call to my husband at one point!).
Off to Anilao: Dive, Eat, Sleep, Repeat
From Manila, I was transferred to Crystal Blue Resort in Anilao for an intensive 10-day macro photography workshop — and I do mean intensive. We started each day with a photo review session where we submitted two shots for critique, followed by a short lecture on that day’s macro theme (like storytelling, composition, or lighting). Then it was two dives, lunch, another workshop session, and two more dives before dinner. I was shattered by the end of each day — and barely had time to flick through my memory card before my eyes shut.
A New Obsession: Blackwater Diving
One optional extra was blackwater diving — and I was hooked from my very first night. Drifting in open water at night under a downline, we encountered larval fish, juvenile mantis shrimp, pelagic squid, octopus, comb jellies, and all kinds of bizarre, alien-like plankton. It’s an entirely different world. If you ever get the chance to try blackwater diving — do it! I ended up booking four nights in total and would have done more if I could.
Learning from the Best
On the final day of the workshop, we each submitted ten photos for an in-house competition. I was absolutely stoked to be awarded 2nd place — especially considering the incredible talent in the group. Huge thanks to the trip leaders Nirupam Nigam & Mike Chiado, and to Mike Bartick from Crystal Blue — I learned more in those ten days than in two years of shooting underwater.
Cultural Connection in Pinamalayan
After saying farewell to my fellow workshop divers, I was transferred to Batangas Port where I met up with Ameil — a diver I’d first met when he joined our club back home in New Zealand. From there, we caught a ferry to Mindoro and were picked up by his friend L.A., who drove us to Ameil’s hometown of Pinamalayan.
I spent the next couple of days being welcomed like family. I met Ameil’s parents, ate incredible Filipino food, and joined him for a couple of dives at COVE — his freediving and scuba business. It was hands-down the most authentic and heartfelt part of the trip. The hospitality I experienced in Pinamalayan is something I’ll never forget.
One Last Dive Stop: Puerto Galera
We wrapped up the adventure in Puerto Galera — a true macro heaven. Although I was there to take photos, my favourite dive of the whole trip was actually The Canyons. It was such a visual overload that I barely took a single shot — I just wanted to soak it all in. We squeezed in a few days of diving in Puerto Galera, but it definitely wasn’t enough.
Final Thoughts
This was more than just a photography trip — it was a deep dive into culture, connection, and creativity underwater. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made it so special, from the workshop leaders and dive staff to my Filipino hosts. If you ever get the chance to dive the Philippines — especially Anilao and Puerto Galera — don’t hesitate.
And if macro’s your thing? You might just fall in love like I did.