BE CAREFUL

I am a Resort owner, not an engineer, and never did construction before coming to the Philippines but figured out real quick that it is different here than where I came from!

Here are some practical tips I have learned from doing construction for myself and my friends in the Philippines since 1999.

Finding a construction firm that actually does accurate floor plans for private homes is difficult, especially the farther you get away from the major cities. So, any project you do will require months of planning and no detail is too small if you want to get it done right. It’s much easier to do it right the first time than changing it afterwards.

PLAN EVERYTHING

I go through a ream of graph paper each time I plan a building. For useful measurements and ideas use the internet, it’s a treasure trove of information.

For all the rooms, kitchen, bathroom etc I draw chalk outlines in a parking lot with everything the exact size to see if everything fits, which way the doors should open, where to put the switches, lights, sockets, plumbing, mirrors etc.

Stairways take a tremendous amount of space. Plan these carefully. Hallways are a total waste of space so I built a 2 story, 5 bedroom house on our farm with No Hallways. It’s perfect.

Plan to Build everything out of CONCRETE! It will not rust, rot, get eaten and takes very little maintenance. In my resort rooms all the beds, bedside tables, wardrobe & counters are concrete. You can dress it up, trim with native materials, bamboo, hardwood, stone, tiles etc.

This also adds structural integrity to your building to withstand earthquakes.

We even made the door frames in concrete so nothing eats them. The doors are still wood

Make your building Typhoon Proof & Secure. A solid Concrete box with a flat concrete roof is perfect as the core structure.

Then, again, dress it up for aesthetics with native materials like nipa roofs over the balconies, maybe an outdoor kitchen, seating area with nipa & bamboo for that “South Pacific Island” feeling.

The flat roof is also perfect for water tanks, rain catchment & Solar Panels. The solar panels are almost a pre-requisite since we have such awesome access to this clean, free source of power. Also, with our proximity to China & Taiwan the equipment is relatively inexpensive and the quality has gotten much better.

In case of emergency, install underground water storage tanks. Even in Urban areas there can be water shortages or outright failures during typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions etc.

Plan on having space for a generator. You may not think you need it but, trust me, better to have the space and not need it, than need it and not have it. A small electric start diesel generator can make life much more comfortable when the time comes.

I would suggest roll down metal shutters on the windows if your building is exposed to high winds on a hillside, oceanside or you expect to spend extended periods of time away.

HIRE A CONTRACTOR

Now that you have a 100% idea of what you want to accomplish and are ready to get started you might think you can save money by dong it yourself but, I promise, you will quickly get frustrated by the nonsense, theft, delays, excuses, lies and schemes.

It doesn’t matter if you are a foreigner or local, everyone will be looking for an angle on you. They all know you will not be a repeat customer since most people only build once so they will be looking to make as much as possible on this deal.

Yes, labour is cheap here and there is a reason for that. No Tradesmen. Yes, it’s true. You will meet Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters etc but none of them went to trade school, did an apprenticeship or got Certified by any governing agency. They learned by watching others, then started doing it themselves and eventually called themselves professionals.

Let someone else deal with them…

In 2010 we built our 2nd resort. A 15 room Beach Resort with swimming pool. Then in 2014 we closed this resort temporarily so we could add another 4 story building with 15 Suite rooms, full stainless steel Kitchen, Restaurant, Bar & Reception area.

2010

2014

We accomplished all this from June 15 > Sept 15…Yes 90 days.

It had to be done within this time frame because, on day 91, we had guests arriving

Granted, the 15 new rooms were not finished inside but they were closed in with doors & windows so they could be finished while the resort was operating….and Making Money.

This would not have been possible without meticulous planning and an awesome Contractor.

I have heard far more Horror stories than Happy stories when it comes to construction. Sloppy work, inferior materials, outright theft, runaway builders, incomplete structures, no permits etc.

Make sure the Contractor is a Licensed, Board Certified Professional Engineer or Architect. Don’t be shy about asking to see their credentials. Also ask for references then actually Check Them Out!

All builders will show you structures that they say they built so go and ask these people about their experience. Don’t be shy!

Some people try to hire a contractor only to ‘supervise’ the construction for a set salary while paying for the labour & materials themselves. However, this backfires as the contractor will not want to finish the project…..because he stops getting paid ! The workers feel the same way.

Also, it’s far too easy for a supervisor to pad the payroll, divert materials, get kickbacks from suppliers etc. etc.

ALL INCLUSIVE CONTRACTS

My preference is to get a formal ALL INCLUSIVE contract so you know EXACTLY what your finished cost will be. I don’t care how smily, friendly, honest they seem, a good contract makes for a good business relationship, period.

Make sure it details EVERYTHING that will be Included and what quality of materials that will be used. Good quality paint & tiles are important so do your research & specify a brand name to be used.

You can always decide to have some items that will be “customer supplied” like high quality bathroom fixtures, lighting, countertops etc.

Get a completion date ! Set penalties if they go past this date. Since this is a set price contract they will also want it done as soon as possible.

If possible, hire someone with construction experience to be onsite for quality control. Making sure something as simple as the stairs all being the same size and that there is enough head space for a 2 meter tall person to walk up them. Don’t forget, in the land of little people these things get overlooked, promise.

Things like the right mix of cement, sand, gravel in the concrete mix is vital. The correct amount & size of reinforcing bar in the columns, beams & flooring is also crucial. These are all areas where contractors can cut corners without you seeing it…with disastrous results.

You must understand, there is no government agency to save you if anything goes wrong with your contractor or the construction. Legal action is expensive, slow, corrupt and is generally unenforceable so….Go Slowly, Research, Plan, Hire a Contractor and make sure everything is done right the first time.

BADLADZ Beach Clean Up

Luckily for us BADLADZ Beach is a relatively Trash Free area but we still managed to remove 18 kilos / 275 pieces of assorted trash from the ocean floor in just 4 hours.

Lots of plastics of course, old fishing lines & nets but also including, amazingly, 16 articles of clothing. There was also one rubber motorcycle tire which would have taken about 50 YEARS to decompose !

Yes, we know this is a tiny fraction of the 8 million pieces of trash that go into our oceans every day but it certainly helps if everybody takes some out.

It is a great opportunity to train our kids to preserve this resource and hopefully.

BADLADZ Beach Clean Up Crew

This beach clean up crew included all the kids, aged 11 > 14, that live with us here at BADLADZ Beach & Dive Resort. All of them are, of course, PADI certified Junior Open Water Divers. Since we only search until about 4 meters of depth this exercise was great for them to hone their snorkeling, dive buoyancy and Scuba equipment set up skills.

We are also keen for all our kids to develop a healthy awareness for protecting their environment.

Beach Clean Up and Scuba Diving with BADLADZ

Everyone is invited to join us for this beach clean up. Have Fun, Stay Fit, Practice your Scuba & Snorkeling skills.

Mask & Snorkel equipment is provided for Free, Scuba Diving Gear at half price rental for certified divers, and Beach walkers are welcome. We provide the trash sacks.

Just contact us on Facebook or email us info@badladz.com

This activity is weather permitting of course as big waves & heavy rain make it difficult and dangerous. Just call before you come – 0939 914 8819

The beach clean up fun starts about 8:00 am while the temperature is still relatively cool and we search for trash until 12:00 noon. It’s really a nice family outing on the beach, a great way to start the day and an activity that everyone can join, regardless of age.

Note: Please bring gloves as the sea creatures are sometimes hiding in/on the trash.

During this Beach Clean Up you will probably see very little marine life because they are hiding during daytime BUT come and join us for a night dive in this same area and you will be stunned at the variety of sea creatures that live beneath the ocean floor just waiting for the lights to go out !

Do you enjoy Muck Diving, have you ever tried ? Most night dives here you will see Octopus galore, sometimes a dozen or more !

Contact our Dive Shop, we dive every day – 0998 989 8485 and we will schedule your Adventure !

Take Care, Enjoy and let’s all do something to save the planet !

Outline:

• Equipment
• Getting your certification card or getting a higher certification
• Destination
• Do they speak your language?
• Last but not least is the cost
• Conclusion

Equipment

It doesn’t matter if you are a new diver or already certified. Look for a diving operation that has well-maintained scuba diving gear. Look at the condition. Is it clean, not faded or scratched & torn? Is the dive shop organised?

A professional diving operation should be neat and clean. This is a good indication of how they maintain & care for their equipment. You should be able to walk into a dive resort and feel confident that they will take care of you as they care for their dive gear.

Specifically, look for equipment from a top scuba diving supply company, especially the regulators. Apeks, for example, is a top-tier supplier of technical regulators and are made to be reliable and safe. They are also balanced. This means that they make it easy to breathe regardless of how hard you work, how deep you dive or how much air is in your tank. It takes a lot of stress out of diving. These regulators are expensive, so any shop using them for guests is seriously taking care of their divers!

If a dive shop has equipment like this, you don’t need to buy or bring your own. You are already diving with the best!

Check for safety gear. The most obvious one is oxygen in the shop and on the boat. If there is a diving problem, oxygen is the first treatment to prevent decompression sickness. It is seldom needed, but it should be ready just in case.

Getting your certification card or getting a higher certification

All dive shops will certify divers, so your next choice is to decide which agency to get certified with. My advice on this is to go to a scuba diving shop that trains through PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. This is the biggest and best organised agency so you cannot go wrong. Their standards are high, and their organisation is worldwide, so it is a certification card you can use anywhere. Even if you lose your certification card, it is computerised, and any PADI shop can look up your qualifications in minutes.

When deciding when and where to do this, it is always best if you can complete your course at one time and then do some fun dives right away to help build your confidence.

Destination

Many scuba divers consider dive resorts the perfect destination when they offer a mix of diving experiences like wreck diving, coral reefs, deep drift and night diving.

There should be at least one dive site that allows you to take pictures easily with lots of light, marine life and no current. Another site should feature creatures that hide in the seabed. This is called Muck Diving, and it always amazes people when they see the strange creatures residing here.

There should also be other diving activities like coral reef restoration, coastal clean-ups and marine research that benefit marine life. This will help with your diving skills and benefit the environment while you have FUN!

Research the diving conditions. When is the best time of year to dive there? What is visibility like? Does it suit your diving skill level? Going to a dive shop specializing in technical diving makes no sense when you are only a recreational diver.

Try to find one close to the dive sites unless you like long boat rides!

Check the reviews. What do others say about it? Does the dive organisation have good reviews? There will always be the odd bad review; that’s inevitable, but are most guests happy?

Do you like crowds of people and a busy location when you go diving or something smaller, friendlier, or more personal? Remember, the more people diving in your group, the less you will see. Too many people and marine life get shy.

Do they speak your language?

Yes, this is something that is often overlooked. Communication is essential before you dive for safety. You need to know the dive plan, safety procedures and underwater signals that will be used. Make sure you can communicate with your dive guide or instructor in case of a problem. Also, you will undoubtedly have questions about what you have seen, so make sure they can answer you!

Last but not least is the cost

The big dive shops, like designer clothes, charge more because of brand recognition, but it doesn’t mean they are better, just bigger.

Also, if you are diving in an area with many dive shops, they will undoubtedly be going to the same dive sites. This means you will still end up in the exact location regardless of how much you pay.

That doesn’t mean you should go to the cheapest shop, though. Diving equipment is expensive to purchase & maintain, so any shop that is not charging enough will probably be cutting corners on something. Staff, Maintenance and Safety are the factors that suffer when costs are cut.

Find a medium-range operation that fits the information I have given you earlier on equipment. Does the shop look and feel safe and professional?

Conclusion

Do your research and study dive equipment, destinations, agencies, and shops. Read some Scuba Diving magazines; these will inspire you where to go and what equipment and dive agencies are popular. Product reviews can also give you insight into the equipment you will be using. This is an important decision so take your time. Regardless of where you go… you will be guaranteed to make friends!

What is Scuba Diving?

For starters, Scuba diving refers to an underwater sport that involves breathing underwater using a scuba set and exploring the underwater world. The diver would be needing essentials such as fins, mask, regulator, weights and a wetsuit.

Additionally, with the help of a buoyancy control device and dive computer, open water divers could reach their maximum potential in exploring the pristine reefs of Puerto Galera.

Originally, it arose from the need for underwater navigation to the point that its development was partially motivated by the military defense. Additionally, diving is the best way to explore wrecks.

A diver typically descends using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) that includes an air supply, sometimes supplemented by a primary carbon dioxide removal system if you decide to get involved in technical diving.

Why Scuba Dive in Puerto Galera?

Being located primarily in the Coral Triangle where the vast majority of the world’s coral reefs and fish are found. Verde Island, located in front of Puerto Galera, is the Center of this area and has more species present than any other place on earth.

Scientists consider Puerto Galera and Verde Island to be an epicenter of marine biodiversity. You can dive either maximum depth or minimum level, and even snorkel to be able to catch its beauty closer.

Scuba Diving Near Manila

For starters, you may want to begin looking for a dive destination that is accessible to you. The PADI Open Water course for beginners only takes four days so you can do it straight through or break it up into smaller sessions.

What Scuba Diving in Puerto Galera Can Bring You

Over 30 Dive Sites

When you start diving your instructors will be taking you to calm, protected areas to do your lessons, learn how to control your body underwater, and get accustomed to your equipment. There will still be lots of pretty fishes and coral reefs to look at but you will be doing your lessons over a sandy bottom so you do not damage the corals.

However, once you master your training you will certainly want to do more and try sites with greater challenges. Puerto Galera has everything for the beginner all the way up to technical sites if you decide to get really serious about diving.

For people that think they have seen it all then you need to dive with our professional Dive Masters, Guides, and Instructors. They will introduce you to a myriad of marine life creatures from the teeny tiny to the tricky and mysterious ones that you never knew existed.

Great Training Ground for First time Scuba Divers

PADI, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is by far the largest, safest, and most thorough dive training organization in the world. You can start learning as early as 8 years old and continue your training as far as your personal goals push you to achieve.

The more you dive, the more you will probably want to learn about diving. There is navigation, Photography or maybe take a Rescue course to learn how to help yourself and others.

Of course, there are also Marine Conservation courses for those really interested in helping the environment. There is always more to learn.

Great Visibility

Once you learn to go scuba your fascination could induce you to document your amazing ocean adventures. The best way, of course, is to take photos and videos. Camera equipment has become much cheaper over the last few years and digitally stored images make it cheap and easy to edit and share your experiences.

You will still need some camera lights to truly capture this silent world but having the clear water for visibility that allows the natural light to penetrate makes this much easier.

Comparable to a Space Travel

Scuba Diving is honestly the closest any of us will ever get to traveling into Outer Space but it is amazingly similar. First, we need special equipment to breathe and survive. Similarly, you will be weightless and able to float around without touching the ground.

However, the greatest part is the Wild, Weird creatures you will see! Straight out of a science fiction movie, I promise. The space aliens you see in the movies are not as mind-blowing as the ones in our own oceans.

Some marine life biologists believe that octopus are actually an alien species that arrived on earth as frozen eggs 540 million years ago. Well, you can decide on that but, for sure, they definitely are different!

Meeting New Friends

This sport is not just about diving, it is about meeting interesting people. Every dive site is an adventure on a boat with lots of time to enjoy the scenery, feel the breeze, absorb the sunshine and meet new people.

Scuba Diving attracts people from all countries, all ages, and all cultures and they all come to Puerto Galera for the same reasons as you. So very many lifelong friendships start here as you discuss the world above and below the waves.

Simplicity

The cost of Scuba Diving equipment concerns many people. At BADLADZ Beach and Dive Resort, we make it simple. Don’t buy your gear, use ours! We have only ‘top of the line’ AQUALUNG Scuba Gear and APEKS Balanced Regulators.

A balanced regulator is used by professional and technical divers and ensures that you can breathe easily and safely regardless of how deep you dive, how much air is in your tank or how hard you are working deep in water. They are exactly what you would buy for yourself.

This equipment is as good or better than the gear you would personally choose, therefore one less thing to worry about. So nothing to buy, nothing to carry. Just show up at the dive shop with a swimsuit and a smile then you are ready to start having Fun, Fun, Fun!

Badladz Beach and Dive Resort: An Awesome Diving Site for Beginners and Professionals

If you’re looking for another good coastal adventure, where you can go swimming, freediving, and snorkeling, then Badladz Beach and Dive Resort is the place for you! Explore the tropical sea wildlife with dolphins, and turtles together with other recreational diving experiences.

Our resort has an edge compared to other resorts because safety procedures and equipment configurations for your best dive destinations are our top priority. We also have our PADI certified divers which can accommodate you and assist with your concerns.

Start living your dream and don’t mind the depths of the water, you are SAFE with us !

Key Takeaway

Scuba diving is a fun and exciting way to explore the world below the surface. If you’re looking for your next dive experience, look no further than BADLADZ Beach and Dive Resort. We offer a variety of diving packages to suit your needs, and our knowledgeable staff will make sure your diving experience is unforgettable.

Explore many dive sites here in Puerto Galera and complete your bucket list! Get ready for the best diving experience of your life with Sean the owner.

• Ready, Set, GO
• First, no alcohol the night before
• Second, Get a good night’s sleep!
• Third, Eat a lovely light, nutritious meal
• Forth, No Fear
• Fifth, what to bring
• Sixth, listen to your instructor
• Seventh, DON’T TOUCH
• Are you looking for your first scuba diving adventure?
  

With over 6 thousand scuba dives, I am not just making these up, and all of these tips will also apply every time you go scuba diving for the rest of your life, promise.

Ready, Set, GO

These tips have nothing to do with your dive equipment; your professional instructors will teach you everything you need to know about that.

I am talking about you being physically & mentally prepared. Scuba Diving is a new experience for your mind and body, so you will need to be ready for all the new sensations and physical activity. These tips will apply to every dive you make even after becoming certified.

First, no alcohol the night before

There are obvious reasons resulting from the residual alcohol in your system. Slower reaction times, loss of coordination, hazy memory, etc., and alcohol dehydrates you, which is also the cause of your hangovers!

Coffee is also a mild diuretic that causes you to urinate more and dehydrate, so only one cup in the morning.

The air in your scuba cylinders is dry, so that you will lose more fluid to this dry air, and even the warm water will make your lungs work harder to warm up the atmosphere and increase moisture loss. So you see, many things are conspiring to rob you of fluids, and all this adds up to your body not being happy and making your first dives less fun.

Second, Get a good night’s sleep!

Scuba Diving is a sport, and it will be tiring like all sports. You will be moving your body the whole time, getting in and out of the water, in the Sun heating up and in the water cooling down. If you are not well-rested, then your body & mind will not be happy. Rest so that you can enjoy.

Third, Eat a lovely light, nutritious meal

You will be burning a lot of calories. Remember, your body has never done this before, so it will take some extra exertion to use the equipment and control your body underwater. You will be weightless, which is cool, but it also takes some effort and additional coordination to maintain your position in the water.

The water will not be the same temperature as your body, and it acts as a heatsink, draining the warmth from your system. Even in the Philippines, where the ocean is an average of 27 degrees Celsius, this is still below your average body temperature of 36 degrees. Your metabolism will compensate by burning more calories to keep warm.

Plus, the excitement of this new experience will also make your heart pump faster and, yes, burn more calories.

Forth, No Fear

Most people fear the water because they cannot see beneath the surface. Trust me; it is beautiful, tranquil & serene. Do not be concerned, anxious, or scared, and Scuba Diving is one of the safest sports in the world because the equipment and training have been developed over many years and will not let you down. Also, nothing in the water wants to bite you, don’t believe the movies. You have a better chance of being killed by a falling coconut! Promise, it’s statistically valid.

Fifth, what to bring

Again this is all about keeping your body happy. Your dive shop should supply lots of drinking water, but you will want to make sure. Bring a hat and sunblock. Your wetsuit will protect your body, but your head and face will be exposed directly to the Sun. Even if the boat has a roof, the Sun’s rays will be reflected off the water onto your face. That means sunglasses too for eye protection. A light windbreaker is nice also if you will be doing multiple dives. As I said before, the water will suck the heat out of your body, and even a light breeze can feel cool.

The right equipment will make this much more enjoyable.

OK, so now you are Physically & Mentally prepared for this new adventure.

Sixth, listen to your instructor

Scuba Diving training techniques have been developed over the years to focus on the most important aspects of diving. The basic skills you will learn are necessary, and you will use them every time you dive. The safety and physiology lessons are essential to understanding the different world you are entering.

Scuba Diving is as close as we will ever get to going to another planet, and there are many similarities. We need life support systems to survive in this new environment, and, like the moon, we will be weightless. You will also be seeing things you have never seen before so do not get over-excited and remember safety is the most important thing to focus on.

Take your time, relax; your instructors are trained to be patient, and they really want you to be successful, so trust them.

Seventh, DON’T TOUCH

Nothing in the ocean wants to bite you, BUT most of the creatures living here are built to protect themselves from predators, which means poisons, venom, spikes & teeth. If YOU threaten them or touch them, then the fault is yours. I promise you, and there are deadly fish that look like rocks and shimmering sea urchins secreting poison. The coral is also a living organism with toxins that make your life miserable.

The other aspect of this is that much of what you see is fragile, and any damage you do will take years to repair. So be careful and be an observer. Take nothing home but memories and the new friendships you will undoubtedly make scuba diving.

Are you looking for your first scuba diving adventure?

We’ve got just the spot for you if you want to get your feet (or fins) wet and explore the fantastic world beneath the waves. BADLADZ BEACH AND DIVE RESORT is the perfect place for your first scuba diving experience.

With PADI courses available for all ages and skill levels, we can help make sure your day underwater is unforgettable. So what are you waiting for? Visit our website today or give us a call!

In this guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of each activity so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your next vacation!

What Is Scuba Diving?

Scuba diving is primarily a hobby exploring an inaccessible and mysterious underwater world for pleasure. Humans have long sought to dominate the sea due to our limited capacity to breathe underwater on our own. For that reason, scuba diving allows us to access a realm we otherwise couldn’t get into, whether for a predetermined length of time or not.

Underwater diving utilizing SCUBA is a phrase that stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, which means we need specialized equipment to breathe underwater.

Scuba Diving Gear

A Wetsuit Or Drysuit

To get into the water and stay there for an extended period, you need some equipment. The most basic piece is a wetsuit which helps keep your body warm while underwater in colder environments.

Diving Mask

You will also need a mask so that you can see underwater. Masks come in different sizes and shapes, so try on a few before choosing one.

Scuba Diving Fins

Scuba diving fins are another essential piece of equipment. They help you move through the water more efficiently and reach greater depths.

Buoyancy Control Device

A buoyancy compensator, also known as a BC, is a piece of scuba diving equipment that helps you maintain your balance underwater.

A Scuba Tank

A scuba diving tank is an essential piece of equipment for underwater exploration. The compressed air inside it allows you to breathe while exploring beneath our blue planet’s surface and makes this adventure possible!

Regulator

The regulator is the device that lets you breath underwater. It regulates air pressure coming from your tank and delivers it to you in a steady stream so you can breath comfortably & normally while you enjoy the underwater world.

Weights

A scuba diving kit also includes weights, which assist you in sinking underwater.

What Is Snorkeling?

Snorkeling is a term used to describe swimming along the surface of a body of water while wearing an ordinary mask (or goggles), a snorkel (a breathing tube with a valve on one end), and, if applicable, swim fins.

The snorkel, mask, and swim fins all work in tandem to provide a clear view underwater while breathing face down in the water and free-swimming.

Snorkeling does not require particular abilities, pricey equipment, or hard labor. It allows us to enjoy the underwater environment and other advantages compared to those gained from land-based aquatic workouts.

Equipment Needed For Snorkeling

A Mask

The first piece of equipment you will need for snorkeling is a mask. That will help you to see underwater. Masks come in different sizes and shapes, so try on a few before choosing one.

Snorkeling Fins

Snorkeling fins are another essential piece of equipment. They help you move through the water more efficiently and reach greater depths.

A Wetsuit Or Drysuit

It’s essential to have the right equipment for your activity. A wetsuit or drysuit will help keep you warm while snorkeling and protect against any scrapes on sensitive areas like joints when wearing informal clothes without protection (like swimwear).

A Snorkel Tube

A snorkel is the last piece of equipment you’ll need. That is utilized to breathe while submerged in water. That’s why a snorkel is also known as a breathing tube.

Differences Between Scuba Diving And Snorkeling

Now that we have discussed what scuba diving and snorkeling are, let’s compare and contrast the two activities:

You Only Need A Mask And A Snorkel For Snorkeling

One of the main differences between scuba diving and snorkeling is that you only need a mask and a snorkel for snorkeling. You do not need any other specialized equipment.

Scuba Diving Requires More Equipment

Another difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is that scuba diving requires more complex equipment. In addition to a mask and a snorkel, you will also need a wetsuit, fins, weights, and a buoyancy compensator.

Snorkeling Is Shallow Water Diving

The third difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is that scuba diving allows you to dive deeper than snorkeling does. Snorkeling is considered shallow water diving, as the average depth is only about 20 feet.

Scuba Diving Is Deep Water Diving

Diving is a fascinating sport that allows you to explore underwater worlds. Scuba divers can dive up 130 feet with their gear, making them versatile in deep water environments like coral reefs or shipwrecks!

Snorkeling Is A Relaxing Activity

Another difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is that scuba diving is more strenuous than snorkeling. Snorkeling is a relaxing activity that does not require much effort, while scuba diving requires physical exertion.

Different Types of Breathing

Another distinction between scuba diving and snorkeling is that scuba diving necessitates various breathing techniques. To breathe underwater, you’ll be employing both your lungs and diaphragm with Scuba gear. That is referred to as the scuba dive breath.

In contrast, snorkeling only requires mouth breathing. That means that you can take a break from swimming by simply holding your nose closed and exhaling underwater. That also conserves air supply.

Snorkeling And Scuba Diving Have Distinct Risks

While scuba diving and snorkeling share similarities, they also have different risks. Scuba diving is more dangerous than snorkeling because it involves descending into deeper water and breathing from scuba tanks. In addition, scuba divers need to be aware of the dangers of decompression sickness.

Snorkeling is less risky than scuba diving because it does not involve descending into deep water or breathing from scuba tanks. Snorkelers are also not as likely to experience decompression sickness.

You Can Explore More With Scuba Diving

A final difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is that scuba diving allows you to explore more of the underwater world than snorkeling does. Scuba diving allows you to stay underwater for more extended periods and reach greater depths.

Summary

That’s everything there is to know about snorkeling and scuba diving. We’ve attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of each to make an educated decision about which one is best for you. Of course, if you still have any questions or want more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with BADLADZ BEACH & DIVE RESORT.

We offer fantastic scuba diving trips here at BADLADZ BEACH & DIVE RESORT and our PADI certified dive masters will take great care of you underwater. Why not visit our website today and book your next scuba diving trip with us?

The Philippines has some of the world’s most gorgeous undersea scenery, with everything from coral reefs to shipwrecks to marine life. The Philippines is a fantastic scuba diving destination, and it’s one that you should add to your list

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is located in the Sulu Sea and features a wide range of marine life. Scuba divers can see everything from sharks to sea turtles here!

Visitors must have a permit before entering this protected area, which includes two coral atolls: the North Atoll (Ross) and South Atoll (Sangail). This park was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 due to its importance in biodiversity conservation efforts throughout the Asia Pacific region. It also contains over 600 species that live among colorful corals, making up more than 40% of total reef coverage on both reefs combined. Scuba divers will enjoy exploring all that nature has created there with their own eyes.

Anilao

The Anilao area is located in the province of Batangas, and it’s home to some great scuba diving here in the Philippines.

Cathedral, Lighthouse, and Japanese Gardens are some of the most well-known diving sites in Anilao. Scuba divers can expect to see a wide variety of fish here, including scorpionfish, stonefish, lionfish, clownfish, angelfish, barracuda, and more!

Donsol

If you’re looking for an opportunity to see whale sharks up close and personal, Donsol is the place to be! The whale shark (Rhincodon typus), or Boholto, is a huge fish that may reach up to 18 meters in length and may be observed in the seas around Donsol from November to May.

Divers will also find a variety of other marine life here, including manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. This region is a must-visit for any scuba diving enthusiast!

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is on the island of Mindoro and is very well known for its beautiful coral reefs. Located on the Verde Island Passage it is considered to be the Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the World.

 A variety of fish may be observed at this site including eels, green sea turtles and hawksbills, giant groupers and giant clams. Scuba diving in Puerto Galera also has some of the best Macro Marine Photography you’ll find anywhere on Earth with vivid coral reefs and great visibility. Of course there are clouds of exotic fish like parrotfish and clownfish and, for a thrill, there are also barracuda and occasionally white tip & thresher sharks.

Subic Bay

Shipwreck Heaven ! Scuba diving in Subic Bay provides access to some fantastic wrecks, including the USS New York, a World War 1 era Heavy Cruiser which was scuttled during World War II. This former US Navy vessel still lies there today and sits at depths ranging from 16 meters deep to 32 meters below sea level. Underwater explorers will be amazed at what they’ll find here and the many other wrecks scattered around there!

Coron Bay

Coron has become a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful islands and pristine waters. In addition, Coron Bay is also home to 10 Japanese freighters sunk on the same day by US aircraft during World War II. These wrecks make for some excellent dive sites, and they’re perfect for anyone who loves exploring sunken treasures!

Malapascua

Malapascua is located north of Cebu City, and it’s home to many beautiful dive sites. Probably it is best known for the Thresher Sharks that frequent Monad Shoal but Scuba divers can also expect to see mandarinfish, seahorses, nudibranchs and of course the regular reef fish like clownfish & parrotfish.

Boracay

Boracay is best known for its pristine white sand beach but is also the ideal location for exploring beautiful coral reefs. Scuba divers can expect to see butterflyfish, pufferfish, lionfish, red toothed triggers and snappers among the colorful fish and coral here, as well as sea turtles and rays.

Palawan

Palawan is one of the most varied regions in the Philippines when it comes to scuba diving. Scuba divers can expect to see a wide variety of marine life here, including 1600 species of reef fish, barracuda, rays, and 5 species of sea turtles. There are always, octopus, squid and occasionally a Manta Ray to be spotted.

Apo Island

Apo Island is one of the world’s most beautiful coral islands, with some of the world’s best coral reefs. Scuba divers can expect to see colorful fish, 400 species of coral with sea urchins, sea squirts & brittle stars as well as green sea turtles in this marine sanctuary

Balicasag Island

Balicasag is an island near Bohol, and it contains some of the Philippines’ best diving locations. Clownfish and parrotfish, ribbon & moray eels, nudibranch for those macro enthusiasts and titan triggerfish are among the species that scuba divers may encounter here.

Where To Stay In the Philippines?

You can’t dive all day and night. Of course, you may want to head out for a little bit of fun at the end of an exciting diving trip too! BADLADZ BEACH & DIVE RESORT is your answer when it comes to finding that perfect combination of activities and accommodations.

We offer heaps of different things like scuba diving packages, Inland and Island tours, and even spa treatments, so you’ll never get bored during your stay with us. If this sounds up your alley, visit our website or call us to book your stay today!

Please understand that nothing I say here is meant to be detrimental to the Philippines or the lovely people living here. I love this place but there are certain realities that you must face as an employer.

Actually, now that things are returning to ‘normal’ in late 2021, we are having a hard time finding staff to rehire. They have moved on.

The loss of work because of the pandemic did not affect their lifestyles the way it would in the more evolved countries. The Filipinos can live on less, MUCH less so it was easy for them to return to their provincial roots & hang out. Food in the trees, water in the streams, and never cold! On our beach in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro there used to be 10 fishing boats, now there are close to 40. It’s not sustainable but nobody is going hungry.

Now you would think that, with 110 Million people, it should be easy to get staff and it is … if you are looking for people to show up, sit down, play on their phones and get a paycheck. Seriously, we had a CPA refuse to work for us as we did not allow Facebook during work. She said, “But it’s my happiness!”.

The employment bar here has been set pretty low in the Philippines for a very long time. The average Filipino expects disorganization, slow service, inferior goods. They really don’t know any better.

This is starting to change however but slowly. Basically, if they have not worked or lived abroad, they DO NOT understand Western Standards. Do not assume they will.

As more people travel and see how things are done in other countries their standards are rising. I really love watching Filipinos with US passports standing in the interminable lines at Immigration … Bitching ????

This is also part of the problem, and they have a name for it. The Brain Drain. All the Smart & Industrious Filipinos leave to work abroad. So..who’s left….

To compound this, the level of education is very low. Yup, English teachers that don’t speak English are common. Even college graduates are far below the level of education you would expect. It was not long ago that students graduated High School at 16 then attended 2 years of ‘college’ making them roughly equivalent to western high school education. An additional detriment is that 16-year-old girls would be sent to college towns and stay in dorms for this segment of their education. Suffice to say the boys took full advantage of the lack of adult supervision and teen pregnancy deprived a huge number of girls of achieving higher education.

We’ll see what happens with the new K12 system where they graduate high school at 18.

The nice thing in the Philippines is you can be VERY specific about who you want to hire. Advertising for a 21-year-old Female, attractive, light-skinned, physically fit, pleasing personality, Catholic, Single, No children, 42 kilos, over 5’ 4” tall, willing to work 6 – 10 hour days, non-smoker, non-drinker would get you to put in jail in a western country. Not here. Perfectly acceptable.

But, if you are looking for these classic qualities. Multi-Tasking, Situational Awareness, Organisational Skills, Dedication, Confidence, Reliability, Teamwork, Independence, Leadership, Integrity, Interpersonal/communication skills, Self-awareness ….Good Luck

When you do hire, Do NOT be specific about their job description as you might need to change it and guaranteed they will have it memorized and follow it to the letter. Make all their job descriptions as vague as possible, ALL AROUND works well. If you really need a description, add the phrase – “And any reasonable request”.

There is a tendency here to hire MANY staff for each position, quantity to make up for quality and the pay scale reflects this.

Construction workers get about $10 a day and you need lots of them as everything is done manually. You can try to speed things up by giving them power tools but two problems arise. They don’t know how to use them so they break AND sometimes they will break them intentionally so the job lasts longer. Their version of job security

Do not fall into the trap of PAYING MORE wages thinking this will get you better results. It can sometimes be counterproductive. A manager once asked for more time off instead when we announced his pay raise.

If you increase their pay and you don’t get the expected, promised results it’s impossible to reduce their salary. Therefore, should you want to pay someone more, give it to them as a ‘Performance Bonus’. You can stop this anytime.

Never lend or CA (cash advance) more than 1-month salary. If they get too far in debt it is much easier for them to quit and find another job than pay you back. You lose the employee AND the money

Finding Supervisory staff is very tough. They quickly become friends with their co-workers and have trouble disciplining them. Look for non-drinkers. They are less likely to form a bond thru drinking sessions outside of the workplace.

Self Motivated, Free Thinking, Problem Solvers are rare so we give each department a detailed checklist of tasks with specific times for them to complete each task. The staff sign for each task, the supervisor signs for the task list completed. Reduces the ‘finger pointing’ if there is an issue.

BEWARE. There will be no secrets about your business, your personal life, the wages & benefits of other employees, etc. Everything will be shared with everyone. The Filipino term is Tsismis and it loosely means Gossip but on a much more prolific and deeper scale. THERE ARE NO SECRETS IN THE PHILIPPINES, promise!

When you hire staff get them to sign Company rules and regulations. Use Monetary Penalties for EVERYTHING they could possibly do wrong!

Be very Specific. Late for work, we charge P10 per minute. That gets their attention ???? Dress Code, Appearance, Smoking, Drinking, Sleeping, Damage, Breakage, misuse of company property, anything possible you can think of. I have 2 pages that have accumulated over the years and the ONLY penalties that work are monetary. Remember a P50 fine for violation of the Dress Code is 10% of their daily salary.

Collect their Cell Phones AND turn them OFF!

Our experience has been to hire from the Call Centers. They are usually, University Educated, English Speaking and their work are boring, usually 6-month contracts, so they are thankful to get Permanent work, even at less pay.

When you fire someone just PAY what the DOLE (Dept of Labour) mandates. Firing “with cause” is NOT worth the hassle – One ‘wrongful dismissal’ case could cost you millions so Fire Them, Pay them & be done with it.

On the other hand, DOLE is on our side if we follow the rules. Should you have a problem with an employee, talk to DOLE and get advice before you do anything. They will actually come in & talk to your staff if you want.

This is just my opinion but it has been formed over the last 22 years in business here. Just like a carton of milk or a loaf of bread, employees seem to have a very specific ‘Best Before’ date. Seriously. Your best employee will suddenly, without warning, become your worst nightmare. Sloppy work, belligerent, sporadic, and lazy. It happens without warning. At that point, cut your losses, fire them and move on. Sad but True.

This is a tough country to live in and survival is not guaranteed by the government, there are no safety nets, so EVERYONE is looking for an angle, a way to squeeze a little extra out of every situation.

Trust no one! Even the foreigners that have been here too long, maybe especially them. Put systems in place to safeguard money, stock, client lists, recipes, fuel, etc. People are very adept at finding holes in your systems so have checks & double checks and also spot checks. I know this sounds harsh but …. ASK ME HOW I KNOW!

BOTTOM LINE:

IT CAN BE DONE! You will find competent employees eventually BUT: Your business will NOT run itself!

Like I say about everything in the Philippines. Strap in, Hang on, and try to enjoy the ride ????

Cheers

Sean

Are you thinking about trying scuba diving? There’s a lot to think about before your first dive, whether you’re a novice participant or an experienced diver looking to go somewhere new.

In this post, we’ll provide an introduction to the sport of scuba diving, from its history and basics to the different types of dives you can take. We’ll also explain what you need to know before getting started, including essential safety tips for divers of all levels. So if you’re curious about scuba diving and want to learn more before taking the plunge, keep reading!

Scuba Diving: Definition and Origins

Scuba diving is a type of underwater exploration in which a scuba diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) to breathe underwater.

The word “scuba” is an acronym for “self-contained underwater breathing equipment.” In 1943, the diving engineer Émile Gagnan and the naval lieutenant Jacques Cousteau founded the first scuba set.

The scuba equipment was available to the public by Cousteau and Gagnan through their company, “Groupe Air Longue,” now known as Aqua Lung/La Spirotechnique.

Scuba Diving: Why People Do It

Some scuba divers participate in the activity for pleasure, while others like it because they find it exciting to explore new places and cultures. Some professional underwater photographers and videographers are scuba divers; other scuba diving professionals work as instructors, dive guides, and marine biologists.

Scuba Diving: What’s Involved

Scuba diving is a popular pastime. There are hundreds of scuba diver certification organizations around the world and numerous scuba training programs that take place in swimming pools or open water (such as shallow seas, lakes, or rivers).

Thousands of individuals participate in scuba diving, including stay-at-home parents, college students, retirees, and people worldwide.

Discover Scuba Diving

If you’re interested in scuba diving but have never tried it before, there are several things that you should know before taking your first scuba lesson. First of all, scuba diving is recreational diving that those in good physical health should only practice.

In addition, scuba diving is not an easy sport – it takes time and practice to develop the necessary skills. It’s also important to remember that scuba diving is not without risk; even if you’re an experienced diver, there’s always the potential for danger while underwater.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you get started with scuba diving:

Get An Instructor

Take a beginning scuba lesson with an accredited scuba diving school. It’s critical to learn the fundamentals from a seasoned instructor to dive safely.

Get Used To The Equipment

Learn about your scuba diving equipment. Learn how to use and maintain your scuba gear, as well as the different signals used by scuba divers underwater, so that you can become familiar with it.

Register For A Scuba Diving Course

Begin with an introductory open water diving course. After you’ve completed a beginner scuba lesson and feel confident with the fundamentals of diving, you may advance to an open-water dive program. That will let you explore additional diving sites and understand different safety methodologies.

Join In A Scuba Diving Community

Join a scuba diving community. Scuba divers may meet and socialize with others through online forums and communities.

Basic Safety Guidelines

Any scuba diver should follow a few safety measures, regardless of their prior experience with it.

Double Check Your Diver’s Equipment

Make sure your scuba equipment is in good working order. Before beginning any dive, inspect your regulator and gauges for leaks or damage; also, make sure all the hoses work correctly.

If you’re not comfortable doing these procedures on your own, seek assistance from an instructor before beginning.

Dive With Experience Divers

Dive with people who know how to use their scubas. When choosing scuba partners, look for divers whose gear appears well maintained and who appear knowledgeable about diving procedures (such as proper weight belt techniques)

You can also discuss different safety signals used by scuba divers underwater – this will help you communicate with your scuba diving buddies more easily.

Make Sure To Inform

Ensure that someone on the boat knows where you’re going and what time you plan to return. That is an important safety tip that will ensure people know when they should begin looking for scuba divers in distress (if something goes wrong).

Dive Under Direct Supervision

Avoid diving alone if possible. While solo scuba diving does happen, it’s far safer to dive with a buddy or group of friends. If this isn’t possible, make sure there are other scuba divers nearby so that they can come quickly in case of an emergency.

Keep Track Of Air

Before you finish each scuba dive, keep note of how much air is left in your tank. Diving experts recommend checking the pressure gauge at least every five minutes to avoid running out of air (and potentially becoming stranded underwater).

Dive With Reasonable Physical Health

Don’t dive if you’re feeling sick or have been drinking. Alcohol and scuba diving don’t mix – it’s essential to be in good physical condition when scuba diving, as alcohol can impair your judgment and balance.

Respect All

Respect the marine life that you encounter while scuba diving. That includes not harassing or touching any fish or coral and avoiding contact with hazardous animals (such as sharks).

Be Patient

Stay calm and positive underwater. Remember that things can go wrong while scuba diving, but panicking will only worsen the situation. Take a few nice breaths and think about your options carefully before taking action in a tough scenario.

Become A Certified Diver

Getting licensed by an accredited scuba diving school is the most excellent method to ensure your safety while diving. That is where you’ll learn the basics of scuba diving and how to safely explore underwater in a range of situations.

Equipment For Scuba Diving

When scuba diving, you’ll need a few critical pieces of equipment. Here’s a list of the essentials:

Scuba Tank

Scuba tanks should be filled with air or scuba gas. Always check the pressure of your air tank before diving to make sure it hasn’t lost any strength over time.

Depth Gauge

Your scuba depth gauge will help you keep track of how deep underwater you are. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your scuba depth gauge settings before entering the water, as it can be challenging to read when submerged in liquid.

Regulator

This device controls the flow of scuba air from the scuba tank into your mouthpiece, allowing you to breathe while underwater. Make sure to check your scuba regulator and hoses for any signs of damage or wear before getting started.

Fins

Scuba fins help you move more easily underwater, allowing scuba divers to glide through the water with ease (and avoid kicking up too much silt from the seafloor). In addition, scuba fins can be used as a tool if you need something buoyant in an emergency scenario – fill them with air!

Mask And Snorkel Combo

A mask and snorkel combo allows scuba divers to see underwater while breathing through their mouthpiece. While it’s possible to use either a mask or a snorkel on its own, diving experts recommend using both together to improve safety and comfort.

Weight Belt

Scuba divers usually use a scuba weight belt to keep themselves on the seafloor while scuba diving (and prevent them from floating up into the water). The scuba diver’s buoyancy plays a vital role in moving underwater, and scubas need to add or remove weights as needed before entering the water.

BCD (buoyancy control device)

This device helps scuba divers maintain their buoyancy while underwater; it also provides storage for scuba accessories (such as an emergency air supply)

When selecting your scuba gear, always make sure that everything matches and is compatible with each other. You don’t want any pieces of equipment malfunctioning while you’re underwater. If something doesn’t feel right when trying on gear, speak with a scuba diving professional to get their advice.

Looking For Scuba Diving Experience

If you’re looking for a scuba diving experience, we have the best site in the Philippines. We offer PADI courses and many other options to help divers of all ages and skill levels get their first taste of underwater exploration.

From snorkeling with sea turtles to exploring our latest wreck dive sites, we make sure every diver has an unforgettable day at BADLADZ BEACH and DIVE RESORT! Visit our website today or call us now to book your stay.

Today, check out our blog posts to learn more about Puerto Galera’s fascinating history!

Pre Spanish History

Puerto Galera’s history dates back to before the arrival of Europeans. Puerto Galera have found ancient artifacts that prove Puerto Galera was once a thriving settlement for early Filipinos, mostly Tagalog and Visayan people who traveled from Mindoro Island.

In 1572, Puerto Galera’s first recorded sighting by Europeans occurred when Miguel López de Legazpi sailed into Puerto Galera Bay on orders from Spain. He claimed Puerto Galera territory as part of New Spain because it fell under their rights outlined in The Treaty Of Zaragoza signed between Spain and Portugal in 1601, which allowed them exclusive rights over the lands discovered eastward up north to China (and westward toward Mexico). Puerto Galera was initially named Puerto de la Galera, which means Port of the Lances. That referred to a sharp-pointed rock formation along the shores where many lance-shaped rocks could be found at that time.

Puerto Galera Decline Puerto Galera’s decline began when the Spanish Government started imposing heavy taxes on its citizens in 1815 to pay off debts from the Mexican War of Independence, which had just ended. From then on, Puerto Galera’s subsistence economy declined as new taxes were imposed by Spain every year until it became unaffordable for locals who mainly depended on fishing or farming because Puerto Galera was isolated from other towns that traded with one another. Hence, there wasn’t much economic activity going around. As a result, many Puerto Galerans abandoned their homes to seek better opportunities elsewhere. In contrast, others smuggle goods between Manila and Mindoro Island by hiring themselves out aboard, passing ships through this treacherous route.

The American Era

Puerto Galera’s fortunes changed when the Americans took over the Philippines in 1898 after defeating Spanish forces during the Spanish-American War. The American Government saw potential in Puerto Galera because of its strategic location and began to develop it into a port for trade with East Asia. Puerto Galera were encouraged to restart their businesses, and many did, setting up shops and trading goods with other towns in Mindoro Island and Manila.

World War II & Japanese Occupation In 1941, just before World War II broke out, Puerto Galera had about 3000 people. When the war started, Japanese forces quickly occupied Puerto Galera and used it as a base to launch air raids against American ships that were passing by Puerto Galera’s shores.

Freedom & Rebuilding

After the war ended in 1945, Puerto Galera residents slowly rebuilt their town. Many Puerto Gallerans who had fled to other parts of the country during the war returned and began rebuilding their homes and businesses. The arrival of people from all across the Philippines helped turn Puerto Galera into a fast-growing metropolis with around 15,000 inhabitants by the late 1950s.

The Marcos Era

In 1969, Ferdinand Marcos became president of the Philippines and declared martial law until 1981. One of his first orders was to develop Puerto Galera into a tourist destination to generate more income for the Government. He ordered the construction of new roads, bridges, seaports, airports, hotels, resorts, and other tourist facilities in Puerto Galera to attract more visitors, which further boosted the Puerto Galera economy.

The Resurgence Of Puerto Galera’s Tourism

Today, Puerto Galera is one of the most popular vacation spots in all of the Philippines, with about 700 hotels and resorts scattered throughout its islands, providing jobs for thousands of locals who rely on tourism for their livelihoods.

Puerto Galera are known as some of the friendliest people because they take great pride in sharing their culture and traditions with others through various festivals that honor local heroes or showcase native dances from different towns around Mindoro Island. There’s no such thing as a dull moment when you’re in Puerto Galera, but there’s also more waiting for you if you want to experience natural history come alive on your Puerto Galera tour.

Excavation Museum Puerto Galera

Puerto Galerans had a complicated past, and Puerto Galera’s history is proof of that. Visit the Puerto Galera Excavation Museum today to see some of Puerto Galera’s most prized artifacts from its rich, centuries-old traditions, as well as learn about culture through photos on display at one of Puerto Galera’s oldest buildings.

The museum’s exhibits include underwater scuba diving, marine life conservation, and of course, open-air adventure sports. The gallery is home to pieces by artists inspired by the beauty and charm of the region throughout history. During your next visit to Puerto Galera, don’t forget to pay a visit to this magnificent location!

The Muelle’ Black Rice’ Pier

One of Puerto Galera’s most popular attractions is the Muelle’ Black Rice‘ pier built-in 1884 by the Spaniards. The dock gets its name from the black rice that used to be loaded onto ships here for export to other parts of the world.

A warehouse for rice stood at Muelle Bay. After the warehouse was destroyed by fire, charred grains (‘red rice’) were scattered around the shores of Puerto Galera Bay.

Today, the pier is a favorite spot for locals and tourists to watch the sunset over Puerto Galera’s beautiful bay. There are also several restaurants and bars along with the port where you can enjoy a cold drink or bite to eat while taking in the incredible view.

Puerto Galera Church & Convent

The Puerto Galera Church & Convent was built in 1786 by Spanish missionaries and is one of the oldest churches in all of the Philippines. The church is coral stone and limestone and features a beautiful, red-tiled roof.

The convent was used as a missionary school to teach locals about Christianity. Today, the church is still used as the town’s central Catholic Church, while the convent houses Puerto Galera’s municipal government offices.

Puerto Galera Bamboo Organ

The Puerto Galera Bamboo Organ is one of only two bamboo organs globally, and it’s located in the St. Joseph Parish Church in Puerto Galera. Father Diego CASTILLO built the organ between 1821 and 1824 from bamboo native to the area.

Father Castillo originally built a smaller organ for his use but later expanded it to its current size. The Puerto Galera Bamboo Organ is considered a national treasure and featured in several documentaries about organ music.

During your next visit to Puerto Galera, be sure to stop by the St. Joseph Parish Church and take a listen to this unique and incredible instrument!

Puerto Galera Town Plaza

The Puerto Galera Town Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Puerto Galera. It is home to some of the town’s most important government buildings, including the Municipal Hall, Police Station, Fire Station, and Public Market.

The plaza also features a beautiful gazebo where locals gather for social events and concerts and several statues honoring locals. A great place for people to watch and enjoy Puerto Galera’s rich culture.

Modern Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera still maintains its subsistence economy to this day, and tourism has become the island’s most significant industry due to its rich history, stunning beaches, and breathtaking sceneries. Puerto Galera is also a premier diving destination because of its crystal clear waters that allow visitors to see amazing corals and tropical fish up close. Puerto Galera became widely popular among European travelers in the 80s, which helped boost local businesses such as resorts, restaurants, transportation services, and other tour-related activities available on the island today.

While You Discover The Rich History Of Puerto Galera

With a history that stretches back to the 16th century, Puerto Galera has been attracting tourists from around the world for centuries. If you want to explore this stunning region of the Philippines and enjoy its natural beauty while staying in style, then BADLADZ Beach & Dive Resort is waiting for you with open arms.

We offer pool suites, standard rooms, and deluxe rooms, so there’s something for everyone on your list. Check out our website or call us today to book your stay!