I don’t usually launch new sites. Scratch that.. I don’t launch new sites. But lo and behold, ever since my UW photos were discovered on Instagram, I decided to launch a new site dedicated totally to my UW photos post-processed with Instagram filters. Marine life can really surprise you with hidden colors that can only be seen with specific types of filters on your lens and Instagram helps make these colors pop out. Without further ado, my photo blog, Underwater Instagram.
Manila Bulletin has a special execution today for the Department of Tourism. The 4 pages talk about tourism highlights including hitting 1.148 tourists visiting the Philippines in Q1 of this year. The DOT also discusses growth industries including scuba diving, eco tourism and the development of marinas and national parks (no more mining please!).
My photos and “how to” blog post was replicated (by permission of course, thanks Chato!) under the half page section on the #ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines meme phenomenon.
Bianca Grey of Rappler asked me for a piece on my most memorable travels around the country. Hands down, it was the Sardine Run of Pescador Island in Moalboal, Cebu.
MOALBOAL, Cebu City – From afar, it looked like we were floating into an underwater valley that vanished into the blue.
But then I remembered we were diving around a very small island with no other rock formations visible from above. It was impossible to have something this huge and this dense underwater with no manifestation from the surface. Then, as we got closer to these formations, our eyes adjusted and all of a sudden, the wall on the left didn’t look like a wall at all. Because walls don’t stay still. It was shifting, turning, and sparkling against the sunlight with parts of it breaking away for a split second and then coming back.
Hey guys, back to reality! This post is long delayed. Sorry about that. If you want more real time updates, I’m almost always online on Twitter (@jayvee) and Instagram (@jayveef).
Anyway, we’ve been working on a huge event — it’s basically Year II of SNUPS, the biggest underwater photo competition in the Philippines. Now, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to join. There are categories suited for beginners as long as you can bring a camera down 2 feet with tupperware (you’ll be amazed with the things you can find — after all it’s the Philippines!).
In this case, we took the iPhone 4s down. Have a look at the video and share it with friends who may be interested! =)
Dates:
Cebu
April 20-24 2012
Anilao
May 4-8 2012
UPDATE For a more affordable iPhone 4/4s casing, check out the iDive Site case for only PHP 5,999.00
Photo above: That’s me, doing extreme camwhoring! Shot by Boogs Rosales.
EDIT 3: Have a look at the new Patima housing for the GoPro HERO / HERO2
EDIT 2: Instead of hardware, iOS 5.1 users can download the i-Patima app that lets you use the camera underwater. DOWNLOAD IT HERE.
EDIT: Since the new iOS 5.1 update that changes the way users access the camera from the lock screen, Patima is releasing an adapter that will allow you to continue using the iPhone4s as intended underwater.
Some time ago I got word of a pretty little item that would amaze SCUBA divers and iPhone users. Made in Korea, the Patima underwater housing could withstand pressures up to 300 meters deep. That’s almost 1,000 feet and way way beyond recreational depths. Well I finally got the chance to try it out thanks to Jovic of Splash UW Imaging. Before I continue, note that I am not affiliated with Splash UW Imaging in any way nor do I get anything from the sales of this product.
Let’s begin!