Titas of Manila prove that scuba diving is for everyone

Scuba diving is indeed for everyone. These two titas from Metro Manila have proven that even if you’re not good at swimming, scuba diving is still achievable.

“Mga anak, mahal na mahal ko kayo (My children, I love you all).”

This was the hilarious message of Dorothy Lauron-Ayton, 57, before plunging into one of Bohol’s diving spots for beginners. With poise and excitement, Dorothy bravely dived and even asked for photos and videos.

For her, it’s the diverse underwater creatures that made her excited to try diving.

“Excited ka sa kung ano ang makikta mo sa ilalim ng dagat. Kung ano-ano, may isda, may turtles. So iba-iba. Iba rin ’yung nagsu-swim ka lang sa ibabaw ng dagat. Iba rin ’yung sa ilalim. Exciting ’yun always,” she told GMA News Online.

[You’re excited about what’s waiting for you under the sea. There are many things to see, such as fishes and turtles. Swimming on the surface is different. But swimming underwater, it’s always exciting.]

For Jho Orlino, 56, experiencing ruptured eardrum from a previous diving experience will not stop her from trying it again. But this time, as a travel agency owner, she has confidence and a goal of sharing her experience with her customers.

“This is my first time na mag-scuba dive and it’s a very nice experience para sa mga non-diver as well. Talagang it’s for everybody,” she said.

[This is my first time to try scuba diving and it’s a very nice experience for non-divers as well. It’s definitely for everybody.]

Nervous and anxious without the presence of her assigned divemaster, Jho still managed to finish the two diving series with snorkeling activities in Balicasag Island diving spot. Of course, Dorothy did the same.

For those who want to try scuba diving but are having second thoughts because they are not good at swimming, the two titas have the following advice:

“Unang-una dapat hindi ka matakot. Kailangan, hindi ka matakot sumubok ng kakaibang activity. Dapat masubukan mong mag-dive and make sure na certified diver ang magtuturo sa’yo para siguradong iwas aksidente. Dapat lagi kang relax and hindi mo puwedeng i-hold ’yung hininga mo,” said Dorothy.

[First, don’t be afraid to try new things. Try diving but make sure to seek assistance from a certified diver to avoid accidents. Just relax and don’t hold your breath.]

“Non-divers like me, puwede pala mag-scuba diving para makita mo ang beautiful corals at iba’t ibang uri ng mga isda at sea turtle. Basta makinig lang sa instructions ng dive master para mas ma-feel mo at maging memorable ang scuba diving experience mo,” said Jho.

[Non-divers like me can also try scuba diving, so you can also see the beautiful corals and different kinds of fishes and turtles. Just listen to your dive master’s instructions so you’ll have a memorable scuba diving experience.] – RC, GMA News

PART 1: Bohol tourism: How is traveling now with the easing of health protocols?

PART 2: How to achieve the ‘ultimate Bohol experience’?