Working Hard in Anilao, Batangas, Philippine Islands

Waterlogged Date: 6/21/97

Pity the poor traveling underwater photographer trapped at Club Ocellaris in Anilao for the fourth time in as many years. Here for three weeks, half the time I was the only guest in the resort. Too many decisions. I have to decide how many dives to make, when to leave, where to go, and how long to stay down. Worst of all - how to set up the camera rigs to best capture the myriad of marine creatures and scenery I will encounter. Writer's cramp labeling ninety-six rolls of film shot in three weeks. And diving with Jess Castillo, undoubtedly the best dive guide in Anilao, trying to photograph all he finds in addition to all I find with only two housed camera rigs. Having to face three meals a day with such wonderful dishes and generous portions that weight gain is a virtual certainty. And having to suffer such beautiful sunsets that I can barely stand to go back to my ice cold San Miguel when they are finally over. That was just a small part of the burden I had to bear. Before you begin feeling too sorry for me to continue reading, look at a few of the things I saw and photographed at just one site, Kirby's Rock.Then you may realize how I coped. Imagine this to be just another day at the office. The workaday world always starts with the office commute. Kirby's Rock is about a thirty minute boat ride from Club Ocellaris. Narrowly separated from Caban Is., its peak breaks the surface at low tide and the bottom is about 105', a real skyscraper. The office at Kirby's is blessed with such a profusion of life that on the current-washed faces I can scarcely find a spot to put a finger to steady myself. No privacy in this office. The anthias swarm, like staffers on break at the water cooler. Caught in a fish storm. This never fails to awake a sense of wonder in me. I wonder what a non-diving office would think of all this? The boss at Kirby's, the Commerson's giant anglerfish, makes an occasional appearance when he can find the time. This boss is mature, dignified and clearly in control. Some are dressed in bold outfits with contrasting encrustations; others are in more demure solid colors. Each year I have seen these nearly foot-long fellows (gals?) at Anilao presiding over all the activity. You never know what you will find in this office around the next corner. There are always nudis aplenty - often in multiples, sometimes in flagrante delicto. What would an office (or a reef) be without it's busybodies? I have seen six different species on one visit here. Sit still for a moment and they are sure to come up to see what you are doing. Two rolls of film and 11/2 hours later, it is time for a coffee break. This is the first of four "office visits" Jess and I will make today. Hmm. Maybe we should do a little "overtime" tonight for a visit to "Basura", another office with a fantastic night shift, before I have that ice cold San Miguel? Want to "work" in the Philippines? Contact Boy Venus, owner of Club Ocellaris at oc@mozcom.com or email seahorse@DiveDiscovery.com for information. Further information can also be found in the SeaHorseTales archives. Report by Woody Mayhew

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