ZC INDEPENDENCE DAY DIVE 2015

I was going over Facebook and I found a very interesting Independence Day Post in Doc Michael Macrohon's timeline and also from the Sangkalikasan Reefbuddies Page.

Several years ago, my diver friends have pined on the worst state of the Sta. Cruz Island's coral reef due to irresponsible blasting and lack of care for the conservation of the Zamboanga City marine ecosystem.

To add to their sentiments, there were no defined responsibilities and policies from concerned government agencies and thus, Zamboanga City's marine park seemed to be last in the list of government priorities.

They love diving and find the beautiful dive spots in the Philippines and hope that one day, our Sta. Cruz Islands underwater life would be as awesome!

I also shared with Doc Mike and Rodel R. that I really enjoyed Coron's several marine parks (@2007) even if it was just snorkeling that I could do! And I wished that we could do that in Sta. Cruz Island, too! Then, it seemed just like a story...

I remember Doc Mike sharing that maybe we could have a Halloween theme undersea with skeletons (among many other themes), and this may be related to his being an Orthopedic surgeon!

I am so proud of Doc Mike, that he is now one of the moving forces for saving Zamboanga City's coral reef and his dream and Zamboanga City's dream will soon be a reality!

In fact, I have seen Doc Mike post many interesting marine like such as fish and corals these days...

The Zamboanga Reefbuddies with the NAVY and Sangkalikasan Reefbuddies working hand in hand to protect and restore the marine ecosystem

One of the most interesting innovation is the development of volunteers from the Badjao community , making them partners in saving their own environment!

There is also a very informative and inspiring video by Doc Michael Macrohon in his FB Page and I would like to share the introduction which gives us an idea on what the program represents, what they do, and who they would want to thank!

 

I really look forward to the day when Zamboanga's marine life would be fully developed!

Thanks to all who are instrumental in making this environmental advocacy possible and hope that others may follow: 

~~~ the political will to decide this as a priority program as well as support and fund this noble cause...

~~~ government agencies who will work hand in hand for key performance indicators to be achieved, and not fight over who gets the accolade... 

~~~ the organizations who support and help finance the initiatives

~~~ all the divers especially Dive Team Zamboanga and Sangkalikasan Reefbudies who have shared their talents and abilities to develop our marine ecosystem

~~~ the Badjao community for now recognizing these efforts and help as volunteer divers

~~~ all the Zamboanga City citizens and friends who in one way or the other support and help the cause

~~~ all other folks (from all over the world) who want to share in the environmental advocacy to help Zamboanga City's marine life!

And to my friends, Doc Mike, Jaybee, Rodel, Carlo and Robert, happy diving in soon-to-be one of the best dive sites of the world!

P.S. 

1. Congratulations, Doc Mike who is now a NAUI Course Director!

2.  Congratulations to Rodel Rodriguez as NAUI master scuba diver

3. I hope Sangkalikasan Reefbuddies do not mind my using their photos and captions.

4. And this is not a paid advertisement but as support of a friend who believes in the cause.

LANTAKA HOTEL BY THE SEA @ 2005 (written 2011)

Lantaka Hotel by the Sea is one of the oldest hotels in Zamboanga City but remains as one of the landmarks of Zamboanga City because it has maintained its historical ambience and distinct local charm.

It is located in the Petit Barracks area at N. S. Valderoza St., Zamboanga, Mindanao, Philippines.

It is centrally located where you can walk to the City Hall, Plaza Pershing, Fort Pilar, Zamboanga Museum and the Paseo Del Mar (which was not yet there in 2005).

From Lantaka Hotel, you can see the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands, known for the pink sand  and its terminal is very accessible from the Hotel.

Basilan Island is also viewed from the hotel, especially, on a clear day and even at night, the lights from Basilan can be appreciated.

Here are pictures of the aerial view of LANTAKA HOTEL BY THE SEA circa 2005 by my Sony Cybershot DSC P-73, my first digital camera, which was a 4.1 megapixel compact digital camera with 3x optical zoom.  Although, it was a point-and-shoot digital camera, I was quite happy with its results. Even happier than what the present compact digital cameras give us now.

the vacant lot on our right is the present location of Paseo Del Mar

 view from N.S. Valderoza Street...                           

the island ahead is the Great (Big) Sta. Cruz Island

we can see the pool from this view 

there are now changes in the seafront area and renovations in the buildings...

love looking at the little bancas and pumpboats... no vintas this time!

There are now lots of developments in Lantaka Hotel by the Sea the past few years with plenty of renovations and upgrades. It is a place worth visiting... and staying in... when in Zamboanga City. By the way, here is the contact number: (63)(62)991-2033.

Mmmm...would be nice to take aerial photos of Lantaka Hotel by the Sea again!!!