X-Ray Mag

Philippines

Magical Anda: Diving Bohol's Pristine Reefs in the Philippines

Words
Matthew Meier
Images
Matthew Meier
Three false clownfish in their yellow and green host anemone, Anda, Philippines. Photo by Matthew Meier.
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎

The small, tranquil seaside town of Anda, on the southeastern corner of Bohol in the Philippines, is a hidden gem with its white sandy beaches, beautiful reefs and an impressive array of marine life species just off its coast. Matthew Meier takes us there.

The Visayas: Islands That Never Disappoint

Words
Lorenzo Moscia
Images
Lorenzo Moscia
Diver on reef in the Visayas, Philippines
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎

With an extraordinary diversity of life and natural beauty found in its coral reefs and rainforests, the Philippines is a bucket-list destination for divers the world over. Underwater photographer and journalist Lorenzo Moscia shares his adventure to the provinces of Cebu, Negros and Siquijor of the Visayas Islands and the remarkable resilience of its people.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco leads the groundbreaking of the Hyperbaric Chamber Center at the Ciriaco S. Tirol Memorial Hospital in Boracay Island.

Boracay to Open New Hyperbaric Facility

1 year ago By Chief minion

Located strategically within the Boracay district hospital, the new hyperbaric chamber aims to significantly improve safety and healthcare for divers, addressing decompression sickness and other dive-related health issues more effectively.

4D photogrammetry model of USS Harder (SS 257) wreck site by The Lost 52 Project.
4D photogrammetry model of USS Harder (SS 257) wreck site by The Lost 52 Project.

Legendary US World War II Submarine USS Harder Located off Philippines

1 year ago By Chief minion

The wreck of the USS Harder, a United States submarine renowned for its heroic actions during World War II, has been located off the coast of the Philippines. Lying at a depth of 3,000 feet, this find marks a poignant moment in naval history, bringing closure to a chapter that has remained open since the submarine was lost in 1944.

Fluoroscent Photography Underwater

Words
Brandi Mueller
Images
Brandi Mueller
Download the full article as pdf ⬇︎

On a night dive in the Philippines several years ago, I had an opportunity to do a "fluoro" night dive. Atlantis Dive Resort rented blue underwater flashlights and yellow filter shields that went over divers' masks. Geared up, I set off into the night. The blue light was very dim and the dive was much darker than a normal night dive.

A Chinese Coast Guard ship allegedly obstructs the Philippine Coast Guard vessel Malabrigo as it provided support during a Philippine Navy operation near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, June 30, 2023
A Chinese Coast Guard ship allegedly obstructs the Philippine Coast Guard vessel Malabrigo as it provided support during a Philippine Navy operation near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, June 30, 2023

Are Rising Tensions in the South China Sea Affecting Dive Operators?

1 year ago By Chief minion

Manila has repeatedly accused the Chinese coastguard of blocking resupply missions to its troops on The Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, as it did on 5 Aug when it sprayed a Philippine vessel with a water cannon.

The South China Sea dispute involves territorial claims by multiple nations, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. It centres around control of islands, reefs, and waters in the South China Sea. 

USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) underway off Hawaii with lifts lowered, July 1944
USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) underway off Hawaii with lifts lowered, July 1944

WWII carrier USS Ommaney Bay located in the Philippines

1 year ago By Chief minion

In a significant move, the United States Navy has confirmed the identity of a sunken World War II aircraft carrier in the Sulu Sea as the USS Ommaney Bay.

The carrier, which met its demise in 1945, was sunk by a devastating kamikaze attack during the ferocious battles of the Pacific Theater. Through meticulous examination and research, the navy has now shed light on the final resting place of this legendary warship.

Subscribe to Philippines