New Local Dive Masters in Apo Island

Some girls would dream of just swimming in the refreshing water of Apo Island, while some would dream of diving and discovering the 650 and more species that lives underneath the clear blue waters. Mary Jean Tabañera would dream of one more than the other, which is diving and discovering the marine paradise of Apo Island.

It all started when she was still worker for her uncle’s dive resort. She would be often asked by the tourist regarding diving and could not say much. This pushed her interest in learning and discovering more than what people could see above the water.

“I got interested in diving because I realized I had nothing to say to tourists whenever they would ask me about it,” Tabeñera said as she recalled her high school years.

The diving program in Apo Island

Her chance in reaching her dream all started when a diving instructor, Mario Pascobello and the former barangay captain of Apo Island started a small program for kids in the place to start doing something productive. Of course, it all started as a summer break kind of thing, but soon some of the previews students were ever eager to learn more.

Now at the age of 21 years old, Mary Jean Tabañera along with her five other batch mates, and after 5 years of training, they have all been certified as proud dive masters.

Mary Jean Tabañera and her batch will be given lots of opportunities to use their learned skills and turn into their dreams into reality.