A Mother’s Day to Remember: Chasing Dreams and Critters Underwater

Every dive tells a story. Some about marine life, others about friendship. But this dive—on Mother’s Day 2025—told a tale of passion, perseverance, and dreams both big and deep.

A Change in Plans

It was supposed to be a weekend getaway. A long weekend, thanks to the Philippine mid-term general elections, had us dreaming of somewhere far. But by Saturday, my wife suggested a quiet dinner with family on Sunday night. Perfect. Or so we thought—until the tribe called.

Chu wanted to test his new underwater photography lights. The idea of a Sunday night dive lit our hearts. Two dives: one at 3PM, another at night. And just like that, plans shifted. We moved our Mother’s Day celebration to lunchtime and prepped for the sea.

Marelux Envy and a Dose of Humility

By 3PM, we arrived at Kontiki. The sun blazed—30°C heat index felt like 35°C—but we scored a lucky parking spot near the tables.

Val was still underwater leading fun dives. Cristy announced our descent would be delayed until 4PM since Doms had to retrieve his forgotten booties. As we waited, something incredible happened.

Beside our table was Tai Olayori, a distinguished Nigerian underwater storyteller now serving as the Senior Influencer at Marelux, with his monstrous Marelux camera rig. Marelux housing, massive lenses, sleek ports. We were in awe. An actual Marelux Senior Influencer, diving the same waters as us. We couldn’t help ourselves—we posed for a photo with him.

I told our team, “Let’s keep improving. One day, we’ll be sponsored by big brands like Marelux, Nauticam, and Backscatter. Maybe not now, but someday.” We laughed, knowing we’re still using second-hand compact cameras—but the dream was real.

First Dive: The Brooding Cardinal

At 4:02 PM, we descended. Max depth: 17.7 meters. Average: 11.1 meters. I was testing a new lens with a swirling effect. I took shots of nudibranch, but none thrilled me. Then, I reached the underwater tombstone in Kontiki, where cardinal fish gather.

With all my research on brooding cardinal behavior, I scanned the school. One fish caught my eye—going in and out of crevices. I spent 20 minutes watching it, inching closer. At 1-2 feet away, I fired over 50 shots, waiting for that one magical moment.

And then—it opened its mouth.

The eggs glistened. I captured the shot.

With 30 bars left, I swam to the surface and showed my wife. She smiled and kissed me underwater. A winning moment. The tribe celebrated the photo. Brooding cardinals in Kontiki? We never thought we’d see it ourselves, let alone shoot it.

Meanwhile, Chu saw a blue-ringed octopus, and Cristy spotted a black frogfish. The favorites! Our dive lasted 81 minutes—a treasure trove of rare encounters.

A Toast to Brands We Dream Of

Over dinner—lechon manok, liempo, cake bread, and candies—we swapped sightings. Chu displayed incredible shots taken using Backscatter’s MF-2 strobe. I told Val, “The MF-2 is unmatched. If budget permits I'll get one someday.”

We all agreed—Backscatter, you’ve got the best strobe-snoot combo out there. Brands like you inspire us to dive deeper and shoot better.

Night Dive: Trials, Tribulations, and Torchlight Tales

At 7:18 PM, under a 96% waxing gibbous moon, we slipped beneath the surface again. Max depth: 17.9m, average: 8.4m.

Goal: Cyerce negra.

I went back to the cardinal school but the fish were scattered. I scanned for brooders—none. I took nudibranch shots, then found a blue-ring octopus. Snap. Documentation shot. Not enough.

I reminded myself: Shoot to win. Every frame must matter.

Then Chu signaled. They found the Cyerce Negra. We all rushed over. Grethel, Vanessa, Regie took turns. I tried too, but the subject wouldn’t stay still. I gave up and passed the lens to Ikuo.

Later, I found a hermit crab eating a catfish. I fired off frames, but couldn’t isolate the action. Then came creative lighting experiments with Ikuo — beautiful results.

After 82 minutes, with itchy skin and low air, we ascended. Chu did blackwater macro with a pygmy squid by the stairs.

After the Dive: Vinegar and Vision

At the showers—no water. They were still filling the tanks. So we waited. Covered in itchy welts, we doused ourselves in vinegar.

Smelling like pickled divers, we laughed.

Eventually, the water flowed. We rinsed off as the owner of Kontiki came down to chat. He asked about coral restoration, illegal fishing, and what could be improved.

We shared our thoughts, hopeful that more dive sites will grow and be protected.

In Closing: A Dive for Mothers, a Dive for Dreamers

On this Mother’s Day, while others celebrated with flowers and cake, we celebrated underwater—with cardinal fish, rare octopuses, and broken barriers.

We hope this blog reaches brands like Marelux, Nauticam, and Backscatter. Your tools power our passion. If you’re looking for committed, consistent storytellers in the water, look no further.

We may not have the most expensive gear—but we have the heart, the discipline, and the vision.

And next time, we’ll shoot not just to document... but to win.