Our First DRT Show Manila 2025 Experience: Ocean Stars Nomination, Underwater Photography, and Dive Expo Highlights

Last year, 2024, we only saw our dive friends posting photos about the DRT Show and even winning awards. My wife and I promised each other—we will go next year. So I marked it in my calendar.

By June 2025, I told my wife to submit her photos for the DRT Show Ocean Stars contest. Last year, our mentor, Pen Delos Santos, won it, so why not try? When the nominees were announced in July, I was shocked and happy—the nudibranch shot of my wife SugbuDiver was nominated. To be side by side with big names in underwater photography was already a win.

As a nominee, she got free entrance and a 3-day pass. But here’s the thing—my wife was hesitant. Airfare, hotel, meals—it all costs money. But since this was planned and I wanted us to experience it, I assured her we could manage. We found cheap flights (₱6,000 roundtrip for two) and a budget hotel in Pasay (₱3,000 for three nights). Traveling light, we only carried a shoulder bag and a drybag. Honestly, it felt like we were just strolling, not flying out for an expo.

Before boarding at Mactan, my wife even ate balut by the street, and at the airport she just got the free hot water to go with her instant coffee sachet. That’s how frugal this trip was! Our midnight flight arrived at 1:30 AM in Manila. Grab was our only choice for transport, and luckily traffic was nonexistent at that hour. When we got to the hotel, a man in his 60s welcomed us. The room was simple but had the basics: bed, aircon, hot shower, TV. Not bad for the price.

Day 1 – September 5

We took a jeepney to MOA and had breakfast at Wendy’s since most shops were still closed. By 11 AM, we entered the buzzing SMX Convention. DRT shared the venue with other expos—Consumer Tech and Travel Expo—so the energy was high.

Inside DRT, we first checked dive packages, then saw booths from DOT, Akuana, Oceantag (our Cebu friend), and even NGOs promoting reef conservation. My heart raced when we reached the photo exhibit area—there was my wife’s photo among the nominees.

We met our Cebu dive buddy Dixon and roamed around with him. We listened to our mentor Penn’s talk on underwater photography, and later, joined the raffle draw. Sadly, no luck that day, but it was fun. Dinner was tacos at MOA before heading back to the hotel.

Day 2 – September 6

We explored Manila a bit. Rode LRT 1 to Binondo, ate Chinese food (fried siopao and dessert sticks), then hopped LRT 2 and MRT to Ayala. Rain poured, so we just passed by at Greenbelt Chapel and ducked into Landmark for an umbrella.

We passed by a photo exhibit in Galleria 5 featuring Tubbataha before heading back to SMX for more DRT activities. Again, booths, raffles, gears, and connections filled the day.

Day 3 – September 7

We had breakfast at IKEA—affordable coffee and meals (perfect for budget travelers). Attended mass at the Shrine of Jesus, then headed back to SMX. While my wife enjoyed a free massage, I explored the booths at Travel Expo.

At 2 PM, we got lucky—Akuana’s raffle gave us a dive reel, stainless backplate, and titanium knife! I couldn’t believe it. Later, we joined the final raffle and watched the Ocean Stars awarding. Though my wife didn’t win, being nominated and supported by friends and strangers alike was already a victory.

Before leaving, we carefully packed her printed photo using cling wrap (thanks to the kind SM saleslady). We headed to the airport for our 10 PM flight. It left early, so we landed in Cebu before midnight.

Reflections

This trip wasn’t luxurious—it was simple, frugal, and at times stressful (like almost losing our hotel booking). But it was unforgettable. From the daily votes of our family and friends to the DRT halls filled with ocean advocates, I realized one thing: we may not always bring home trophies, but we bring home stories, inspiration, and the love of our community.