Snoots, Shrimps, and Shooting Stars: May 31, 2025 Dive at Kontiki

When stars aligned on May 31, 2025, our dive tribe reunited again for two more dives at Kontiki. This time, it started with a photo. Ikuo shared a snap of Movenpick's crystal-clear waters in our group chat, and Joan wasted no time replying: "Number 1."

That's our dive code. Instead of long conversations, we just number off in the chat to count heads and plan tank rentals. Alvin, our go-to air fill guy in Mactan (and conveniently near Kontiki), usually gets the call from whoever's assigned in our group.

By Friday night, the roster was locked in: Cristy, Val, Keem, Ikuo, Joan (2 dives), and Doms (night dive only). On Saturday morning, Nino and I finished our dragon boat training and got the green light to dive. Joan confirmed Nino’s spot at 11 AM. All set.

The Afternoon: Dreams of Discounts and Deep Shots

We arrived at Kontiki just past 4 PM. The morning crowd had packed up, so we scored prime tables. Val and Cristy were already there. While waiting for Joan and Nino, we couldn’t stop talking about the Backscatter MF-2. Ours were arriving Monday—James was bringing them from Singapore (via Australia)—cheaper and quicker than local suppliers.

We laughed over the idea that so many of us already had one, we could start a Backscatter MF-2 Users PH group. Maybe Backscatter would give us a commission—or at least a discount?

Joan and Nino soon arrived, both slightly under the weather. We teased them about the latest viral scare—Mpox—but nothing serious. After gearing up, tanks in hand, we hit the water at 4:56 PM.

Val joked about Cristy asking him to carry her tank. No dice. She’s our strong, independent woman. I carried tanks for Ikuo; Nino helped Joan.

Dive Profile:

• Max Depth: 17.8m

• Avg Depth: 9.8m

• Temp: 30°C

• Duration: 87 minutes

Highlights:

• Practiced on goby and pistol shrimp pairs (still tough to isolate the subject).

• Found beautiful chromodoris nudibranch.

• Cristy and Joan took turns shooting with their MF2.

• Checked the cardinal school—no brooders.

• Spotted two Robust ghost pipefish near the surface!

Nino had ear equalization issues due to colds and stayed shallow (3-5m). He surfaced early, followed by Val, Cristy, and Joan.

Surface Interval: Food, Flash, and Focus

Dinner time!

• Cristy brought low-carb lasagna and crispy chicken skin.

• Joan and Nino had zero sugar Sprite.

• While we brought liempo and ponkan.

We chatted about how MF2 light was laser-sharp. Val, impressed, also ordered one. Doms soon arrived for the night dive with his upgraded Sea & Sea snoot extender.

Dive 2: Night Visions and Micro Life

Tank drama! Ikuo and Doms had leaking tanks. After switching, Doms found his was only at 90 bars, and Ikuo’s at 80 bars. Quick swaps followed. I reused the minor-leak tank—still full enough.

Night Dive Profile:

• Time In: 7:59 PM

• Max Depth: 10.1m

• Avg Depth: 6.3m

• Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent (21%)

• Duration: 92 mins

Goals: Find the elusive Cyerce negra for Joan and Nino.

Findings:

• Cristy and Ikuo spotted Cyerce elegans.

• I saw a small octopus.

• No cyerce negra in sight.

• I found a 5mm transparent shrimp on a blue starfish.

• A hermit crab feasting on a fish tail.

• A branch coral with a nudibranch, dancing in the current.

We surfaced after 1 hour and 32 minutes. While packing up, tech talk resumed:

• Joan's TG7 MF2 setup wasn't firing at 1/64 flash set-up.

• Cristy's TG6 with identical settings worked.

• Cable swaps and tweaks—still no fix.

Val teased: “TG6 is better than TG7!” Laughter all around.

Despite the bugs, we were content. Our photos are improving. Our passion—constant. Ikuo and Cristy daydreamed about Romblon and Lembeh.

With salt still on our skin and stories still bubbling, we packed up, hearts full. Another dive day down, another step deeper into the craft we love.