International Dive Experts Gather in Manila for Biggest Dive Event

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Professional underwater photographers/writers, underwater cinematographers, ocean advocates, technical divers, and marine biologists from nine countries are set to impart their professional experiences to Filipino dive enthusiasts, marine conservationists, and the general public at the Dive Resort Travel (DRT) Philippines Show to be held on 11-13 September 2015 at the 5th Floor of the Megatrade, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

With the theme “It’s more fun to dive in the Philippines,” the three-day travel fair will gather dive industry stakeholders in one venue, especially those from Asia and Oceania. Expected to participate in the event are at least 2,000 international dive exhibitors, dive enthusiasts, and marine conservationists.

A series of underwater photography and cinematography workshops, a marine conservation seminar, and a technical diving seminar will be conducted by international experts like Dr. Terry Gosliner of the California Academy of Sciences, Charlie Fasano, Mike Bartick, Amanda Cotton, and Andrew Marriott (US); Gunter Bernert (Germany); Yoshi Hirata (Japan); Enzo Chen (Taiwan); Jerome Kim (Korea); Imran Ahmad and Zulkarnain Ng (Singapore); Tim Ho (Malaysia). Also giving talks during the event are the country’s very own Scott “Gutsy” Tuason and Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay.

Some of these diving experts will share their diving experiences in the country through thematic sessions. Dr. Terry Gosliner will deliver a lecture on “The Philippines: The Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity” and “Marine Invertebrates of the Philippines”; Charlie Fasano will speak about “Anilao’s Underwater Fauna and their Roles to the Reef in Southern Mabini”; and Jerome Kim will deliver talks entitled ““Romblon: The New Macro Haven” and “Sogod Bay: The Hidden Treasures of Southern Leyte.” 

Expo visitors are invited to the photo gallery highlighting the myriad of underwater attractions, as well as the best beach and dive resorts in the Philippines. There will also be screenings on the Australian 3D dive survival film “Sanctum” (2011) produced by James Cameron of “Titanic” and “Avatar” fame; BBC documentary series “Blue Planet” (2001), narrated by Sir David Attenborough, which won multiple Emmy and BAFTA television awards for music and cinematography; “Deep Blue” (2003), BBC’s highest grossing documentary film in Europe which explores the secret lives of sea creatures; and “Coral Reef Adventure” (2003), an American documentary narrated by actor Liam Neeson, which won the U.S. Giant Screen Theater Association Award for best achievement in film.

In addition, scheduled members meetings of dive organizations such as the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and the Technical Diving International/ Scuba Diving International/ Emergency Responsive Diving International (TDI / SDI / ERDI), will likewise be held during the DRT.

“The marine ecosystems of the Philippines are home to many of the best and rarest wildlife species. Most of these species are endemic to our country and can be found nowhere else in the world. It is of utmost importance that both our conservation and destination marketing efforts for marine wildlife tourism should go hand in hand. The DRT Show shall be an important venue for responsible, ethical, and sustainable dive tourism in the Philippines,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. emphasizes.

Organized by Hong Kong-based LX Development Group Limited (LXDG), the DRT Philippines Show 2015 is envisioned to be the first and biggest international dive event in the country. Co-organizers include the Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), local travel trade associations, and the sports and underwater associations of Hong Kong, Macau, China, and Japan, as well as the Prefecture and Convention Bureau of Okinawa.

For more information, interested parties may visit the DRT website www.philippinesdiveexpo.com for the three-day program of activities and list of specific topics for the event. may also communicate directly with Ms. Wen Sorioso of the PDOT-Marketing Development Group in Makati City with telephone numbers (632) 459-5200 to 30, fax (632) 890-0216 or through e-mail: wensorioso@gmail.com and phdiveteam@gmail.com.

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