Honestly, Bohol, to me, had always just been about sightseeing—chocolate hills, the wide-eyed tarsiers, some waterfalls, maybe a boat ride to some island here and there, and plenty of beers. In my mind, it has always been a slow, easy getaway: a bit of beach, a lot of good food, and some writing squeezed in when the mood struck. Diving hasn’t been part of the plan as I wasn’t chasing adventure—I was chasing rest. Bohol had always struck me as that kind of destination.

But then again, you know how the sea gets to you. Especially when it’s that impossibly calm shade of blue, stretched out like a soft invitation. There’s something about it that always pulls at me, gently but persistently. I’ve felt it before, especially during long rides—when I catch a glimpse of the ocean through the trees or across a stretch of road, it’s like my whole body exhales. It’s comforting in a way that’s hard to explain, like it knows exactly what kind of peace I need.

So even though diving in Panglao had never really been part of the plan, it suddenly didn’t feel so far-fetched. I figured if there was ever a place to try, it was here. I walked into Abraham Resort with zero expectations, a little nervous, a little excited, and unprepared for how much I’d love it. Dan from Scuba Kings Academy, who invited me to discover scuba diving in Bohol, welcomed me with so much warmth. Along with him was Leon, who later became a crucial part of my experience.

I’m not someone who easily warms up to people, but the team there couldn’t have made it easier. They were easygoing and had that calm, unbothered way of explaining things that makes you feel like you’re in good hands. No pressure, no fuss—just quiet confidence. Leon walked me through the basics, from breathing techniques to underwater hand signals, and answered every hesitant question with patience and clarity: his calm demeanor and gentle way of explaining made things easy to understand.

We began my training in the calm waters of the pool, honing my skills and building my confidence. Before I knew it, I was on a boat. The gentle rocking beneath me sends a thrill through my body. With my wetsuit zipped snugly and my fins securely fastened, I could feel my heart racing with anticipation. For the first time in far too long, I wasn’t merely gazing out at the vast expanse of the sea; I was on the brink of immersing myself in its depths, ready to embrace the adventure that awaited.