I do not know how to swim but I am sure that I am not alone with this dilemma. Being born near the South China Sea (I am from

After 15 equilibration (yes, I counted them) I saw reefs and fishes! I wanted to chase them but the guide instructed me to hold on to the rope while he gets the others.

Subic, by the way) does not necessarily mean acquiring the traits of a fish. Of course, my parents just know the dog-style of swimming (do not be green-minded!) so what more can you expect from me?

When I found out that I will be able to set my foot on the famous white sand of Boracay, I searched through the internet for the possible itinerary of my three-day stay. Reef walking is my first choice. I would love to do para-sailing but my wallet would not allow it. The rest of the days were left for capturing breath-taking sunsets and fun-filled moments on pictures.

Now, let’s go back to reef walking. The first thing that comes to my mind with this activity is the safety. Though adventurous enough, I would not just trust my life to anybody and die helplessly. I got some contact numbers through net forums and texted them after plane landing. Yes, I was excited but I was worried that the cellphone signal may interrupt the airplane’s echolocation on-board (that may result to a crash) so I controlled myself. Good thing that one recommended agent replied and agreed on my lowest bid. It is not an auction but making pa-cute and pleading sometimes help in saving some bucks.

The next morning, Kuya was in-front of the hotel that we were staying at.  It is located on the far-end of Station 1 so we walked through the beach stretch to reach the pick-up point. That is the place where you can spot people (mostly Koreans) waiting for motorized boats to bring them to the diving area. Well, I was wearing a one-piece swimsuit (for the first time!) and the splashes of water thrilled me on the way to the reef walking area. Another Kuya on the said place gave us a briefing (that he even practiced in English for this purpose, that is, according to him) and the curious side of me threw him lots of questions (to his dismay!). Then he instructed us to wear the shoes (that I think were free sizes) but I still asked for the smallest size available. He also took a cover picture for the video cd before going into the cold water.

I said to myself: “Relax, this is it”. Remember equilibration, the hand signs and proper breathing. Few steps down, kuya placed the heavy transparent mask on my head (rested on my shoulders). My, I felt the 20 pounds he said for a while. Then, my fingers were ready. One on my nose and the other free. Keeping still as the guide  pull me downwards, I began to equilibrate at every feet we went. Equilibration in layman’s term means releasing air pressure through your ears by pinching your nose.  If you will not do this, you will feel dizzy and needs to inform the guide asap with the proper hand sign. Let me enumerate to you the two necessary signs underwater. The first is the thumbs-up sign that means “get me out of  the water” and the other is the sign OK. Do not be confused with these to avoid spoiling the moment underwater.

After 15 equilibration (yes, I counted them) I saw reefs and fishes! I wanted to chase them but the guide instructed me to hold on to the rope while he gets the others. Being alone to savor the moment is unexplainable. It was like I am in a different world that I just can stare in awe. Then when he came back, he guided me to the middle of a fantasy. I indulged on the magnificent view of colorful fishes swimming in front of me from all directions. The roll of bread held by my fingertips was munched once in a while by fishes. I clearly felt their mouth getting every piece, that when one big fish tried to get some, I was shocked to see sharp teeth. After that, I was conscious on avoiding the black rounded fish but still managed to enjoy the little ones. I tried to pinch them with my hand but they were slippery. I wondered how the guide managed to catch more than one. He never failed to give bread, get pictures and videos as well as make me comfortable. I also felt the reefs under my feet that can be rough and pointed.

For less than 30 minutes, I felt myself being in tandem with nature. I really love animals but that experience is nonetheless unforgettable. I knew that the fishes enjoyed as much as I do in that peaceful environment.  Getting out in the water is like waking up call from a good dream. I shivered not just because of the cold wind but because this adventure made me realize something. People have the power to keep these kind of treasures if we like to. Let’s not take this opportunity for granted and always bear in our hearts that we are also a part of one great world.

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