Davao Divefest: A huge success

DAVAO CITY – The recent 10-day diving event dubbed "Dive Fiesta Davao 2004" was a big success as gauged from the participation of diving enthusiasts and staging of daily events, including the "Concert for a Cause" aimed to raise funding for stranded marine mammals.

The event offered an exciting summer package for diving enthusiasts as it highlighted the potentials of Davao Gulf as a new dive haven in this part of the country.

"Dive Fiesta Davao" opened with a dive fair at SM City Davao followed by a series of diving activities off Samal Island’s dive spots, a basic diving course including one for some interested media practitioners sponsored by the city’s dive shops, an underwater photography competition as well as kayaking and windsurfing competitions.

The Bar Safari Dive Spots likewise served as evening entertainment component of the grand event which earlier included a "Dive Davao Drink" search for a tropical concoction with a contest initiated by the Philippine Bartenders LeagueDavao.

Special Dive Holiday rates were also offered by the hotels and resorts and later a concert staged at The Venue compound entertained locals and visitors alike with live band music and a costume party which gave a cash prize and trophy to winning guests who came dressed as denizens of the sea.

Highlighting the event was a clean-up of the Davao Gulf spearheaded by the "Scubasurero" group who dived for debris and wastes to dramatize their concern for a clean aqua-environment. This was followed by a "Davao to Samal Aqua Terra Challenge" which saw a big number of participants.

Dive Fiesta Davao is sponsored by the Department of Tourism, in cooperation with the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) and the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD).