On the tail end of 2016, I had the pleasure of having a 2 day, 1 night trip in Anilao, Batangas to witness the 2016 Anilao Underwater Shootout, courtesy of the good people of Philippine Airlines (PAL). The event was the biggest underwater macro photography of its kind in the world and featured some of the world’s best divers and underwater photography enthusiasts.
PAL was in its capacity as the event partner and as a purveyor and avid promoter of Philippine tourism
Celebrating its 75th year of flying Philippine (and the international) skies, the country’s flag carrier was also on hand to promote its latest product, the Carry Over Checked In Baggage which is a lifesaver for diving enthusiasts who usually lugs with them an average of 30 kilos per travel.
With the country’s status as the destination of choice for divers due to pristine waters and the best collection of corals anywhere in the world, divers worldwide are more than encouraged to visit the Philippines’ premium dive sites including Anilao (in Luzon), Cebu, Dumaguete, Bohol, Siquijor, Davao and General Santos. The abundance of coral reef can be credited with the Philippines being part of the coral triangle where the world’s best collection of corals are located. Also, the Philippines has the richest marine biodiversity anywhere in the world.
The announcement of the launch of the Carry Over Checked In Baggage made by PAL’s Hazel dela Cruz was met with a hearty and enthusiastic applause by participating divers during the awarding ceremony. It was a move that will help out the community, who would love to see more of the country’s many beaches but are often prohibited by baggage restrictions.
Here’s how Carry Over Checked In Baggage (yes, it’s a mouthful) works:
You can avail of the Carry Over Checked In Baggage as long as it’s covered by one itinerary and one ticket. At the time of the event, this feature can be availed when you book via PAL-authorized travel agencies.
The feature does not only apply to divers; as long as you have one ticket from your international flight going to your domestic destinations and vice versa, this feature applies to you. And even if you have a stop over anywhere in Manila, this feature still applies as long as your international or domestic flights are in one ticket.
Event Download: The Anilao Underwater Shoot Out
Organized and sponsored by the Philippine Department of Tourism, the yearly event was held in Anilao, Batangas which is quickly gaining popularity as one of the premiere macro destinations in the world.
On its fourth year, The Anilao Underwater Shootout attracted more than 172 participants from all over the world including Brazil, Turkey, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Korea and more. These experienced underwater photography aficionados battled it out for prizes spread out in four categories which included General Macro, Behavior, Creative Photo and Portfolio.
Anilao Underwater Shootout Photos from: https://www.facebook.com/pg/anilaounderwatershootout
For PAL, it is only natural to throw in their hundred percent support to the recently-concluded event. As the country’s national carrier, PAL brings a commitment in supporting and promoting local tourism. During my short discussion with company representatives, we all agreed that the Philippines is a rich country, so diverse in eco-tourism that it is a shame if this will remain unseen by foreign and local tourists.
PAL’s many destinations allows travelers to visit and discover more of the archipelago. It’s many innovations also highlight its continuing quest to better understand–and serve–its passengers.
LIFESTYLE WANDERLAND 