Island hopping, dive tours and travel adventure, explore the sea with us.
Alliance News

Great NEWS...BUSUANGA AIRPORT in PALAWAN Philippines extended... now more flights,comfort...plus several Whaleshark sightings in the Coron Island area

This report has just reached me this morning from our Alliance Partner Juergen Warnke at Club Paradise in Palawan, Philippines.

NATURE is a lot closer now....
BUSUANGA AIRPORT Palawan Philippines...

 

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CLUB PARADISE, EL RIO Y MAR and the DUGONG DIVE CENTER


Busuanga Airport, landing point for CLUB PARADISE, EL RIO Y MAR and the DUGONG DIVE CENTER now has a 1500 meter concrete runway plus a 400 meter gravel extension.
 
This gives a new dimension to tourism in the islands of the Calamianes. Whereas before only 19 seater planes were able to land, Busuanga airport is now being served by the super fast 32-seater Do 28 (needs only 35 minutes to get there from Manila) and the 50 seater Dash-7.
 
Starting next week, May 17, 2008 the service of a 72 seater plane from Phil Airlines will begin daily flights. This will bring the total seat capacity per year to about 100.000 seats yearly. New hotels, lodging houses and resorts are under construction and on the planning board. Present room capacity of 400 rooms will be double within an year.                                                                   

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© Gunther Deichmann - the spectacular marine life in Palawan


The Government has decided to pave the road from Coron to Busuanga Airport to modernize the road system and create more comfort for all travelers. Guests of the
Philippine-Micronesia Alliance and CLUB PARADISE, EL RIO Y MAR and DUGONG DIVE CENTER will get to their destination a lot faster and more comfortably now.
This will increase their time to enjoy all the exciting dive sites to see the Turtles, Dugongs, WWII Wrecks, a whole fleet was sunk in this area and of course beautiful reefs in this area.

Another great NEWS is, several Whale-sharks have been in sighted in the Coron, Palawan area, a good reason for planning your next trip to PALAWAN...the Philippines best kept secret...NATURE at its best.
 

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© Gunther Deichmann - the WWII Wrecks of Palawan

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© Gunther Deichmann - the WWII Wrecks of Palawan

Late breaking NEWS from PALAU Micronesia! Conservation issue initiated by one of the founding members from the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance

Just arrived on my desk posted by palautours.com blog

Late breaking NEWS from PALAU Micronesia!
...brought to you by palautours.com

Ban on live fish export becomes law in Palau Micronesia a step in the right direction to preserve Palau's natural environment and unique Bio-diversity.

See below excerps from a News Paper article by the
Horizon News Staff

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With a stroke of his pen, president Tommy Remengesau, Jr. has put a stop to the export of live reef fish yesterday in Bai Mengeliakl,
Ngarchelong. Remengesau signed into law the Senate Bill.
President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. makes it clear, the significance of stopping the exportation of live reef fish yesterday.

PALAUTOURS.COM updated today May 7th 2008...including the FSM...Federated States of Micronesia...plus a lot more very soon.

This blog was posted on the Palautours.com site, we like to share this with you since we are so close to each other... The Philippines & Micronesia.
Before you make all our travel arrangements check it out...why not stop over in the Philippines for a few extra days and Dive some of the best Bio diversity in
the world. Plan your trip as a combination
Philippines - Micronesia then you have the very best of both worlds.
Think about it.

PalauTours.com Now... Welcome to Micronesia!

The colors of the Pacific...
(FSM - The Federated States of Micronesia)

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Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) - Yap - Kosrae & Pohnpei
Click the image or the link below
http://www.palautours.com/micronesia.html

As promised... we have just updated the
palautours.com site changes and NEW additions are as follow;

Micronesia section is updated see the screenshot on this blog - a Palau and Regional map has been added -
in the Photo Gallery we have now provided caption on all the images for easy identification - Getting here is
been updated - some pages have additional text - plus we have changed some photos in various categories.
More to come by this weekend and an incredible update is in progress for the Dive sites of Palau, we will feature
most of the dive sites and not only the popular ones, a big undertaking but I am sure you enjoy it once that is done.
We try very hard to have our first listings up also by Sunday, please stay tuned or start subscribing.
Your Palau Tours Team

NEW TRUK STOP HOTEL & TRUK LAGGON DIVE CENTER'S WEB SITE...Your tech diving experts...Your facility with HELIUM...TRIMIX...

The NEW TRUK STOP HOTEL & TRUK LAGGON DIVE CENTER'S WEB site is almost completed, soon you can explore the wreck sites and facilities on the Net at the fullest. Discover the amazing Wrecks with our partner Truk Lagoon Dive Center... Your expert on wrecks and all technical diving in Chuuk Micronesia the only place on the island with a permanent supply of HELIUM...you just have to bring your Re-Breather we take care of the rest.
See below some excerpts from their new HOME PAGE...
GD

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Part of the NEW HOME page...click on the image and go direct to Truk Lagoon Dive Center
http://www.dive-truklagoon.com/main.php

The Truk Stop Hotel & Dive Center is a PADI Resort Facility offering great accommodations plus an excellent, full service dive center for both the recreational and technical diver.
Truk Stop Hotel inventory of rooms include 2 apartments, 4 suites, 6 deluxe ocean view rooms, and 10 standard rooms. The apartments are air conditioned and fully furnished with kitchenette. All suites and rooms are air conditioned, have a balcony, private bath and furnished with a refrigerator plus TV/DVD player.

LOCAL TIME: 03:20:58 pm | May. 05, 2008

The Truk Lagoon Dive Center offers up to 4 dives a day (wreck, reef, shark, night), and our private dock, dive lockers, rinse tanks and shower make diving with us easy and convenient. We have Bauer Compressors and use a Haskel Pump for blending Nitrox and Trimix, and our expatriate PADI certified professional dive staffs take care of the technical and recreational diver with equal care and consideration.

Our Hotel Restaurant serves international, western style and local food daily from 6:00am till 10:00pm and offers inside dining in air conditioned, smoke free comfort or outside on our patio right next to the world famous Truk Lagoon. Enjoy our Wi-Fi broadband internet connection in the restaurant or on the patio – for FREE!

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© Gunther Deichmann - the view from your room Balcony at night.
http://www.dive-truklagoon.com/main.php

The Hard Wreck Café & Bar is the favorite hangout for resident expatriates, the traveling businessman, island visitors and local residents and is the place to enjoy a friendly game of pool, your favorite beverage, karaoke with friends, or just rest up for your next dive or business meeting.
Other services available through the hotel include a relaxing, stress busting massage at The Body Shop, fresh breads, cakes and desserts from our Bakery, handicrafts & souvenirs from our Gift Shop, u-drives from our Car Rental fleet, and business services at our well equipped Conference Facilities.

OUR ENVIRONMENT...& Exhibition in Armenia with images by Gunther Deichmann and many other international Photographers

DID YOU KNOW? Is brought to you by the Philippine - Micronesia Alliance, the Divers Choice.
We care about our Environment!


ARMENIA CENTER
To go to the Center click on the image
The Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art: ACCEA
" NPAK" in Armenian acronymis an alternative center for avant-garde
and modern art in Yerevan, Armenia


We have to take care of our PLANET and the ENVIRONMENT otherwise there be nothing left for our Children…
we all need to contribute & STOP Global Warming.


Some of Gunther Deichmann's images have been recently part of an international Exhibition in Armenia...for more detailed information some links below… many other international Photographers have contributed images for the Exhibition and environmental awareness, for a complete list of all the participants and sponsors including the WWF World Wildlife Fund in Armenia go to the provided links below…
I am happy and proud to have been part of this Exhibition in providing images creating awareness for our fragile environment.

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Click on the image above and view the Exhibition
with images and slide shows from all
the international participants.


The image above was taken in Palau Micronesia it was used as the Cover
for the official Exhibition Booklet, for other environmental related images
by Gunther Deichmann click the link below:
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/environment.html

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WHY BURNING MY HOME...
THINK!
Slide show of the images from the Exhibition by Gunther Deichmann
click on the link or image above.
http://www.davosstudio.com/Exhibition/Participants/Gunther%20Deichmann/


Late breaking NEWS…the Photos & an APPETIZER...the real thing from Palawan Philippines with Lee & WILDERNESS TRAVEL… A KAYAK JOURNEY & BEYOND…”where no man has ever gone before”…soon part of the Alliance.

A real NATURE ADVENTURE through PALAWAN in the PHILIPPINES & beyond...
from the
Philippine-Micronesia Alliance.

Secret Lagoon, our second campsite, is a beach tucked in a small, intimate lagoon surrounded by high cliffs

PHOTO: © Lee Goldman - Palawan at its very best...the camp site.
I wish I could be there...

Today another lad strolled into the office & not just anybody…my good friend and soon a new Alliance Partner Lee Goldman Marine Biologist and Expedition Leader of a great new Tour in Palawan Philippines.
Supported by Wilderness Travel and our partner in
Manila Blue Horizons, Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise in Palawan…the last frontier in the Philippines with spectacular limestone cliffs equal to Palau and Thailand.

Lee’s Expedition was also named as one of the
Best Adventure Trips 2008

A Masked Ball in the Philippines
http://www.concierge.com/ideas/

There be a lot more in the near future, you just have to stay tuned or subscribe to our blog…
A lot of exciting things are on the way…see below some of Lee’s Photos and text from his recent trip in April 2008, just completed…very cool and amazing…YOU should join him on his next trip and experience the Philippines like no other has done before…sounds familiar yes… STARTREK…but hurry bookings have to be made well in advance.
Gunther Deichmann

Exploring the small lagoons and bays of Bacuit Bay, El Nido can best be appreciated by kayak

PHOTO: © Lee Goldman - "Alien Lights?" No Palawan!
Exploring Palawan by Kayak & in the evening
there is fine dining... under the stars.

Hi Gunther,

The first PHILIPPINES Expedition for WILDERNESS TRAVEL is in the books and as I have done in previous blogs I want to thank some of the Philippine-Micronesian Alliance partners, Dirk Fahrenbach at Dugong Dive Center at Club Paradise and Blue Horizon Travel for their help in making it a successful tour. The highlights? How about Whale sharks, fantastic snorkeling among fields of colorful corals and abundant fish, Apo Reef National Park, and great weather! The super-highlight? KAYAKING and LUXURY CAMPING in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet; the limestone cliffs of El Nido, Palawan. Of course, our 5-star chef at camp helped in areas all marine enthusiasts are familiar with: growling stomachs at the end of a full day of fun…& there be a lot more very soon… this is only an appetizer.
Lee Goldman


LATEST NEWS… YOU have to read this very interesting story, again it gets to show YOU…how little we do know about our PLANET and the OCEAN...like an ALIEN from a different WORLD.

DID YOU KNOW? Is brought to you by the Philippine - Micronesia Alliance, the Divers Choice.
We care about our Environment!


Like an ALIEN from a different WORLD...very cool…the image below is nothing in comparison from what this article has in store for you… Thanks to Walter Ty again.

Monster warning to protect oceans... about twice the size of a London Bus...& be careful when diving in NEW ZEALAND...YOU never know.

The landing of a colossal squid by New Zealand fishermen earlier this year offered a rare glimpse into the mysterious world deep beneath the waves. Scientist Mark Norman uses this week's Green Room to argue that it also shows how marine life is being destroyed before it is understood.


You be amazed to see this one…
WOW!

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© Gunther Deichmann - just like Aliens...
Squid under a Boat in Micronesia,
for more images from the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance
destinations click on the Image above or this link.
http://www.alliancediving.com/blog/page2/page2.html

Colossal squid comes out of ice…
By Richard Black
Environment correspondent

Courtesy of the BBC

Colossal squid. Image: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
( go to the link below and view the image)
Dr Kubodera examines the eye of the smaller, partial colossal squid specimen
Technicians in New Zealand have begun to thaw a rare colossal squid specimen.

The operation to defrost the 10-metre (34 feet) long, half-tonne squid began on Monday afternoon in Wellington following a postponement of 24 hours.
The animal is now sitting in a bath of salt water. Once it is thawed, scientists will begin to dissect it.

Very little is known about colossal squid, which appear to live largely in the cold Antarctic waters and can grow up to 15 metres (50 feet) long.
"They're incredibly rare - this is probably one of maybe six specimens ever brought up," said Carol Diebel, director of natural environment at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa centre.

"It's certainly the one that we're being really careful about, completely intact and in really fantastic condition."
The Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni specimen was caught in February 2007 in the Ross Sea.

Big unknown

The colossal squid is remarkable for its size, but also for how rarely it has been sighted.
It was identified first in 1925 from two tentacles found in a sperm whale's stomach…
You have to read on...more images and text @
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7367774.stm


PHOTOS & NEWS from the ADEX DIVE SHOW IN SINGAPORE...& party time at the German Club MANILA Philippines with the Jazz Band... Johnny Alegre AFFINITY

Welcome back Dirk Fahrenbach… the lad just strolled into the office 5 minutes ago with some photos and information from the ADEX Dive Show in Singapore.
Great to see Dirk again even I am fighting a hangover from my Birthday Party at the German Club last night. Some of Dirk’s photos below…Oh boy… Dirk, you missed a great evening…
with the great and ever so cool Jazz Band "Johnny Alegre - AFFINITY"

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Photo: © Hermes Singson - Juergen Warnke
from Club Paradise and the President of the German Club
introduces Johnny Alegre and band.

Now back to ADEX and Dirk; Allan Nash and Tommy from Asia Divers with El Galleon attended the show at the Philippine Department of Tourism Booth…Wow Philippines. According to Dirk the ADEX show was the very best he had attended compared to previous years, getting many requests for diving with Dugongs and on the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance.
Jason Heller from
Dive Photo Guide strolled around and Michael AW made his presents felt with a presentation for the up coming Celebrate the Sea Festival.

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Our Philippine-Micronesia Alliance partners Dirk Fahrenbach from
Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center
in Palawan with Allan Nash from
Asia Divers with El Galleon Beach Resort in Puerto Galera Philippines...
posing with the Alliance brochure at the WOW Philippines Booth in Singapore 2008.

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The WOW Philippine Booth at
ADEX DIVE SHOW Singapore 2008


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Presentation on the Celebrate the Seas Festival
soon to be held in Manila at ADEX Singapore 2008

You have to forgive me today for not writing to much, I am still suffering a bit, but don’t worry more to come in the next few days including an article of some exciting new developments in Palawan…I guess you just have to stay tuned or subscribe to our Blog.
GD

An Amazing story and a science report… NO SEX for all-girl fish species… plus some sharks have seen numbers fall by as much as 75% in 15 years… lets keep OUR PLANET GREEN & INTACT.

DID YOU KNOW? Is brought to you by the Philippine - Micronesia Alliance, the Divers Choice.
We care about our Environment!


My very special thanks go to Walter Ty for bringing this to my attention…
Sorry no Photos today but if you go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/
edinburgh_and_east/7360770.stm

There you find a cool Pod cast and a photo of this amazing little fish from the Amazon, discovery been made everyday and we are learning so much about our environment except how to take care of it…lets start now.
GD


No sex for all-girl fish species
Amazon Molly (Credit: Dunja K Lamatsch)
Courtesy of BBC

A fish species, which is all female, has survived for 70,000 years without reproducing sexually, experts believe.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh think the Amazon Molly may be employing special genetic survival "tricks" to avoid becoming extinct.

The species, found in Texas and Mexico, interacts with males of other species to trigger its reproduction process.
The offspring are clones of their mother and do not inherit any of the male's DNA.

Typically, when creatures reproduce asexually, harmful changes creep into their genes over many generations.
The species will eventually have problems reproducing and can often fall victim to extinction.

Scientists at Edinburgh University have been studying complex mathematical models on a highly powerful computing system to look at the case of the Amazon Molly.
Researchers calculated the time to extinction for the fish based on modelling genetic changes over many thousands of generations.

They are now able to say conclusively, for the first time, the fish ought to have become extinct within the past 70,000 years, based on the current simple models.
Scientists believe the fish, which are still thriving in rivers in south-east Texas and north-east Mexico, are using special genetic survival "tricks" to help them stay alive.

One theory is that the fish may occasionally be taking some of the DNA from the males that trigger reproduction, in order to refresh their gene pool.

Species tricks

Dr Laurence Loewe, of the university's School of Biological Sciences, said: "What we have shown now is that this fish really has something special going on and that some special tricks exist to help this fish survive.
"Maybe there is still occasional sex with strangers that keeps the species alive. Future research may give us some answers."
He added that their findings could also help them understand more about how other creatures operate.
"I think one of the interesting things is that we are learning more about how other species might use these tricks as well," he said.

"It might have a more general importance."
The Edinburgh-led study was carried out in collaboration with Dr Dunja Lamatsch at the University of Wuerzburg, now at the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
The research is published in the journal BMC Evolutionary Biology
.
More info and Photos @
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/
edinburgh_and_east/7360770.stm



Species loss 'bad for our health'
The physiology of bears could lead to a better understanding of some diseases

A new generation of medical treatments could be lost forever unless the current rate of biodiversity loss is reversed, conservationists have warned.
They say species are being lost before researchers have had the chance to examine and understand their potential health benefits.
The findings appear in Sustaining Life, a book involving more than 100 experts.

It is being published ahead of a global summit in May that will look at ways to stem biodiversity loss by 2010.
"While extinction is alarming in its own right, the book demonstrates that many species can help human lives," said co-author Jeffrey McNeely, chief scientist at IUCN (formerly known as the World Conservation Union).


Societies depend on nature for treating diseases
Achim Steiner,
Unep executive director

"If we needed more justification for action to conserve species, it offers dozens of dramatic examples of both why and how citizens can act in ways that will conserve, rather than destroy, the species that enrich our lives."

Killing the cure
One creature whose potential benefits have been lost to science is the southern gastric brooding frog (Rheobatrachus silus), say the authors…more info and Photos at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7361539.stm

LATE BREAKING NEWS! "The Pink Pearls of the Pacific" The annual mass spawning of corals on the PALAU archipelago in the western PACIFIC has occurred right on cue

Walter Ty has done it again...thanks so much...from what I have heard the spawning is over...you lucky divers who had been in Palau during this time. Maybe the visibility was not so great to see all the other marine life...but then the coral spawning is something not to be missed...natures gift to man and a reminder that we have to take care of our environment...ironically the month of April is suppose to be the green month...I guess Palau has both, above it is green and below during the spawning it is all pink.
What a contrast!
GD

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© Gunther Deichmann - Is this what it looked like in Palau???
For some real images go to the link provided below...
this is only an artist impression.

The annual mass spawning of corals on the Palau archipelago in the western Pacific has occurred right on cue. With Sunday night's full moon, coral polyps let forth a huge swathe of sperm and egg, to seed the next generation.

The event was short-lived - only about 30 minutes - but so vast in its scale that it turned the sea water pink. Scientists from Palau, Australia and the UK are studying the practicality of collecting coral larvae to help restore damaged reefs elsewhere.

See what a mass spawning at Palau looks like (Reefvid.org)
As we got into the boat for our trip to Luke's reef, I admit I was not really expecting to see the mass spawning on the exact night of the full Moon. All the visiting scientists here thought it was more likely the reproductive extravaganza would happen the next evening or the following one - based on what had happened the last two years. The only person who seemed sure it would happen on cue was Steven Victor, the Palauan director of the Palau International Coral Reef Center. Local knowledge was spot on, as it turned out.
Almost as soon as the boat engine switched off, we got a sense that something might be brewing... you have to see and read the whole story...and images
@
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7358423.stm

Late News from Scuba Diving Magazine...Bottom Time...announcement of Sam's Tours Digital Photo Center including Aperture 2 in Palau Micronesia

Late News... just received this press release from Dermot Keane Sam's Tours Palau Micronesia...please read below
the article in the online Scuba Diving Magazine...Bottom Time.

GD

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Click on the image and go direct to
the Digital Photo Center


ALL - NEW DIGITAL PHOTO CENTER AT SAM'S TOURS IN PALAU

Sam's Tours' all new Digital Photo Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels, from those with handy point-and-shoot cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Their six top-of-the-line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data backup systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture 2 image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. No other photo center in Palau comes near!

Plus, you can rent new Canon SD850 Digital Cameras and Canon ZR830 Digital Minicams with underwater housings. Other camera-friendly improvements include an expanded "dry zone" for Camera Preparation and Charging and a new Camera Drying Station complete with towels and compressed air for post-rinsing camera care.



A Tribute to John Bennett...the Legend lives on...he was the deepest diver in the world & and Pioneer...we miss you John.

Have a moment please...think and pay tribute to John Bennett a legend in the Dive industry, a moment of silence and our thought to his family...we all miss you very much, from the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance. See the letter and images below I just received from his good friend Mark Cox in Australia. Thank you so much Mark in sharing the photos and memories of this truly great man, we all appreciate this very much.
GD

"He was the the greatest diver that ever lived... a memorial yesterday for John Bennett who died 4 years ago 15th of March. A very sad day not just for the dive community but his closest friends & loving family ! Gabby, Josh & Katie. We gathered yesterday for a remembrance of this great man that lead the way for divers & pioneers of today, he was a LEGEND, we love him & miss him. The deepest diver in the world John Bennett, we will never forget you,
from Mark Cox, a good friend."

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© Photo: Mark Cox, Australia

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© Photo: Mark Cox, Australia


Blue Horizons Travel...a thank you note...plus Wilderness travel in Palawan...& dive the wrecks of Coron Bay with Asia Divers...dive and explore the last frontier in the Philippines

Just received this letter (see below) from Lee Goldman, Marine Biologist who leading a Wilderness Travel Expedition to the Philippine Islands, find out more about his Wilderness Travel Expedition, go to our previous Blog and click the link below.
http://www.alliancediving.com/blog/files/jan-2008.html

In his letter Lee expressed his sincere thanks to Jem from
Blue Horizons Travel I like also to take this opportunity and thank Jem personally for his hard work and effort in helping to put together the super package and Prize for the Layang Layang Photo Contest a lot more details on this later, thanks Jem.

PALAWANCORON
© Gunther Deichmann


Soon a new member of the
Philippine-Micronesia Alliance, Lee will be joining us with his extraordinary and very exiting Kayak tours in Palawan and beyond, subscribe and stay tuned for the official announcement.
GD

His tour has just been in the top listing of the Concierge,
Best Adventure Trips 2008!
http://www.concierge.com/ideas/skiadventure/tour/detail?id=1729&page=11


Hi Gunther,

A while back you blogged about my excitement and appreciation for the significant inclusion of
Club Paradise onto our new Wilderness Travel Expedition to the Philippine Islands.

I should also mention that another one of you
r Micronesian-Philippine Alliance partners has made important contributions as well. Jem Kemp from Blue Horizon Travel has been extremely helpful in arranging our flights to and from Legaspi, where we will continue on to Donsol for a couple of days snorkeling with Whale Sharks, and for all of the transfers for our guests when they arrive in Manila.

While it may sound easy, from my point of view, it helped to keep me from pulling even more of my hair out of my head while trying to coordinate all of the other activities for our 12 day tour. So, when coordinating 5 days of
luxury kayak camping (that’s tents, supplies, equipment, personnel and their travel arrangement, the outfitting of our new boat, coordination of the daily excursions, food procurement, and contingency plans) became almost as much as I can handle, Jem came through by taking care of the guests in Manila, thus alleviating some of the weight from my shoulders.
Thanks Jem!
Lee Goldman, Marine Biologist and Tour leader

PALAWAN BEACH GIRLS PALMS


Photos: © Gunther Deichmann – Images from Palawan…the last frontier in the Philippines and a heaven for nature lovers, pristine beaches, crystal clear water surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs and spectacular diving… explore and discover this incredible part of the Philippines with Lee Goldman and our other Alliance partners. A pure natures paradise.


Click on the images above and see more photos from all our partner destinations.

Asia Divers our partner in Puerto Galera visits Palawan frequently for the wrecks in Coron Bay, Asia Divers with El Galleon Beach Resort is also a major sponsor of the Layang Layang Photo Contest,
for more info on Wreck diving with Asia Divers check out our previous blog from David Ross at:
http://www.alliancediving.com/blog/files/category-asia-divers-articles.html


Diving and voting for Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines...the seven new wonders of the world, more elections...

More and more elections this time of the year, we have had Putin and Russia, then in the US Obama v Hillary plus all the others, I think in Iran soon, it is all over the place not to mention the Shark vote from the other day on our blog and now Tubbataha Reef has been nominated as one of the seven new Wonders of the World.

Cast
YOUR vote below!

The Philippine-Micronesia Alliance is supporting the conservation and protection
of this unique reef in the Philippines.

The 96,000- hectare Tubbataha Reef, Asia's best marine park, has been 
nominated as one of the seven new Wonders of the World.



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© Gunther Deichmann - sharks are a common sight at the Tubbataha Reef


T
ubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef in the Sulu Sea that belongs to 
the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef 
National Marine Park. The reef is composed of two atolls, North and 
South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from 
the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel 8 kilometers 
wide. Over one thousand species, including many that are endangered, 
can be found at on the reef. These include manta rays, lionfish, 
tortoises, clownfish and sharks.

You can vote for Tubbataha Reef by going to this site:

http://www.new7wonders.com/nature

Search for the nominees and you will be asked to vote for 7 sites. The 
trick is, choose Tubbataha Reef as your first choice and for the other 
six, select the most unknown nominees. This gives more chances for 
Tubbataha to make it to the top 21 finalists. Presently, it's ranked 
top 29, up from top 35 last week.


Late breaking NEWS...Philippine- Micronesia Alliance proudly sponsors Layang Layang Photo Contest in Malaysia

Late breaking NEWS...

The Philippine - Micronesia Alliance proudly announces to be part of this years Layang Layang Photo Contest in Malaysia as one of the sponsors, we announce the operators and destinations very shorly on our Blog, incredible prizes for the winners of this years contest, stay tuned for more details in the coming days.
GD

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Late breaking news from Dugong Dive Center…Ghost pipefish in masses at Club Paradise House reef...

Late breaking news from Dugong Dive Center in Palawan...the Divers Choice.
Ghost pipefish in masses at
Club Paradise House reef and newly discovered Mandarin fish close by.

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Ghost pipefish at the moment in masses at the
Club Paradise House reef

What else do you need! I guess a tank full of air and camera will do just fine…Dirk is back on the island... happy to point you in the right direction, even without Dirk or his dive guides you cant get lost…you just get up in the morning and after a good breakfast at Club Paradise stroll down the beach…enter the water and you right at the house reef…the action and critters only a few feet below.

GHOSTPIPE
Photos: © Gunther Deichmann

But if you get real lucky... you might meet the sexy Tashina and join her for an unforgeteable trip to Apo reef, dive the spectacular walls and catch a glimpse of Mantas and Sharks not to mention the big schools of jacks on this reef. Soon island hopping with Tashina...yes very sexy indeed...to find out more who she is go to: http://www.alliancediving.com/blog/
It comes as no surprise that VOX television from Germany had choosen Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center for one of their location.


Mandarin fish used to be know only from Yap and Palau... but now they have arrived in Palawan too, watch their courtship at sunset right in front of the beach resort, our other partner destination in the Philppines, Puerto Galera has got them too, just check with
Asia Divers, another member of the Philippine -Micronesia Alliance.

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Mandarin fish now in Palawan
Photo: © Gunther Deichmann

So what are you waiting for, get your gear ready and plan your next weekend or dive vacation with Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center, a member of the
Philippine – Micronesia Alliance.

Click on the images and go direct to our partner destination
Photo Gallery, amazing dive destinations from the
Philippines, Micronesia and the Pacific.

But here is another tip... check out some of the amazing videos from Dirk Fahrenbach at
YOU TUBE, go to YOU TUBE and type his name or click the link below for one of his film clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVstA2zcxXQ


GD

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Dirk has returned...a new boat...more from the Boat Show in Germany...the Maldives plus a lot more.

The latest news from one of our partners in the
Philippine-Micronesia Alliance...The Divers choice
in the Philippines, Micronesia and the Pacific.


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Dirk, friends and dive guides in the Maldives...Feb.2008

He is back…who? Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise walked into the virtual office yesterday returning from Germany and the Maldives.
Dirk attended the Düsseldorf Boat show in January in Germany, after the show he took a few days off and then went straight to the Maldives for some diving looking after a group of divers.
According to Dirk, the Boat Show was a great event and he was part of the DOT Booth, Wow Philippines; see below some photos he provided me yesterday.

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Dirk and friend at the Wow Philippine Booth at the
Duesseldorf Boat Show Jan. 2008


Welcome back Dirk, we did miss you, Dirk also showed me some photos of his new Boat soon at Dugong Dive Center a new and very big Tri-Maran …
luxury at it’s best diving at it’s ultimate… as mention in my earlier blogs diving with the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance is getting better and better.

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Some of Dirk's guest's in the Maldives

See below some photos from Dirk’s new Boat called …
...Tashina… very sexy and bold.

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Ready very soon...the very sexy Tashina…

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So much more space...the Tashina

Diving with her is never going to be boring… over night Safaris with all your electrical requirements on board, including a 24hours compressor… now that is what we call island hopping, Apo reef is going to be fun from now on, the Tashina is very soon in Palawan, one of the Philippines top dive destinations. The other images are from the Maldives, Dirk, dive guides and some of his guest’s.
A lot more very soon from Dirk…
Dugong Dive Center and Club Paradise…and of course the sexy Tashina.
GD

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Introducing all the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance partners in Spanish...the Divers Choice in the Pacific

Today we like to introduce our Alliance Partners in Spanish...click on the flags or links and you can read all about the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance and partner destinations in spanish, pages and pages on our destination and dive vacation. Join us for some exciting island hopping, insel huepfen, shark dives, spectacular wall dives or just relax on one our unspoiled tropical beaches, the Divers Choice in the Philippines and Micronesia, the experts in the Pacific.

Our partners in the Philippines:
Calypso/Pinjalo Dive Resort, Boracay, Asia Divers with El Galleon beach Resort Puerto Galera, Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center in Palawan the last frontier in the Philippines. In Micronesia you dive with Sam's Tours in Palau who has the most sophisticated Digital Photo Service nowhere else to be found a underwater photographers paradise, if you like Wrecks then our Partner in Truk Lagoon the Truk Stop Hotel and Dive Center is your best choice with free Wi-Fi connection for all their guests, you connected even in the most remote part of the pacific with the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance.

For all our other languages please click this link we speak...
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Alianza Filipinas-Micronesia ® 2008

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Bienvenidos a la Alianza Filipinas-Micronesia , sus compañeros para esas vacaciones de buceo de calidad!

La vasta y remota región comprendida entre las Filipinas y Micronesia, abarca las aguas tropicales más abundantes del Pacífico, y de gran renombre entre los buceadores por su rica bio-diversidad marina que incluye grandes peces pelágicos, infinitas variedades de temas para macrofotografías, más de 700 especies de corales, más de 1,300 especies de peces, y una gran colección de restos intactos de naufragios marinos.

¡ Nuestra exclusiva red de balnearios para buceo de primera clase a lo largo de las Filipinas, República de Palau y la Laguna de Truk en los Estados Federados de Micronesia, en asociación con nuestros selectos profesionales en turismo hacen que los buceadores tengan un viaje y buceo más convenientes, más cómodos y más amenos que nunca!

La Alianza Filipinas-Micronesia está integrada por los mejores agentes turísticos regionales especializados en buceo cuidadosamente escogidos por la Alianza para garantizar que los buceadores tengan lo más fino en vacaciones de gran calidad y con los más altos niveles de seguridad, servicio al cliente, y trato comercial profesional en la industria.

Para mayor comodidad en la planificación de su viaje, nuestros expertos turísticos regionales planificarán sus exploraciones por el Pacífico para un relajo mental garantizado por nuestros niveles de servicio, comodidad y satisfacción ofrecidos por la Alianza. ¡ Tome asiento, relájese y deje la planificación de sus vacaciones a nosotros!
Sus compañeros para vacaciones de buceo de calidad incluyen balnearios para buceo en las Filipinas y centros para buceo Asia Divers. Entre estos están El Galleon Resort (Balneario El Galeón), en Puerto Galera; Club Paradise & Dugong Diving Center (Club Paraíso y Centro para Buceo Dugong), en Palawan; Pinjalo Diver Resort (Balneario para Buceo Pinjalo), en Boracay; y Sam's Tours (Paseos Turísticos de Sam), en Palau, Micronesia, y el Truk Lagoon Dive Center (Centro para Buceo de la Laguna Truk), en los Estados Federados de Micronesia.
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Late breaking News... very large, rare, six-gill shark (most sharks have five gills) taken by researchers in a submarine 1000 meters

Just saw this on Fins Blog... absolutely fantastic...no more words needed...you have to check this out.
Check out this video of a very large, rare, six-gill shark (most sharks have five gills) taken by researchers in a submarine 1000 meters down in Hawaiian waters.
Almost as interesting as the shark is the excited chatter of the researchers.

Click the link below:

http://www.finsonline.com/blog/fins/20080217/rare-large-6-gill-shark.html

You bet this is very cool I just watched it...
GD

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Introducing the Philippine - Micronesia Alliance in Russian

Introducing the Philippine-Micronesia Alliance in Russian - Your partner in island hopping, inselhuepfen plus a lot more. We have the best dive locations in the Philippines and Micronesia with some of the best unspoiled beaches in the world.
THE DIVERS CHOICE.

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Click the flag and go direct to all our destinations and partners in Russian.

ФИЛИППИНЫ - МИКРОНЕЗИЯ АЛЬЯНСУ ® 2008

ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ К НАШЕМУ ФИЛИППИНЫ - МИКРОНЕЗИЯ АЛЬЯНСУ ЭТО ТВОЙ ЛУЧШИЙ ПАРТНЕР ДЛЯ ПЕРВОКЛАССНОГО ПОДВОДНОГО ОТПУСКА

Огромная площадь теплых тропических вод Тихого океана между Филиппинами и Микронезией известна среди дайверов всего мира еще и своим богатым многообразием подводного мира. Более 1300 наименований рыб, более 700 видов кораллов... Здесь вы найдете бесконечное множество тем для подводных съемок, включая и удивительную коллекцию ...затонувших кораблей.

Наш ислючительный индивидуальный сервиc от первоклассных отелей для подводников на Филиппинах, Палау и рэк-лагун в Микронезии, а также разнообразие туристических маршрутов делает путешествия и подводное плавание в этом фантастическом месте Тихого океана еще интересней и удобней, чем прежде. Пережитые подводные впечатления останутся в вашей памяти навсегда.

Филиппины-Микронезия Альянс обладает лучшими отелями, которые могут быть предложены в этих местах. Наши партнеры подобраны нами так тщательно, чтобы помочь каждому подводнику провести первоклассный отпуск на самом высоком уровне профессионализма, безопасности и наслаждений.

Итак, передайте планирование Вашего отпуска нашим целевым экспертам. Мы озаботимся о том, чтобы Ваши тихоокеанские приключения стали единственными в своем роде впечатлениями. Сядьте поудобнее, расслабтесь и предоставьте нам спланировать отпуск вашей мечты, мечты каждого подводника.

Вашими партнерами в высоклассном подводном отпуске являются:

На Филлипинах - Asia Divers with El Galleon Resort, Puerto Galera, Club Paradise & Dugong Diving Center, Palawan Pinjalo Diver Resort, Boracay

В Паллау, Микронезии - Sam’s Tours, Palau Truk Lagoon Dive Center, Chuuk

Alliance partners in Paris France and Duesseldorf Boat Show Germany

Received the info below from our good friend Tommy at Asia Divers and El Galleon Beach Resort in Puerto Galera, Philippines
Thanks Tommy. You can also click on the flags for the Alliance in German and French, plus there are six more languages to choose from.

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In the last three weeks some Alliance members have been to France and then Germany for dive shows.
At the Dive show in Paris January 11-14, both Asia Divers/El Galleon Dive Resort and Calypso/Pinjalo Resort participated in DOT's very nice stand. The show had many visitors and with the Philippines being the featuring country all went very well with a lot of interest.

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The following weekend the 9-day long BOOT show started in Düsseldorf, Germany and we were joined by Dugong Dive Center/Club Paradise so now we had 3 Alliance members at the show. Again the Philippine DOT had the most impressive destination stands of them all, with a lot of activities around the stand, the booth created a lot of interest for the Philippines and to all the other
Alliance members including our partners from Micronesia, Sam’s Tours in Palau and Truk Stop Dive Center in Chuuk, or better know as Truk Lagoon.
Tommy

Best adventure Trips 2008, now in the Philippines.

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