Back Beneath the Water with Jacob

A weekend beneath the water, and a memory with my son that I will carry home.

Our diving weekend began before we reached the sea. On October 2, we stopped for dinner at Johanna’s Grill in Bauan, Batangas, on our way to Planet Dive in Anilao. Around the table were my son Jacob, his cousin Xander, his uncle Zaldy, and our friends Marco and Oscar. Everyone was looking forward to the two days ahead.

Finding our rhythm again

It had been three years since our last dive, so October 3 was a day to ease back into the water. We went to Minilog, a sandy-bottom dive site where we could take our time and refresh our skills. Jacob and Xander were especially excited to dive again. There was no need to rush; the pleasure of that first day was simply getting comfortable underwater together.

Batok and Layag

On October 4, we dived as a group at Batok and Layag. The scenery was beautiful. We passed corals alive with color, watched fish move through the reef, and spotted some of the sea’s more unusual creatures. Every stretch of the dive seemed to offer something new to look at.

Yet the moment I will remember most was seeing Jacob underwater. Three years had passed since we last dived, and I could see how much he had grown. His diving skills had improved, and he looked happy and full of energy doing something he enjoyed. Watching him made me feel both joyful and proud.

By the time we headed home, we had photographs of the reefs and sea life, but the best part of the trip was what we had shared. It was a weekend with family and friends, and a chance for Jacob and me to make another memory together beneath the water.