Here is a photo of Tommy from Steve Ford that was taken a few years back. You’ll see more of Steve’s “oldie” photos from the early 90’s on our Facebook Page. Check it out…there are some real good ones there!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.158818000907642.30740.157591907696918&type=3

Tommy, Allan, and Andy with Kate and Jeroen in New Zealand, 2005.

Early 2005 Allan, Andy and Tommy decided they should go on a dive holiday together. Only one rule, no white beach and palm trees, try something different. As Allan and Tommy had met a nice guy called Jeroen from Dive Tutukaka in New Zealand at several dive shows they decided maybe this would be a perfect spot to go for a different dive experience. Tommy came up with the idea of going there in September for two reasons, first he had read it was more Bronze Whaler sharks when it was cooler (New Zealand winter) and of course the resort and shop back home would not be overly busy. This proved to be a slight mistake as the boys quickly learned from the first day of diving in 14-15 degree water and with the weather conditions anything else then favorable.

The boys enjoying the balmy diving conditions…

Next two days the diving was cancelled due to bad weather so the boys took off and checked out the northern part of North Island to return on Monday morning for more diving. Jeroen and Kate who own  Dive Tutukaka made sure more neoprene was added to the boys and the sun was out to add some warmth after the dives. The Asia Divers team was treated like kings during the entire stay in Tutukaka and had a great time diving the Poor Knights Island. Finally after 8 years we have had the pleasure of having Kate and Jeroen with us in Puerto Galera. It’s been wonderful to see them again and for them to get to know us more on our turf. We hope that they can come back soon and perhaps bring along some of their divers from New Zealand.

Kate and Jeroen got in some great diving in our nice warm water and also did a nitrox course with Alli to take advantage of the wonderful diving conditions in Puerto Galera.

Was a nice thought of Sandi O’Donnell taking 6 weeks holiday from her home town of Southampton in England to pay a visit to Andy Norman who was school classmate at Manor Court School in Drayton, Portsmouth from 1965 -1972. Having been in same class in certain subjects from age of 11 and travelling with Sandi and friends throughout Europe this was her first time to travel to Asia and the cultural way of life that was very different from the average English high street.

While in UK, during those slightly younger years Sandi always enjoyed sports with the youth club we were both at so only natural that she’s do the PADI Open Water course with us.  Must admit, Sandi done very well, something she can add towards the memories of the Philippines when returning to England.

Actually, reminiscent of Fell (hill) walking in England in the 1970’s, we took on a little bit of fell walking in the mountains north Philippines in the rice terraces, however, importance was not of speed or who could climb the highest as we did at the age of 18, but of the slower country walking pace geared towards a slightly older generation.

Sandi is a professional artist and during her travels throughout the country, she was able to take on some very nice sketch drawings that hopefully will go on show in UK.

From all the staff…. and especially from your old classmate from Portsmouth, thanks Sandi for being with us at Asia Divers.

Carmen Eaton has just left us after being here for the past few months. She has enjoyed time with Dad, getting her OW and AOW, doing some fun diving, meeting lots of new friends and working on her tan! Hope to see you back here soon…

Marc Van Der Poel was back on the beach after being away from here for quite a few year. He was here to do an I.E. for PADI and to catch up with old mates in the Point.

Chuck Dreyfus earned himself a very special T-shirt while he was here…#1400! Now that he’s back Stateside he’ll be kept very busy with about 7000 pics to go thru from 3 different cameras. His Canon S95 was flooded in the rinse tank 5 days into the trip in Anilao. Luckily he was able to use an Olympus pen 1 for 5 days and Sealife DC1200 for 10 days thanks to some kind people who made this possible!

Check out the groovy new board shorts we have when you do the “Shots for shorts” at the Point!

What a way to start on your 50^th year! The birthday boy, Curt went out on a nice morning dive and came back to the whole resort decorated for his 50^th birthday. (Included were many old photos of Curt as a wee lad and even some of those scary 70’s photos!) Happy 50^th Birthday Curt….ya dumb whore!! His friends Steve and Chuck made sure everyone knew…