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In 2011 I went to Iceland and was so impressed that I wrote an eBook about preparing for and taking a photographic holiday there. I made it available free via the internet and so far it has been grabbed over 950 times by the world photographic community. A good way to give something back... I have done this with several other photo journeys, including underwater ones. You can see the free PDF eBooks that I have written via: https://photojourney.smiliemail.org/gallery In total, these eBooks have been grabbed nearly 7500 times worldwide. On that site, various parts of each eBook entry are hot - if you put your cursor over the part, you get more info. Just click on the eBook you want. The Malapascua diving eBook was finished recently and is about a group diving tour to Malapascua, Philippines, taken in July this year. Definitely an eBook about what we learnt re diving and UW photography, but also trying to review diving in that area and how well Ocean Vida - the dive resort - looked after us overall. That is, was it worth it and would we go again. (Yes!) The eBooks detail preparations such as transport, accommodation, clothing, photographic gear, etc as well as showing images from the photojourney. The main thrust behind the eBooks is to show what we learnt from the experience so that others will be better prepared. But if you just like pretty UW images, have a look as well. The links to the eBooks will redirect you to a fast Dropbox site. You do NOT have to make a dropbox account to get access - it tries to persuade you to do this, but look for the "continue as guest" type link if asked. Grab the eBook if you like. I suggest that you get the "_ebook" PDF from Dropbox as it is a good compromise between file size and image quality. Perhaps download the _ebook version and look at it at your leisure. If you know of others who may be interested, then please pass on the above link (rather than just sending them direct to dropbox) because this helps me keep track of the number of times the eBook is downloaded. Mention the photojourney site on any appropriate social media forums you enjoy. People are often on the lookout for new places to go, and these eBooks can help. They are not just diving eBooks - various other interesting places are also described. Grab those as well if appropriate. Dropbox site: http://www.dropbox.smiliemail.org/PhotoJourney/Malapascua_Island_Diving Location: Malapascua Island Philippines Duration: 1 week Temperature: 30 degrees celsius Visibility: 20+ metres. # Images: LOTS + videos. Enjoy!

Looking for resort recommendations for the above locations. Thanks in Advance, Jamie

I have finally was able to do a quick upload(but not fully edited) gallery of my recent trip to Moalboal and Malapascua Philippines. Had a great trip, nice resorts and surprisingly good results with Lightroom on WIndows Surface Pro 128 tablet as my 'laptop;. I can write more later about resorts, diving, how to get there, or the Surface Pro if anyone is interested.. Here are the galleries on SmugMug http://www.davidkleinfelt.com/Underwater/Moaboal-Philippines-2013/28607491_FhDmH3 http://www.davidkleinfelt.com/Underwater/Malapascua-Philippines-2013/28634423_7pxXVJ David

Please dive with us at the Evolution Photoganza 2013, September 13th-18th, Malapascua, Cebu, Philippines! Join one of the Philippines top rated dive resorts for an incredible Photography and Marine Biology Workshop in September 2013. Evolution is one of the most respected and professional dive resorts in the Philippines. This September we are offering you the chance to hone and perfect your photography skills whilst learning about the incredible marine life of Malapascua with underwater photographer and Biologist Dr. Klaus M. Stiefel. Whether you’re an amateur happy snapper or a serious photo hobbyist, this workshop will prioritize your needs. Photographers can expect small groups, and a customised dive schedule to maximise both wide angle and macro opportunities on Malapascua. And everything will be done at a photographer’s pace! Lectures and presentations on local fauna will supplement the experience. Learn about the behaviour of the famous Alopias pelagicus or Thresher Shark, uniquely found at diving depths in Malapascua. Dr. Stiefel will also draw heavily on his experience in Malapascua to teach participants about the dynamics of commensal, parasitic and symbiotic behaviour that allows prepared photographers get the shot of a life time. The cost for this Photography and Marine Biology Workshop is only 26 000 Philippine Pesos (605 A$, 635 US$ as of December 12th, 2012). This includes twin share in a beach-side fan room, all meals in our famous restaurant, 12 guided specialty photo dives to Malapascua’s top dive sites, return transfers from Cebu (pick up is 12:00 noon, September 13th and participants will be returned to Cebu at 12:00 noon, September 18th) and daily lectures and presentations on underwater photography and marine biology by biologist and underwater photographer Dr. Klaus M. Stiefel. To book, simply contact Evolution and pay a 30% deposit before March 31st 2013. Book before Jan 31st, 2013, and get two large prints to use for your best Photoganza shots for free! Contact David Joyce david.joyce@evolution.ph for bookings & diving operations related questions, Margaret Hudspeth Margaret.Hudspeth@shiretravel.com.au for bookings in Australia of an attractive package including flights, and Dr. Klaus M. Stiefel k.stiefel@uws.edu.au for program inquiries. More detailed info is here.

My girlfriend and I are considering a 2+ week trip to the Philippines this Sept/Oct. Will be the 1st time for both of us. Was thinking Anilao and then a more Pelagic friendly destination. Few questions for people in the know: 1) Is it OK to go and dive this time of the year? It seems that this will be during the monsoon season... Is it miserably wet? Is vis affected too much? 2) Can anyone recommend any good resorts? Seems like Club Ocellaris is the place to be in Anilao... 3) What Pelagic site would be best this time of year? Malapascua looks good... September was mentioned as "Manta Month" in 1 article I read. Thanks for any help! Jay