Images of Tañon Strait: Looking Back to An Incredible Journey

Hard to believe that it was six months ago when I, along with a team of conservationists from Oceana Philippines, and fellow photographers went on an almost week-long expedition across Tañon Strait in the Visayas to document life and sights along this important, though largely under-recognized, body of water.

What a week it was.  We rode inland from Cebu City to Bantayan Island to the north and sailed down south to Bais Bay.  In between, we got serenaded at Aloguinsan before going through the mangrove-bordered Bojo river; marveled at the seascape of Moalboal, even spending two days on a liveaboard and overnight on a reef station in Mantalip.

What made it extra memorable for me was that I was suffering from two infections at the time.  How I wished I was able to see the sardine run at Panagsama beach or even just take a dip on the warm, inviting waters off Virgin Island instead of being feverish and land- and boat-locked.  Still, looking and reading this book, I am transported back to those days where  we wake up to wonder each morning, praying for good weather and retiring to bed each night filled with new experiences.

My profuse thanks to Yassie Arquiza, communications director of Oceana Philippines, for inviting me to participate in this expedition.  To echo Yas's foreword, we collectively hope that through this book, the people that live along the coasts of Tañon Strait as well as the public in general, will be made aware of what they have, and what they stand to lose if wanton destruction of this marine habitat is not stopped.

About the book: Images of Tañon Strait is published by Oceana Philippines International • Text by Criselda Yabes, photographic contribution by photographers, Ferdz Decena, Tonee Despjo, Ferdinand Edralin, Candeze Mongaya, Danny Ocampo, Gutsy Tuazon, and Oggie Ramos. • Copies of the book may be requested by mailing to PO Box 255, UP Post Office, University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 or email [email protected]

About Oceana Philippines:  The Philippines office of Oceana, the world's largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation.  Oceana Philippines seeks to restore the healh, richness, and abundance of Philippines oceans.   By working closely with civil society, academics, fishers, and government, Oceana Philippines will promote the use of sound science-based policies to help ensure sustainable fisheries and vibrant marine ecosystems.

Notes from Tañon Strait, Day 4: Missing the Sardine Run in Moalboal; Getting Inspired in Hale Manna

Adirondack chairs on Inspiration Point, Hale Manna, Moalboal • for Oceana Philippines

Day 4 of our Oceana Philippines photo safari/expedition was devoted to swimming.  However, the closest I got to taking a dip in the sea was walking to my waist going to Harold's liveaboard since the water was shallow a long way off the shore.

By now, I have had high fever during the night, unsure if I can shoot or function efficiently the next day.   There's this really nice, huge room in Hale Manna with cool air conditioning and comfy beds but all I could do was cower under the blanket farthest from the air conditioner.  The idea of taking the next day off crossed my mind but since this is an assignment and not a vacation, it was out of the question.  To add to my misery, my trusty Nikon was, putting it mildly, feeling its age and acting wonky.  Friends would often presume photo assignments are all fun and games.  It can be fun alright but at the end of the day, you have to deliver regardless of whether you're feeling sick or uninspired, or heaven forbid,  your equipment has gone bonkers.

Notes from the Oceana Tañon Strait Photo Safari: Day 1, A Full Moon to Send Us on Our Way

Scouring the shallows for seashell at dusk • Oceana PH Tanon Strait Photo Safari

If I have not been fortunate enough to have been invited to join the Oceana Tañon Strait Photo Safari from the tailend of April to early May, I would not have given much thought to this body of water that straddles the islands of Cebu and Negros.   Though extremely narrow at 27 km, long at 160 km and deep at 500 m, the strait covers a total of 5,182 square kilometers which makes it more than three times the size of the more popular Tubbataha National Park.  

Chatting with writer, Cris Yabes, Oceana's Communications Director, Yas Arquiza, and my friend and fellow photographer, Ferdz Decena, I shared my observation that considering its size and importance especially to the people along its 450 km coastline, Tañon Strait is not "mainstream popular" as it ought to be which comes as a surprise.  That it was declared a protected seascape way back in 1998 in honor of the 14 species of whales and dolphins which inhabit this strait did not make it as well-known in the public's mind as say, Tubbataha. Nor did this prevent the prevalence of illegal fishing in the area.