At the time of writing this, I’m nursing a fever and sore muscles—and yet, I couldn’t be happier.
The experience was worth every bit of discomfort. If anything, I just wish I had prepared better so I could’ve enjoyed it even more.
It all started with a simple birthday offer from one of my favorite people:
The experience was worth every bit of discomfort. If anything, I just wish I had prepared better so I could’ve enjoyed it even more.
It all started with a simple birthday offer from one of my favorite people:
“Anything you’d like for your birthday.”
I didn’t hesitate. I already knew what I wanted.
Freediving had been sitting on my bucket list for years. So before my sponsor flew to France, I was told to book it right away—no overthinking. I signed up for a two-day course and even pre-ordered some of my gear (fins… I told myself I’d figure those out later).
Booking the Course
I chose Aquaholics Freediving, based in Pangasinan—a convenient choice since I’m from the North.
The course fee was ₱2,500 per person, which is reasonable considering freediving isn’t exactly a cheap hobby.
They require a 50% down payment via GCash or bank transfer, with the remaining balance paid on-site. After sending proof of payment through Messenger, your schedule gets confirmed.
Also—small confession—I booked it before my actual birthday. My grandmother always said not to take risks on your birthday… and honestly, I wasn’t about to test that by potentially drowning. 😂
Getting There: Sitio Olanen, Bani
The trip to Sitio Olanen was an adventure in itself.
I was late. It was raining. And I nearly got scammed by a tricycle driver who almost got me lost. At one point, I thought, this better be worth it.
It was.
When I arrived, my Batch 53 group welcomed me warmly—they even sang me a birthday song. One of my batchmates, Thea, lent me a brand-new tent because I arrived too late to get one. That small act stayed with me. Sometimes, you’re reminded that people can be unexpectedly kind.
I didn’t hesitate. I already knew what I wanted.
Freediving had been sitting on my bucket list for years. So before my sponsor flew to France, I was told to book it right away—no overthinking. I signed up for a two-day course and even pre-ordered some of my gear (fins… I told myself I’d figure those out later).
Booking the Course
I chose Aquaholics Freediving, based in Pangasinan—a convenient choice since I’m from the North.
The course fee was ₱2,500 per person, which is reasonable considering freediving isn’t exactly a cheap hobby.
They require a 50% down payment via GCash or bank transfer, with the remaining balance paid on-site. After sending proof of payment through Messenger, your schedule gets confirmed.
Also—small confession—I booked it before my actual birthday. My grandmother always said not to take risks on your birthday… and honestly, I wasn’t about to test that by potentially drowning. 😂
Getting There: Sitio Olanen, Bani
The trip to Sitio Olanen was an adventure in itself.
I was late. It was raining. And I nearly got scammed by a tricycle driver who almost got me lost. At one point, I thought, this better be worth it.
It was.
When I arrived, my Batch 53 group welcomed me warmly—they even sang me a birthday song. One of my batchmates, Thea, lent me a brand-new tent because I arrived too late to get one. That small act stayed with me. Sometimes, you’re reminded that people can be unexpectedly kind.
Directions & Fares
Dau to Alaminos (Victory Liner): ₱328 (~4 hours)Alaminos to Brgy. Tiep (Bolinao bus): ₱40 (~30 minutes)
Tiep to Sitio Olanen (tricycle): 30+ minutes (rough roads)
Day 1: Learning to Breathe (and Panic Less)
We were guided by instructors Pao and Milo, founders of Aquaholics—patient, skilled, and very hands-on.
We covered:
Breathing techniquesSafety protocols
Equalization (the most important skill)
We were diving around 9–10 meters deep—exciting, but intimidating.
I struggled with equalization. Every time I couldn’t adjust the pressure properly, I felt pain in my ear and had to resurface.
What I learned:
Don’t rush equalizationPain is your signal to stop
Your body will tell you when something’s wrong—listen to it
That Night: Reality Check
This is where things got real.
It rained hard. Even with a borrowed tent, my things got soaked. I spent the night damp, cold, and uncomfortable.
That’s when it hit me: I was not prepared for this kind of trip.
Still, I didn’t quit.
Lying there, shivering, I found myself scrolling through Lazada, mentally listing everything I should’ve brought.
What I Should’ve Prepared
Camping essentials:Proper tent (with rain cover)
Sleeping mat or air mattress
Food: bananas, bread, tuna, crackers
Plenty of water
Freediving essentials:
Rash guard or wetsuit
Aqua shoes
Mask & snorkel
Fins
Sunblock & aloe vera
Hair ties (visibility matters underwater)
Basic meds
Towel (non-negotiable 😂)
Day 2: Pushing Through
We started at 8:30 AM with stretching and breathing drills.
Day 2 focused on:
Duck dives
Finning techniques
Both were harder than they looked.
I also made the mistake of not eating properly beforehand—my energy dropped, and I started cramping mid-dive.
Quick lessons:
Hydrate (with electrolytes if possible)Stretch properly
Eat before diving
Final Thoughts
Despite the rain, the cramps, and the lack of preparation—I would absolutely do it again.
This experience with Aquaholics Freediving pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real—and that made it unforgettable.
If I could redo it, I’d come better prepared. But I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
And yes—I’m already thinking about round two.