Dive NorthMin

28/11/2023

3rd NorthMin Dive Fest conducts Camiguin Dive Dialogue

To further enhance the development of the Region’s Dive Tourism industry, the Department of Tourism - Region 10 (DOT-10), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camiguin, successfully launched the first Camiguin Dive Dialogue on October 26, 2023, held at Nouveau Resort, bringing together participants from both public and private sectors, providing them with valuable insights from esteemed dive industry experts and stakeholders.

As part of the 3rd Northern Mindanao Dive Festival, the Camiguin Dive Dialogue seeks to engage with the Local Government Units (LGUs), partner agencies, and dive stakeholders to discuss current issues and gain insights on the sustainability efforts, marine conservation and protection, market attractiveness, and investment opportunities in the field of diving. Moreover, Safety, Standards, and Accreditation of Tourism-Related Establishments for Scuba Diving took center stage in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), emphasizing the standards to be implemented by dive operators to ensure quality and safe diving experience in the province of Camiguin.

Notable attendees included LGU of Mahinog, Sagay, Catarman, Mambajao, and Guinsiliban. The festival also welcomed Agro-Aqua Agencies such as BFAR, DENR, PENRO-Camiguin, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Different Dive Operators like Balai sa Baibai, Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat and Dive Resort, Camiguin Souldivers, and Scuba de Oro, also extended an active participation in the discussion.

Additionally, DOT-10 has invited some of the Philippines' most prominent underwater photographers and videographers namely, Mr. Ram Yoro, Mr. Fra-and Quimpo, and Mr. Marlon Managa, to create promotional dive photos and videos such as Camiguin Dive Travelogue, and Camiguin Dive Promotional Video in line with the "Camiguin Isle Be There Campaign."

The Camiguin Dive Dialogue provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of the dive industry's potential impact on local economies and marine conservation. As Camiguin continues to position itself as a premier diving destination, an event like this should be pursued to better promote its diving tourism and uphold responsible and sustainable practices in the tourism dive industry.

28/11/2023

25/09/2023

The third edition of the MisOr Dive Festival recently concluded its week-long underwater photography competition, which was participated by local and foreign divers capturing the stunning beauty of Misamis Oriental’s lush marine life. 

14/09/2023

Check out the list of winners for the 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 (𝐍𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬)

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒
(Nudibranch)
• Norman William Macababayao (1st Place)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (2nd Place)
• Rossana Baladad (3rd Place)

(Marine Life Behavior)
• Andrew Gritzka (1st Place)
• Charlene Magdurulang (2nd Place)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (3rd Place)

Stay tuned to Dive Northmin page for more beautiful underwater photographs!

Department of Tourism - Philippines Turismo MisOr Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office Munisipalidad Sa Medina, Mis.Or. Gingoog City Tourism Office

13/09/2023

Featuring the winners for the 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 (𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬)

We are delighted to present the amazing photographs skilfully captured by our exceptional divers and participants during the 3rd MisOr Dive Festival.

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒
(Wide Angle Category)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (1st Place)
• Penn De Los Santos (2nd Place)
• Nicole Madrid (3rd Place)

(Macro/ Super Macro Category)
• Norman William Macababayao (1st Place)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (2nd Place)
• Casty Pambid (3rd Place)

Stay tuned to the Dive Northmin page because we will be posting the winner's entries per category.

Department of Tourism - Philippines Turismo MisOr Gingoog City Tourism Office Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office Munisipalidad Sa Medina, Mis.Or.

12/09/2023

12/09/2023

Here are the winners for the 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 (𝐍𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬)

We are delighted to present the amazing photographs skilfully captured by our exceptional divers and participants during the 3rd MisOr Dive Festival.

(Nudibranch)
• East Padillo (1st Place)
• Bebot Esteban (2nd Place)
• Pj Aristorenas (3rd Place)

(Marine Life Behavior)
• East Pardillo (1st Place)
• East Pardillo (2nd Place)
• PJ Aristorenas (3rd Place)

Stay tuned to the Dive Northmin page because we will be posting the winner's entries per category.

Department of Tourism - Philippines Gingoog City Tourism Office Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office Turismo MisOr Munisipalidad Sa Medina, Mis.Or.

12/09/2023

Here are the winners for the 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 (𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬)

We are delighted to present the amazing photographs skilfully captured by our exceptional divers and participants during the 3rd MisOr Dive Festival. Both the esteemed panel of judges and the audience were thoroughly entranced by the remarkable talent, creativity, and beauty of Misamis Oriental waters that have been meticulously expressed in each and every frame.

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒
(Wide Angle Category)
• Gerrit Pang (1st Place)
• Neil Anthony Torres (2nd Place)
• Gerrit Pang (3rd Place)

(Macro/ Super Macro Category)
• Nico Calo (1st Place)
• Nico Calo (2nd Place)
• Neil Anthony Torres (3rd Place)

Stay tuned to the Dive Northmin page because we will be posting the winner's entries per category.

Department of Tourism - Philippines Gingoog City Tourism Office Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office Turismo MisOr Munisipalidad Sa Medina, Mis.Or.

11/09/2023

The Department of Tourism Region 10 would like to thank our participants, partners, and sponsors for the successful 3rd MisOr Dive Festival. Congratulations to all the winners and please stay tuned to the Dive Northmin page because we will be posting the winner's entries per category.

Thank you very much!

10/09/2023

𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲

The MisOr Dive Festival concluded its week-long underwater photography competition participated by local and foreign divers capturing the stunning beauty of Misamis Oriental’s marine life. The Department of Tourism - Northern Mindanao organizes the event headed by Regional Director Marie Elaine Salvana-Unchuan, in partnership with the Misamis Oriental Provincial Tourism Office.

“I would like to commend our Dive Tourism Stakeholders who have shown immense passion, appreciation, and concern for our dive sites here in Region 10. Your love for diving equates to its sustainability and the preservation of our treasured dive sites will forever be a source of honor and pride for all of us.” Director Unchuan said.

The underwater photo contest features different categories such as OPEN CLASS and COMPACT CLASS (Wide Angle, Macro/Super Macro, Nudibranch, Marine Life Categories), which showcased the rich marine life of the province of Misamis Oriental.

The MisOr Dive Festival is also sponsored and supported by trusted partners – Province of Misamis Oriental, Gingoog City, Municipality of Balingoan, Medina, Talisayan, Duka Bay Resort, Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort, Scuba de Oro, and NorthMind Freediving. As well as the following sponsors – Ajis Marine, Primer Group of Companies (REEF, Billabong, Quicksilver, R.O.X, Sea to Summit, Roxy), 2GO Travel, Pacifica Dive, Scuba Studio, and PCSSD.

Congratulations to the following winners of the 3rd MisOr Dive Festival:

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒
(Wide Angle Category)
• Gerrit Pang (1st Prize)
• Neil Anthony Torres (2nd Prize)
• Gerrit Pang (3rd Prize)

(Macro/ Super Macro Category)
• Nico Calo (1st Prize)
• Nico Calo (2nd Prize)
• Neil Anthony Torres (3rd Prize)

(Nudibranch)
• East Padillo (1st Prize)
• Bebot Esteban (2nd Prize)
• Pj Aristorenas (3rd Prize)

(Marine Life Behavior)
• East Pardillo (1st Prize)
• East Pardillo (2nd Prize)
• PJ Aristorenas (3rd Prize)

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒
(Wide Angle Category)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (1st Prize)
• Penn De Los Santos (2nd Prize)
• Nicole Madrid (3rd Prize)

(Macro/ Super Macro Category)
• Norman William Macababayao (1st Prize)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (2nd Prize)
• Casty Pambid (3rd Prize)

(Nudibranch)
• Norman William Macababayao (1st Prize)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (2nd Prize)
• Rossana Baladad (3rd Prize)

(Marine Life Behavior)
• Andrew Gritzka (1st Prize)
• Charlene Magdurulang (2nd Prize)
• Jose Antonio Caluag (3rd Prize)

Like and follow us for more updates!

Department of Tourism - Philippines Turismo MisOr Gingoog City Tourism Office Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office Munisipalidad Sa Medina, Mis.Or.

10/09/2023

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨:

Attention to all participants, please be informed that the submission of entries for all categories in the MisOr Dive Festival Underwater Shootout has been closed.

We would also like to invite all participants to join us for the Award Ceremony and Farewell Dinner at 6:00 p.m. at Duka Bay Resort, Medina, Misamis Oriental.

Thank you and looking forward to seeing you tonight!

09/09/2023

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: The participants of the MisOR Dive Festival's Discover Freediving learned the basics of freediving on their first day facilitated by Northmind Freediving at Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.

They learned the basics of freediving, breathing exercises, descent strategies, and the risks and dangers involved. This Discover Freediving will run from September 9-10, 2023, and is one of the festival's initiatives to further promote dive tourism and showcase the treasures beneath the turquoise waters of Misamis Oriental.

Turismo MisOr Department of Tourism - Philippines Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office Municipality of Balingoan

09/09/2023

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨:

To all participants, please be informed that we are now accepting entries for the MisOr Dive Festival Underwater Shootout. Deadline of submission is on September 10, 2023 (Sunday) on or before 9:00 AM through this email 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦.

09/09/2023

𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐌𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

During the third day of the third NorthMin Dive Festival and MisOr Underwater Shootout, the Department of Tourism Regional Office 10 had the privilege of welcoming DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. The esteemed Secretary arrived at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental on Friday, September 8, 2023.

During their trip on the way to the Governor’s Night of the festival in Gingoog City, they visited popular accommodations and attractions in Misamis Oriental including Apple Tree Resort in Opol and Lagbas Ancestral House and Halseyle Hill in Sugbongcogon.

The Governor's Night was a grand event graced by esteemed guests of honor. Secretary Frasco, along with her husband, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Undersecretary Cocoy Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Christopher Morales, and Director Ronald Conopio were in attendance. The event was jointly spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental under the leadership of Hon. Peter Unabia and the City Government of Gingoog led by Hon. Erick Cañosa, making it a collaborative success.

During her speech, Secretary Frasco showed her strong support for the festival and its significant role in promoting and improving lesser-known diving spots in the Philippines. It is worth noting that the Philippines was recently recognized as Asia's Leading Dive Destination by the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania 2023. This recognition serves as a testament to the joint efforts of the national and local government, as well as dive stakeholders, to safeguard our marine treasures and promote sustainable dive tourism.

We express our gratitude to Secretary Frasco, DOT Officials, and local government for their invaluable support of Dive NorthMin.

Department of Tourism - Philippines Gingoog City Tourism Office Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office Turismo MisOr

07/09/2023

𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨 & 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐩

Following the launching and unveiling of the 3rd MisOr Dive Festival Photo Exhhibit, it's time to give back to our oceans as the DOT-10 conducts Coastal Cleanup and Scubasurero at Gingoog Pier, September 7, 2023 (Thursday).

It aims to heighten the conservation of our marine ecosystems and encourage the community to promote change towards sustainable development.

Joining the activity were Executive Director of Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) Mr. Marco Angelo Ancheta, DOT-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Batin, world-renowned dive photographer Ram Yoro, and our partner licensed scuba divers.

Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan spoke of her gratitude to the Local Government of Gingoog City led by Mayor Erick Cañosa, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army and all partners for their full support to DOT-10’s Dive Tourism initiatives and efforts in the Province of Misamis Oriental.



Department of Tourism - Philippines Turismo MisOr Gingoog City Tourism Office Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office

07/09/2023

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨: Please be informed that there will be a fellowship night for all the participants of the 3rd MisOr Dive Festival, which will be held at Duka Bay Resort at 6:00 PM, Sept 7, 2023 (Thursday). Shuttle van will be provided.

Please be guided accordingly. Thank you!

06/09/2023

𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

The Department of Tourism Regional Office 10 officially launched the third MisOr Dive Festival and unveiled the Dive NorthMin Photo Exhibit to the public, featuring stunning underwater visuals from renowned professional divers and enthusiasts on September 6, 2023, at the SM Downtown Ground Floor Activity Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

The opening ceremony was a huge success, graced by key figures from various government agencies, local government units, dive professionals and enthusiasts, tourism officers, private sectors, and media members.

By popularizing diving as a thrilling and rewarding tourism activity and spotlighting the region's captivating diving spots, the festival stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable tourism practices and the responsible preservation of marine ecosystems. As the festival continues to evolve, it paves the way for fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate underwater environment and the invaluable role it plays in our ecosystem.

DOT-10, under the leadership of RD Marie Elaine Unchuan, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, partners, sponsors, and influencers who continue to promote, share, and protect the wonders of the Misamis Oriental waters.

The third NorthMin Dive Festival will consist of some of the following activities for the week: MisOr Underwater Shootout, Discover Freediving, and Coastal Cleanup and Scubasurero, with DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco gracing the celebration on September 8, 2023.

Department of Tourism - Philippines Gingoog City Tourism Office Turismo MisOr Munisipalidad Sa Medina, Mis.Or. Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office

06/09/2023

The long wait is over! The MisOr Dive Festival 2023 Underwater Shootout is finally open!

Immerse in the stunning visuals as we showcase the best underwater photographs at the 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭 at SM Downtown, Ground Floor Activity Center on September 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM.

Show off your underwater photography skills and capture the breathtaking marine life and landscapes of Misamis Oriental's pristine dive sites in the 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟑-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐭 on September 7-10, 2023.

Let's give back to our oceans as we conduct 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨 activities to help preserve and protect our marine ecosystems.

Let's make this festival a celebration of our love for diving and our commitment to safeguarding our oceans.

Department of Tourism - Philippines Gingoog City Tourism Office Turismo MisOr Munisipalidad Sa Medina, Mis.Or. Municipality of Balingoan Sidlak Talisayan Peter "Sr. Pedro" Unabia Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office

05/09/2023

The spectacular waters of Misamis Oriental are ready to welcome you with its world-class dive sites! Only 1 day to go til’ we finally open the NorthMin Dive Festival and Misamis Oriental Dive Festival Underwater Shootout 🐟📸

Like and follow us for more updates!

04/09/2023

Mabuhay to all confirmed participants of the NorthMin Dive Festival - Discover Freediving!

We are excited to invite you to a Participants' Orientation scheduled for tomorrow, September 5th, Tuesday, at 2:00 PM. This orientation will be conducted via Google Meet conference and is open to all confirmed participants. We highly encourage your attendance.

During the orientation, we will provide essential details about the upcoming event, including an overview of Freediving, safety guidelines, and expectations. This is a valuable opportunity to ensure that everyone is well-prepared and informed for the Discover Freediving course. Google Meet details will be sent to confirmed participants via email.

Your enthusiastic support is deeply appreciated. See you at the NorthMin Dive Festival - Discover Freediving event!

Stay tuned for more updates.

04/09/2023

Good afternoon to all participants of the MisOr Dive Fest Underwater Shootout!

We are excited to invite you to a Participants' Orientation scheduled for tomorrow, September 5th, Tuesday, at 10:00 AM, which will be conducted via Google Meet conference. This session is open to all registered participants, and we highly encourage your attendance.

During the orientation, we will provide important details about the upcoming event, including rules, guidelines, and any last-minute updates. It's a great opportunity to ensure that everyone is well-prepared and informed for the underwater shootout. Google Meet details will be sent to confirmed participants via email.

Your enthusiastic support has been truly heartwarming, and we sincerely appreciate your participation. We look forward to your presence at the orientation as we prepare for an amazing MisOr Dive Festival Underwater Shootout!

Stay tuned for more updates.