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When you work remotely, it’s easy to fall into a rhythm that’s… well, a little too consistent. Same desk, same chair, same tabs open. The days blur together, and even weekends can start to feel like an extension of the workweek. The comfort of being at home slowly turns going out into a big, inconvenient event.
I realized this sometime last year—I was getting too comfortable staying in. I found myself going out less and less. Once I became aware of it, I made a quiet resolution: I need to go out more. Try new things. Break the routine.
And then came a bit of serendipity. Just as I had that realization, a friend invited me to join a freediving class.
Whenever I feel bored with life, I tend to sign up for a class—just to try something new. Years ago, I actually had tried freediving before. It was a short two-day course held in a deep indoor pool designed for dive training. I remember being nervous—I’ve always had a fear of deep water. And after those two days, I walked away thinking: Freediving just isn’t for me. The fear was too strong. To dive deep, you have to be calm and relaxed—and I just couldn’t get there.
So when my friend invited me again, I hesitated. I had already tried, and failed. But I saw how much joy it was bringing her—how she lit up talking about the beauty of the ocean and the magical feeling of being underwater. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I decided to give it a second chance.
This time, the class was held by the sea—in Batangas. And yes, it was nerve-wracking. Unlike a pool, the ocean isn’t a controlled environment. There are waves, currents, and unpredictable weather. But to my surprise, being in the ocean actually helped me relax. The underwater world was beautiful—colorful fish, coral, shifting light. It gave me something to focus on, something to marvel at. Unlike my first experience, where all I could see were pool tiles, this was an entirely different world.
That second attempt changed everything. I walked away satisfied, proud that I had pushed through my fear, and excited for all the underwater places I could now explore. The ocean that once intimidated me became a source of joy, curiosity, and peace.
Even though I’m still fairly new to freediving (and not that great at it yet—my equalization and breath hold still need a lot of work!), I didn’t let that stop me. This summer, I planned three freediving trips for my vacation. I didn’t wait until I was “good enough” to go. I just went—for the experience, for the sea, for the beauty of it all.
We’re lucky to live in the Philippines, surrounded by so many stunning marine destinations. This year, I revisited some familiar places—but with a whole new perspective, now that I could see beneath the surface.
I returned to El Nido, Palawan, and visited Apo Reef in Mindoro—both places I’d been before, but never experienced this way. And while El Nido’s beaches are breathtaking, and I’ll never forget swimming with the sardine run in Moalboal, Cebu, the runaway winner for freediving was Apo Reef. The marine life there is unmatched. If you ever get the chance to go, don’t miss it—you won’t be disappointed.
This year, my vacations became more than just breaks from work—they became personal milestones. Each trip was a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from comfort. Sometimes, it comes from going back to something that once scared you—and finding a whole new world waiting.
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