Newbie to SCUBA and Philippines

[aprils0909]

I am moving to the Philippines next year (specifically to Manila) for work. I am also new to SCUBA and will have a dozen dives (at least) under my belt before going.

I am buying gear now and need to know what brands are servicable there so I can stick with those. I have only bought the non-mechanical stuff thus far (mask, snorkel, etc). The $$$ stuff I want to get specifically with the Philippines in mind. I want good stuff at a reasonable price that can be serviced in Manila or surrounding areas.

Thanks everyone and hope to be around the site a lot! I am really excited about moving east!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dlndavid]

Hi April, the PPD are still sleeping but should be along soon to answer your questions.
Me and some fellow SBers are going to the PI's Mar 5th for 2 weeks of diving. We can't wait. Have fun diving in the PI's and the PPD are a great bunch of people, they will take you in. Watch out for Chip though, he's a smarty pants.

 

[midwestdvr]

You're gonna get a lot of diving done. I'll let the others chime in on the equipment portion. Welcome to the PPD and hope you have a wonderful time working in the Philippines.

 

[Halthron]

The manufacturer's websites should show if they have a Philippines based dealer. Just ignore ones that are outside the Manila metro area (PG, Cebu, Gen Santos, etc.) if you don't want to have to travel. I know the SCUBAWorld in Makati is a Zeagle dealer.

 

[aprils0909]

Awesome! Thanks. Glad to be here. My husband is much more skilled than I am but we're both pretty much lost when it comes to dealers in Asia (thus far).

Thanks again for the leads. Will also surf the net.

 

[paolov]

buy them when you get here in the Philippines. AFTER you have joined some PPDs as you may "borrow" some of the gear and have a personal try before deciding on one.


.

 

[jonix]

yup buy your gear here. basically all major brands are available & we know several dive shops that can give you a good deal eyebrow

 

[clgsamson]

Welcome to the Board April! Just tell us what brand you need and we'll direct you to the nearest dive shop here in Manila. Heck, you can even join a regular DOR to meet the bums and misfits of the PPD. I guarantee you'll enjoy diving in the Philippines. You're only problem is where to start diving here. I recommend the usual first i.e. Anilao, SUbic and Puerto Galera. Bohol, Malapascua, Apo Island, Camiguin, Cebu, Southern Leyte,Tubbataha etc.. can be your next awesome dives in the coming months and years to come. You won't get bored!

 

[Xizang]

top of mind brands that have good service centers and/or distributors here

scubapro
mares
apeks
aqualung

 

[shugar]

hey april welcome to the board and welcome (to your new) home!

diving is great here and we will definitely point you to shops that will not only give you the best deals but the best service too - PPD approved!

have fun!

Jag