Recommendation for beginner's first scuba trip in Philippines

[Centrals]

I will not go diving right away when I arrive in Manila. I will stay there for a couple of days to visit relatives. Then, I'll go to Anilao for a couple of days if my friend who is also an instructor can go with me. Then, back to Manila for about a week before going on another diving trip in the Philippines. Based on the recommendations from this thread, I have Puerto Galera, Alona Beach, and Cebu/Boracay to choose from. I'm really having a hard time deciding. What about Tubbataha? I read that it's ranked 8th in the world by CNNgo.com

Puerto Galera is just across the channel from Anilao.
Tubattaha is only for liveaboard(mid Mar -mid June).
Moalboal(Cebu) is probably better for in-experienced diver and the sites are very near.
Some operators have 13 or even 15L tank available.

 

[thankfulforlife]

Thanks for the tip. I'll give this a try. Is there a pause between inhale and exhale? If so, about how long? I'm so paranoid about holding breath underwater but I've heard several divers tell me they pause. To me I consider that pause holding your breath. No? I'm envy divers who can last close to an hour or more with a regular tank and at a depth of 70ft+ most of the time. If I went 70ft+, my air goes from 3000 down to 1500 in about 20 minutes, if not less. Then, I have to go shallow on the way back so that I don't run out of air during safety stop. Very frustrating because I go to the gym 3-5 times a week (doing cardio 3 times a week) and 15% body fat. It's not like I'm out of shape. Sigh.

i don't really think about the pause,only when i am doing yoga....i think the important thing,is the slow steady breaths in and out...
i say to put the tongue in the mouthpiece,because most regulators,as soon as you open the airways,the air RUSHES down into your lungs and are filled within a split second....if you can slow this intake down,then that is most of the problem solved....thats my thoughts anyways...
i have been a working divemaster before,and have said this to many of the fast air user's in my groups,and many have said how much it helped them...
hope it helps you to...
cheers....