The Philippines utilizes a distributor network vs a direct network for SCUBA equipment. This means the distributor is buying from the manufacturer, stocking it and selling to the shops versus the shop buying directly from the manufacturer. The result is that equipment choices and specific parts availability are considerably less, than the the US for example, as the the distributors (who are also retail stores) do not carry the complete lines and just can't stock everything like the actual manufacturer would.
The most popular and widely used brands through out the country include Aqualung/Apeks, Scuba Pro and Cressi. The three distributors for those brands are good size, legitimate companies with good communication and support of the dive shops. They also may have branches in other cities than Manila. Mares and Tusa also have distributors, but I have not had much luck in dealing with them.
Getting general service kits are usually not a problem for these brands unless the distributor has run out of stock for some reason. Specific parts such as, for example, a second stage exhaust or first stage body part, can sometimes be challenging as it is hard for the distributors to stock everything and when they run out of something they have to wait until their next shipment comes in. In cases like this, we try to get the parts from the US, UK or OZ. We have them shipped them to a customer who is coming to dive with us and they hand carry them in.
My advice (I have been a tech for over 20 years and have lived almost 5 in the Phils) is to stick with one of those four brands. Worldwide, you can usually find parts and dealers. Please rest assured that I am not dissing other brands like Sherwood, Atomic, Zeagle, Oceanic or XS... Those brands strength is more US based though. You will have a lot of difficulty finding parts or service for them in the Philippines.
Hopefully you'll stop by when you are visiting and get in some wreck dives with us. If you need any help with service, or have any questions just let us know.
