Thanks for the advice. The trip is actually just for me. I've been to the Philippines twice before and dove from Panglao the first time and PG the second. PG was great for the hotel (Atlantis), the proximity of the dive sites and the variety of macro life. Overall, however, I preferred the diving from Panglao. More big fish, better visability, more dramatic walls, etc. I was especially impressed with Balicasag and Cabilao, though I remember it being tough to get enough people together in the off-season to organize a day trip to the latter (hence the question of whether it would make more sense to just stay there for a night).
I've also heard great things about Apo, but mixed things about the other dive sites near Dumaguete. How does the diving compare to Panglao and PG? Are there enough good sites in the area to keep me busy for five or six days? (I generally like to do four dives a day, though I don't mind repeating good dive sites). Also, have you or anyone you know stayed in Dumaguete town itself, instead of at the resorts nearby? New Yorkers like myself tend to get a bit stir crazy when we're in a place with a population density of less than 1,000,000 people per square meter. Again, any thoughts would be much appreciated.
