Call of the Depths

One of life’s simple pleasures is a passion that burns within me. The feeling to escape, of getting lost in an alien environment. I live for and yearn for this. This poem is for all who share these sentiments about diving. Here’s hoping for an opportunity to once more immerse to the pressures of the aquatic realm.

Myself @ El Nido Resort, Palawan

It is a journey to another world;

upon entry, you are subject to its whims and caprices.

It is a world of beauty and wonder.

yet it is filled with danger and dread.

Its beckoning is irresistible,

for in its cold embrace,

You experience freedom, flight, 

and the beauty of its silent reverie.

You are a spirit floating through

the world around you, oblivious to existence.

You wish to be part of this world,

to belong, but never will be,

For its attraction and temporal property,

leaves you hungering for more.

Scuba Diving: ItsMoreFUNinthePhilippines!

 Moira G. Gallaga©

A Futbol Tale from the Palace

This is one of my so many memorable anecdotes while working with the Office of Presidential Protocol for 16 years. For the three of us, soccer is not just a sport but also a way of life and part of the socio-cultural fabric of many nations. It is a spiritual activity for our family and for me, a religion.

My pilgrimage to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spain (Real Madrid vs Real Santander in 2007)

I remember during the 2002 World Cup, my boss then in Malacanang Protocol called me up on a Sunday while I was in Anilao diving to tell me that then President Arroyo wanted a congratulatory message drafted to South Korea for being the first Asian country to reach the semis of the World Cup after beating Spain.

The Chief of Presidential Protocol (COPP) said she wanted someone who could appreciate the magnitude of the occasion and the accomplishment, not to mention familiarity with the game and its terms. I was crying while writing that message. After it was signed by then President Arroyo I had to ask one of my colleagues to be the one to send it thru fax to DFA and our Philippine Embassy in Korea. I'm trying to remember now whether I was crying over South Korea's accomplishment or because we (Note: we weren't the only ones) felt Spain got cheated out of that game by the referee, hahaha. Not to mention, I attended the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 World Cup.  We always support Spain (until the time Philippines qualifies) and at that time they happened to have a very good team. 

  I don't do gym or diet but I'm into adrenaline-pumping activities.