RP hosts sea festival

MANILA, Philippines – Rare aquatic species and other marine life found in the Philippines will take center stage as the country hosts the biggest water event in the Asia Pacific next week.

From June 12 to 14, the Philippines is hosting the Celebrate the Sea Festival 2009, which is expected to lure marine conservationists and natural lovers worldwide to visit the country.

Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion said the festival, to be held at the Manila Ocean Park, will feature International Underwater Imagery Competition, with 5,000 entries from 39 countries participating.

A documentary entitled “Into the Abyss” from National Geographic reveals for the first time deep sea creatures of the Celebes Sea. Also to be shwon are other award-winning films on the wonders of the ocean.

Representatives from various provinces will parade along Roxas Boulevard for the first underwater Mardi Gras.

“This is the first ever Mardi Gras event of the sea that will be filled with the soul and rhythmic beat of the Filipino people,” Carrion said.

Event organizers have invited the top marine scientists and image makers for a series of seminars and presentations. A coffee table book with portraits of magnificent sea creatures found in the country will also be launched during the three-day event.

Celebrate the Sea Festival is a non-profit event that provides education and entertainment to create greater awareness of the ocean environment.         

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said that hosting the sea festival will help strengthen the country’s place in the map of international water sports sites.

“This allows us to encourage more divers and nature adventurers to experience the country’s diverse marine life,” Durano said.

BBC Blue Planet cinematographer Peter Scoone, coral scientist Dr. Carden Wallace, four-time world free diving champion Fred Buyle, and underwater photographer and author Scott Tuason will lead the forums.

Also participating are National Geographic’s David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, Dr. Phil Nyutten and Emory Kristof. – Mayen Jaymalin