NOVEMBER 10, 2007 [Philippines] 1st Cebu Underwater Photography Contest and Event Party

 

The Philippines is the center of the global marine species diversity and Cebu is one of the areas in the country teeming with this diversity in all their glory.  Our shores have over 2,000 species of fish, 550 corals, over 3000 shells and almost 1000 species of algae. Every year more species are being discovered right on our shores, our very backyard. This is a global natural heritage that should be a national source of pride. However, these underwater treasures need to be protected and promoted. There is a need to increase awareness of their economic, natural and tourism importance.

 

Reef Check Philippines, a watchdog of the of the country’s coral reef health, together with numerous partners is organizing the 1^st Cebu Underwater Photography Contest and Event Party on Nov. 10 in the Nalusuan Island Resort Marine Sanctuary and Scubaworld Cebu in Punta Engano, Mactan, Cebu. The event is an initiative to highlight Cebu’s underwater beauty and to promote underwater photography-related tourism.   The event is being organized also in partnership with Marine Awareness through Digital Photography (MAD About Us), a group of photographers that advocates photography standards to respect and care for the marine environment and its creatures.

 

Established in 1997, Reef Check is the world’s biggest non-government organization concerned with managing and preserving coral reef systems. It is the United Nations’ official community-based reef monitoring program, with Leonardo DiCaprio as its international spokesperson. Reef Check already has presence in over 90 countries and territories. Reef Check trains divers to check the health of coral reefs, helps in establishing marine protected areas and guidelines for sustainable fisheries and develops innovative solutions to the coral reef crisis. It also organizes media and fund-raising events to heighten the public’s awareness of coral reefs and their plight and especially for the Filipinos to appreciate the global marine heritage that we possess.

 

SubPix Cebu 2007 will also highlight the beauty of the Nalusuan Island Resort Marine Sanctuary. The event will also be attended by some of the country’s world class photographers and cinematographers such as Gutsy Tuason, Nonoy Tan and Marisa Floirendo and MAD About Us head Joel Uichico.   The awarding and event party will also feature Cebu’s reggae band Peach Melba. Event partners include Jewelmer, DirectAquatic, TIMEX Philippines, Island Souvenirs, Cebu TV, Philippine Airlines, Manok ni San Pedro, Pido Prito, Pertma, Serenity Spa, Dermscape Medispa and Scotty’s Dive Center in Cebu Shangri-la.

 

Come to the event and the party to celebrate Cebu’s underwater beauty. For inquiries and ticket reservation, please call 2-813-1308 / 893-7252. For more information about Reef Check visit www.reefcheck.org and www.reefcheckphilippines.org.