Our 8-year-old son, Cali, went on his very first scuba dive—and somehow, it became one of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve ever shared together. Watching him step into something new, something a little intimidating, and come out the other side smiling is one of those parenting moments you never forget. As he said it himself, “This day was my first scuba dive.”
There’s something incredibly special about reaching a stage as a family where no one gets left behind. No sidelines. No waiting. Just all of us, exploring the world together—this time, beneath the surface of the ocean. It felt like a milestone not just for Cali, but for all of us.
And then, just as we were taking it all in, we heard something that made the moment even more surreal: “There’s a dugong out there.” What followed was something we still struggle to fully put into words. Sharing the water as a family while encountering such a rare and beautiful creature felt like a true gift from nature!
The reef, the marine life, the stillness of the ocean—it genuinely felt like stepping into another world. After years of diving around the globe, this moment stood out in a way few others have. “This dive… was the best I’ve ever done.”
We are so deeply grateful to the Philippines for giving us this experience. The beauty here goes far beyond the landscapes—it’s found in the people, the culture, and the overwhelming sense of kindness and hospitality that meets you everywhere you go.
A special thank you to Discovery Coron for creating such a meaningful and memorable stay for our family. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed, cared for, and completely at home. Every detail, every experience, and every person we met made this part of our journey truly unforgettable.
And one of the most surreal moments above the water? The bats. Each evening, thousands upon thousands filled the sky, moving like a living river into the sunset. It was one of those sights that stops you in your tracks—a powerful reminder of how alive and incredible this world really is.
We often say we travel for three reasons: adventure, culture, and service. But moments like this remind us of something even deeper—why we chose this life in the first place.
Because sometimes, you get to watch your child take their very first breath underwater.
And sometimes, you get to experience it all together.
Be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring the Philippines
The Bucket List Family
00:00 - PART 2 Philippines 02:57 - Discovery Coron 04:19 - BATS EVERYWHERE!! 05:09 - There is so much to do here 06:53 - Cali's First Scuba Dive 15:29 - What we love about Filipinos
