Hail to the Hive!
Well the time has come, it would seem, to draw to a close this particular chapter of my life. After Seven years here in the Philippines managing a dive shop, I’ve made the decision to resign and move on to pastures new.
It’s been an interesting ride ,to say the least, with lots of ups and downs great characters and more than a few adventures along the way.
I’m not really feeling sad about it as it really is time and the timing , with everything really slow right now, is perfect for my successor to take the reins and move the whole show forward.
As i look back on my time here it’s without doubt the people that have passed through and many that returned time and time again that i will remember most as it’s been a whole heap of fun times. That goes for all the instructors that have worked here (many of whom were guests before they decided to come back and work) the local staff (most of whom have been here the whole way through) and of course all the divers that came through the doors from literally all over the world.
In all my years of working in dive centres in Jamaica, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Florida I’ve never experienced anything like it with the guests being from so many different places from all over the world. I remain in contact with a large number of them as the dive shop always seem to cultivate a home away from home & being part of the family vibe.
We’ve been planning this for a while and it really hasn’t been a difficult decision. The lockdown in quarantine provided the perfect setting to take stock of everything and really think about what was important to us and what we really wanted to be doing moving forward. As beautiful as the Philippines is, deep down we always knew we wouldn’t be here forever and if anything we probably stayed too long.
I feel pretty good about my friend Phil taking over from me as I leave as he’s always been part of the dive centre family from way back. Even when he went to work elsewhere for a few years he was always part of the vibe here and it was no great shock he came back to us last year, it seemed very natural as does him taking on managing the place.
Knowing what makes us tick here and the genuine personal way we go about things is a very important part of the dive shop philosophy we have always had and he really understands that.
I will miss the people and the vibe for sure. I was like a vampire feeding off the energy the dive shop created it was intoxicating.
Somehow all the elements of all the places I'd been before I managed to fuse together and create a truly unique dive shop. I'm sure it wasn't to everyones taste but the vast majority really just fell into our arms. It was a glorious time.
Safety first always as when you have that element sorted you can justify the fun element. Never the other way round.
Looking through these images I can't help but smile.
Instructors and divers of yesteryear and repeat divers and current staff. We created some real magic.
I'd be telling fibs if I didn't admit to a little dinking of an evening but the sunsets and tthe company made it impossible to resist.
Ask yourself what you would be doing if you were inserted into these images.
Pop a message below and let me know. haha
The fact that we became part of and contributed so much to a lot of peoples adventures around the globe and the great feedback we received fills me with so much happiness. When you can do that and it's actually your job it really is something very special.
Are you still with me? I'm getting emotional 😉
So here's to the future of the dive shop and more power to Phil and all the team. I am pretty sure they will come out the other end of the pandemic tunnel with a better dive centre and a great vibe to welcome all divers and travelers both old and new.
Do me proud Phil! I know you will. Cheers!
Great Photo Story Bro.!
To Be Continued Also...
I was hooked when You posted about how You and @millycf1976 met. Couple class acts you are.
TBC indeed. Thanks bro!
Look these smiles in the pics I can't imagine how happy you guys had together..!!! People leaving but good memories still there. :) Sad, I told you that I wanted to come back Cebu and will definitely visit your shop..but impossible. Everything happens for a reason and I do believe you are making the right decision. All the best for your new adventure and Happy New Year !!!😊
Happy New Yeat @trangbaby. Yup good times indeed but its the right time to go. More adventures to be had
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Hey man, that's okay that you felt it was time to pass the reigns on. I'm glad that you came to that realization and did it! Some don't understand that their time has come with a business and they should probably stop. Best of luck with your next adventures! The posts have been pretty cool and interesting from what I've read. It absolutely looks like you had quite an extensive family going with the shop! I think that's truly amazing and that's what a small business is all about. These big businesses are designed to take the human element out of it. Small businesses are successful because of the human element!
You taking time off before the next adventure or are you not sure what you've got planned entirely?
The next adventure is what we go straight into. It's going to take a few months to get it sorted but should be in place by the time we leave here at the end of march. All will be revealed :)
Happy New Era :)
thanks man. It's going to be interesting :)
What a good lot of memories! You done good, I'd say... :) All the very best for the next phase!!
thanks @ackhoo 😀. Yup some really good times and a lot of great people
oh! I'm not sure what to say as I've never been to your place or met you in person, but it just seems sad to read post after post of people leaving that what seems like a beautiful island. Guess change was inevitable when a place that relies heavily on tourist gets hit like this.
Anyway, seems like you have come to terms with the changes and aren't leaving with sadness. Good luck on the next stage of your life.
Thank you @livinguktaiwan. We've decided to make the best of the situation and look to do something we've always wanted to do. So we have an adventure planned that should provide many many posts.
All the best Cameron! You will be missed! Thx for crossing my path, hope we meet again somewhere ... :-)😎
To Phil: Enjoy your new challenge, you will do great!👌
See you all around the next days for some beer talk ... 🍻🍺
A lot of people will be sad to see you go.