How long have you been freediving?

I’ve been freediving since 2000 when I was 15 years old.

During school summer break, I worked as an assistant lifeguard, and before I received my first paycheck, I bought my first mask, snorkel, and fins with my first tip.

Every day during lunch break, I’d dive and collect seafood to bring to my grandmother to cook.

Why and how did you start freediving?

After watching the movie “Big Blue,” I realized that freediving could be dangerous if done without the proper knowledge and supervision. And so, I enrolled in my first freediving course.

I also chose to pursue my freediving education because I noticed the clear benefits in my lifestyle, such as relaxation, health, and more awareness. 

What is your favorite thing about freediving?

My favorite thing about freediving is the silence beneath the surface, which allows me a break from the noisy world and a connection between freedivers who share a dive, which is unique compared to other sports. 

The fact that we watch out for the safety of our diving partner gives us a chance to become more humble and responsible. 

Why do you love being a part of AIDA?

In March 2018, I became an AIDA instructor. AIDA has given me all the tools and confidence to spread my love and passion for freediving to the world.

In 2019, together with my wife Debora, who is a certified AIDA 4 assistant instructor, I co-founded a non-profit organization called “Blue Freedom Apnea” (https://bluefreedomapnea.com/), with a goal to make freediving as accessible as possible in the Philippines. 

Over the past four years, I’ve been teaching, coaching, and safety watching over 2000 freedivers, and also dedicated my time to training high-profile Philippines government unit officials, such as The Bureau of Fire Protection, Coastguard, PNP (National Police), NBI (National Bureau of Investigation/ Intelligence), Bureau of Immigration and more.

I’ve also participated in five AIDA competitions as a safety diver and rescued many divers.

One of my most well-known rescues was a Philippines national record holder who has also been featured on Netflix on the second episode of the “Home Game” series.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedivingparadise/ & https://www.instagram.com/gmfreediver/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bluefreedomapnea & https://www.facebook.com/mariottigrg

Website: https://bluefreedomapnea.com/