Unforgettable Moment with Critter Republic Resort

Last June 25–29, 2025, the shores of Dauin, Negros Oriental, proudly known as the Critter Capital of the Philippines, came alive for the annual Dive Dauin Festival Underwater Photo Competition. The event was a spectacular celebration of macro wonders, world-class critter hunting, and the artistry of underwater photography and videography.

Critter Republic Resort’s spacious room where we stayed for 4 Days.

This year, the festival drew 100 talented participants from across the globe, each eager to capture Dauin’s rarest and most fascinating marine life.

We were honored to be invited by Critter Republic Resort to join their team. Our stay in their newly refurbished seaside rooms was nothing short of perfect, spacious, cozy, and offering uninterrupted sea views. For three nights, it became the ideal base for both rest and creative inspiration.

The Competition

The judging panel featured renowned underwater photographers and videographers Ram Yoro, Boogs Rosales, Imran Ahmad, Jenny Stock, and Adrian Stacey, all highly respected in the international diving scene.

The competition was divided into three classes: Beginner, Compact, and Open, each with multiple categories:

Fish Portrait
Macro
Bonfire
Nudibranch
Creative Lighting
Wide
Creative Video Storytelling

Our Wide Entry which we titled Yin Yang, A Balance Between the World above and Under.

The competition was a challenging test of both technical skill and artistic vision. And it was more than just a gathering of photographers, it was also a reunion of friends united by a shared passion for showcasing the ocean’s beauty while working to protect it.

Our Camera Set-up & Dives

For photography, we used a Nikon D800 with both 60mm and 105mm lenses, housed in an Aquatica housing and paired with two Z330 Type strobes.
For video, we relied on a GoPro 12 with two 18,000-lumen DivePro video lights.

We competed in the Open Class, submitting entries in:

Macro
Nudibranch
Fish Portrait
Creative Lighting
Wide Photography
Video Highlight
Marine Life Behavior

Guided by the incredible Kuya Alex and Magay, whose keen eyes could spot critters as tiny as a grain of rice, we completed six unforgettable dives, including enchanting night dives and the magical bonfire dive.

The Results

As first-time participants, our efforts exceeded all expectations:

3rd Place – Fish Portrait (Open Category)
Our Fish Portrait entry that won 3rd place for the Open Category.
Best Video Highlight Award

Prizes included cash, trophies, dive gear, and accommodation vouchers. But beyond the awards, the true reward was the experience itself—learning, connecting, and immersing ourselves in a vibrant community of ocean lovers.

Here is our winning video, titled – “Finding Life, One Dive at a Time.”

Looking Ahead

The Dive Dauin Festival 2025 was more than a competition; it was a celebration of the ocean’s beauty and fragility. For us, it was a confidence-boosting learning journey and an unforgettable adventure.

We’re already looking forward to returning to Dive Dauin 2026, with a bigger team, sharper eyes, and even more passion to explore Dauin’s magical underwater world once again.

First time’s a Charm: Dauin 2025 Underwater Photography Competition