TINOTO: Partridge Scuba Diving Resort

12-June-2008 and 13-June-2008

On this trip Joy and I were going to get our "Advance Open Water" certification. My cousin Paul is a dive instructor who certifies divers under the PADI umbrella. We stayed at their dive resort by Sarangani Bay. This is the third time we have been here. The first time we came here was on 2005, but we did not dive because we were not certified yet. That was when we first met the Governor of General Santos. The last time we were here was on 2007, that time I dove with Paul, but Joy was restricted from diving because she was 6 months pregnant of our baby Paige.

Joy, Paige & I

Tech diver, Divemaster & Instructor

This place has certainly changed from the last time we were here. There is now a dive shop, two more bungalows, outdoor cottages, a full kitchen, and a dormitory style room that can accomodate 10 to 15 divers comfortably. The bungalows are for divers and/or family that wants privacy. They are equipped with air-condition and full restrooms. Of the four bungalows, two have lofts that can accommodate two people for sleeping quarters. We stayed at one of the bungalows with loft. Joy, Paige and I slept on the two beds, while the yaya (nanny) watching our baby slept on the loft. The air-condition was more than adequate to cool the whole room.

Pauls dual-tank setup

Scuba Shop

This resort is also available for day use. Customers can come and have conventions, picnic, or just to relax from the busy city life. The kitchen is ready to cook and serve any meal the customer so desire. This place has certainly grown and is ready to cater full-time to divers all around the world. This resort is far from being finished, there are numerous plans for future upgrades to this resort. i'll keep you posted.

Cottages	Bungalows	Day use is available	Exotic birds

On the first day, we did two dives in the morning, and one night dive. It was a lot of fun. Paul had his assistant Joel help him with training us. After each dive the resort staff would have hot soup ready and waiting. The gear boy would swap the tanks and prepare our gear for the next dive. Early on the first day I ordered a lechon (roast pig) and they were going to deliver late in the afternoon. After our last dive for the day (night dive), we were very hungry. Our cousin Loyam came to the resort with two of his cousins, Paul had the beers in the freezer since the afternoon and the beer were cold. Loyam did not drink at all, the rest of us just drank and talked about the old times when we were still kids.

"Are you ready?"

"Let's Eat!"


On the second day, we did a couple of dives to complete the certification. I would have to say that the staff of the resort were very professional and courteous. I would recommend this resort to anyone wanting to dive in Mindanao. I would like to thank Paul and Joel, and specially my Aunt and Uncle Don and Tita Coring for their their hospitality. Thank You, we love you all!
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