Using Invicta X1: The Weight Reduction Camera Strap

It was my first time to travel on an extended vacation with a Nikon D40 dslr in tow.  After three long weeks hanging on my neck, I didn't want to bring one again.  Then I came across this weight reduction camera strap through my gadget freak sister.  It is ingeniusly invented by a Filipino and endorsed by many professional camera users over at PIPHO and they swear it does really help lighten the "burden".  Invicta X1 is an all around weight reduction camera strap designed for comfort, convenience and durability.  It comes with a removable memory card case and disposable polycarbonate sheet pop-up flash diffuser.

Try it and feel the difference.  It's available online for P1,100 at echostoreph.com

Whew, there are four friends off my Christmas list.  They're getting one from me tonight. *hugs*. :)

Using ProEar Diving Mask to Help Equalization Problems

Dive # 31, 32
Tinggo 45min 60"
Talima 49min 80"


I intend to retire from my so called diving career, after at least 3 barotrauma. But I'm giving it another chance after a dive buddy introduced IST ProEar diving mask for P3,000.

This product aims to:


* improve diver comfort and preventing painful ear problems
* improve hearing and sense of direction underwater
* simplify equalization of pressure while diving

My reviews:1st dive: It worked pretty well for the first 10 feet. Thereafter, it took me some fifteen minutes to get to the bottom at forty feet with a painful left ear. (sorry folks, to keep you waiting, again) Thereafter, I was fine.


2nd dive: I tried to descend on my own, it worked pretty well til the bottom - that was 20 feet. As we continue, my right was painful at 50 feet. Very unusual since I normally feel fine at 40 feet onwards.


It wasn't difficult to adjust to it after reading all available materials and understanding the science behind this gear. *geek* It feels like the usual mask except that it's bigger than my TUSA splendive and it tends to slip on to the filtrum which could lead to mouth sore with friction between (inside) the mouth and mouth piece (later did I realize it caused it). It tends to slip since the strap is linear to the earpiece.  It feels safe to hear the boat propeller clearly since sounds are magnified. With the ears covered, I can move faster, looking at any direction without the water coming in my ear (and not worry about stings and bites on the ear). Other than that, I could not safely conclude that it simplified equalization. :(  I'll give it another try soon.


Pretty strong waves today that got two companions sea sick. Luckily, current was not strong. Nevertheless, had good dives with interesting finds diving in Mactan, Cebu:


@Tinggo: yellow frog fish, (a family of) squids, lots of nudis


@Talima: pygmy seahorse, mating eels (aha so that's how they do it! LOL)


PS: no underwater photography after leaving at home my beach bag with everything else in it (except my dive gear). hay, senior moment again.

Here's the ProEar diving mask instructions for use.

• ProEar Mask Function:  In addition to standard to standard dive mask function; the ear cups keep the ears dry, protecting them from the elements of pressure, pollution and cold.  The squeeze we feel during a dive is caused by the imbalance of pressure either side of the ear canal.
  While our ear canal is exposed to water and ambient pressure, our middle ear (which is on the other side of the ear drum and is connected to our nasal cavity by Eustachian tube) is still filled with air and experiences less pressure. The greater external force is able to push our ear drum inward, causing discomfort or pain.
  With a ProEar mask, the ears are completed sealed off from the outside and air, at the same pressure as your nasal cavity, is able to be introduced through the Eqaulisation Tubes into the Ear Covers. Therefore the pressure on both sides of the ear drum becomes equal.
  So as pressure and depth increase, the simple act of breathing air into your Ear Covers can significantly improve your enjoyment of diving.
• Preparation: Just like any other new mask, thoroughly clean both side of the lens with a non-abrasive liquid detergent or toothpaste to remove any residue and then rinse with fresh water.  (Our dive master normally, burn the film on it's first use and putting shampoo to keep them from fogging and rinsing it off just before every use.)
• Wearing the mask: When putting on the mask, it is preferable to hold the ear cups in the palm of each hand and pull slightly apart as you slip the mask over your head.  Make sure that as little hair as possible gets into the ear cup and that it covers the entire ear.
• Checking the seal: After putting on the mask, check the seal by inhaling through the nose.  It should pull in toward your face as a vacuum is formed.  The ear cups should also respond with the vacuum.
• Adjusting the straps:  The strap sits a little lower than normal due it needs to support the ear cups.  Make sure the mask is snug but not too tight.
• Beginning your dive: Descend slowly while very gently blowing air through your nose.  The air will go through the tubes and the one-way valve.  The valve may "whistle" slightly if you blow too hard into the ear cups.  Exhaling through the nose helps equalize the pressure in your mask and ear cupas and creates a "closed circuit" system of ambient air pressure.  Do not blow too hard.  You may also need to pinch your nose shut (as normal) occasionally to help with the equalization. (As for me, I still had to pinch my nose every so often to let it pop.)
• Mask leakage:  If water gets into the ear cups, clear it with head facing forward, press the top of the ear cups against the head and blow air through the nose.
  

Free livestream of Pinoy Big Brother Double Up

It was a totally different experience to witness the PBB auditions last March.  Turnout was more than expected considering the short notice.  Inspite of the huge crowd turnout, the crowd was exceptionally behaved knowing it could be their time to shine.

I haven't religiously followed this season's PBB Double Up.  Shoutouts from contacts on facebook makes me curious.  I was upset with Tom's exit following his unguarded temper.  Now, it's the Melason fever that's hitting the ratings.

Kudos to ABS-CBN, they really do know how to run the show.  Earning billions at the expense of wannabe's who are given only P5,000 weekly allowance.  That's sad.

If you're a certified Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) fan like me two years ago,  you might also want to subscribe to livestream for free, here's the link!

http://livestream.com/pbbdu

Viva Las Vegas Sans the Casinos

Las Vegas isn't all about gambling. Aside from the casinos, there's so much more to do in Las Vegas.  What to do in Las Vegas if you don't gamble?

HOTEL HOPPING

Walk down the strip! One thing I enjoy in Las Vegas is hotel hopping. Awesome interior is an understatement when it comes to the themed hotels of Las Vegas. As you walk into these themed hotels, you get a feeling of entering a new place, far and away. A must see should be the Venetian, Bellagio, Paris, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, Ceasar Palace and MGM.


EAT, EAT, EAT

Most hotels offers buffets ranging from $18 to $25, serving roast prime ribs. We went to Mandalay Bay, their selection was great. All day buffet is also available in a few hotels like MGM, Luxor and Excalibur ranging from $25 to $35. We tried out the all day buffet at MGM, but it wasn't such a good idea. The menu served for lunch and dinner was fairly the same, it felt like eating left over. Food courts are also available for those on a budget.

WATCH FREE ATTRACTIONS

Take advantage of the free attractions in selected hotels along the strip. If there's something not to be missed, I'd say:

• Fountains at Bellagio

Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 3 p.m. - midnight. Saturday and Sunday, noon - midnight. The fountains run every half-hour until 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes after that until midnight.

• The Sirens of TI (Treasure Island)

Hours of operation: Open daily, 7, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 p.m., weather permitting.

• Volcano at the Mirage

Hours of operation: Nightly every hour on the hour from dusk to 11 p.m.

• Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows at Caesars Forum Shops

Hours of operation: Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain: Every hour on the hour Sunday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - midnight.

For more info, check out this site.

WATCH SHOWS

Cirque du Soleil shows are spectacular, trust me, it's worth to spend $100-150 to watch it.

• "O" is probably the most popular, I haven't seen this but if I get the chance to go back, I'll surely line up for this.

• "KA" was amazing! It is the only Cirque du Soleil acrobat show with a story line.

There's also Mystere, Criss Angel Believe, Reve, Zumanity...

Aside from Cirque du Soleil production, Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular was more than spectacular but the Blue Man Group wasn't worth the green bucks.

For more shows, check out this site.

TIP: Last minute tickets at almost half the price are available in tix4tonight kiosks along the strip. You can find one between the Venetian and Harrahs. You won't miss it.

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

If you're a shopaholic, walk the mile at the Mile Shop or go shopping at the premium outlet.

TOUR

Las Vegas serves as the departure point for trips to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Red Rock Canyon and Zion Park.

Whatever you do, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. :D

Quest for Whale Sharks Continues in Sogod Bay, Leyte

If you're looking for the Whale Shark Interaction in Donsol, see my travel Guide here.

Some dive buddies are back from a diving trip in Southern Leyte. Bringing back with them load of pictures to boast about their second encounter with whale sharks, locally known as butanding. Their first was in the waters of Mactan, Cebu. Yes, in rare occasions, they come in the waters of Mactan.

I had my quest for the whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon early this year. It seems like it's not going to end there. And, yes... before the year ends I'm going to Southern Leyte with my wetsuit. :) There are some good reason to check out the whale sharks in Pintuyan, Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte:

First, water visibility is way better, chances of seeing it's head to tail even from afar is high. Donsol Bay water tends to have poor visibility, limited to 1 to 2 meters.

Second, diving with the whale sharks is allowed (unlike in Donsol).

Third, taking your own outrigger boat is allowed. It can be reached with dive boats coming from Cebu or Bohol. In Donsol Bay, whale shark interaction is regulated by the government and services are exclusively managed by them.

HOW TO CONTACT:

Kasaka Peoples Organization
Barangay Son-Ok,Pintuyan, Southern Leyte
+639264477382
+639269616814

FEES:
Boat rental: P700 - 800 pesos (for two)
Spotters: 450 pesos

NOTE: The largest concentration of whalesharks in the world is still in Donsol, Sorsogon.