Freediver captures ‘amazing’ talent of local diver in Samboan

Cebuano freediver Bang Gumalo shared this amazing underwater photo of a local diver in Samboan town, Cebu, in his Facebook account last Sunday, April 14, 2019. contributed photo | Bang Gumalo

Cebu City, Philippines— A freediver’s usual Sunday dive turned interesting when he saw the diving skills of a traditional fisherman in Samboan town, southwestern Cebu. 

Cebuano freediver Bang Gumalo, in a post on his Facebook account last Sunday, April 14, 2019, shared a photo of a local fisherman in Samboan who was spearfishing. 

He said he was amazed with the raw talent of the local, whose name he wasn’t able to get.

“We city freedivers use a lot of gear when we dive. Mask, snorkel, wetsuit, weights and belt, long fins, bouy, rope, etc. All of these gear helps us dive better,” part of his post read. 

“But when you observe the traditional fisherman, you will see that they use the bare minimum – slippers or wooden planks instead of fins, wooden goggles that they make themselves, and a speargun (the one in the photo is better known as a Hawaiian Sling) that is DIY but effective! So simple yet he is able to catch his next meal already. It is practical and sustainable since he is not using any nets and does not cause damage to corals.” 

A screenshot of Gumalo’s post about the local diver.

Gumalo said that he just wanted to share the photo of what he believed is a reflection of the Cebuano culture.

He added that he also wanted to showcase traditional fishermen and the traditional methods of fishing so these could be put in the spotlight once in awhile. 

“Another thing man gud naka maka proud ani nila is they dont even realize their cultural value ba. They are not doing it to impress people or whatever. They do it as a means of survival. And ngilngig ila skills uy.”

(Another thing that makes me proud about them is that they don’t even relalize their cultural value. They are not doing it to impress people or whatever. They do it as a means of survival. And their skills are really amazing.)  

At the end of his post, Gumalo paid tribute to the local fisherman and expressed his delight for the “unexpected surprise.” 

“I salute you sir for continuing a tradition and practicing sustainable fishing,” his post read. “What an unexpected surprise and a great finish to my weekend trip!” /bmjo