The boat battles the rough waters on an endless expanse of deep open space. The glare of the rising sun glistens on the ripples that turn to waves in perpetual motion. It is situated in a position where the only thing to look forward to is the horizon, a line where the sky and sea converge in contrasting shades of blue. In Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, there is a sanctuary about 30 kilometers off the mainland. The atoll-like reef of the Apo Reef Natural Park is the second largest contiguous coral reef system in the world. It has been one of the major destinations for diving safaris for both local and foreign divers.

Garcia, B. B. (2010, April 25). What lies beneath: The splendor of Apo Reef. Manila Bulletin, pp. I-1, I-2.