Liberty Lodge and Dive Resort/Villagelife

Text Box: Many of the Apo Island people are still dependant on fishing from small bancas, for their livelihood. However, they understand the importance of diving, as a tourism activity, on their island. APO people are friendly and visitors are welcomed. The children are usually seen playing on the beach or in the village, in after school time. They have self made toys. Visitors are requested NOT to bring toy guns or any weapon imitates to the island. Some of the older children and adults enjoy playing Basketball and Volleyball – particularly on the village Basketball court, Many community projects have been undertaken in recent times. A small Health Center, Pre School and a High School have been established Elementary school has been developed. Other projects initiated by Liberty as Captain, include rain water tanks, solar power and the beginning of a desalination plant.

Text Box: Fiesta 4 -5 April Fiesta is a special time on Apo Island. Months before the village is a bustle of activity as houses are renovated gardens tended to and pigs fattened. In the weeks preceding the big day, relatives start to arrive home from all around the Philippines. The families return home, sometimes after many years, the men love to go fishing reconnecting with their roots, while their wife’s help out with house hold preparations. 4th April is the Despratas, the day before the Fiesta of San Vicente Ferror the saint of fishermen.
Fiesta evening are a time to party. One of the many traveling discos is shipped over from Negros, stores are set up around the basket ball court and a entrance fee is charged to enter the disco area, the proceeds going to one of the needed projects on the island.

The beauty queen is inaugurated, the crown handed over from the previous years queen. The process of selecting the queen has gone on for some months, the people have small discos where they pay to dance with the contestants. Each contestant represents either the church, school or some other needy project on the island. The winning lady hands over most of the proceeds to the supporting organization, the runners up hand over all the monies generated. A fun way to get the funds that add to the benefit of the community as a whole.

Text Box: The village people assemble on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. on the Basketball court. There is a Flag Ceremony, local songs and prayers and then the latest news is discussed.