about us
get to know the team
Abner, our Master Freediver and trusted Assistant Instructor, is an experienced local safety expert who knows the ins and outs of Coron’s stunning dive sites.
Started as our speed boat captain in 2016, Abner quickly developed a passion for freediving. Over the years, he honed his skills, eventually becoming a certified Master Freediver. Abner is not only knowledgeable and reliable, but he also has a keen eye for taking you to the most beautiful spots in Coron. He’s always ready to share tips on how to improve your techniques and is highly skilled at capturing underwater videos during your training and fun dives.
With his warm smile and caring nature, Abner ensures that your dive experience with us is exceptional from start to finish.
MJ Paula, the founder and head instructor, embarked on her island dream in 2013. Despite not knowing how to swim until 2015, she achieved a National Record for the Philippines just three months after starting freediving that same year.
Originally a Certified Public Accountant, MJ transformed her life after falling in love with the sea. She responded to this new calling with dedication, leaving behind her previous career to fully commit to freediving. Since 2016, MJ has trained thousands of freedivers from around the globe and has passionately fostered a love for the water among children, mothers, and seniors who seek greater confidence in aquatic environments.
In 2023, she reclaimed her National Record and is gradually returning to the freediving competition scene while balancing her life as a mother of two water-loving children and managing her freediving school. MJ believes that freediving, whether pursued as a hobby or a sport, should blend discipline with enjoyment. An avid fitness enthusiast, underwater model, and videographer, she embodies the spirit of her sport.
MJ’s journey from humble beginnings is a testament to the lifelong pursuit of freediving and the belief that loving what you do is key to growth and success. You can often find her either at the shop or in the water, teaching freediving courses from beginner to master levels.
Daniel’s love for the water began in Italy, where he learned freediving from his father, immersing himself in the ocean’s wonders from a young age. In 2016, Daniel traveled to Coron, where he not only fell in love with the breathtaking beauty of the islands but also with Joy, who would become his wife. He decided to make Coron his home, where his passion for the sea could flourish.
An avid scuba enthusiast, Daniel is a certified Scuba Dive Master and a skilled spearfisherman. His diverse background, being half Swedish and half Italian, adds a unique flavor to his teaching approach. Fluent in English, Swedish, and Italian, Daniel has been sharing his expertise and enthusiasm for freediving since 2017, certifying nearly 600 freedivers from all over the world and counting. His journey is a testament to his love for the ocean and his dedication to sharing that passion with others.
Nancy, our resident Chinese Freediving Instructor, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the ocean to our team. Originally a nurse by profession, she and her husband made Coron their home over a decade ago. Nancy joined us in 2017 when she enrolled in the Freediver Course along with six other Chinese students. Her enthusiasm for freediving was immediate, and within a year, she progressed through the Advanced and Instructor courses, becoming a certified instructor.
Nancy is known for her cheerful and friendly disposition, specializing in teaching in Chinese/Mandarin, though she is also fluent in English. In addition to her teaching expertise, she is a reliable safety buddy for training and fun dives, with an intimate knowledge of the dive sites in Coron and Busuanga.
Beyond her role as a freediving instructor, Nancy also runs a Chinese travel agency and owns a pearl jewelry shop and a scuba center, which she operates with her family and friends. Her diverse background and deep connection to Coron make her an invaluable part of our team.
