A FEW WORDS ABOUT​

Me

Diver, Dancer, Mom, Educator​

some words about

Brenda : The Cheeki Diver​


Hello! My name is Brenda, though some in the diving community might know me as “The Cheeki Diver” on social media. I’m a PADI and SDI Scuba Instructor based between Dauin and Dumaguete, one of the Philippines’ premier diving destinations. My journey to becoming a scuba instructor is a story of transformation and answering a true calling.

Growing up in Leyte, nestled between mountains and the ocean, I’ve always had a profound love for nature, animals, and wildlife. However, my initial path led me to the IT business. I worked as a programmer for a government agency, first here in the Philippines and later in the United Arab Emirates. My life could have continued down that corporate road, had a friend not convinced me to try diving. Suddenly, a whole new world opened up beneath the surface.
My true passion for the ocean ignited in 2004 when I earned my Open Water certification in Dubai. From that moment on, my holidays were dedicated to exploring the underwater world, with dives spanning the UAE, Oman, Maldives, Komodo, Aqaba, Borneo, and, of course, the Philippines. It quickly became clear that my place wasn’t behind a computer desk in an office.



assisting a French TV-Team for an underwater documentary​

Before settling in Dumaguete, I spent a transformative decade in Coron, Palawan. My first visit to Coron was as a tourist, eager to explore its famous shipwrecks and search for the elusive dugongs. I even stayed at Vicky’s Guesthouse during that initial trip. A year later, in November 2011, I returned to Coron to complete my Divemaster training at El Rio y Mar Resort. After resigning from my overseas job, I soon began working there as a divemaster. Just a year later, I became a dive instructor, a step I’ve never regretted. There, I had the incredible opportunity to guide divers to iconic sites like Apo Reef, the amazing dugong habitats, and the historic WWII shipwrecks.

In 2015, after my time at the resort, I found myself renting Vicky’s Guesthouse in the remote village of Maricaban. I transformed it into an Airbnb and launched my small diving operation, all while caring for my less than one-year-old baby. My family – my mother, an aged aunt, and my brother – helped me manage operations while I freelanced for various dive shops in Coron town. This allowed me to meet divers and introduce them to the charm of Maricaban. Word spread about my personalized approach, and I began attracting guests who specifically wanted to dive with me. My efforts were recognized with a Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor, a Superhost status on Airbnb, and even a small write-up in Lonely Planet, plus features from various bloggers and vloggers online.

Given my mother’s family roots in Dumaguete and having a house there, I’ve always spent a lot of time in the dive areas around Dauin. For the past seven years, I’ve worked consistently and intensively as a dive guide in this region. In 2023, I made the happy decision to move my primary residence here, and since then, I’ve been joyfully showing divers the treasures of our underwater world.

My Passion Beyond Diving


My passion lies in offering private, relaxed recreational dives that truly immerse you in the beauty of marine life, all at your own pace. Whether you’re an avid underwater photographer seeking a dedicated assistant, a new diver looking to build confidence, or a dive leader organizing a special itinerary for your group, my personalized approach means you get an experience tailored just for you. I specialize in organizing custom-made diving trips and can guide you to dive sites that perfectly match your interests and diving level. When I teach, my focus is on helping students master buoyancy and cultivate a deep respect for the underwater world, all through patient, encouraging instruction that adapts to your unique learning style.
The decision to leave a high-paying corporate career for the life of a scuba instructor was a significant one, a move many wouldn’t dare make due to the substantial difference in income. Yet, I’ve never regretted trading my corporate salary for the unparalleled richness of a scuba diving lifestyle. This leap was fueled by a deep-seated independence and a lifelong ability to adapt and thrive, honed by years of self-reliance.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, I founded Maricaban Kiddos, a community initiative in the village dedicated to helping children improve their reading skills and supplement their learning during non-face-to-face schooling. My posts about the program caught the attention of several non-governmental organizations, who have since collaborated with me to support this advocacy. Today, I remain actively involved in the children’s learning.
As a dedicated marine conservation advocate, I’m committed to protecting the oceans we explore. I have a special knack for making nervous divers comfortable, ensuring everyone feels safe and excited to discover what lies beneath the surface. Beyond the dive mask, I’m also a pole fitness instructor, an animal welfare advocate, and a parent passionate about kids’ learning—all roles that reinforce my commitment to patience, encouragement, and mindful progress.
I can’t wait to share the joy of creating unforgettable underwater memories with you!




Dauin underwater life​

my life

Dive Guide

Childrens Education

Pole Dance Coach