As you know, I just arrived back from Cambodia, two days of catching up with some email back log, and then straight into the Celebrate the Sea Festival in Manila Philippines, this major international event was hosted for the first time in the Philippines. I had been ask to be on the jury panel, spending hours and hours last Friday to select the very best videos.

Steve White, Editor of Action Asia Magazine, Emory Kristof
and Gunther Deichmann
Emory created the designs of the camera system
which found the Titanic and a real nice guy.

David Doubilet signing one of his Books.

Many international speakers and guests joined this festival just to name a few: David Doubilet National Geographic Photographer, Daniel Mercier Founder of the Antibes World Festival of Underwater Pictures, Emory Kristof Underwater Discoverer, Emory created the designs of the camera system which found the Titanic. He led photographic surveys of the 6th-century wreck San Diego in the Philippines in 1993., Amos Nachoum Underwater photographer Amos Nachoum has led National Geographic expedition teams with Dr. Eugenie Clark, Dr. Sylvia Earle and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Bryan Dias the Pacific Program Manager for the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), an NGO based in San Francisco dedicated to protecting the health of coral reefs by integrating ecosystem management,sustainable tourism, and community partnerships.
Mathieu Meur Singapore: www.mathieumeur.com : Mathieu co-authored “An Essential Guide to Digital Underwater Photography” and as well as the Advanced edition with Michael Aw. Michael Aw Director, OceanNEnvironment, Ocean Geographic www.michaelaw.com: Michael is the founding director of OceanNEnvironment, a charity organization whose mission is to promote preservation of coral reefs and endangered marine animals.
Amos Nachoum had a problem with his Mac Book Pro Charger, but one phone call to the Power Mac Center solved his problem and he was up and running again, then I talked to Music Composer Eric Bettens from Belgium about his fantastic underwater sounds and music created using Logic Pro, a great event with some very interesting people, for more information on Celebrate the Sea please go to the Philippine - Micronesia Alliance Blog, click here.

Now I need a few days rest and catch up with some more paperwork, I did receive however another very nice email from one more participant from the Cambodian workshop please see below, these guys just dont stop, thanks again for everything. For the latest on the Cambodian workshop please go to my Blog please click here.
Cheers GD


Hi, Gunther,

You must be back yourself from one of the most fascinating trips we have experienced. Anli and I finally understand how the place can draw you back again and again. It's ancient ruins stand amongst us, reminding us that life passes us by, leaving behind only what each one of us has contributed while we pass this earth.

We return with the promise to be more in touch with our spiritual selves, to enjoy life every moment knowing that life is here and now. We enjoyed your lead and remember all that you have taught us.

We loved the company, the hotel and the camaraderie shared. Hope to see you soon.

Best regards,

Anli and Eleanor