In an effort to raise global awareness for its dive offerings, the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is working with Ocean Environment Australia to stage the 6th annual Celebrate the Sea Marine Imagery Festival (CSMIF) in Manila this upcoming weekend (Sept. 21 – 23).

Conducted in association with the World Festival of Underwater Pictures, Antibes – also known as the “Cannes of Underwater Film Festival,” the CSMIF is the biggest imaging event of the sea in the Asia Pacific. Since 2002, the annual festival has attracted entries from over 38 countries and a loyal following of dive enthusiasts scoping out potential dive sites for future vacations.

This year’s CSMIF includes an international prints competition featuring $30,000 worth of prizes, an exhibit on marine environmental issues, a children’s painting competition, and the Underwater Film Festival, where 15 award-winning documentary features will be brought for screening throughout the three days.

In addition, the event will feature seminars led by a panel of world renowned image makers and marine scientists such as David Doubilet of National Geographic, whale shark scientist Brad Norman, “Celebrate the Sea” author Michael Aw, and Daniel Mercier, founder of the World Underwater Picture Festival, among others.

“We are pleased that the country has been chosen as the venue of this prestigious event, adding further emphasis to the Philippines’ place on the map of top international dive sites,” said Cynthia Carrion, PDOT Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Sports and Scuba Diving.

“The festival has evolved to be one of the most important international events of the sea as it raises public awareness and inspires people to protect and preserve our natural environment,” added Carrion.

Vernie Morales, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Chicago, offered similar sentiments, adding that “many divers visiting Manila for the festival will take the opportunity to venture outside of the city and explore some of the world-class dive sites in and around the 7,107 islands that comprise our beautiful country.”

The CSMIF will remain in Manila for the three years.