The Sulu Sea, in the southwestern area of the Philippines is a gateway to myriad coral reefs considered to be among the richest areas of marine biodiversity on the planet. Recent research studies suggest that the Verde Island area of the Philippines is perhaps the "center of the center" of marine biodiversity, with over 700 species of coral alone. The Philippines is ranked number one on the list of marine hotspots for biodiversity and endangerment.
Most of the images and all of the "landscape" images in this video were shot at Tubbataha Reefs Marine Park, a World Heritage Site under government protection, which lies 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa in the middle of the Sulu Sea. The marine park consists of two atolls surrounded by shallow reefs and vertical walls dropping off to deep water. The park is very tightly controlled, allowing only a small number of visitors on registered live-aboards during 2 months each year. The protected coral reefs abound with beautiful and diverse marine life including many species of pelagic animals. Other images in the video were shot at Cagayancillo, Batangas, and Apo Island.