A Humble Journey

Growing up in a small coastal town, I was raised by a boatman father and a housewife mother. Life was simple yet challenging. As the second of six siblings, I took on responsibilities early, especially as my older sister married young. Despite living by the sea, I never saw it as more than a place to fish or earn a living.

From Dreams of the Open Sea to the Classroom

Kuya Kent with Stairway children

My greatest dream was to work on a cruise ship, explore the world, and experience new cultures. But life had other plans. Before I became a scuba instructor, I pursued teaching with support from Stairway, working through my education degree while tutoring children, including three brothers with muscular dystrophy. Witnessing these children’s resilience was humbling. Though my teaching schedule was only a couple of days a week, seeing them quickly learn to read offered a different kind of happiness. Today, I still visit them, as they’ve become like younger siblings to me.

Discovering the Depths

Kent having a scuba lesson

Though teaching was fulfilling, the ocean’s call was always there. Through a scholarship from PADI and Stairway, I learned to dive. The trust Stairway placed in me when I doubted myself fueled my journey to becoming a scuba instructor, ultimately allowing me to connect people to marine conservation. I now work with EACY Dive under Stairway’s Environmental Awareness for Children and Youth (EACY) program. The unique part of this dive school is that all earnings fund Stairway’s projects for environmental awareness and child protection.

Underwater Lessons and the Call to Protect

Diving has opened a new world for me. I’ve learned the importance of patience, respect, and control in the underwater realm—a far cry from just daring to dive. I’ll never forget my first encounter with a sea turtle and observing mouth mackerels shimmering like stars. My favorite marine animal is the octopus; its color-changing abilities and intelligence amaze me. But not everything in the ocean is beautiful—encountering trash underwater is heartbreaking. I urge everyone, diver or not, to pick up litter if they see it near the sea. Our oceans are fragile, and we’re all responsible for keeping them clean.

Overcoming Failure and Growing in Resilience

My first attempt at becoming a scuba instructor didn’t go as planned—I failed the open water exam. That humbling experience taught me that mastery takes time. Determined, I tried again, passing on my second attempt. That moment was a turning point, not only in my career but in how I saw myself and my resilience.

Kent practicing his buoyancy skills

Pursuing this path was far from easy. Strong currents, rough waves, and financial struggles tested me constantly. At one point, with my father no longer supporting us, I worked as a house cleaner and helped sell chili garlic oil and chicken pastil to make ends meet. Balancing family responsibilities, side jobs, and diving exams took all my strength.

A New Purpose: Inspiring and Giving Back

Over time, my focus has shifted from career milestones to sharing knowledge, mentoring others, contributing to environmental preservation, and creating opportunities for those in need. In the future, I dream of having an Indigenous scholar who will also become a fully certified scuba instructor. This journey has taught me that titles and achievements are like confetti in our lives—they may look impressive, but what truly matters is our impact on others. Kindness is free, and I hope to inspire others to chase their dreams.

Special thanks to PADI, Stairway, and Lalaguna Villas Resort, where I trained to become a certified PADI instructor.

Visit EACY Dive School for information about PADI Courses and fun dives.
100% of all proceeds go into our programs to protect children’s rights and conserve our uniquely beautiful environment.