Aqua Queen of the Universe
The Aqua Queen of the Universe is the Philippines' premier underwater freediving pageant, built on the conviction that a title should be a platform for ocean advocacy, not a measure of wealth or status. The pageant seeks ocean advocates who will help promote the protection of the seas and oceans of the world — and its coronation ceremonies are held underwater, as a statement of that mission. On May 2, 2026, Ankora co-founder Karissa Regaliza was crowned Aqua Queen of the Universe, representing Siquijor Island at the national competition in Mabini, Batangas — bringing the story of the island's seven marine sanctuaries and community-led conservation model to a national stage for the first time. Her win was recognised formally by Councilor Rads Tompong, who passed a municipal resolution honouring Kari's achievement and the advocacy it represents for Siquijor. Follow the pageant on Facebook.
SECOtour — Siquijor Eco Tourism Circuit
The Siquijor Eco Tourism Circuit — SECOtour — connects the island's marine sanctuaries into a unified, community-governed network where local people's organizations manage access and receive a direct share of visitor revenue. It is the structural backbone of Ankora's model: the seven sanctuary partner sites where Ankora trains are embedded within this circuit, meaning every booking flows back into a system designed to keep Siquijor's reefs in the hands of the communities protecting them. Karissa Regaliza was instrumental in building and promoting SECOtour as part of Ankora's founding mission. Learn more on Facebook.
Wildlife Conservation Society Philippines
The WCS Philippines Country Program works to support conservation and policy efforts to improve biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods throughout the Philippines, beginning in the Bohol Sea — the waters surrounding Siquijor. WCS has worked directly on Siquijor through the Seas the Future Project, seeking to drive fisheries improvement and restore the health of the island's coastal waters. Ankora Freediving operates in formal partnership with WCS Philippines, supporting the training and certification of local guides across the island's seven marine sanctuaries — ensuring the human infrastructure of long-term stewardship is locally rooted and internationally supported. When you train with Ankora, you are part of that effort. Visit WCS Philippines at philippines.wcs.org.