sea gypsies
Badjaos, they are sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies as they spend most of the time in the sea diving for coins to the delight of tourists and watchers. On the port of Surigao, we were boarding off from our boat when they were swimming by, waiting for coins that passengers would throw for them to swim and catch.
It’s been awhile since I last traveled by boat and seeing these coin divers with improvised floats is such a welcome treat, knowing that they’ve also grown with the times. It showcased their ingenuity to make their lives easier. They even devised some “fins” for their their feet so they won’t have to paddle too hard.
