Our Story – Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort
World-class hospitality and PADI-certified diving backed by decades of expertise and passion.
A Secluded Haven by
the Quiet Water
Casalay rests along a secluded stretch of shoreline in Puerto Galera, embraced by tropical greenery and the gentle sound of the waves. It’s a place to pause, breathe deeply, and slip into a slower rhythm far removed from the noise of everyday life.
OUR STORY
Who We Are
- Owner-led team with hospitality and dive professionals.
- Daily housekeeping and responsive guest support.
- Simple, reliable operations focused on clean rooms, good food, and safe activities.
- Reduced single-use plastics and careful energy use.
- Local hiring and training.
Ongoing reef-safe practices with our dive operation.
- PADI courses from beginner to Divemaster.
- Guided dives at 30+ sites nearby, including Kilima Steps and Shipyard.
- Structured briefings, maintained gear, and clear safety protocols.
- Location: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
- Scale: 12 villas, up to 52 guests
- On site: dining, pool, spa services, kayaking, snorkeling
- Dive center: PADI-certified, 30+ local sites
A Team of Dedicated and Inspired Professionals
"Casalay’s beauty and character come from the people whose care and craft shape it each day. Every gardener shaping the paths, every chef and housekeeper attending to the smallest detail, every dive professional sharing the secrets of Puerto Galera’s reefs, each brings world-class skill and a deep pride in their craft. Their quiet skill and pride make each stay feel both refined and genuine."
RESORT & DIVE MANAGER
Gaurav Sharma
Gaurav is Casalay’s resort and dive manager and the founder of our dive shop. He sets the tone for the resort each day, guiding the team and refining the details so every guest feels personally cared for. Recognized as an experienced and dedicated instructor in Puerto Galera, he brings 20+ years of professional background and 3,000+ dives. Military ( Navy) veteran who transitioned into a world-class dive educator, he has taught 700+ students and certifies divers from first bubbles to Divemaster all the way up to staffing Instructor development course, with 11+ specialties including adaptive diving, wreck, deep, DPV, Nitrox, and marine conservation. A volunteer with Green Fins and a life member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (UK) and the Indian Red Cross society,his calm precision and deep local knowledge make both the resort experience and every dive safe, memorable, and growth-focused.
Credentials: PADI IDC Staff Instructor | SDI/TDI Staff Instructor | PFI Basic Freediving Instructor | EFR Instructor
MARKETING MANAGER
Sherrie Garcia
With a background in business management, Sherrie has built her career across the tourism industry—from aviation to destination development, and now, hospitality and scuba diving. She discovered her passion for diving in 2016 and has since logged over 200 dives, exploring the rich marine life across the Philippines. Her first dive in Puerto Galera in 2021 sparked a lasting connection to the area’s vibrant reefs. An Advanced Open Water Diver and avid underwater photographer, she has explored dive sites across the Philippines and represented Casalay at international dive expos including DRT Hong Kong, DRT Shanghai, Thailand Dive Expo, Asia Dive Expo Singapore, Korea Underwater Show (SPOEX), and the DEMA Show in the United States. Sherrie brings her passion for travel, diving, and warm Filipino hospitality to every guest experience.
Credentials: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
HEAD CHEF
Chef Randy Bernardo
Chef Randy leads Casalay’s kitchen. He brings 15+ years of resort experience across Puerto Galera and the UAE. Before joining Casalay in 2022, he served as Head Chef at Utopia Resort & Spa and held senior roles at Infinity Resort & Spa and Fridays Resort. He pairs hotel training with rigorous food safety and calm, team-first leadership to deliver consistent, crowd-pleasing menus for à la carte service and events.
DIVE CREW
Casalay Dive Team
Lowie Bacay
Dive Master
Born and raised in Tingloy, Batangas, Lowie started his journey as a local waterman before becoming one of Casalay’s very own in-house–trained Divemasters. Featured in our Snorkel Test blog, Lowie is known as the “jack of all trades”—from guiding dives and fixing gear to helping around the resort whenever needed. Calm, reliable, and always ready with a smile, he embodies the spirit of Casalay hospitality both above and below the surface.
Ricky Boy Marquina
Boat Captain
Known for his ever-present smile and cheerful spirit, Ricky Boy is the youthful energy of our boat crew. A health enthusiast and spear fisher during his free time, he combines discipline with a lighthearted charm that makes every boat ride enjoyable. Guests often remember him for his positive attitude, playful personality, and dedication to keeping both the banca and team running smoothly.
Victor Cataquis
Boat Captain & Maintenance
Victor, born and raised in Puerto Galera, has decades of experience navigating local waters. As Casalay’s banca boat captain, he not only ensures safe and smooth transfers but also assists divers in spotting marine life during trips. Passionate about the sea even on his days off, Victor is an angler at heart, with a keen eye for the best fishing spots. His knowledge of local waters makes him a trusted guide for both divers and fellow crew members.
DIVING
Casalay Resort Map
Casalay is built on Puerto Galera’s lush hillsides, with each villa offering unique vantage points and sweeping sea views.
Use our detailed resort map to explore the layout, plan your stay, and find your way to every corner with ease.
