I dived Apo reef back in 1979.  In those days it was quite impressive (the
one off Mindoro near Buswanga Island)  It was just exquisite... from the lip
of the ocean, it was terraced down to 110 feet with the most beautiful hard
and soft corals.  At about 100 feet (30 meters) on one side there was the
most beautiful spray of soft pink coral which Carl Roessler referred to as a
"pink cotton ball" and it was spectacular.

But this particular Apo Reef was not well protected and I'm told that
subsequently, it was bady damaged by dynamite (the natives either pounding
the reef or using explosive to kill fish).  If true, what a tragedy. There's
a neckless of little island off Mindoro where very poor people live -- those
who get what they can to eat by pillaging the reef.  I recall -- in the
distance to the west-- Buswanga Island and could see fires burning --day and
night-- slash & burn, I suppose --  locals busy destroying the environment.
This was during the Marco years and I'm sure it is not much better today.

I'm glad I saw Apo Reef in its prime!