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The Batuna Family

18 October 2009

About 15 years ago, Yogi dove and dove and dove for two straight months with Murex Dive Resort and Liveaboard in North Sulawesi. During this period, he contracted dengue fever and got a special visit from Murex’s very owner, the gentle, soft-spoken Dr. Batuna. His verdict was, “You’ll live.” So when Yogi indeed survived the ordeal, and he went diving again!

Dr. Hanny Batuna the pioneer in diving North Sulawesi

Dr. Hanny Batuna, the pioneer in diving North Sulawesi

Murex was founded in 1987 by Dr. Hanny Batuna and Mrs. Batuna. Dr. Hanny was a keen recreational diver and one of the first conservationists in the area. Their daughter, Angelique Batuna, followed in her father’s footsteps and worked as a Project Manager for WWF Indonesia on the Bunaken National Park Project.

Here are the second and third generation Batunas enjoying a day out on their doorstep, diving and swimming Bunaken National Park. Angelique and husband Danny Charlton have three beautiful children, Alexandra and twins Samantha and Andrew.

To continue with the family tradition, Danny and Angelique are the hardworking operators of Lembeh Divers in Lembeh Resort and the pioneering explorers of Buyat Bay.

Angelique with her children Samantha, Alexandra & Andrew

Angelique with her children Samantha, Alexandra & Andrew

Angelique with the third generation Batuna/Carlton water babies

Angelique with the third generation Batuna/Carlton water babies

 

Mommy Angelique with eldest daughter 6 year old Lexa on her 4th dive!

Mommy Angelique with eldest daughter 8 year old Lexy on her 4th dive!

About the Author:

Stella was born in Manila, Philippines in 1965. She studied anthropology but ended up in advertising, producing radio and TV commercials for 7 years. After quitting advertising, she ventured into the freelance world in Manila producing video documentaries for a publishing house, government agencies, non govenmental organisations, and the academe. She moved on to producing books and had a stint at working with foreign production companies visiting Manila. Stella, now based in Cairns, produces photo stories with her husband Jürgen Freund.