Palau is a state, independent since 1994, in the Pacific Ocean and is about 500km from the Philippines.
The state, which is part of Micronesia, is an archipelago of 200 islands of volcanic or coral origin.
Other dive buddies, more friendly than the other group, perhaps because they are not sharks but only Napoleons
https://www.crotzthewolf.com/portfolio/palau-micronesia-2008/