SURIGAO CITY (MindaNews / 28 Jan) – Triathlete-lawyer Ingemar P. Macarine will attempt another first in swimming history on Sunday: swim 14 kilometers in the Bohol Sea this Sunday.
The “Filipino Aquaman” said he will swim from Pamilacan Island, which is part of Baclayon town, to Baclayon proper in Bohol up North.
Macarine, 39, currently president of Surigao Runners Club, felt confident he can achieve the feat of being the first person to cross the channel famous for dolphin and whale watching.
Although he was quite bothered by weather condition in the past days, Aquaman told MindaNews that Sunday’s swim is a push through.
Born and raised in Surigao, Macarine said he is confident to complete the feat as his 19th open water swim and the second swimming marathon this year.
Last January 17, Macarine successfully swam Sumilon Island in Barangay Lipata to Barangay Punta Bilar in Surigao City with a total distance of 11 kilometers.
Like his previous feats, Macarine’s swim on Sunday is part of his lifetime advocacy for clean seas, environmental tourism, and climate change awareness.
Last January 1, Macarine ranked 3rd on the annual “Man of the Year” Award by World Open Water Swimming Association.
The former varsity swimmer of Silliman University also received the “Hero of the Year Award” from World Wide Fund for Nature late last year.
Just like in his previous open water marathons, Macarine followed the Marathon Swimming Federation Rules and performed solo swimming without floating aid or help from any human or sea vessel.
This swim is sponsored by the Municipality of Baclayon to help promote local tourism.
The town was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013 where the Baclayon Church was severely damaged.
