GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island (MindaNews/19 January) — As he is wont to do, triathlete-lawyer Ingemar “Pinoy Aquman” Macarine did another first on Sunday: swim the treacherous waters from Sumilom Island to Surigao City.
Bucking strong currents, Macarine crossed Surigao Strait from Sumilom Island of Barangay Lipata to Barangay Punta Bilar finishing the 10.99-kilometer stretch in three hours and 37 minutes.
“Strong currents changed direction five times,” Macarine told MindaNews on Sunday.
Macarine, 39, a marine conservation advocate, embarked on his swims to raise awareness on marine environment, climate change and tourism in Surigao.
Edwin Dela Cruz, who served as a navigator of Macarine said the lawyer has improved his speed compared to his previous swims.
Macarine, who hails from Placer, Surigao del Norte said the swim was difficult as he encountered thousands of jelly fish.
On Jan. 1 this year, 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.
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.
Also last Sunday, triathletes from Surigao City swam from General Luna to Guyam Island and Guyam to Daku Island for a total distance of 5.6 kilometers.
It was the second time that a group from TRISUR, a triathlon team from Surigao, swam the area.
The group included triathlete-lawyer John Cubillan, swimming coach Ernesto Ecleo, chef Bren Fuentes, swimming athlete Drych Ecleo, businesswoman Hanna Mae Laurente-Cubillan and MindaNews correspondent Roel Catoto. (MindaNews)
