By: Coach Emer Matienzo
Valenzuela City, Philippines – The highly anticipated Macuha Swim Team 2nd Leg Series splashed off yesterday, February 22, 2025, at the scenic Paraiso Ni Baste Resort in Valenzuela City. The competition, hosted by the Macuha Swimming Team, was a resounding success and filled with high-energy moments from start to finish. The meet attracted over 16 teams, making it one of the most competitive swim events this year.
The event kicked off with an opening prayer, followed by the Philippine National Anthem, before the clock struck 8:00 AM, marking the start of the first event, the 400-meter freestyle. The atmosphere was electric, with swimmers, coaches, and families gathered to witness the next generation of aquatic talent.
Coach Lope Macuha, the industrious leader behind the Macuha Swimming Team, had promised a thrilling competition, and he delivered. His excitement was evident as he watched both seasoned swimmers and newcomers take to the pool. “I’m incredibly proud of how well everyone performed today,” said Coach Lope. “We have some fantastic young swimmers coming up, and we’re already planning for an even bigger meet in the future. We want to continue offering swimmers great opportunities and, of course, fantastic prizes.”
The swim meet was made possible thanks to the hard work of Coach Lope, the efforts of the Macuha Swim Team, and the dedication of the officials, led by Mr. Ronald Nicdao, President of the Solid Coaches Association of the Philippines. Before the first event, officials were treated to a hearty breakfast of porridge and sandwiches to prepare for the day ahead.
The competition featured numerous exciting races, including 100-meter events for swimmers aged 11 and over. The day’s action also included the highly anticipated freestyle skins event. This elimination-style race tested swimmers’ endurance and speed, with three rounds of 50-meter freestyle sprints. The slowest swimmers were eliminated after each round, leaving only the fastest to race for the final victory. Chrysler Euan SY of the Polar Bear Swimming Team, coached by Professor Ahli Frigillina, triumphed in the boys’ division, while Sinagtala Cuevas of the Paraiso ni Baste Swim Team, coached by Ronald Frio, claimed the girls’ victory. Both swimmers were celebrated for their exceptional performances in this thrilling event.
Among the standout performers of the day were Candice Dale Danaire, Niel Andrei Vidal, Amara Charley Azucena, Ethan Raylee Punta, Sophia Poblete, Xross Alcala, Arriane Lim, Kai Randell Mangubat, Hanna Franchezka Baguio, Kean Sebastian Paragatos, Sinagtala Cuevas, Chrysler Euan SY, Hanna Rafflyn Sales, and Abreen Miguel Thruelen. These young swimmers demonstrated their talent and determination, showcasing the bright future of Philippine swimming.
As a special treat, the host team rewarded every first-heat winner with a cash prize of 50 pesos, adding an extra layer of excitement for all involved.
In the overall team rankings, the Sharpeedo Swim Team came out on top as the champions of the day. The Paraiso ni Baste Swim Team, despite giving their all, finished as the first runner-up, followed by the Sailor Swim Club in second runner-up and Golden Seacow (DLSAU) in third runner-up. The Sharpeedo Swim Team’s victory was especially sweet, with the team’s swimmers demonstrating incredible teamwork and skill across all events.
Mr. Ronald Nicdao, who headed the officiating team, expressed his satisfaction with the smooth running of the event. “It’s always a pleasure to see the swimmers give their best,” he said. “Events like these are key in developing the future of Philippine swimming. We have some really exciting swimmers coming through, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
Looking ahead, the Solid Coaches Association of the Philippines is already planning for the Splashdown Showdown, a swim meet set to take place on March 23, 2025, at the Paraiso Ni Baste Resort. This exciting event will feature swim classes ABCD and is expected to attract even more top swimmers. The host team has promised a bigger and better competition, complete with a lunch sponsored by Max’s Fried Chicken for all participants.
Swimmers and families can also mark their calendars for the Marikina Swimming Club Invitational Meet on March 29, 2025, which will be held at the Marikina Sports Center, hosted by Coach Angel Rastrullo. The excitement is certainly building for another fantastic swimming season.
The main sponsor for today’s meet, Madwave Philippines, provided free shirts for all officiating officials, showcasing their continued support for the sport.
As the event concluded, swimmers and their families were full of anticipation for the next leg of the season, knowing that the competition will only continue to get fiercer. With promising talents like those seen today, the future of Philippine swimming is certainly bright.