The Muntinlupa Aquatic Center roared with energy and cheers yesterday as the Swim Battle II: League of Champions NCR Leg – Class A, B, C Meet took center stage, drawing 44 teams and over 500 swimmers from across the country—including powerhouse squads from as far as Bicol, Zamboanga, and Jolo, Sulu.
The prestigious meet, hosted by Swim League Philippines (SLP) and led by its indefatigable and passionate president, Coach Fred Ancheta, once again proved to be a true celebration of grassroots swimming development, sportsmanship, and regional pride.
“This turnout is beyond amazing,” Coach Ancheta shared with a proud smile. “To see swimmers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao come together in one pool—this is what united swimming in the Philippines should look like.”
President Ancheta also took the opportunity to remind participating coaches and teams about the “10-second rule” in the 400-meter events—a performance standard designed to maintain the integrity of the competition. Swimmers whose finals time is 10 seconds or more slower than their seed time face a penalty. “We want every heat to be competitive,” said Ancheta. “This is to prevent ‘empty swims’ and ensure our top heats are truly the fastest.”
The competition kicked off with a brief but heartfelt opening ceremony that included a prayer, the Philippine National Anthem, and a tribute to the late Rosa Angela Reyes, a beloved SLP swimmer from the Baywolves Elite Swimming Team of Coach Paul Pablo. Her memory brought a solemn yet inspiring tone to the start of the meet.
Miss Kriz-zha Marquez, the ever-supportive Senior Brand Head of TYR Philippines, gave a rousing message of support for the athletes. “TYR is proud to stand behind every Filipino swimmer,” she said. “We believe in your dreams, and we’re with you every stroke of the way.”
The 4x50m freestyle relay launched the day’s events with electric excitement, echoing loud cheers that reverberated through the indoor facility. Crowd energy remained high as standout performances continued throughout the day.
Among the promising young stars who posted outstanding times were Anika Unay, Alyanna Javier, Rage Rojales, Elise Villegas, Theresa Annika Quinto, Beverly Grace Mendoza, Janelle Chua, David Arcayan, Vin Ricohermoso, Rwyn Justiniano, Titus Rafael Sia, Charles Ezekiel Canlas, Emerson Matienzo, and Marcus Johannes De Kam. Their races drew loud applause and nods from seasoned coaches and spectators alike.
The meet also paid special tribute to inspiring athletes with disabilities, including Kim RJ De Castro of Lara Swim Club and Lyra Alaina Robles from Bosay Resort Aquatic Club. “These swimmers remind us all of the power of courage and determination,” said President Ancheta during the recognition.
One of the most moving moments came with the appearance of blind twins Jerome and Joshua Nelmida, proud members of the Philippine National Paratriathlon Team. The twins are set to represent the country in the National Aquathlon Championship this September and the Asia Triathlon in Chiba, Japan in October. Their story earned a standing ovation and left many in tears.
SLP also recognized its over 200 swimming scholars, who were granted free entry to the meet as part of the organization’s commitment to developing swimming talent across economic backgrounds.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of loyal sponsors like TYR Philippines, Antbox, Amanzi, GU, Mad Wave Philippines, PTP, Splash and Dash, Symdex-D, Kalye Apparel, FINIS Philippines, Coactman PH, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports, Sport Guild of the Philippines, YASDO, SRMD, and 1Munti.
In a final exciting announcement, President Ancheta revealed that SLP will be sending a team of swimmers—SLP Patriots—to Hong Kong on May 23–25 to compete in the Last… Last Splash Swim Meet hosted by Hong Kong International School.
“We want to continue building champions not just in the pool, but also as citizens of the world,” he said. “International exposure helps them sharpen their skills and build friendships that go beyond borders. Sports can be a bridge to peace and understanding.”
As the day concluded, one message echoed clearly through the walls of the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center: United, we swim. Stronger, we rise.