Pinoy Aquaman conquers 17.1-km Canigao Channel

PRES. CARLOS P. GARCIA, BOHOL, Philippines — Lawyer Ingemar Patiño Macarine, popularly known as “Pinoy Aquaman,” added feathers6 on his colorful cap by successfully crossing the 17.1-kilometer long Canigao Channel between President Carlos P. Garcia (Pres. CPG) island-town of Bohol and Maasin City, capital of Southern Leyte

Macarine, also the election officer of Tubigon town in Bohol, started the swim early morning of November 20 at Barangay Tugas of Pres. CPG town and tackled the channel in six grueling hours and 37 minutes to reach Barangay Guadalupe in Maasin City.

“Bohol to Leyte solo and unassisted swim done,” said Macarine, in the first crossing by swimming done by a Filipino. “First 10-km was a very rough swim while the last 7-km was a swim against strong current. The swim was to promote tourism in Ubay and for cleaner seas,” he said.

Macarine thanked Representative Aris Aumentado (2nd district, Bohol) and Mayor Constantino Reyes of Ubay, for sponsoring and organizing the swim.

He also appreciated the assistance of his “20 crewmen, led by Nyledurp Reyes Longakit and Agapito Mapatac Jr., who supported and cheered me during the swim. Swim was expertly navigated by Roger Boyles and Paquito Bernales,” Macarine said, as he also thanked God for giving him the strength to finish the crossing.

Macarine “is one of this year’s nominees for the World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year that honors the men who best embody the spirit of open water swimming, possess the sense of adventure, tenacity and perseverance that open water swimmers are known for, and have most positively influenced the world of open water swimming in calendar year 2016.”

Macarine earlier splashed into a solo swim the treacherous rough sea between Pamilacan island and Baclayon, Bohol; Balicasag island to mainland tourist Panglao town and other feats in swimming in Cebu and his hometown in Surigao province. (FREEMAN)