Bicol tankers to show stuff in Singapore, Bangkok tiffs

MANILA, Philippines - Young Bicol swimmers who are members of the Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders Swim Club (IMASC) will participate in two international competitions scheduled this November and December, according to IMASC president Arlon Rances.

Trisha Anne Oliveros, Jea Kassandra Talavera, Matthew Thomas Tan, and Jan Vincent Llaguno have qualified to join the Philippine team that will compete in the All Nation Swimming Cup to be held in Singapore on Nov. 19.

Last August, the four young swimmers, together with six other swimmers from Ibalong Magayon Swim Club, were part of the Philippine team that competed in Singapore where they won several medals.

Oliveros, winner of the Most Outstanding Swimmer Award in the 11-12 years old category, said, “We are really excited to go back and compete again in Singapore where we will be challenged to really give our best considering that more countries are participating this time.”

The Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders will also participate in the Patana Invitational Swim Meet to be held in Bangkok, Thailand Dec. 9-11.

“Most of our swimmers who are in competitive swimming will join this Bangkok competition. They really train hard, almost daily, to prepare for these competitions and we can see their passion to excel. As parents, we are there to support them as they realize their dreams,” Rances said.

Albay Provincial Governor Joey Salceda and Legazpi City Mayor Gie Rosal have given their full support to the young Bicolano swimmers. The IMASC is affiliated with the Philippine Swim League whose founder and President, Susan Papa, has continuously nurtured the young club in terms of providing the opportunities for the young swimmers.