Swimmer Conquers 23-Kilometer Bohol-to-Cebu Crossing

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Passion and determination carried Manila-based open water swimmer and coach Alizon Ruiz across a grueling 23-kilometer stretch of open sea between Bohol and Cebu last August 12, completing the crossing in 11 and a half hours.

Ruiz began her swim in Getafe, Bohol and finished at Sulpa Island, Cebu, a feat she described not only as a personal milestone but also as a way to showcase the beauty and rigor of endurance sports.

“I did it as a personal challenge and at the same time to promote endurance sport,” Ruiz shared in an interview with CDN Digital. “I prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally for four months.”

Ruiz’s swimming journey began back in 2012, but it wasn’t until a decade later, in 2022, that she dove into the world of open water competitions. Since then, her passion has taken her beyond the confines of the pool and into vast seas, where unpredictable waves, strong currents, and mental stamina define the challenge.

Though this crossing was a personal test, Ruiz was not alone. She was joined by Cebu-based open water swimmers Victor Maximino Umbao and Hiroshi Ebihara, who swam alongside her throughout the journey. Their camaraderie and teamwork played a key role in facing the sea’s unpredictability.

“The currents were among the toughest parts of the swim,” Ruiz recalled, describing moments when the waves tested both her strength and determination.

When asked why she chose the Bohol-to-Cebu route, Ruiz pointed to one figure as her inspiration: Atty. Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine, the Boholano lawyer and athlete widely regarded as the pioneer of open water marathon swimming in the Philippines.

“Because idol [ko] si Atty. Macarine,” Ruiz said simply.

Macarine has made a name for himself for his bold swims across Philippine and international waters, inspiring a generation of swimmers to push their own boundaries. Ruiz’s recent feat stands as a continuation of that legacy.

Ruiz is no stranger to international competition. She has represented the Philippines in several Oceanman races abroad, including events in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and most recently Siargao. Each race, she said, has deepened her appreciation for the discipline and resilience required in open water swimming.

“Memorable competitions I joined are Oceanman Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the most recent one in Siargao. My next competition is with Oceanman Dubai in December this year,” she said.

Her growing list of achievements not only puts her in the spotlight as a competitive swimmer but also raises the Philippines’ profile in the global open water community.

Behind Ruiz throughout the Bohol-to-Cebu crossing was her dedicated safety team, ensuring her well-being as she battled fatigue and shifting tides. But it was her own perseverance, discipline, and unrelenting drive that ultimately propelled her to the finish.

With the Dubai race in her sights this December, Ruiz is not slowing down. She has also set her mind on attempting more channel crossings across the Philippines, using each challenge as a platform to promote open water swimming and encourage others to take on endurance sports.

For Ruiz, the 23-kilometer crossing was more than just a swim—it was proof that with preparation, resilience, and passion, no sea is too wide to conquer.