Junior Philippine National Swimming Records (LC)

50m Freestyle

14-15 Girls

00.27.78

PH Swimming LC National Championships 2016, PHI

07.16.16 - 12.11.16

50m Freestyle

13 & Under Girls

00:27.96

6th Speedo G-League National LC Championships, PHI

07.19.15 - Present

200m Freestyle

13 & Under Girls

02:14.40

39th SEA Age Group Swimming Championships, VIE

12.05.15 - 12.05.15

50m Backstroke

13 & Under Girls

00:32.01

6th Speedo G-League National LC Championships, PHI

07.19.15 - 11.29.16

Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships Career Highlights

Finalist

50m Free 14 & Under Girls

00:28.64

8th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships, THA

10.04.15

Finalist

100m Back 14 & Under Girls

01:11.58

8th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships, THA

10.04.15

Finalist

200m Back 14 & Under Girls

02:32.87

8th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships, THA

10.03.15

SEA Age Group Swimming Championship Career Highlights ( 1 Bronze )

Bronze

4x100m Free Mixed Relay

03:53.49

39th SEA Age Group Swimming Championships, VIE

12.04.15

Describe yourself : 
Never gives up despite hardships.

Describe yourself : 
Honest, charming, moody, likes to chill and travel, enjoys arts and crafts and reading, loves water!

What side or character of yours that would most likely surprise others?
Most people are surprised when they see me eat. I eat a lot. I love rice and fried chicken, and drink almost a liter of milk a day.

What age did you start swimming? What brought you to the sport of swimming?
I started swimming at the age of 9. My parents believe swimming is a survival skill that my siblings and I have to learn. Surprisingly, I took to swimming like a fish to water, and started winning in novice swimming competitions. In spite of a hectic school schedule with only 4 times a week of swim practice, I eventually moved on to represent my school’s swim team in more prestigious meets like Palarong Pambansa, Milo Little Olympics and WNCAA.

During your early years of swimming, have you ever thought that you will reach where you are now today as a swimmer? Why?
No. My parents and I weren’t into this for the competition. It was simply learn to swim as a survival skill because we travel yearly across oceans. Since none of my older siblings swam in competitions or joined the school swim team after their learn to swim programs, nobody expected I’d end up this far in swimming.

What do you think are the factors that make you a successful swimmer?
Hardwork, determination and concentration. Dedicated coaches and a good training program. Supportive family and friends. Blessings from God, Mama Mary and Saint Jude.

What is your most memorable experience as a swimmer?
Breaking the Palarong Pambansa record in 100 free, and breaking the Junior Phil. record in 50 free and 50 back.

Apart from being a Summer Olympian, what is (are) your other goal(s) as a swimmer?
To represent the Philippines in international swimming competitions and hopefully bring home a medal or two. I’d dearly love to hear the Philippine National Anthem being played in the awarding ceremony of an event I competed. Hopefully, I can serve as an inspiration to others, and perhaps have the chance to “pay it forward” to the younger generations someday.

Was there ever a time that you thought of quitting swimming? Why?
So far no. I have only been swimming 4-5 years and it’s been pretty good. No rush to get to the top. My main goal is to lower my time with each swim, and hopefully to qualify in international competitions.

Who do you look up to as a swimmer? Why?
Locally, Coach Jenny Guerrero and Roxanne Yu. They have shown that size does not matter; they have brought home medals and did the country proud in spite of their petite stature. Internationally, Missy Franklin for obvious reasons, she has been very strong in the pool and has the time to beat for now.

Any specific routines before and during the meet or before a swim? What are these?
Stretching and warm-ups before competition swim, then swim down (easy swim) in between heats to loosen the muscles.

Please share some words of wisdom for swimmers who wish to be like you.
To quote Forrest Gump: “Life is a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’ll get.” So just enjoy the swim, make friends, travel, be inspired and never be afraid to make a change. Even a change of swimming stroke or event specialty, it is all good because our body changes as we grow older. Adjustment and perseverance is the key. Worse case scenario, swimming is the best cardio to promote good health. 

Message to your supporters : 
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t have made it this far without all your help and support. Please pray for me.