LEYTE TO BOHOL, PHILIPPINES — A Historic Open-Water Feat Filipina swim coach and hybrid athlete Alizon Ruiz has carved her name into Philippine sports history after successfully navigating a grueling 24-kilometer open-water swim from Leyte to Bohol. Battling relentless multi-directional waves and unpredictable currents for 11 hours and 16 minutes non-stop, Ruiz became the first woman believed to ever conquer this daring oceanic route—following in the footsteps of legendary marathon swimmer Ingemar "Aquaman" Macarine.
11 Hours of Grit, Jellyfish Stings, and Unwavering Focus
Setting off at 5:27 a.m. as the sun broke over Leyte, Ruiz faced brutal conditions almost immediately. Guided only by a support boat and a close-range stand-up paddleboarder, she navigated treacherous open sea without walls or lane lines to guide her. She sustained her energy through precise 45-minute feeding intervals—consuming energy gels, watermelon, and bananas while treading water—and even pushed through a painful jellyfish sting to the face mid-transit. Despite experiencing severe fatigue and visual hallucinations in the final stretches, her mental resilience carried her safely to the Bohol shore.
Inspiring the Nation and Reaching for Beyond
Supported by a dedicated crew—including a first-aider, videographer, feeder, and official observer—Ruiz’s swim is currently undergoing formal ratification by the prestigious Marathon Swimming Federation. Driven by a desire to promote endurance sports and test her mental boundaries, the "Filipina Aquawoman" is already planning an even longer crossing for her next challenge.
Distance & Duration: 24 kilometers completed in 11 hours and 16 minutes.
Key Milestones: First woman to cross the Leyte-Bohol stretch; previously completed a 23km Bohol-to-Cebu swim.
Core Philosophy: "It's more on a mindset rather than physical... resilience and patience, and everything's temporary."
