Splash & Bumps 2015

(Image courtesy of Mr. Thawn Suang)

Congratulations to the students who won the different events of the Splash and Bumps (Swimming) 2015 held at Angelicum College Swimming Pool last February 28, 2015. The events are Freestyle (Male and Female category), Breaststroke (Male and Female category), Relay (Male and Female category).  The participants were the two sections who are enrolled in PE4S (Advance Swimming) course namely; HRM2A and TM2B. The winners received freebies and they are exempted to take the final practical (with a perfect score). They just need need to take the final written examination.

The lucky swimmers are:

Rafael Co
Event: Fresstyle Male
Speed: 17.04 sec/ 25 meters

Kim Ann Caberto
Event: Freestyle Female
Speed: 21.96 sec/25 meters

Gino Miranda
Event: Breastroke Male
Speed: 22.42 sec/25 meters

Jannene Hicarte
Event: Breastroke Female
Speed: 33.66 sec/25 meters

Relay Men
Rafael Co
Gino Miranda
Genesis Dela Roma
Speed: 72.55 sec

Relay Women
Kristine Cancio
Jeanete Ann Baquir
Patricia Angela Satimbre
Speed: 112.43 sec

(photo collage created via http://www.pikage.com )

The winners are expected to represent their course in the upcoming Letramurals Season 6. Good luck future Letramurals swimming champions.


Special Thanks to:

Asst. Prof. Randy A. Lero
Chair, Physical Education Area
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Letran- Manila

Asst. Prof. Russel Tropa
Faculty members of PE Area

HRM2A & TM2A Students

Angelicum Pool Management

Pool areas that should be avoided to maintain safety

Swimming skill is not a total guarantee of  safety. Even good swimmers need to swim with a buddy or at least with other people around. Being aware of the environment (pool areas) will help you avoid accident and maintain total safety. There are swimming pools with low maintenance in which, some areas should be avoided. Even the well-maintained pool is not also a guarantee. Drowning happens even in high-end condominiums, resorts and hotels. Kids MUST  be accompanied by adults even if they are competitive swimmers. Do not rely to lifeguard-on-duty alone. Accidents may occur anytime and anywhere but being cautious and being prepared does a great impact to achieve safety.

Don't allow your kids to swim without adults
Photo credit: www.lowrydenver.com 

To avoid accident, I listed some areas in the pool to avoid when swimming. Check if you happen to see some of the areas listed.

1. Slippery pool deck/walk ways or open shower areas
Slippery areas can cause you harm and injury. Some types of tiles are slippery when wet. Walkways with slime molds and algae are usually slippery, so, avoid those areas or be careful when walking. Molds and algae usually appear during rainy season. It would also help if you will tell the other swimmers and the management to keep the area mold and algae free.

Photo credit: www.cleanyearservice.com

2. Cracked tiles
Cracked tiles are dangerous because it may cut your skin. Using your goggles, you can check cracked tiles under the water. Cracked tiles is more dangerous in the four feet deep water areas where swimmers can stand and touch the floor. It is even more dangerous if located in the stair area.

Photo credit: certifiedstructure.com

3. Contaminated pool water
Color and smell of the water could be an indication of contamination. Green is an indication that molds and fungus are present in the water. Don't risk you health by swimming in contaminated water. If you happen to drink the dirty pool water, you may drink pro-biotic drinks after swimming to avoid stomach ache or other water-borne disease.

Photo credit: www.rosevillepoolservice.com

3. Electric shock prone areas
Areas like pumping machines and electric breakers should be avoided. It is also important to dry yourself before plugging your phone chargers and etc.. Remember that when we are wet, electric shock is possible to happen.

Photo credit: www.dreamstime.com

5. Deep water areas
If you are not confident in the deep, then don't risk your life by swimming in those areas. Be sure to have a treading and deep water survival skill before submerging in the deep.

Photo credit: www.theoasischurch.com

6. Unfixed stair handles
If you happen to see an unfix stair handle, please tell the pool management immediately to avoid accidents to happen. By doing so, you helped the management and you save the next person or people who may possibly experience accident in that stair.

Photo credit: tampastpetersburginjuryattorneyblog.com

7. Stock rooms
Stock room is the area where maintenance equipment and materials are placed. Including those are the chemical substances like chlorine, which is bad for the lungs. This is dangerous specially to the people with lung problems.

Photo credit: http://ecotechpoolservice.com

Keep yourself and your family or company safe by avoiding those areas. Swimming is more fun when it is accident free. 

A Luxurious Splash at "The Legend Villas" Swimming Pool

It's an amazing discovery. There is a small but homely recreation pool in Mandaluyong City. Summer is really full of great surprises. I was able to experience a luxurious splash in one of the best hotels in Mandaluyong, The Legend Villas. FreelaceAquaticsSolution facilitated the swimming lesson event of Mom and Me. Mom and Me is an event organizing company that advocates the importance of mother and daughter bonding. The "The Legend Villas", is the major Sponsor of such fun-to-fit mother and daughter summer swimming activity.

The pool is kidney shape with approximately 15 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Its deep is 4 feet to 7 feet. It has poolside jacuzzi and artificial waterfalls. The comfort rooms are clean and air-conditioned. Water is distinctly clean and chlorine content is just enough for the volume of water. The pool deck (walkway area) is made-up of wood . According to the Marketing Officer, the pool area is one of the favorite venues of parties and events. Pool is a potential venue of kids swimming lesson with six students per class for ages 6 to 12. A function hall is situated beside the pool area that can be used as extension of pool parties. The pool is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm. It is exactly  located at 60 Pioneer Corner Madison Streets, Mandaluyong City. It can be reached via Boni Avenue MRT station and a ten (10) minutes walk from Robinsons Mall.

 Related links:
http://www.legendvillas.com.ph, http://www.momandme.com.ph, https://www.facebook.com/mommyandmePH

My Top 5 Best Recreation Pool

Swimming in your most preferred pool is really cool. In Metro Manila, there are lots of swimming pool to choose from, whether its a private or public pool, lap or recreation pool. In my area, I am blessed to have three lap swimming pools, namely Philippine Army Swimming Pool, Philippine Navy Swimming Pool, and Philippine Air Force Swimming Pool. These three pools became the venue of my swimming activities. As part of my promotions and love for swimming, I used to explore swimming pools. Among the pools that I visited for pool hopping or swimming activities,  I listed the top five of my favorite recreation pools. Recreation pool is generally design for relaxation and leisure.

Top 5. Caliraya Recreation Center 

(photo credit: www.panoramio.com)

I was able to experience this pool (resort) twice. First, was due to retreat, and second, was due to company outing from my former employer. It has a diving board suited for basic and advance level. This pool is one of the amenities of the recreation center. There were only one pool during my stay, now there were two. Water is very cold since it is located in a mountain. The deepest part is about 10 feet, while the shallowest is about 4 feet. There is lifeguard on duty, so nothing to worry about safety. For info about Caliraya, visit www.caliraya.net.

Top 4. White Corals Beach Resort

(photo credit: www.willexplorephilippines.com )

White corals is the only saltwater pool I have known so far. It's cool to experience this kind of amenity. You can enjoy both the stylish shape of a recreation pool and the saltwater. They also have a freshwater pool as an option if you want something usual. While swimming in the saltwater pool, you can experience the view of the beach. Other activities are kayaking and snorkeling.

Top 3. Club Balai Isabel

(Club Balai Isabel Infinity Pool)

Club Balai Isabel offers an amazing scenery of Taal lake. This is famous in weddings and team-building activities. I was able to visit this place as part of a team building activity. The best attraction (being a swimming enthusiast) is the wide infinity pools facing the lake area. Great for relaxation. You can have a touch of nature. You will also love the food as well and the good service. For more info about the club you can visit www.balaiisabel.com

Top 2. Serendra One

(One of Serendra One's Pool)  

I ranked this pool in the second spot not because it is part of a high-end  high-rise condominium in the metro but because of its water. This pool is the only non-chlorinated I have known (aside from the free-flowing freshwater falls and spring water pool). This pool uses the latest technology in pool maintenance and management. I was able to swim in this pool five times due to my of private swimming lessons.

Top 1. Ace Water Spa

(photo credit www.sassyzeal.com)

My top one is the Ace Water Spa. This pool offers leisure, relaxation, and health. You can enjoy the water while experiencing their water massage facilities. There are saunas and steam baths. The most fascinating part of all are the herbal pools that will surely relieve you from your daily stress. This is one way of  pampering and rewarding yourself from your hardworking days. Swimming lessons are also offered in the resort spa. Visit www.acewaterspa.com.ph  for info.

My choice may not be the same with other bloggers. Please check my personal choice of related links to give you more information about swimming pool rankings. Have a happy swimming!

Related Links:
http://5oclockam.wordpress.com
http://www.spot.ph
http://www.gmanetwork.com,
http://megacities-go-services.com
http://en.wikipilipinas.org
http://cheaperoptions.wordpress.com 

A public swimming pool in Pandacan Manila

There is a new pool in my list. It is now included in my pool listing. (click link for more swimming pools) #mypoollisting . It is the Jacinto Ciria Cruz Swimming Pool.

I discovered this pool in Pandacan.  It is a 25 by 15 meters swimming pool located at Selya St. with a depth of 4 to 5 meters. This is such a great discovery. A great value for money for the residence of Manila.The entrance fee is only Php 80.00.
 
The Jacinto Ciria Cruz Swimming Pool is open daily from 8:00am- 5:00pm except Monday. The pool is managed by the City of Manila. The nearby landmarks are small fountain plaza, Ever Grocery, and a wet market. To reach the place, you can ride a bus from Feati University or SM City Manila.  You can also reach the place riding a train (Philippine National Railroad) via Pandacan station plus one jeepney ride with a travel time of around five (5)  minutes (walking distance).

(The pool photo taken at 8:00 in the morning)

 Please note that the pool is strict with swimming attire. Try this pool and enjoy your swimming adventure. For questions, you may e-mail me to hermanbrinas@gmail.com .

My Pool Listing

Over the years of coaching, I realized that I have explored 27 swimming pools to date and still counting. This is part of what I call “pool hopping activity” . Some of them was captured by my phone. I would like to share the beauty of those pool which could be a motivation for you to love swimming at least for recreation.  I believe that no matter how busy we are, we really need to find time to engage in fitness activities. I hope that the pictures below will encourage you engage in swimming activities.

(photo source: littlepoets.wordpress.com)

My Pool Listings

1. Philippine Air Force Pool (Pasay)
2. Philippine Army Swimming Pool (Taguig)
3. Philippine Navy-Marines Pool (Taguig)
4. Pasay City Sports Complex
5. Makati Sports Club Swim Pool
6. SeaBreeze Resort
7. Hampton Tower Two Pool
8. Serendra One
9. Fifth Avenue Place Pool
10. Caliraya Recreation Center Pool
11. Asian Mansion
12. Ace Water Spa
13. Makati Palace Hotel
14. La Mesa Eco Park Pool
15. Pearl Hotel Manila
16. Rizal Sports Complex Pool
17. Makati Aquatics Sports Arena
18. Hotel Ivory and Convention Center
19. Balai Isabel, Batangas
20. Century Park Hotel Pool
21. Cityland Condominium Pool
22. YMCA Pool Manila
23. Robinsons Tower Malate
24. Makati Executive Tower Pool
25. Palm Garden Mandaluyong
26. Bee Farm Pool Bohol   
27. Sibul Resort 
28. Villa Amanda Resort 
29. Pacific Residences Club House Pool
30. Pope Pius Swimming Pool 
31. Navy-Marines Pool (Manila)
32. Jacinto Ciria Cruz Swimming Pool
33. Legend Villas Pool
34. White Corals Beach Reasort
35. Sofitel Manila Swimming Pool
36. Mt. Tarak Resort

 































Swimming Pool Selection Series- Philippine Army Swimming Pool

(photo source: foursquare.com)

When it comes to pool maintenance, nothing compares to Philippine Army Wellness Center Swimming Pool. This pool is the most accessible pool and is the only Olympic size pool in Taguig City, measuring about 50 by 25 meters and has a deep of 4 to 6 feet. It is strategically located in Lawton Avenue corner Bayani Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. This pool is the venue for most swimming league. It is also used for trainings of underwater hockey and synchronize swimming. The amenities nearby are the Army grandstand and Philippine Army Gym that houses different sports facilities such as tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court, boxing ring and badminton court. Army gym also has a wellness spa and a mini canteen.

(Welcome message/reminder from the pool management)

 There are cottages outside the pool area for recreation swimming and there is also a mini park for children. Parking is also wide to those who own a car. Just recently, the pool was renovated for a better service. It has both an indoor and outdoor shower. It is open on Tuesday to Sunday between 8:00am to 6:00pm. It is close for night swimming.

(photo source: army.mil.ph)

To reach the place you need to take a jeepney ride going to gate 3.The ride will take you only 15 minutes to arrive. You will pass through American Cemetery and Mckinley Hill via Lawton Avenue. The place is generally known as "Army Gym". It is important to bring a valid identification card since you are entering a military facility. Proper swimming attire is also properly observed. This is the best pool for those who wants to take a relaxing lap after a stressful workload. See, visit the pool and start your swimming program for fitness. Start it right and surely, you will love swimming.

(shower area)

Pool General Information

(Source: http://www.isport.com/3799289)

Facility Type: Military

Facility Accessibility: Public

Pool Details

Amenities: Lifeguard On Duty, Showers, Snack Bar

Activities Offered: Lap Swimming, Water Excercise, Open Swim (Recreational Swimming)

Equipment: Diving Blocks, Lane Lines

Teams/Clubs: Water Polo

Classes: First Aid/CPR Classes, Lifeguard Training Classes

Admission/Rates: Php 100 per head (Php 125 for night swimming)

Php 50.00 for Army Dependents (Php 75 for night swimming)

Other Amenities: Kiosks and mini park, Spa and Sports Center.

Other Activities: Underwater Hockey

(rates and schedule)

Location

View My Saved Places in a larger map

Swimming Pool Selection Series- Navy/Marines Pool

If you are a swimming enthusiast who is looking for deep pool, then, Navy/Marines Pool is the right choice. It is located inside the Marine Camp at Naval Station Jose Francisco (NSJF), Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Navy/Marines Pool is the deepest outdoor pool in Taguig City or maybe even in Metro Manila. Its lap pool is 4 feet to 10 feet deep, and the length and width is 25 by 15 meters. It is a venue for scuba diving courses, training and summer swimming clinic. This pool is my partner in teaching survival swimming programs. It has a round-shaped kiddie pool with a deep of 3 feet and with a diameter of 4 meters. Safety is not a problem because there are buoys near the pool stairs and lifeguards are within the vicinity. To reach the place, you need two tricycle or jeepney rides. From MRT Magallanes station to 7Eleven Gate 3, and another ride from 7Eleven Gate 3 to the Pool passing the main gate of the camp. It is less than 20 minutes drive from Market Market. Since it is a military camp, proper attire is strictly observed, open footwear such as slippers and sandals are not allowed as well as shorts and sleeveless. The guard also asked for identifications when entering the camp.

Pool Entrance

The place is very quiet and tranquil. There are also free parking areas just in front of the pool. Other establishments nearby are mini grocery store, clubhouse, lawn tennis court and a boxing ring. Pool is also used for different functions such as pool party, birthday and debut. It is not open for night swimming. It is open only by day from Tuesday to Sunday at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entrance fee is 75 pesos per person. Cottages are not available but there is a waiting area that serves as the venue for functions. Navy/Marines pool is another pool of my choice in my listing. Hope you can visit this pool in your next pool hopping activity.

Lap Pool

Kiddie Pool

The Lap Pool's Deepest Part

Kiddie Pool in Closer View

ADDITIONAL INFO
(Source: http://www.isport.com/3799289)


Pool General Information

Facility Type: Military

Facility Accessibility: Private

Pool Details

Amenities: Lifeguard On Duty, Snack Bar

Activities Offered: Lap Swimming, Water Excercise

Equipment: Lane Lines

Classes: SCUBA Classes

Admission/Rates: Php 75.OO per head (Civilian)

Free for Navy/Marine dependents

Other Amenities: Snack Bar and Restaurant

About

The Marine Pool is open for civilians. Proper swimming attire is strictly observed by the pool management.

Location 

View My Saved Places in a larger map

Swimming Pool Selection Series-Air Force Pool

The Main Pool

Kiddie Pool

Are you looking for a pool to lap after office? If your answer is yes, then, let me introduce the Philippine Air Force Swimming Pool (PAFSP). This pool is one of my best choices due to its strategic location and beautiful landscape.

I was a witness of how the air force pool transforms its look over the years. It was renovated to meet the demands of its clients. It was almost one year when the newly renovated PAFSP was launched to the public. On its launching, the administrator opened the pool for public swimming in a span of one week for free. After that week, the pool formally started the new operation.  From the entrance fee of 50 pesos, it became 100 pesos which I think still reasonable.    

The features and facilities of the pool are:

-          It is well-landscaped

-          It is surrounded by trees that makes the pool area tranquil

-          It has 24-hour lifeguards on-duty

-          It is a safe place

-          It has gazebos, cottages, and shower rooms

-          It has two kiddie pools.     

It is located beside the Villamor Golf Club building. If you are driving, the wide parking space outside the pool area is available most of the time. It is approximately 25-30 minutes drive from Market Market, 30-35 minutes from Ayala and 15-25 minutes from NAIA. For commuters, take the gate three jeepney ride from Market Market or gate three tricycle ride from Mantrade/Magallanes MRT station (in front of Southgate Mall) to reach 7 Eleven-Bonifacio. From 7 eleven just take a walk to the pool area passing the Nichols Bridge then head directly to the golf club (turn right) through the gate ten.    

The lap pool size in length is 25 by 15 meters with a deep of four and five feet. The two kiddie pools are two and three feet in deep. The pool is cleaned and treated every Monday. It operates and is open for public from Tuesdays through Sundays from 8am to 9pm. It is close for public swimming when the venue is reserved and is used for a special occasion. The pool is also open for reservations for different events such as parties and exclusive company or family outings.

Gazebo Type Cottage

Regular Cottage

Shower Area

Try this pool and have a relaxing time with your friends or families because you deserve a treat after that hectic day. Enjoy your swimming and thank you for patronizing my blog. 

ADDITIONAL INFO

(Source: http://www.isport.com/3799289 )

Facility Type: Military

Facility Accessibility: Public

Pool Details

Amenities: Lifeguard On Duty, Showers

Activities Offered: Lap Swimming, Swim School

Equipment: Lane Lines

Admission/Rates: 100 per head

Facility Open: Year Round

About

Located beside the Villamor Golf Club Building. Open till 9pm.