Remember the Koreanovelas and the Western-made cartoons we used to watch when we were kids (and are perhaps) still continuing to watch as adults until today?
Meet the man (or one of the people) who made life easier for the majority of us Filipinos through making tagalized flicks and dramas, 44-year-old Carlos De Guzman.
“This is actually my real job,” he surprisingly divulged during an exclusive interview with Inquirer Mobility right after an event in Vermosa Sports Hub, Imus, Cavite.
And speaking of making life easier for the majority of Filipinos, De Guzman likewise continues to cushion the journey of most people in a realm far from the confines of a studio and a mic.
This genius behind the microphone has been organizing multisport events since 2013 through his group Swimbikerun.ph and has already been able to garner a huge following since then.
“We have been doing the Triseries for more than a decade now. In fact, last year, we were able to organize the biggest-ever aquathlon event in the country,” he shared.
“We’re still growing and it’s been a big fun fit community.”
A medium for ‘newbie’ multisport athletes
During an aquathlon event last June, De Guzman shared that most of the participants who joined there were newbies, or first-time ‘aquathletes’.
“90 percent of the participants here are beginners.”
For him, he guaranteed to make the competition fun and easy for them.
“We wanted to make sure that most of them would be able to finish the race,” he said.
During the event, 24 schools joined wherein hundreds of student-athletes participated.
He further explained that his concept of sprint or short-distance races (300 to 600-meter swim, 20 to 40-km bike and 2.5 to 6-km run) has been very helpful, most especially for those starting their journeys in the world of multisports.
“It’s been a breeding ground for beginners and we’re happy we’re able to provide something like this for them,” he shared.
Other than this, his races likewise benefit others in the community, as well.
“We’re able to make more triathletes,” he shared. “Because of this, we’re able to provide business opportunities for others. Bike shops are able to benefit from it. We have feeder races. It’s a whole ecosystem.”
An athlete himself
According to him, he believes in the concept since it was how he started his own journey in the sport.
“This was how I began my training before I was able to complete other longer distance races like the Ironman 70.3,” he divulged.
“Back in 2005, way before these races started in the country, I was able to experience being a newbie in the sport and I believe this kind of concept will help others, as well,” he continued.
He also shared that he was also part of the Ayala mountaineers and has been an avid underwater hockey player, being the NSA president of the sport in the country.
A voice for newbies and his exciting multisport program moving forward
His group, Swimbikerun.ph, has a number of events in the pipeline, such as the Triple Crown Duathlon series, which will culminate this November and the upcoming Triman race in Clark, Pampanga this weekend.
“Just enjoy the experience,” he gladly shared when asked what tips he ought to give newbie triathletes, like this writer.
“Have fun and make mistakes. It’s a whole process. Eventually, you’ll get there.”
