The Swimjunkie Challenge in Caramoan celebrated its 10th edition in 2026, and the CamSur Tri Team made it a year to remember. Racing in the open waters of Caramoan, the team swept the top three places in the men's 20 km ultramarathon swim, finished on the podium in the women's 20 km, and added results across the 15 km, 10 km and 5 km events.
A 20 km open water swim tests everything an endurance athlete brings to the start line: fitness, pacing, patience, and the discipline to keep fueling and stay focused for hours in changing water. Three Camarinense swimmers finishing one, two, three in the men's race says a great deal about the depth of talent in the province and the work this team has put in.
CamSur Tri Team results
20 km Men's Overall
- Champion: Nhadler Bolima
- 2nd place: Mark Anthony Hosana
- 3rd place: Bryan Yot Tan V
A clean sweep of the longest race of the weekend, with all three podium places going to the CamSur Tri Team.
20 km Women's Overall
- 3rd place: Lharn Casilao
Lharn held strong through the full 20 km to take a place on the overall podium.
15 km Men's Overall
- 3rd place: Renel Bricenio
10 km Women's Overall
- 2nd place: Regina Rosquites
5 km Men's Age Group, 20 to 29
- 3rd place: John Carlo Bufete
5 km Men's Age Group, 60 and Up
- 3rd place: Rodel Lagrimas
John Carlo's swim
John Carlo Bufete took 3rd place in the men's 5 km 20 to 29 age group. His watch logged 5,285 m in 1:57:38 on the island loop out to Lahus Island and back to Hunongan Cove.
John Carlo thanked Governor LRay Villafuerte and the Province of Camarines Sur for their full support of the team, and Madam Lucita Año for her love and support.
He also thanked Coach Joffery Año for his training and constant belief in him, and his training partners Nhadler Bolima and Coach Mark Anthony Hosana.
Built on teamwork
The team credits this result to teamwork, dedication, and countless hours of training. Camarines Sur is already known for its triathletes and duathletes, and Caramoan showed that the same commitment carries over to long-distance open water racing.
The team thanked Governor LRay Villafuerte and the Province of Camarines Sur for their continued support, along with The Recovery Room BATC, the Swimjunkie Challenge organizers, and everyone who cheered them on. Dios mabalos po!
Hammer Nutrition Philippines has supported the CamSur Tri Team since September 2024. For Caramoan, the team fueled with Hammer Gel, which reached them through our Hammer Nutrition Philippines ambassadors in Bicol, Anne Nuñez and Benny Mapanao. Thank you, Anne and Benny, for looking after the team.
Fueling your own long swim
Open water racing brings its own fueling challenges, from limited feeding stops to hours in salt water and sun. Our Open Water Swimming fuel guide covers what to take before, during and after your swim.
Congratulations to every swimmer who took on the waters of Caramoan. Now it's time to rest and recover.
Follow the CamSur Tri Team on Facebook.
Photos courtesy of the CamSur Tri Team and John Carlo Bufete.