Honorary Georgian Consul Thelmo Cunanan Jr has officially launched his First Filipino International Friendship Swim across the English Channel. His official guide boat will be flying the flags of several countries, including the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Georgia.

The swim—the first crossing by Filipino swimmers of the sea passage that separates the United Kingdom and France—is considered the “Mount Everest” of open water swims and will be a test of physical and mental strength, courage, sheer human will and heart.

The First Filipino English Channel Swim Team, to be captained by Filipino “aquaman” Ingemar Macarine of Surigao, is already in the United Kingdom and is training for the swim, which will be a distance of 35 kilometers and will take place between August 10 and August 16, depending on weather conditions.  Consul Cunanan said the team expects the swim to be completed in approximately 13 – 15 hours, given weather conditions and currents.

This swim will be to celebrate international friendship and understanding and to raise awareness of climate change and global warming. Mr Macarine will be wearing a crucifix, specially-blessed at the Monastery of St. Nino in Signaghi, Georgia. Next year, Consul Cunanan and Mr Macarine will hold a series of open water seminars for Georgian swimmers in the Black Sea port city of Batumi. “I want to thank Consul Cunanan for this historic opportunity,” said Mr. Macarine. “I really appreciate the support extended by the Monastery of St. Nino and I am looking forward to meeting and sharing my experiences with Georgian open-water swimmers in Batumi next summer.”

For his part, Consul Cunanan expressed great excitement and enthusiasm over the project. “This is a swim for international friendship. As I have worked long and hard to develop Philippines – Georgia ties, it is my great honor and privilege to fly the flags of both countries, alongside others, on our official yacht that will accompany the swimmers across the English Channel,” he said.

Consul Cunanan will officially present this international friendship swim for climate change awareness at the United Nations Climate Change Awareness (COP22) in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November.