How to stay underwater | Marikina Sports Center

Hey guys, it's already summer.. The sun is up and we can really feel the heat! And with that, did any of your planned outings happened yet? I know many of your friends or you yourself were thinking to have that dip in the pool already. The real question now here is "How ready are you?"

Happy swimming - Marikina Sports Center
Happy swimming - Marikina Sports Center

If you are living near Marikina and are planning to cool things up a bit, don't worry because we got you covered. We will also teach you a trick for you to enjoy more those swimming experiences.

We recently visited Marikina Sports Center which is a city sports complex that houses multi-sport facilities covering not only various sports but also other fun indoor and outdoor activities. They have courts for basketball, badminton, volleyball, tennis.. they even have spaces for a gym, a full oval, a soccer field.. and classes for Zumba, boxing, taekwondo, karate and a whole lot more that is too many to mention lol.


Starting block or platform at Marikina Sports Center
Starting block or platform at Marikina Sports Center

But for now, let us focus on their swimming pool area which I think many local underestimated in terms of priority. Based on experience when swimming is concerned, this facility may get through that list, but always places in one of the bottom ones. Well, if we are talking about a "swimming outing".. It is a totally different idea since of course, having a new environment is one of the obvious concerns. So rather than focusing on the negatives, let me share with you why you need to think it over and just schedule a swim here.

1. Availability. They open daily (except Mondays). 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and extends until 9:30 PM during summers for night sessions.

2. Affordability. With the starting rate of P50 per head, how can you not even think about that deal? I mean, yes, it may not be that intricately beautiful compared to other private pools, but come on, your main purpose is served. Some private pools are not even "that private" to be honest. Think about it.

3. Space. Man, it boasts an Olympic-size swimming pool. How rare is that? I actually enjoy how spacious it gets inside. So claustrophobic people, you are welcome.

4. Options. If you suddenly changed your mind about continuing that swim on the last minute well, maybe you might want to have a jog instead or select from the numerous things you can do here. By the way, the area outside the center is famous by having a lot of restaurants, fast food chains and takeout food stall to eat so you actually won't run of options to visit here unless you are a very picky person.

Detailed guidelines of the Marikina Sports Center swimming pool
Guidelines of the Marikina Sports Center swimming pool

Now, let's go to the fun part where we discover on enjoying those swimming experiences more. Have you tried staying under the water (sitting on the pool floor) for quite a time without having any gear and just purely being calm there with minimal movement? If you haven't, well, I feel very sorry for you as it is just as relaxing as your latest massage session - not my fault if your last one was bad haha! 

Personally, I was visually inspired when I saw the opening of the movie "Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief". It was the first installment of the trilogy where the opening shot was taken under the pool and Percy (played by the Hollywood actor "Logan Lerman") was so comfortable in there. I was like "I think it is possible to really enjoy that moment and not just act it out". And after doing it on some of our swimming pool visits, I was right. As of now, I still do it every single time possible when I have the opportunity. It'll take a number of practices to pull it off and be able to be comfortable with it, but when you do, it is actually a rewarding skill you'll definitely enjoy doing from time to time.

Sitting on the pool floor - Marikina Sports Center
Sitting on the pool floor

How to do it? By doing exactly the opposite of everything before going under the water. 

So what do we usually do before going under the water? We breathe-in as much air as possible, close our eyes, cover the noses (for some) and move from one place to another. Preferably too, if available, we want to do it with gadgets that can help us do it with ease like the goggles, some snorkeling gears, diving equipment, etc..

So simply, the opposite would be.. 

Breathing-out air, keeping our eyes open, nose (keep'em normal lol) and staying still as much as possible once we achieve our comfortable sitting position below. As given in the opposite conditions, doing this without any gears will make it more rewarding as per relaxation is concerned.

The only other option to achieve it is through the presence of weights which I suppose you'll not even dare to try since it's prohibited haha!

The fact

Some people might need the help of the goggles (which is not bad) to be able to do it because they are either afraid to open their eyes below the water or they are not comfortable opening it under. A few are so scared of the reality that you cannot breathe-in some air for quite a time that simply trying it is impossible to do.. While some are just too afraid to go in water levels that are much higher than their normal height. So in short, not everyone is brave enough to do this so not all people can actually experience this.

The ultimate challenge is, will you try this until you succeed?

The pressure below is quite high, but you'll get used to it after some attempts. It is not simple to hold your breath with your lungs near empty, but your ability to hold it will improve time after time. Trial and error can be a daunting task because you have to do it comfortably to achieve your desired stance below.. So are you up for these challenges? If you are, don't waste any time and try it on your next summer pool getaway! Don't forget to let me know how you did and thank me later when you have done it already.

By the way, I made a video here with my friend Villy for a visual presentation of this blog post covering both the Olympic-size pool of the complex and the underwater takes. Haha! Enjoy!



If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it



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How to stay underwater | Marikina Sports Center How to stay underwater | Marikina Sports Center Reviewed by Michael on April 13, 2019 Rating: 5

149 comments:

  1. Learning to swim is so important, as is being able to swim year round! This sports complex sounds like it would be a great place to spend some time! The Olympic sized swimming pool definitely has my interest.

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  2. When it comes to swimming, for me as a swimmer, we talk about joy. Being able to go less, for various factors, I really miss ...

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  3. Being able to swim is something everyone should be able to do. My kids are great swimmers, I can swim but can not put my head under the water

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  4. This looks really cool but the only place where I can be under water and not die is my bathtub.I don't know how to swim,unfortunately !

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  5. So fun! My kids always love swimming. They learned at an early age. I can only dog paddle. Oops!

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  6. I wish it was summer here! I used to love swimming as a child. I should really get back into it!

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  7. I love swimming!! I have known how to swim ever since I was a child and anytime I can swim I am like YESSS!

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  8. eek my little one is just starting to do swimming lessons so im sure this will be something shell want to try as she gets better in the upcoming weeks! great video too!

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  9. This looks like a great pool! I love summer and spending the day at the swimming pool is always a fun way to spend a sunny summer day.

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  10. i can't swim but i hope before i hit my 30s i should learn that as my birthday gift. I have always admire people who can swim.

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    Replies
    1. You should! Not that I am forcing you. But you should lol

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  11. I am kind of scard staying under water 🙈 but excited at the same time too 😀 will try your tips.

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  12. wow. this is almost unbelievable. I don't think i can ever stay under water. kudos to you.

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  13. I wish summer would hurry up and come here. My children love going under water but only with googles. Sounds like a well priced pool to visit.

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  14. I don't know swimming yet.Planning to learn this summer with my kid

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  15. I have to admit I love swimming, there is something freeing about being under water and just swimming away. Bring on the summer.

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  16. This reminds me, I have to sign my kids up for swimming lessons. I barely know how to swim. I want to make sure they learn early on. They love going to the pool.

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  17. My boys do love swimming. This place looks like a great one and I love that it is indoors so no sunscreen needed.

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  18. I used to teach swim lessons and these are great tips! I hope it encourages everyone to learn more, even adults!

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  19. Wow, this place sounds cool. And swimming is the best part of summers. Haha but can't imagine staying under water.

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  20. Brrr it's still cold here. We got snow last week! Cannot wait for pool weather!

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  21. Putting my head under the water... OMG... thinking it gives me a thrill.

    I tried it and failed miserably. LOL

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  22. I actually never learned how to swim, so I am not a big fan of pools, but this does look like a great place.

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  23. Can't wait to start swimming this summer. The winter has been far too long.

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    Replies
    1. Haha! You guys having 4 seasons is quite envious.

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  24. I'm not an expert swimmer and definitely cannot stay underwater. Nice.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks but you should at least try it too.

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    2. That is so cool and makes me realized how much I need to take action. I don't know how to swim and I am determined to learn this upcoming month.

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  25. This sounds like a great place for a swim with your friends. Love all the underwater shots and how you related your experience from a movie you saw!

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  26. this sounds fun and scary! I used to be able to swim underwater as a kid but my eyes started to become less clear and I struggled

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    Replies
    1. Normal on the first trials but as you go along your body will adjust (y)

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  27. This looks like a great option to do in a swimming pool. I don't have any near to where I live and most are quite expensive. Awesome tips for accomplishing this task.

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  28. Great idea to add some more fun to pool time this summer! Not sure how long I'd be able to hold my breath, but surely worth a try.
    - Nandita

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  29. Wow I didn’t know about this Markina Complex and their amenities that we can try. Your photo just like Percy Jackson underwater is really cool btw.

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  30. Never been to this place but that place looks very vibrant to relax especially this season. Looks like you had a great time there!

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  31. Great to learn the technique of staying underwater. Wish I had learnt swimming.

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  32. Swimming is not only fun; It's also a great family bonding activity!

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  33. This is amazing! I have never been able to stay underwater but I wouldn't mind a try with your tips. Hope I do it well as you do.

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  34. Oh, it looks so cool. Such a great experience on you guys. I think I need to share this with my friends who leave in the Philippines.

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  35. I love swimming but I would probably never try such a challenge. I am not really understanding how do you survive underwater if you have no air in your lungs...

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    Replies
    1. You don't need to empty it and believe me you can.

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  36. I love how the city of Marikina values sports and has facilities like these for athletes and sports enthusiasts. How I wish my city would pay closer attention to sports activities!

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  37. This looks like such a great way to spend your time! Nice pool!

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  38. I like to think of myself as a mermaid. So, I love being in the water!

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  39. Interesting! The older I get (and I'm only 31), the harder it becomes for me to hold my breath underwater for as long as I used to. I do love the water though. Sounds like I need to practice some more.

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  40. This is such a fun idea, Michael! Yay, can't wait to try it this summer!!

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  41. the place looks wonderful and super exciting to hang out and enjoy!

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  42. I could spend all day in the pool. I love swimming and cooling off in the summer.

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  43. I wish I knew how to swim better. I really enjoy being in the water.

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  44. My kids always like to time it and see who can stay under water the longest. I'll have to share this trick with them.

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  45. so awesome and great for your lungs thanks for sharing

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  46. I try to stay underwater for a long time in my bath tub. It sounds weird but it is relaxing!

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  47. Holy COW! That pool is massive! I wish we had one close to me that was that size! Great place for workouts!!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I enjoy it especially when not much people is around though lol

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  48. O so fun! Learning to swim and water safety is a must!

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  49. I guess this is the next step in the swim process lol. Great article.

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  50. That looks like an awesome pool! Thanks for the recommendation! Husband and I might look into moving to Manila in the not too far future! Will deffo visit!

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  51. I'm a novivn when it cocomes to swimming but i really love the sport. Whenever i get an opportunity to take a dive in the pool i don't shy. But this summer I've decided to learn it properly.

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  52. Looks like you guys had so much fun. This place is perfect for the hot weather Philippines has. I love your photos.

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  53. I can not swim anymore. But this so really cool. I wish I could try.

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  54. Attractive component of content. I simply stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to claim that I get actually loved account your weblog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment or even I success
    you get right of entry to persistently fast.

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  55. I know this place, yet never been there. I so love swimming not to mention our season now. This place is a good option not only to learn but also to stay out of the heat. Hehe Thanks for sharing!

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  56. This is so awesome. I really enjoyed your blog this week this is something everyone can enjoy!

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  57. oh how fun! this location looks awesome, especially to learn there. we take swim lessons but aren't to this point yet!

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    Replies
    1. As long as you are doing something even how slow.. Go for it.

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  58. i am definately going to try this hack, thanks for sharing

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  59. Good for you! You have such place in your area. Here I need to travel more than an hour to get to some swimming centers... by the way I love the marikina sports center! used to do our PE there

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  60. Nice pictures looks like you guys had fun in the swimming pool. Swimming is really good option to be fit in this summer season.

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  61. It looks like it's a great swimming pool there. We have a great one out here I really love. It's a lot of fun.

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  62. You are summer ready! I envy those who are enjoying summer bu the pool or by the beach. Love how spacious is the swimming pool there.

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  63. Not summer here yet but I am so looking forward to enjoy being out.

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  64. I don't know how to swim. My kids are learning though and enjoy it. I hope to learn soon.

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  65. I love the peace that comes with being underwater. It is such a transformative and relaxing process.

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  66. I could be in the pool all day but never underwater! Just floating! HAHAHA

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    Replies
    1. Well, it will only be a simple task since you are already there though haha

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  67. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
    It's always exciting to read through content from other writers and practice something from other sites.

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  68. The Marikina Sports Center seems to have every single sport facility imaginable, not to mention zumba & boxing as well. This seems like the perfect place to enjoy your summers!

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    Replies
    1. Wow! This is such a big pool. I did not know that the Marikina Sports Center is open to public. Will share this to other friends near the area.

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    2. It has always been though unless reserved by a private company.

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  69. Amazing! Its actually remarkable piece of writing,
    I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this post.

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  70. Wow, this post reminded me of the life-guarding class I took as an undergraduate student. Swimming is such good exercise too!

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  71. Swimming is such good exercise and having such a lovely pool is very encouraging.

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  72. Wonderful blog! I found it while searcdhing
    on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on hhow to gett listed in Yahoo
    News? I've been trying for a while butt I never seem to get there!
    Appreciate it

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  73. For me its a big YESSSSSS. I always enjoy swimming. Its an great exercise too

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  74. Before I try any such thing, I would have be improve my swimming ability. Pretty cool

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    Replies
    1. Thank you and I know you'll get a hang of it too

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  75. I honestly have a hard time staying underwater. I don't know why I am so buoyant.

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