Cora: The Mermaid Who Found Her Depths
Cora: The Mermaid Who Found Her Depths
The ocean calls to those who truly belong to it, and for Cora, the water has always felt like home. From mermaiding to freediving, she has embraced the deep with a passion that goes beyond sport—it’s a way of life.
Now, as a member of the AIDA Philippines Pool Freediving Team, she’s taking her love for the water to the next level.
In this exclusive interview, Cora shares her journey—from the excitement of joining the national team to the thrill of pushing her limits. She talks about the sacrifices, the highs and lows, and the mindset that keeps her going. More than just an athlete, she’s here to inspire others to embrace the ocean, chase their dreams, and most importantly, enjoy the dive. Let’s dive in.
Genesis
Freediving came naturally to Cora, a lifelong water lover. She was drawn to the sport simply because she enjoys swimming. “The water feels like home,” she says, explaining why she never tires of diving deeper into her passion.
Beyond Freediving
Outside the ocean, Cora has taken on different roles—once a Project Coordinator, now a virtual assistant. However, her true passion lies in being a Mermaid Instructor, where she gets to merge her love for swimming with teaching and inspiring others.
The Challenges & Sacrifices
Like many athletes, Cora has made sacrifices for the sport, particularly when it comes to time with family and financial investments. “But it’s all worth it,” she says without hesitation.
The Rollercoaster
So far, Cora has yet to experience a low moment in her freediving journey. Every dive has been a source of joy, especially with the support of her freediving and mermaid friends. She hopes to hear more of "White card". Two words that mean everything in the world of freediving.
Breaking Records & Personal Discoveries
Cora chases the thrill of progress with every dive, but nothing compares to the moment she resurfaces knowing she has pushed past her limits. “Euphoria,” she says, summing up the rush of accomplishment in a single word. It’s a fleeting high, but one that keeps her coming back for more.
Before freediving, Cora never thought much about how long she could hold her breath—until she realized she could stay underwater far longer than most people. In her own words: “I can stay underwater longer than most humans!”. With every dive, she continues to learn more about her body, her mind, and the quiet strength that exists in the stillness beneath the surface.
Joining the National Team
Being invited to join the AIDA Philippines Pool Freediving Team was an exciting milestone for Cora. She feels honored to represent her country and inspired to train alongside incredible athletes.
Training & Competition Mindset
For Cora, preparation isn’t just about training—it’s about discipline, patience, and trust in the process. She knows that every second in the water counts, so she sticks to a routine: train consistently, rest well, and stay focused. In the days leading up to a competition, she fine-tunes the little details, ensuring her gear is ready, her body is rested, and her mind is steady. “Before anything else, I make sure I’ve had enough sleep. A clear mind and a well-rested body make all the difference.”
As she stands poolside, moments before her dive, she knows she’s not alone. There are people rooting for her—friends, teammates, family, and even strangers who believe in her journey. “Pray for our safety and for white cards!” she says with a smile. It’s a simple request, but one that carries the weight of every freediver’s ultimate goal: to emerge victorious, clean, and proud.
Inside the Dive
The moment Cora takes her final breath at the surface, the world above fades away. The noise, the crowd, even the nerves—everything dissolves into the quiet embrace of the water. As she descends, time slows, and her mind sharpens, guided by a rhythm she has practiced over and over again.
“Remember your training.” The first thought anchors her, reminding her that she has done this before.
“Relax. Relax. Relax.” Tension is the enemy. She lets her body soften, her movements smooth and efficient.
“You’re still alive.” A lighthearted reminder that always makes her smile internally. Fear has no place here—only trust.
“Almost there…” She senses the end approaching, her body in tune with the depths. No panic, no rush. Just focus.
And then, the final push. The surface nears, the light gets brighter, and she knows the moment of truth is coming. She breaks through, lifts her face, and executes her surface protocol flawlessly.
“Gandang Ahon.” It’s more than just technique—it’s a signature, a promise to herself that she will always rise with grace.
Dedications & Reflections
Every dive, every breath, every moment of stillness underwater—Cora carries more than just her own dreams. She carries the love and support of those who believe in her. If there’s one group she wishes could see her now, it’s her family. “I love you all,” she says, knowing that no matter where she is in the world, they are with her in every dive.
Freediving isn’t just about numbers, depths, or records—it’s a journey of self-discovery. If there’s one thing Cora has learned, it’s that true success isn’t measured by how far you go but by how much you grow. “It’s not about being the best, but about being the best version of yourself—win or lose.”
No athlete stands alone, and Cora knows this well. She has trained, competed, and celebrated alongside incredible teammates, and she never takes that for granted. “Thank you for always being there!” she says with gratitude, knowing that their support fuels her every dive.
Legacy
For Cora, freediving isn’t just about records or medals—it’s about leaving a mark that goes beyond numbers. She wants to be remembered not just as an athlete, but as someone who brought joy, grace, and a little bit of magic to the sport.
Every time she rises from a dive, she does so with her signature style—calm, composed, and with a smile. “Gandang Ahon Mermaid,” she says with pride. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a mindset, a way of carrying herself in and out of the water. A reminder that no matter how deep the dive, the way you rise matters just as much.
Support and Sponsorship
As these athletes prepare to represent the Philippines on the world stage, they need our support more than ever. Let's come together as a community to cheer on the AIDA PH Team as they showcase their skills and passion for freediving. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, your encouragement can make a world of difference to these dedicated athletes.