84 Years Old and Swimming from Strength to Strength

Bernan G. Certeza – founder of Certezaland in Iloilo is advocating for older people to remain healthy and strong through exercise. For him, exercise is swimming. He started swimming in his 30s and kept at it, swimming three times a week. To this day, at 84, he is usually the oldest competitor in the swimming competitions he joins.

He joined the Oceanman Global Swim Series last December 6, 2025, in Dubai. There were only six of them in the 75 years old and up category. The organizer was surprised that he was way older than the other participants in his division as most of them were in their 70s. The Oceanman qualifying round was in Siargao on April 4, 2025, where he competed along with more than 500 athletes from 35 countries. Despite strong ocean currents, he finished the 2-kilometer swim in 2 hours, 5 minutes. He also joined the Ironman Triathlon in August 2024 with two team mates, all of them from the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP). Their triathlon team name was BCBP Brothers.

Aside from advocating for old people to stay strong and healthy, Bernan Certeza also used his swimming for a good cause. In 2023 and 2024, he partnered with SOS Village Iloilo to help raise funds for the organization. In both events, he swam to raise awareness and funds for the children of SOS Village.

For Father’s Day, perhaps the media can shine a light on such an inspiring man.