Getting into the water can be scary; the depths can seem intimidating. While some people take time before they learn to swim, however, it seems like an inborn talent for others, as if they were born with fins for arms and gills for lungs. For brothers Benjo Narciso (IV, SPM) and Miggy Narciso (III, FIN), swimming has been ingrained in their roots, almost as if it were in their blood.
UAAP career
The Narcisos are seasoned members of the DLSU Green Tankers. Older brother Benjo opted to joined La Salle back in 2013 while Miggy followed his footsteps a year later.
In his rookie year in 2014, Miggy and his teammates then shattered the UAAP 4×50 Freestyle Relay record en route to a gold medal finish. A year later, along with teammates Alfonso Bautista, Alnair Guevarra, and Leon Silvestre, they managed to break their record. They clocked in at 1:37.76 only to be overshadowed by eventual gold medalists, the ADMU Blue Eagles, who came in a shade quicker by 0.19 seconds.
In UAAP Season 79, Benjo made waves as he was a vital member of the 4x200m Freestyle Relay team that landed a bronze medal. In addition, Miggy was part of the relay team that nabbed silver medals in the 4x50m Medley and Freestyle Relays. They managed to post new records in both events alongside the ADMU Blue Eagles, who also secured the gold.
Contributing to numerous relays in the process, the Narciso siblings have both been formidable members of the Green Tankers as they buoyed a second-place finish, only behind the undefeated Blue Eagles.
Swimming roots
Coming from a family of swimmers, the Narciso brothers were introduced to the sport at a young age following the steps of their two older sisters. Benjo started swimming as a 10-year-old. Miggy started a little earlier at the age of six and began to join competitions two years later. At first, the two were only swimming for recreation, but were influenced by their sisters to pursue the sport competitively. At a young age, they were able to hold their own against their respective rivals and took home a number of medals. Moving up to the next level was no question.
After graduating high school from Colegio San Agustin-Makati, both brothers were already determined to represent La Salle in the collegiate level. While competing in an NCR meet, Benjo was approached by one of DLSU’s coaches and was asked if he wanted to go study in La Salle. He was hesitant at first, but after training in Taft, he chose La Salle over UP, his original school of choice. “Sabi ko, ‘Dito nalang ako siguro.’ Iba yung feeling nung pumunta ako dito,” Benjo explains. Miggy, on the other hand, was keen on entering DLSU, and since his older brother was already on the team, recruiting him was no trouble.
One family, one stroke
When the Narcisos were individually asked about their relationship, each sibling gave a different response. Benjo admits, “Before, hindi, pero ngayon, medyo close na kami.” On the other end, Miggy shares, “We’re okay, we usually push each other to train as much as we can and we play DOTA a lot.” Aside from the relationship of the brothers, the two proved that family extends in the company of both the Green Tankers and Lady Tankers as well.
The older Narciso mentioned names with whom he is most inseparable with in the team. In addition, he also shared a few of the names of Green Tankers who have graduated already. “Some of them aren’t here anymore, sila Kito [Zialcita], Allan [San Juan], Girroh [Dones] and Mike [Advincula], and yung mga naging captain ko noon. Then yung mga ngayon, sila Red [Silvestre], Jomai [Santos], JM [Ereñeta] and Sage [Yabut], parang kami kasi palagi yung magkakasama,” says Benjo. The younger Narciso affirms, “I have teammates who are really close to me and usually we motivate each other to train every day.” Miggy believes that the team is a family, and as a family, they work and fight together to achieve a common goal. He adds, “I believe that the team is close since we all have this mindset to improve and win the championship.”
From the perennial competitions at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to the simple get togethers in eating breakfast after trainings in Agno, the brothers truly certified that the team has been together through thick and thin.
Both of the Narcisos shared similar sentiments regarding the departure of their team captain, Vince Raymundo. Benjo shares, saying, “Ako, malungkot ako kasi wala na si Vince. Lahat kami. Siya yung captain talaga. Mahirap yung job ng next captain kasi medyo mahirap pantayan yung mga ginawa ni Vince,” he adds.
Furthermore, Miggy explains, “It’s very sad that Vince is gonna leave the team because he was the captain for two years and he was always there ready to help us.” Raymundo was more than a leader to the younger Narciso as he was a friend, a role model, and a brother. “I think he’s a really good role model since he’s a dean’s lister and he rarely misses training,” Miggy adds. Despite this, the two still believe that the La Salle Tankers will evermore remain close in and out of competition.
Swimming never stops
Competitive swimmers not only differ in their main strokes but also in their specific preparations before a competition. Both brothers stated that they do not eat anything out of the ordinary before a competition, but the two vary in their routines for getting in the right mindset. Miggy likes to relax and keep calm with a healthy physique and some music. “Before a competition, I usually rest the day before. I avoid eating junk food. I like listening to Chance the Rapper before every race.” On the other hand, Miggy watches videos of swim meets prior to competition. “Nanonood ako ng mga video. Sa Olympics pinapanood ko.” He also mentioned that he pinpoints the vital parts in videos which help him achieve a good race.
Now in the offseason, Benjo shares that aside from getting a good amount of rest, he is looking forward to getting back and training early for next season, which will be his final year in the UAAP. Benjo explains, “Sabi sa akin ng coach namin na magsimula kami ng maaga na mag-training para mapaghandaan talaga ang next season.” Meanwhile, Miggy clarifies how he would use this time in the offseason to rebuild his physical development and get back on track with missed classes. “Now that we’re in the offseason, I try to distance myself from swimming and focus more on gym training and endurance. It is also the time to catch up with my classes,” he elaborates.
Despite the difference between their goals for the offseason, their main goal has not changed—that is, to win a championship for La Salle. Satisfaction will never be an option for the Narciso brothers as they will always aim for the best on and off the pool.
