From Childhood Dream to Underwater Reality: My Journey into Mermaiding

People around me are well aware that mermaiding is a big part of who I am. They often catch glimpses of my underwater adventures on social media, where I’m elegantly gliding in a mermaid tail—an image that’s anything but ordinary. What might surprise you, though, is that my journey to becoming a mermaid is even more remarkable when you learn that I only learned to swim at the age of 20. Yes, you read that right! Despite my deep-seated childhood dream of becoming a mermaid, it wasn’t until later in life that I mastered the basics of swimming. It’s a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, no matter how improbable they may seem.

A Dream Born in Preschool

Ever since I was a child, I've been enchanted by the idea of becoming a mermaid. I still remember the day in preschool when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. With wide-eyed earnestness, I expressed my wish to be a mermaid. My teachers, classmates and parents laughed, but my resolve remained steadfast. To me, it wasn't just a whimsical fantasy—it was a deep-seated dream that persisted through the years.

A Revelation After 24 Years

Fast forward to 24 years later, I heard about the concept of mermaiding. Amazed as I was, I realized it was a real thing! I was excited with fulfilling my childhood dream. I did some research, exploring mermaiding schools in Metro Manila, eager to find a place where I could learn and grow.

My Background in Swimming

Before we actually go into the mermaiding part of my story, let's absorb the fact that I only learned how to swim at the age of 20. Through a children's swimming class in summer 2014, I learned how to float and move my feet to push myself forward. That's what I was only able to learn despite my coach's earnest efforts. However, during a dull time in class, I just thought of doing some body waving to mimic a mermaid. My coaches saw me and said "Hey, that's so much more difficult than what we do here!"

There I realized I have a future in mermaiding.

My Mermaiding Journey

Mermaid Institute

In 2022, my adventure began with the Mermaid Institute under the guidance of Coach Roxy Barrios Almeda. I learned the fundamental skills of mermaiding, including the essential body wave technique. Ms. Roxy figured that have natural skills when it comes to doing the basic body wave, and that I have long breathhold. So it took me only one session to be able to learn the first set of skills I need so I can practice in my condo's pool.

Amansinaya Mermaid

Fast forward to 2024, I continued my mermaiding journey with Coach Em Quintana at Amansinaya Mermaid Academy. Under her mentorship, I pursued the M Certification of the Mermaid Federation International. This phase included mastering foundational techniques such as proper body wave and breathing. Currently, I'm enrolled in the M1 Certification program, where I am exploring advanced skills and routines that push my abilities further.

Living the Dream

One of the highlights of my mermaiding journey was performing in the ocean at Mabini, Batangas. This was for the music video of "Aria," a song that embodies my story as a Siren. It was an exhilarating experience, blending my passion for mermaiding with my love for music.

Mermaid vs. Siren

It’s important to note that there is a distinction between a mermaid and a siren. While a mermaid is often seen as a mystical sea creature, a siren has a more complex and darker allure. I identify more with the Siren—my Siren name is Aria. She has a white tail, a captivating voice, and embodies a blend of kindness and fierceness. Like me, she has a multifaceted personality, which includes episodes of darkness and depression.

Mermaiding fulfills not only a childhood dream but also provides me with a profound sense of safety and freedom underwater. In the water, I feel like I can truly be myself, unburdened by the constraints of everyday life.

Looking back, I’m incredibly happy that I’ve been able to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a mermaid. And imagine: I only learned to swim when I was 20 through a children's swimming class. Just goes to show that it's never too late to fulfill a dream!

Mermaiding has become a significant part of who I am, and it’s brought me immense joy and a sense of fulfillment. Beyond just living out a dream, it has also played a vital role in my mental health, offering me a calming escape and a way to reconnect with myself. Every time I slip into my tail and dive into the water, I feel a deep sense of peace and happiness. It’s amazing how something I once dreamed of as a child has turned into such a meaningful part of my life today.