THE five year-old boy sensation who caught the fancy of the whole nation when he swam the six-kilometer Mactan Channel in Cebu within two hours in October 8, 2006 was born in Bayambang, Pangasinan.

Justin Daniel Junio, who again swam the Hilungatan Channel, also in Cebu, a distance of 10 kilometers, for a remarkable three hours and 46 minutes, is the son of Col. Jose Florendo Junio and Ma. Velina Pinlac, both from Pangasinan.

Mrs. Junio said there is no doubt that her son already surpassed the record in the Guinness book with his incredible feat.

“He already passed the record and is just waiting for the result,” the boy’s mother said of her son’s bid for the Guinness record.

Bayambang Mayor Ricardo Camacho is also proud of Justin, most especially because he is a son of their town.

Justin was introduced to the public in Bayambang on December 10 as an inspiration to the youth.

His father said many were amazed that Justin already knew how to swim at only 11 months old.

The Junios said they will support their son in fulfilling his dreams.

They believe that Justin may soon be tapped to represent the country in international swimming competitions soon and win the elusive gold.—G. Greissel, CdD