Wall Climbing at Camp Sandugo

 

After our first attempt on outdoor rock climbing, we found ourselves slightly obsessed with climbing that we all decided to meet-up and try indoor wall climbing.  

Indoor Wall Climbing at Camp Sandugo, Market Market mall

The wall climbing facility at Camp Sandugo in Market Market mall is a lot better than the one at Centro Athletico in Quezon city, at least in my opinion. The walls here are a lot higher and not as crowded, especially on a saturday afternoon. Not to mention the area is well ventillated and we don't have to share the ground with the badminton players.

At 12-feet tall and about 6 levels, climbing these walls would be a great workout!

The downside is, since Camp Sandugo is in a mall, it is also much accessible to the younger crowd. And when I say 'younger,' I actually mean A LOT younger climbers.

Judging from the way these kids breeze through the level 3 wall, I could say they really frequent the area! It's just like climbing stairs for them! (much to our dismay!)

Since most of us newbies didn't want to climb while the 4-feet climbers were going up in a matter of seconds, we waited and waited and took some pictures before we even attempt to climb one.



Once the last of the wonder kids were chartered away, I put on my harness and shouted, "climbing!"

And yeah, I skipped 3 levels. I figured, I should try the level 4 wall while my arms are still good to go.

 

The walls at Camp Sandugo are also more challenging, I think. The level 4 wall is already inclined. There are some marks on the wall so you could pretty much follow a certain route, but these, too, could be challenging.

 

We got to talk to some of the advanced climbers and they said that, instead of rappelling down, they actually climbed down after reaching the top. It builds their stamina even more...so that's what I did!

Boy, oh boy!!! If I didn't burn 1000 calories on this wall alone, I don't know what will!

Sweaty and tired, but otherwise extremely happy to make it back on the ground!

After a few gulps of water, I dusted my hands with chalk and tried the other walls. Some also would climb sideways --- a way to practice for those who are more into boulder climbing.

Since the rainy season makes it impossible to go out for rock climbing, indoor wall climbing at Camp Sandugo is the next best thing. And at less than Php500 per visit, it's a real workout that would beat muscle memory!

Details:

Camp Sandugo

5th Level Market Market mall

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila

Tel# 632-8560453

(open during mall hours)



Reefwalking in Boracay

Contrary to popular belief, Boracay isn't only for night life and white sand. It's also for underwater adventures, like Reef Walking (sometimes referred to as Helmet Diving). To actually walk on the seabed with only a helmet on was quite intriguing.

Sean, Carlo, Senyorita Lakwatsera getting ready for Reef Walking
Boracay Island, Aklan

So after riding the zorb, Carlo, Sean and I went off to the other side of the island, where we rode a speed boat to a floating raft in the middle of the sea. There, we would be oriented on the do's and don'ts of reef walking.

Sean and Carlo on board the raft

Senyorita Lakwatsera is listening attentively...
or so it seems..

We were told that the pressurized helmet is really heavy off water (about 20 kilos) but once submerged, it only weigh about 1 kilo. The helmet has a long tube connected to the oxygen tanks on the raft. A certified scuba diver would be accompanying us for the entire duration we're underwater. After a few more reminders, the instructor asked our group who would go first. In unison, Carlo and Sean replied, "ladies first." Gee, thanks a lot! 

Senyorita Lakwatsera, 15ft below sea level

So off I go, I lowered myself into the steps connected to the side of the raft. When the water reached my neck, they put the helmet on my head, the scuba diver held me by the elbow, and together, we descended into the water --- 15ft. below to be exact. As my feet touched the sand, I was dumbstruck that I'm actually exploring under the sea! The scuba diver gestured to ask if I'm ok, and I signaled back that yes, I am. Then he floated away and up. My eyes widened in disbelief. Darn! Of course, he's gonna go off to bring Carlo and Sean down!! Ok. Must.Not.Panic. I was alone 15ft below the water but right, must not panic. Must not move that much either. I don't know how long the tube extends but I don't wanna risk reaching the limit until it breaks off the oxygen tank

Feeding the fishy

After what seemed to be hours, Sean appeared. And then Carlo. Our 30 minutes of living ala-Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder started.

Under the Sea

We had pieces of bread with us to entice the fishes to come closer. It's breathtaking the way they just swim around you. Small ones actually kiss my arms and legs; but, just like everything else in Boracay, the whole thing seemed too commercialized, a little less natural, almost staged even. For one thing, there are just a few corals in the area, and most of them are bleached. The fishes are not as diverse as what one would see in, say, Coron.

The Reefwalkers

Nevertheless, it was an unforgettable experience. After all, it's not everyday that we get to explore under the sea. And it made me even more convinced that getting my scuba diving certification is a must. Now that would be another adventure!

Details:

N.I.S. Reefwalker Diving Helmet Boracay

Contact Details: 036-2881546, 0922-8720461, 0939-1374688, 0922-872-0460

E-mail address: reefwalkercoralviewers@yahoo.com

Hidden Treasure: Emong's Malunggay Pandesal

On our first morning in Legazpi City, we woke up craving for hot pan de sal. The receptionist at Tanchuling Hotel where we were staying recommended Emong's Malunggay pandesal...so we walked for about 15 minutes, asked for directions for  3 times, until we reached the fork along the road of Rizal St. in Legazpi city and found a bakery with an incredibly long line!

Emong's Malunggay Hot Pan de Sal along Rizal Ave., Legazpi City, Albay

At 6:30am, this place had about 20 people waiting for their turn to buy those freshly baked malunggay pandesal.

Freshly baked Malunggay Pan de Sal

As we waited, the delicious aroma of baking bread made our tummy churn even more.
Finally, our turn came. the counter was manned by 2 ladies: one gets the cash, the other bags the pandesal. Another lady is tasked to take the baked breads out of the oven and replacing them with next batch of doughs. Inside, i could see about 6-7 bakers busy kneading the dough, cutting them, placing them in baking pans…I realized, for a store that only sells one product and operates 24 hours a day, this business must be really doing well…

When the bag of pandesal was handed over to us, we couldn’t wait any longer.  We got one each and bit through it --- ahh…now we got what the fuss was all about!

...crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, hot, fresh, and not quite anything like we’ve had before…this malunggay pandesal had us begging for more. We had to go back the next day to stock up for our trip to Donsol, Sorsogon. We even considered going back to this place before boarding the bus back to Manila the next day!!

Just how good they are? Everytime I hear someone planning to go to Bicol region, I ask if they'll pass by Legazpi City and if they could get me some of these.

Zorbing Away in Boracay

When my friends told me we're gonna try the Zorb, I didn't know what I was in for until we reached the place.

From the resort, we were driven around the island to Zorb Park in Yapak, which is on the way to the Bat Cave.

We saw this huge ramp --- I pretty much gathered a giant ball would be pushed down the hill.

There are two rides to choose from: one is the Harness ride, where riders are strapped inside and roll with the ball; the other is Hydro ride, where they add pails of water inside the ball. The latter is considered the kiddie option.

Proving we're no sissies, we chose the Harness ride.

We're strapped inside. The attendants quickly informed us of the dos and don'ts.

Here's my friend, Carlo, wondering what he got himself into. My other friend, Sean, opted not to ride with us. He decided to "grant us the favor of documenting our adventure on video.

And without prior warning, the attendant pushed the ball and we started to roll down the hill...

...much to my horror...

I wouldn't stop screaming!

The whole ride may have taken less than a minute (and as the video footage would prove, I was screaming the whole time), but it was worth it! 

It was exhilarating! When we reached the bottom of the hill, I was at the top!

This is something you should really try when you're in the area!

Details:

The Zorb Park

Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island, Aklan

Tel# +63927-908-5191

Price range Php300-580/person

(Note: You can also check at the resort you're staying for the details. Most of them can arrange for you to be dropped off at the Zorb Park, free of charge.)

Six Flags Magic Mountain --- Learning the Art of Letting Go

i am not a fan of roller coasters.

one might think i am due to my fondness of heights and my dream of one day being able to fly, but something about paying a sizeable amount of money to feel like my internal organs are suddenly cramped to my esophagus, waiting to burst through my mouth (hahaha...yucky description) doesn't sit well with me.

i particularly hate the point when the train is slowly creeping up the tracks, just before the first drop. you could hear the thug-thug-thug of the chains, as if anytime they would break off, plummeting you to sure nothingness. the sound is like the beat of drums just before the guillotine drops to severe a poor man's head!

so no, i don't like roller coasters at all --- i would probably just ride a couple of them to prove i'm not scared and then i'm done. but during my trip to six flags magic mountain, i decided to make an exception.

Six Flags Magic Mountain, California

for one thing, it's in LA. seriously, how often will I get the chance to go there? I don't think I can live with myself knowing I passed an opportunity to savour my stay there.

second, we got our flash pass. it costs more than the regular tickets but it gives the bearer the "privilege" of cutting in front of the line of whichever ride they choose.

against my better judgement, i let my cousin, her bf, and her bf's cousin to drag me through our first ride -- the viper.



The Viper



big mistake. we got turned upside down for seven times! the padded harness bit through my shoulders and i kept hitting my head on something that, in the madness of the moment, i was unable to tell anymore. to make matters worst, i closed my eyes as we were thug-thugging up the tracks and kept them closed until the ride finished.

needless to say, i didn't enjoy the first ride. i was dizzy. my head was throbbing. my shoulders were screaming "foul!" good thing, my cousin's bf shared with me what apparently is the no.1 rule in riding roller coaster --- never ever close your eyes.

The Tatsu

with that in mind, off we went to our next ride, the tatsu. it is said to be the the world's tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster. we were strapped to our seats but instead of the usual coasters where riders are sitting, our seats tilted forward until we were facing the ground.

The Tatsu

it was like we're flying!! we flew over the mountainous terrain of the park. i dared not close my eyes! we almost hit the ground but off we go again... twisting, turning. one second, i had the view of the ground; the next, of the sky. it was wonderful! it was exhilirating! for 2 minutes, i had wings! i was airborne!! we just had to ride it again!

and then, we were unstoppable! at the start, i was shouting..."waaahhhhh...$#)$#)@#..... (*@*@#&#(@#!!! MOMMY!!!!!! @)#(@)#@)#)#()@(#@(#)@(#!!!!!! but as the day progressed, it changed to something like, "HAHAHAHAHA...WOW!!!!! MORE!!! HAHAHAHA....NO HANDS! NO HANDS!"

Batman ride @ Six Flags Magic Mountain

we stayed the whole day in the park and rode most of the maximum rides and few of the moderate ones. some worth mentioning are "Batman" and "Scream." both are floorless; our feet were dangling in the air throughout the ride!

Terminator Salvation, a wooden roller coaster

we also rode a couple of wooden coasters ("Terminator Salvation" and "Colossus"). i kept on thinking, i hope they're not being lenient on their pest control --- this isn't a good place to find termites! the "Riddler's Revenge" was an interesting ride for the mere fact that it's a stand-up roller coaster! "Superman the escape" was a bit of a bore. the description says it is the first ride on the planet to reach 100mph in six seconds, but it was way too fast. it didn't have time to build the excitement. it was over even before we knew it. our last stop was the "Log Jammer" which soaked us through just when the temperature was beginning to drop. we had to hurry home and change our clothes!

i think, more than my visit to universal studios, i enjoyed magic mountain. i was expecting magic mountain to be so-so. i was thinking it's just a glamorized enchanted kingdom. boy, i was so wrong! so toast to magic mountain --- i might have shouted more curse words while i was there than i ever did in my entire lifetime but i got the point:

View of Colossus from the parking lot

it might feel safer to close your eyes but to not look at where you're heading is even more risky and a great disservice to the view you're missing. plus, when the train finally stops and you opened your eyes, it's like the whole world is going in circles, making it impossible for you to make sense of it. it's harder to get on your feet.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

someone wise once said life is like a roller coaster. you have twists and turns, ups and down, but you will never know when the ride will end...so you might as well let go and just enjoy it! and i agree!

so i'm letting go. i'm letting go...Lord, help me as i let go...

oh, but i'm still not a fan of roller coasters. i think i've ridden enough to last me through the next 5 to 10 years!

Wall Climbing at Centro Athletico

After our rock climbing adventure, my friends and I are hooked on climbing. We were determined to do better on our next climb so we decided to meet again and practice climbing on a wall.

We found ourselves at Centro Athletico in Cubao, where the rates are a-okay and the location is convenient for all of us who are coming from different sides of the metro.

@ Centro Athletico, instructors gave us the basics

Hmm...Seems like the rules of rock climbing also apply in wall climbing...

So off we go...Fonci climbed first.

He tried his hardest to overtake the little kid. ^_^

And then, there's Patch!

Level 1 Wall was a breeze for her.

And then, it's my turn.

Ready for the next wall.

The Girls are mighty proud for finishing their Level 2 Wall.

Up, up and away, Senyorita Lakwatsera!

Senyorita Lakwatsera to the Belayer: Going Down!

Rappelling down is so much fun! Try it, try it! You must!

There's Marjo working on Level 3 Wall

We met some wall climbers in the area and they gave us tips.
To build endurance, they don't just go up. They go sideways.
This is actually harder than it looks, especially for the vertically challenged.
A lot of the holds were not built to be climbed sideways. You have to reach
farther to hold them.

Climbing sideways is also how boulder climbers practice.
That's one thing I have yet to try. Someday, probably.
When I'm stronger and more confident in maintaining
my holds.

Still climbing sideways --- this seems harder on the muscles.
When you climb up, the arms are mostly for support,
so they pretty much hang straight up,  using up less muscles.
You climb up using the legs. With sideways climbing, both
the arms and the legs are used. After a while, I gave up.
Or should I say, my arms gave up.

A few hours later, as we sit and complain about our sore muscles, we realized wall climbing is a lot easier compared with rock climbing. For one thing, if you'd study each wall, they normally have marks on what holds to use next. You'd only need to follow the marks to climb up. Also, the holds are not as jagged; they don't bite on your hand as much as rocks do. There's also the fact that climbing in a secured indoor area, where mattresses are laid out below to break your fall, makes you even more confident to climb up.

After a great workout, we're ready to move on to a more serious agenda --- food. ^_^

 Details:

Centro Athletica Power Up
in Hataw Isports Inc.
25 West Road cor North Road
Cubao, Quezon City
Tel# (632) 412-7480

Facilities:

-15 meter walls / 8 anchored belay stations / wall varies from 90degrees vertical, small roofs to sustained incline walls
-Bouldering wall
-Badminton courts also in the vicinity / air-con bath room


Opening Hours:
Weekdays 2pm - 10pm / Weekends 12pm - 8pm

Walk-in Climbing Rates:
Adult-P150
High school and below-P120
Bouldering-P100
30 days membership-P1300
2 weeks membership-P700


Directions:
From EDSA (north bound) make a U-Turn at P.Tuazon and head south bound.
The first street on the right after P.Tuazon is North Road. Take that and head straight.
Shortcuts: Take Ortigas Avenue westbound, then turn right to Annapolis,
left to Eisenhower straight to Horsehoe village, then turn right to Mariposa and left to West Road.

MRT - Get off at cubao station and take a bus South bound to the corner of north Road (about 3 to 5 mins) then walk to the end of North Road. OR you could get a cab from the cubao station all the way to Centro OR just walk from the cubao station to Centro (about a 15 minute walk).

Romano's in Cleveland, Ohio






Courtyard Marriot Hotel, North Olmstead, Cleaveland, Ohio

  

Arriving in Cleveland, Ohio from St. Louis, Missouri, I am in search for a new resto to try. I didn't have to search very far --- a stone's throw away from Courtyard Marriot in North Olmstead where I was statying, is Romano's Macaroni Grill.

The interiors of Romano's

Despite the dubious name, Romano's is a casual dining restaurant that offers traditional italian and mediterranean cuisine and gives their patrons the option of creating their own pasta by selecting through a list of available ingredients! Pretty neat, right?

Romano's

They provide complimentary bread that you can dip in olive oil with black pepper. 

The place is dimly lighted. One side of the restaurant is occupied with shelves of table wines to choose from. Italian music is playing in the background.

I got a glass of chardonnay. Yes, it doesn't exactly go well with the eggplant parmigiana I wanted but heck, i need something chilled today. Spring is just beginning and I'm having my first-hand experience with Missouri/Ohio humidity. 



Eggplant Parmigiana @ Romano's

The Eggplant Parmigiana is the best one I've tasted thus far. Eggplant is covered with mozzarella, baked, topped with lots and lots of cheese, sauce is sweet and a bit tangy. Im not usually a fan of angel hair pasta but in this case, I made an exception. Definitely worth the 25 bucks!!