Wall : Holy Water February 5 was supposed to be my day hike climb to Mt. Cristobal when a friend of mine posted a link on FB that another batch, organized by Makiling Rock Group, was opened for Rock Climbing activites. I've been eying for rock climbing activities before, last Sunday was indeed the answer. I joined the batch of 12 participants, we were part of the Book 12 event since they open such outdoor activities almost every week. There were 3 kids (aged 8 -11 I think) Hanz, son of Sir Levy (Organizer) Sultan and Jian, both kids of the participants. The Gears We started the day with orientation, special instructions and several equipments were introduced and how important these equipments during the climb. After the short orientation, we hiked towards the venue. Rock formations with 90 degrees walled the area and we need to climb up to reach the exact venue for the Rock climb. Scrambling Scrambled all the way up while carrying our day packs stuffed with waters and food. We hold on to roots and branches as we climb up and good thing these were steady and so strong. The exact venue only had a small and "makitid" portions for everyone to settle down, one wrong step for sure you'll be "rolling in the deep". While waiting for the organizers preparing the gears, we had our "getting to know you" session. Holy Water When all walls were set and everyone were geared (harness, chalk and rock climb shoes), Sir Levy demonstrated how to and the techniques in wall climbing using the Holy Water wall (First wall to climb). They called it the "Holy Water" because just above the "Shrine" section water is visible. However, during our climb no water was found. The "Holy Water" was my first wall, although techniques were given prior the climb, these techniques were nowhere to be found in me during my climb. Trainers below keep shouting where to go, where to hold. I forgot the term used to a spot considered as the difficult portion but when passed you will then have a smooth climb 'til the top most. Wall was graded as 5.9. Good thing I submitted my self for a week doing biceps and triceps exercise or else I will be having hard time typing this blog today. The rock climb shoes will hurt your feet big time because they are too tight yet you will forgot this feeling when your up there, you'll be focusing more on your balance that you won't mind the aching feet caused by the shoes. I finished the "Holy Water" Climb for about 25mins then rested while watching the others took their turns. @ The Pendulum Second wall was the "Pendulum Wall". Another 90 degree wall. Compared to the "Holy Water", this wall is quite easy. I humbly made it to the top faster this time. Posed at the top hanging because the activity official photographer Sir Dave took some PhotoOps during and after climb. They call it Pendulum because once you reached the end point, most climbers will hold the branch to take a short rest then when released you will then sway back and fort . . . just like a pendulum (Grandfather's Clock). This wall was graded 5.8 @ 3rd Wall I forgot the name of the 3rd wall, the wall where the kids (Sultan and Jian) climbed. Quite tricky, you might think its easy climb but you will be wondering where to hold when you're almost at the top. Wall was graded 5.7. I had our lunch around 1.oo pm, made some small talks while the organizers gave their experiences as well as advices when engaging in Rock Climbing. After lunch, everyone founds a perfect spot to take some rest, some took a nap. I lied on below a big tree while watching the majestic view of Laguna de Bay. I shall return @ Smurf The 4th and the 5th walls were graded 5.10 and 5.11, expect such difficult climb. Smurfs Wall was graded 5.11 and among the 12 participants only 2 finished it. Unfortunately yours truly only conquered 3/4th of it. They call it Smurf because the portions where you need to place your feet and for you to hold are too "small" (am not sure that's the exact word to describe) let me put it this way.... the only way for you to climb is to use the tip of your fingers and shoes to hold on the the small cracks. Painful, H yeah! History 101...The first person na nakatapos neto was..... Babae, petit daw cya....(smurf?) The 5th wall, no one dared to climb it . . . too scary for first timers like us. 120 ft. rapel We were all set, all ready to go down and call it a day. . . .The much awaited part came in next. . . 120 feet rappel. 2 options for you to go down, by traditional trail or thru rappel. The kids and some organizers went the traditional while the rest tried the rappelling the 120 feet rock. During my entire rappel, I never attempted to look down so that I won't lose my focus, the rope was hurting my hands (no gloves) the wall was not purely a slope, lean back and let your hand and feet coordinate. The entire experience was indeed one H of Adventure for me. Another "Buwis Buhay" adventure conquered and now ready for another. Para sa inyong Kaalaman
1. The entire Rock Walls is located with in Makiling Los Banos Laguna, this was discovered by Makiling Rock Group. They developed the place for outdoor enthusiasts. For schedule, you may visit their Facebook account: Makiling Rock Group. 2. The activity costs P750.00 (inclusive: All gears and rock climb shoes) 3. Things to bring: Water, extra shirt, Cameras - or memory card, since they have an official photographer. Lesson learned. - Do not rely too much on your arms. Use your feet to push you upward.
5 Comments
7/5/2012 08:49:03 pm
wow, may ganito pala sa makiling.. gusto ko rin to gawin.
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celi
1/4/2013 01:20:57 pm
hi! i like to try the rappeling. :) can you give me the contact information where i can reach the group? please?
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1/4/2013 09:09:22 pm
Hi Celi,
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Ming
5/22/2017 06:04:38 pm
are they still doing this? can you give me info on where to get a slot for this trip :) thanks
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