The Bare Paw: Rappelling in the city

The Building

Probably most of us had that feeling. The one where you want to pump adrenaline up into your system to a point where you are willing to pay a certain price to be satisfied. I had this for a long time due to lack of outdoor activities. I was invited (or I invited myself) in a rappelling event to be held at Innove Tower fronting the Keppel Building. I was quite apprehensive at first due to the high price of 300php (about $8) but eventually succumbed to my itch. and I'm glad that I did.

The event was to start at 8am. I arrived at the venue at 7:58a.m-- 'cause I was that excited. Saw a familiar face among a bunch of unfamiliar ones--- funny when you get that tiny happy feeling knowing that you won't be alone and out of place. I approached the reception where there was a security guard and there I registered, signed a waiver that had "death" in bold face, paid my my dues, and went up with the instructor, Sir Fred.

We arrived on the 14th floor which was supposedly the 13th floor which makes me wonder how superstitious people could ever pass their Math classes. Moving on, sir Fred took us to the fire exit which was where would rappel down. Though I thought we would do it outside the building (so much for the swat-like maneuvers that I had in mind), this is probably safer due to that fact that we are just an arm's length if we struggle with the equipments.

Vertigo XD

Rappelling equipments!

We then proceeded to the veranda where we will have our orientation. We were greeted with equipments-- lots of 'em. Some looked familiar like ropes, carabiners, and harnesses but some made me do my "wtf" face. But a few minutes later I was pretty sure I was nodding my head up and down as Sir Fred gave us insights and demos on how to use each equipment. Very knowledgeable man, Sir Fred is. We then proceeded to the orientation proper which was basic rope tying/knot tying techniques. It was quite challenging and stupefying to memorize all the knots being taught but very fun at the same time. Fast forward... we had a fun and enjoyable experience. The End.

Haha. Actually, that was half the fun. After all the rope techniques that almost twisted my brain, we had lunch--- finally. Then after it was time. The most anticipated activity. The rappel. We went down from 14th to the 8th floor where there was a rig ready. I looked down it was a gradient of light and dark. "We are on the ninth floor and you are going to rappel down to basement 5" sir Fred said. I silently added the two and came up with 13. Wow! that's pretty high. makes me wanna back out.... KNOT! Though I must admit looking down up to the 5th basement was not much of a good idea. Still I had to.

View from the top!

The jump off.

I already had my harness on and the main carabiner attached to it. I super-checked my self if there were no unlock parts of the harness, wiggled the carabiner up and down, and finally I put on my helmet. WAIT! where's my camera? crap. I left it on my Camelbak--- one of the popular backpack brands which I will review later. "Oh well" I thought. But luckily the other guys had cameras. So I rigged the rope to the Rescue 8 equipment then attached to my carabiner, then few minutes later I was suspended in mid-air with sir Fred asking me: "Are you in control?" Of course I was. I should be.

12 floors to go!

   "Jumper off! Belay!" Those were the words of sir Fred. Then after that, I was all alone. Going down inch by inch taking time to familiarize myself with the pace. I then concentrated on my right hand. It was burning even with the gloves on. I had to take periodic stops. I was probably doing it wrong but what the heck. Went down on a good pace and saw the big green sign that says "3rd floor." Good. I'm making a lot of progress. I was getting the "hang" of it, so to speak.

   After that. Touch down. I'm alive--- a bit sweaty but very much alive! I recall sir Fred telling all of us that we are going to rappel about 160ft. It is the highest I have rappelled so far. I tried rappelling about 120ish feet long ago in Cantabaco, Talisay. But 160ft is definitely something to be proud of. After I've unlinked my self, I went up, met the guys at the jump off, and waited for everyone to finish.

   Truly it was a great experience. It might be a bit expensive but it was really worth the expense. It was nice to do pump adrenaline back into my system again. I wish there was more but it would have to wait. XD

We then went our own ways and then I met the girlfriend at Ayala for a chill date. :) I'd say it was a very productive day. :)