Treetop Subic

Fly like Superman, rope down like Spiderman, and glide among the treetops a hundred feet above the ground. The promise of doing all these while securely harnessed to a cable line, fascinated us. And so last week, we decided to drive to Subic for an exhilarating time at Treetop Adventure.


Will these teensy suspension bridges actually hold us?
At the site, we gamely climbed the steps and set to cross the suspension bridges that will take us to the take-off point for the Canopy Ride. Isaiah froze on his tracks, unable to move his feet. Little tears started to form and threatened to flow as he gazed at his feet, not trusting the suspension bridge made of mesh that allows for a convenient view of the ground way, way down below. Come on, little boy, one step at a time.



Touch the treetops
We took the Canopy Ride, which is a trio of ski-lift chairs cum kid's swing, that glides you on nine motorized cables among the treetops. The cables, 140 to 220 feet long, span 12 platforms built around tree trunks. The scary part is boarding the chair and seeing your feet leave the platform, but after the first two stations, I have quieted down my fear of heights and ready for more. The ride was so peaceful, as we took in the beauty of unspoiled forest up close and personal.


I turned to Isaiah, who was clearly enjoying himself by then, reaching out to the branches, pointing out the birds, not minding that we reached the highest point of 100 feet above the forest floor around towering Lawaan, Apitong, and Kupang trees.




Down the rope like Spiderman
Dax did the Treedrop Adventure, rappelling down a 60-foot tree in an upside down position, spider-style. Spidey would have been so proud! Other adventure-seekers chose to rope down feet first, the conventional way.



The bolder ones dropped down a la Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, like Ruel, Dax's right-hand man.




Fly like Superman
We saved the best for last, the Superman Ride. Finally, a chance to fly like the caped superhero! This one is not for the faint-at-heart, smaller kids and pregnant women. The rider is suspended horizontally, face down over the trees and zipped down the line to the next platform on the other end of the forest. Had to have great faith on the harness round my waist, the cable holding me fastened to the zip line overhead, and the bar I was holding on so tight my knuckles turned white.





What a ride! I couldn't believe I did it, but I did! I want to do it again!










Treetop also offers trekking adventure, jungle survival and team-building activities. We definitely recommend this to thrill-seekers, nature-lovers, and anyone who wants to spend a one-of-a-kind holiday with family and friends.
Contact Treetop at
+047.252.9427, +047.252.9425,
+63.927.461.5159, +63.917.245.4418
or visit them at their website.

Don't mess with this marching band girl!

Found this funny story here.

Reminds me of my majorette days back in gradeschool. Everyday I would walk to school carrying my baton with dark blue velvet head and gold tassles on both ends. Some days I was the Queen and it was my scepter, other days I was a fairy and it was my wand. Mostly, it was my ultimate weapon against street dogs.


QUARTZ HILL, CA (AP) -- Don't mess with the marching band.

That's what California authorities are saying after a 17-year-old girl used her marching band baton to beat off two would-be muggers.

Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy Michael Rust says the Quartz Hill girl was walking to school April 24 when two men approached her from behind, tried to grab her coat and demanded money.

Instead, one got a punch in the nose and the other a kick to the groin. Rust says the girl then beat both of them with her band baton before she ran away.

The men had not been caught. But Rust says there's a clear message to take from the encounter:

"The moral to this story is don't mess with the marching band girls, or you just might get what you deserve. Final score: marching band 2, thugs 0."

Fun Time at the Philippine Army Museum

Tanks, Cannons, Guns, Rifles, Soldiers in Uniforms!

All of these intrigue our son, 6-year-old Isaiah to no end. So on February 2009, we decided to visit the Philippine Army Museum once again.

This time, Isaiah's classmate, Kenji, came with us. Kenji is obsessed with anything military. He couldn't wait to get his hands on real guns and ammos.





Just like our previous visits, we were the only visitors in the place. I think only a few are aware of this museum and the treasures it holds, at least historically and culturally. A kind lady-curator gave us a free guided tour, pointing out interesting facts and stories.

What better way to tell our son about the bravery of the Katipuneros who fought against the powerful Spanish army than this room?

Here, Rayadillos armed with bolos and rifles are shown waiting to ambush the enemy.
Hiding behind bamboo trees, the boys had a blast pretending to be part of the action.




Kenji (holding the rifle): This is cool!
I want to be a soldier when I grow up. What about you, Isaiah?

Isaiah: No thanks, I don't want to die!

Outside the museum is an open yard filled with tanks and cannons.





The Army Museum is located inside Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, Metro Manila. Those who are interested can drop by anytime from Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 4pm. Fee is only P20.00 per person. But for large groups, you need to contact the Army museum and make arrangements ahead of time.

Me & My Dad Camp

April 17 & 18, 2009-

Camping out, sleeping in a tent? Fun!

Roughing it for two whole days? Sure!

Doing that alone with your kids age 6 to 9 years old? Are you crazy?!

Dads made of lesser stuff may cringe at the prospect, but not Dax and dozens of dads who joined Victory Fort’s Me & My Dad Camp in Sierra Madre Resort, Tanay, Rizal.

Isaiah's first time to go camping with Daddy!

What's cooking?

Check out what these Iron Chefs whipped up in their portable burners.

Wow, gourmet meal! Umm, edible flowers?

Do kids really need their dads?

Pastor Bernard's thoughts on the importance of fathers.

1. Fathers are irreplaceable.
2. Spend time with your kids, especially while they are young. The window of opportunity to teach, influence and discipline your children is from age 0 to 13.
3. Your inputs are permanent. Anything you teach them, or anything they learn from you, be it positive or negative, leaves a lasting impression in your kids’ lives .
4. Fathers are there to make an impact. Observe a baby's reaction when his parent approaches him: with the mom, the baby’s shoulders drops, his breathing slows down and he is comforted. But with the dad, the baby’s eyes pop, his whole body is wired and ready for play. Dads, you are there to stimulate your children!
5. Teach by playing. Kids who are close to their dads learn social skills earlier and thrive better emotionally.
   

PLAY time

PRAY time

More of Pastor B's thoughts on good parenting:

Parents must bring out this R.I.F.L.E. to raise their children:

Repeat the good stuff you do together over and over again. Give your children a lot to build their memories on: family picnic, story time, outing, family dinner, etc., This is important: if you have more than one child, date each one individually. Get to know their thoughts and stories one-on-one.

Intensify your bond by having countless aha! moments, wow, cool! ideas. I remember the first time Isaiah touched a makahiya plant; the leaves closed and his eyes bulged! Magic!

Firsts Have many firsts together- first time to fly a kite, first time to ride a bike, first time to go camping, etc.,

Last End the day on a positive not. Make dinner a time to relax, laugh and talk about your day. Have a bedtime routine of stories, goodnight song or games.

Emotion Dads, don't be afraid to show your emotions. Kids will go through a lot of heartaches, bruises and pains, that's inevitable. Show them that life may not be fair, but you will always be there through the highs and lows.