During a recent training engagement in Bacolod, our hosts informed us that a local highland resort was currently the province's most exciting place to visit. And while we had visited "The Ruins" on the day we arrived, we made time to visit Campuestohan Highland Resort on our last day in Bacolod.
When we arrived at the place, we were surprised at the sheer size of the place! There were all sorts of attractions, a wave pool, and the guest cottages were themed after Hobbit abodes and Indian Teepees! And the fact that it was situated high up in a mountainous area, it was cool even though it was already late-morning when we arrived.
First time riding a zip line:
In my trip to Bacolod last week, we visited Campuestohan Resort in Silay. It was a very nice place. They had all sorts of attractions and most of them were very affordable. The zip line in particular was affordable at only P200! So me and my subordinate Franko lined up and weighed in. At first I didn't know why they were taking down our weights but later on, it was clear to me as I was riding the zip line.
Getting up to the tower was a breeze since it was only a few flights of stairs. The view was nice and their gear was quite decent. The staff were very informative and well-trained to answer questions from riders. After relaying out weight to the person at the receiving tower, we got into our harnesses and got hitched onto the cable dolly that would take us to the other side.
After giving us a quick round of instructions, we were pushed off the platform. The only time it was scary was the moment you get out of the gate and start sliding down the cable. After that, it was pure bliss as you zip down the line and enjoy the cool wind in your face. It was most awesome! But fun turned into worry as the end tower loomed in sight and I started to wonder how I would stop given that the dolly used had no brakes?! Soon enough my dolly bumped into a series of rubber stoppers that were put onto the cable to slow me down safely. Each stopper would slam onto my dolly with a strong thump that I could feel down my arms! Next thing I knew the guy at the other end was catching me with his hands. I had slowed down enough to be caught by the person at the end platform. Nice!
That's when I realized that the reason they took out weight was because they needed to know how may stoppers they would put in the path of an oncoming dolly to gradually bring the rider to a safe stop. That sure was fun! My first ever zip line ride was over in the blink of an eye! Hehehe.
First time entering a rope course:
After finishing my zip line ride, I had my eye on the rope course that was being prepped as we had arrived at the resort. It was now open and people were having a go at it. Just looking at it from the ground it makes you want to challenge it all the more.
So I paid the P200 fee and got asked if I had any cardiovascular problems, or bone fracture operations, or asthma. I said I had asthma but that it was minor and that I could undertake physically demanding tasks without worry. Confident as I was, I had no idea just how challenging a rope course could be!!
So I got into my harness, put on a pair of sweaty gloves and looked towards the challenging course ahead of me. Prior to entering a course, I was given a mandatory safety briefing by one of the attendants. He was actually very thorough and I got a stern warning that if I had any medical conditions, I should think twice about going into the course. He also made it clear that even though I was wearing a lifeline that was tethered to a safety cable, I could still get hurt if I was not careful. That part really got me scared!
As I made my first step into the course, I saw two teenagers at the first stop who were already shaking and practically unable to take another step. I nervously take my first step into the course and the unstable footing immediately kicks my senses into high gear! What a rush! It was a lot harder than I thought!!
I make it to the first platform and got bumped forward as the two teenagers end up quitting after the first challenge. I hobbled forward through the many rope obstacles until my hands and arms give out on me and I am already unable to maintain a firm grip on the rope. I had only finished half of the rope course and my 40yo body could hardly take another step. IT WAS HARD!
I just realized that I had neglected my upper body all this time as my legs still had fight in them while my arms could barely move. That rope course just made me realize just how badly I need to get back into shape! Damn that course was tough!! And other people make it look so easy!!
In the end, I had a rather interesting day. Campuestohan Resort was a place of firsts for me. It will surely be remembered! If ever I get to come back someday, I hope that I'd be able to finish the rope course next time!
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