Ultralight Flying in Angeles

Ultralight aviation came about because of people wanting to fly more affordably in the 70’s and 80’s. The planes are called Ultralight or Microlight. These are very light planes that can fit 1-2 persons.

On the weekend after my birthday, we drove to Angeles City Flying Club to try this out. I already looked it up on the internet but you never really know what it’s like until you’re actually there.

Some planes had enclosures at the front and the sides but mine was open. There was a short runway for take off and landing. I had apprehensions at the start. Fortunately my designated pilot guide, Alex, was a very relaxed and chatty guy. In no time, I was able to relax. He even got me to try my hand at driving the plane!

The sky was clear when we were up in the air and the view was just spectacular. If you look very very closely, you might even see people standing by the riverbanks or working at the fields.

Whew! This is a first for me. Driving a plane even before I learn to drive a car!

This is one birthday treat I will never forget for sure.

Mt. Mayon - The Only Volcano that Challenged My Will!

Years of wall climbing, mountain climbing, dragonboat rowing, jogging, kayak marathon and all other trainings...none of it prepared me for the monster that was the Mt. Mayon summit climb! The kickass volcano kicked my ass!

Mt. Mayon view from camp 1

Maybe I was a bit out of shape, or signs of old age? It took every ounce of energy, will power and faith in my entire being to reach the summit. 

Squeezing my way through very thick vegetation

End of day 1 trek - Camp 2

Staying at camp 2 was an absolute pleasure. It was freezing cold, just the way I like it. Since we got to camp 2 early, I was able to enjoy my book with an amazing view at the background! Unmatched by any of the city's pleasures, this is one of the things that make me want to climb over and over despite the difficulties of reaching the peak.

My books and the fantastic view

Nilagang baka and coffee to recharge my body for the early climb to the summit

At 3:00 in the morning, we started our climb to the summit and the crater. Accident and death came across my mind countless times. The terrain was treacherous and every step had to be calculated. My life literally depended on it!

Still smiling, unaware of how hard the next 10 hours would be

The crack of dawn when sun started to peek...amazing!

There was a constant debate in my mind every 30 minutes on whether or not I should turn back or soldier on..."Ayaw ko na, mamamatay ako dito", "Sige na nga tapusin ko na, sayang naman". It really was a test of character and will power.

1 hour to go...

THE SUMMIT AT LAST! Beside is is the very angry crater with the stench of sulfur. We could remove our masks for a few seconds to have our photo taken.

On the way down to camp 2

The descent was more challenging for me because it almost seemed like we were walking 90 degrees down. Boy, it was a long long way town to the valley! I am not ashamed to say that towards the end, I was already on my hands and knees.

I still can't believe I'm writing this in Camp 2. The grueling experience still seems so surreal. 

My battle scars are 1 very small splinter, burnt skin all over, scratches from twigs and plants and an aching body. Was it worth it? I'm still trying to argue with myself. It sure is quite an achievement to be the only 2nd Filipino woman to reach the summit at alert level 2 since 2001.
Would I do it again? Probably not. But this is one experience that I'll definitely will remember for the rest of my life.

I'm happy to be back. I'm happy to be alive.

Cheers to our adventure and cheers to life!