View From the Top

I had an extraordinary weekend; one that I consider a BIG twist in my almost-monotonous life in years. Ladies and gentlemen, this guy who hasn’t learned how to ride a bike just went parasailing. That’s right. I went parasailing (and I don’t know how to ride a bike).

It all started out that morning when I was hanging out in the faculty room and chatted with Mr. Bong when he suddenly popped the offer to join that afternoon, two other instructors as “guests” who’ll rate a tour where his students in Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Operations shall serve as tour guides. I agreed and felt glad thinking that I’ll go watching whale shows or have a close encounter with tigers for free. Those I supposed because those are two activities for which our place is famous hence its quick association with the word “tour”.

Fast forward – second in the itinerary is Subic Scuba Shack that is known for water activities. We are hesitant to try it out and reasoned that we are not in proper wet clothes. While it is true that I’m wearing denim and shoes, it is an alibi of someone like me who rarely engages in adventure. Our guides insisted however that it would not get us wet and if ever we do, they have spare clothes to lend. The elderly mentor refused as expected so I took all the courage to go with Ms. A. As we removed our shoes and other stuff that we might lose from above, we jokingly announced our last wills.

Three students went with us on the speed boat. One of the two staffs of the shack helped us with our harnesses and life vests while the boat sped to the middle of the bay. Once we’ve reached the release point, Ms. A was assisted first to the rear of boat to have her harness fastened to the parachute. I was then instructed to position behind her to be fastened next. The wind blowing the sail already lifted me from the initial sitting position and without preparatory countdown we were lifted off the deck as the rope was rolled out. We screamed as we gained altitude while the people on the boat cheered. We kept on hollering until we’ve reached a stable height. Gradually we gained more altitude and don’t know if this was due to the blowing wind or because the rope was extended. “Tama na po! (Enough!)”, we shouted but realized once more that we can’t be heard. Ms. A joked, “I-text mo sila. (Send them SMS)”.

As if fate teased me about the spark of courage to go parasailing, I felt the part of the harness that supports my thighs begins to slide off. “Ma’am, natatanggal…(it’s loosening)” “Ang alin? (What?)”, asked my companion that was more exclamatory than interrogative. “Natatanggal ako sa pagkakaupo (I’m slipping off from sitting position).*Change topic*

The intensity of thrill slightly ceased when you’re up there for quite some time. The sea below isn’t as frightening as expected because it’s just like a plain with thick foliage from above. The thigh harness slid off and I hang in a standing position with my life vest slightly pulled upwards hence I had to quit talking if I don’t want to lose air. Breathe in, breathe out.

We felt we’re gradually going down and thought the wind’s weakening. Splash! They made our feet dip into the water. Wow! Then up and up we went again for a few more minutes.

When we’re pulled back onboard, I felt sleepy from reduced supply of oxygen due to the vest and my arms little numb from gripping the harness. Our boat accelerated and gave us two side leans ala motocross.

I never though I’ll enjoy a thing I never that I would be brave enough to try. It is one thing Subic Bay is famous for in the whole country and truly it is more exciting than simply admiring its photographs on calendars and postcards.