"... the feeling of getting amazed is more powerful than fear. For this emotional battle, fear is defeated. The amazing feeling wins."

[BAGUIO, BENGUET, PHILIPPINES] ▬ The Philippines' summer capital city of Baguio reigning in Luzon's Cordillera mountains doesn't want to be left behind in this new age. Gone are the days when Baguio is synonymous to Burnham Park, the winding Kennon Road and the Ibaloi people. The past decades, changes are significant. Today, it's about the SM Mall, the ukay-ukay, the night life and party for some. The Ibaloi land is now multi-cultural and multi-lingual. Its populace speaks at least 10 languages due to the influx of migrants from all over the world (Hello Korea!). Of course, this city is not spared from the new trends of pop culture. Zipline? Yes, Baguio has it and here's my first zipline experience in Baguio.

[BAGUIO] ▬ SUPERMAN RIDE IN CAMP JOHN HAY // PHOTO TAKEN BY MARINETTE PANGANIBAN

This is my first zipline experience in Baguio. You see? When zipline became mainstream popping out anywhere in the country, the City of Pines made it sure to join the trend. In Camp John Hay, a Superman zipline ride is offered by . This ride costs P300/pax.

Well, not everyone is allowed to ride this zipline. Basic requirement is that you should at least 4 feet in height. And if you are pregnant, acrophobic, has serious health problems, has motion sickness, vulnerable for injury and/or under the influence of regulated drugs or alcohol, back off because you are prohibited to do the Superman ride. However, you can still watch Superman movies if you wish.

[BAGUIO] ▬ MY TICKET TO THE SUPERMAN RIDE

[BAGUIO] ▬ GETTING READY TO FLY // PHOTO TAKEN BY MARINETTE PANGANIBAN

[BAGUIO] ▬ FLYING OVER THE PINE TREES // PHOTO TAKEN BY MARINETTE PANGANIBAN

[BAGUIO] ▬ THE SIGN

[BAGUIO] ▬ THE SUPERMAN RIDE FACILITY

[BAGUIO] ▬ A TOURIST TAKING A PHOTO OF HER FRIENDS WHILE HANGING ON AIR

It's not my first time to ride a zipline but still, a dose of courage is needed. I have a fear for height, so technically, I should have not been allowed to do this but I did not disclose my case because I want to conquer the fear by doing the act repeatedly until it becomes normal to me.

Comparing with the other ziplines I tried, this version is different because you will be mechanically pulled up to the other side. Upon reaching the highest part, you will be released. Gravity will do its work. However, I noticed that the drop is mechanically controlled unlike the other ziplines wherein you just drop continuously by gravity.

A harness is wrapped around the waist to prevent you from falling then you'll be placed on a prone position. Your feet will rest on a cushioned steel bar while the other bar shall hold your upper body. This kind of zipline, I must say, is a bit dangerous. You have to sign a waiver by the way before doing this. One of the possible dangers I noticed here is that the harness wrapped around the waist is too narrow. So if you lost contact with either of the two bars, you will not fall but you will turn upside down on air since the harness only supports the waist. So, this is not for the fainthearted. As I said, this is different from the regular superman ziplines I've tried. But if you love the thrill, this zipline ride is a must-try.

While hung on air, the chilly Baguio air serves as a refreshing experience and it's much different to feel it up there. In my case, the beautiful view of pine trees below helped me mitigate the phobia for height. I think the feeling of getting amazed is more powerful than fear. For this emotional battle, fear is defeated. The amazing feeling wins. ▬ end

[BAGUIO] ▬ HELLO! GREETINGS FROM TREE TOP ADVENTURE SUPERMAN RIDE!

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

[1] This post is filed under the category "Ziplines." This is the first post for this category. Expect more zipline posts in the future.

[2] This experience was made possible through Azalea Residences Hotel in Baguio City. I was invited to experience the Azalea hospitality.

[3] All maps I used on this post are the works of Eugene Alvin Villar and Mike Gonzalez published on Wikipedia. Source: 1 | 2 |