Zipline Jitters

Traversing an expanse of 250 feet from a point as high as 300 feet high via cable wires with just a harness is quite an experience! The zipline at the Picnic Grove in Tagaytay is something that one should not pass up. Rates are somewhat reasonable, as the one way ride costs a hundred bucks and two way ride two hundred bucks during weekdays. However, during holidays rates are slightly higher. Mind you, it does not include the photo shot while you are hanging which is an additional Php 150 with matching frame (medyo baduy pero pwede na).

I must admit I had second thoughts of going through it when I saw the set-up. The wires look sturdy enough and so does the harness but one cannot shake off the thought of the possibility of a cable snapping or one of the belts giving way. And it does not help at all that the almost 60kph approaching speed is met only by two tyres along the cable wires as the line ends. I tell you, it does not look pretty when you see people being jerked by the sudden halt.

First thing that came to my mind is how gruesome it will be if I plunge to my death halfway down the ride. But looking at the riders, they seem to be having a great time and I see no one screaming their lungs out for help. And so, with much hesitation and with great (false) bravado I allowed myself to be strapped, pushed and be photographed while hanging down the line. During the ride though (around less than a minute) a sense of awe swept through me as I look down the thicket. For a brief moment, the feeling that I am just a small speck in this pocket of nature overpowered my fear. And once I was safely at the other end, the desire to go back and ride again was immense. I wanted to ride again! he he.

Cory Aquino - definitely not an ordinary housewife

Just twenty days from the death anniversary of her husband, former Philippine President Corazon Aquino met her Maker at 3:18 in the morning (Aug 1, 2009). It was not a surprise as she has been a month in the hospital battling colon cancer yet, one can never be ready for such a loss.

She has always been referred by the media as an ordinary housewife that toppled a dictator. She was branded by then administration loyalists as "walang alam" which meant that she was ignorant and knows nothing about politics much more - lead a country. However, said ignorance was the one that gave her the mass appeal. Her image as a person that is not a "trapo" TRAditional POlitician became a unifying force for the opposition to proclaim a single candidate against a 20 year dictator Ferdinand Marcos. It eventually inspired the people to support a coup against Marcos and stage the most peaceful uprising - the People Power Revolution.

Cory's presidency was peppered with seven coup attempts, frequent brownouts, a volcanic eruption that forced the American bases to close shop and an earthquake that damaged a large part of north Luzon. She survived it all armed with a rosary and so much faith in God.

Nobody can ever be like Cory. No other can wield so much power donned in a yellow tailored dress.