Rapelling at Camp Vicente Lim

When they told us we'd be rapelling from atop a four-story building, I thought, "They've got to be kidding." And when they said, we'd have to do it not once, but three times and in three different positions (including head first!), I had no idea what to expect!

Tower of Doom.

Every step I took to go up that building made my heart beat faster and my mouth go drier. As the instructor fastened the carabiner firmly to the ropes, I thought, "Well, it's now or never!"

Can you sense the fear behind that smile?

"Trainee number 53, Angela Constantino, ready to perform standard rapelling, sir!"

A true celebrity always smiles for the camera.

Just a few more steps, Angel! You're almost there!

I heaved a great sigh of relief when my feet finally touched level ground. I felt really good when it was over for it was actually a lot easier than I thought—that is, until they made us rapel lizard-style!

Is there something on the wall? It must be all the blood rushing to my head!

If you can get through this, you can get through anything!

Trainees relax on the ground while waiting for their turn.

After lunch, it was time to rapel the Australian way. I wanted to throw up! Good thing I didn't though or else poor Jay, who was belaying me, would've been covered in rice, beef nilaga, lechon kawali, and ice cream! Hahaha!

Praise the Lord!

Hanging out with Wency, Gerry, Jazzie, Borj, and Janice after rapelling.

Indeed, it was a taxing day for all of us. Hysterical screams came out of some trainees, while others were reduced to tears. While some simply breezed down the building in perfect form, others who are normally poised and happy cursed out loud for fear. But in rapelling, as in life, it is usually the first step that is the hardest. The moment when you're about to step over the platform, looking down and wondering whether you're going to plummet to the ground, you feel fear and apprehension. Some throw caution to the winds and take a leap of faith. Others, like me, are a little more hesitant. But once you take that first step, there's no turning back. It becomes easier with each step, and in the end, you realize that you had nothing to fear after all. :-)

Special thanks to my co-trainees, Francis, Alman, and Eubert for the great pictures!