By Jerick Yaya (3^rd Meeting, March 15, 1998, Makati City)

The moment that a group of five was completed at Ayala Triangle premises, they were given written instructions that they have to follow step by step in order to solve the problem. There was really no time limit but the group who will finish with the shortest time and a correct answer to the problem wins the game. Once ready, the group was sent out to roam around Makati and follow the leads given to them and discover more clues for the next destination.

There were three groups all in all. The first one was led by Ariel, followed by Queenie’s team and the last but the least was led by Girlie. Each group was given a head start of about fifteen minutes from the other in order for them to find their own way without being interfered by the others. At first, it seemed to be easy, though the very first clue was an inadvertent error caused by the training personnel who designed the puzzle. However, it was well handled by each group and succeeding will just have to be followed through instructions in the letter. But, as they progressed, they found out that just one false assumption or one wrong turn, they may experience delay or worse, the group not finding the right answer. The activity brought the group to the different streets in Makati, especially along Salcedo and Legaspi Village. It was really an advantage, if they were more familiar with the street and building names around that area. In each clue they unraveled, they found more hope yet leading them to the next. It was funny that even though some of them practically spent most of their time within that vicinity during their daily lives, the little details about a certain building or a monument, seemed to escape them. There was even a time wherein they were so frustrated tracing back each clue just to find the last one on the list. Finally, the groups headed back to the meeting place at Wendy's Park Square which turned to be a marketplace especially when all the groups have gathered. Different stories and sharing worse experiences and some favorable insights were talk of the town during that time that caused noise within the area. Some believing that they had the right answer since they were able to see all the clues. Some just gave up the hunt after an hour or more of searching but, at the end, no one really got the right answer which was 1898 (some were able to predict it was the answer, but they just don't know how to prove it). Nonetheless, all was done in the spirit of fun and camaraderie.

Next on our itinerary was the much-awaited destination, Planet Rock. Are we ready for it? More than ready, we were so eager to conquer each wall! But, of course there has to be a lecture first. A lecture on ropemanship was conducted by the people in Planet Rock which was very important if you like to be serious in both mountain and rock climbing. Ropemanship reminds me of my boy scout days and I think almost all of us have already forgotten how to do different knots. After the lecture, teacher Mark came into the scenario to give another mind-breaking exam. And I think, Mark created fear to the trainees that whenever he will go in front, right after the lecture that means "I am here to boggle your mind again!"

Everybody was required to climb up the wall one by one. Although, I think at first the trainees were hesitant to do the action, but then, when they saw other people around climbing up so easy as if it was like climbing the stairs, they started to get excited for their own turn. In addition, their guts were boosted when they saw little kids climbing up fearlessly which was reason enough to shame on to themselves if they don’t climb. As expected, those with small and medium built were fit enough to do the activity effortlessly. Everyone noticed Jovert while he was doing the moves of a promising rock climber (was he trying hard? I don’t think so!). Some commented on him as somebody who could become our group’s bid in the future if given serious training. So Jovert, if you chanced to read this, why not take the challenge? Ariel could also be, or let’s say Jaday????? Nonetheless, I hope somebody will heed the challenge in this particular field in order to add another one in the talent bank reserves of MMS. Rock climbing is a serious type of strenuous mountaineering-related activity which is becoming popular and as a well-rounded mountaineer we should be able to have a basic knowledge on ropemanship, belaying, anchoring, proper body movement and of course, safety precautions. As the trainors have always been saying, MMS batch ‘98 were lucky to have this for previous batches did not have formal training like you.

In the after noon, after a delivery lunch from Wendy’s, everyone had the feel of an artificial wall. For a beginner, two or three climbs were enough. Muscle-pain attack prohibited a beginner to climb as many as he wanted. Later in the afternoon, the trainor setup a rappelling wall adjacent to the climbing wall. The attention of the others was diverted on this. Unfortunately, due to the lack of time only a few was able to test the wall. As usual, it was a matter of conquering another fear of height, this time being suspended at an elevation with the aid of the rope. But, of course since it was an artificial wall the elevation was tolerable.