ADVENTURE SPORTS

SUN STAR NEWSPAPER (January 4, 2004 issue)

Until we met Jingky Cabusog-Hanika and Jochem Hanika, we didn't know that the southern towns of Cebu were a haven for extreme action-adventure.

One look at the couple's house in Panagsama beach, Moalboal tells you its residents are outdoor lovers. A climbing wall stands on the side of the entrance, an unusual looking truck is parked on the other side. In the middle is a reception area where you get to see all sorts of harnesses, helmets, carabinas, ropes while surfboards are tacked to the ceiling and photos of their activities are everywhere.The couple runs Planet Action Adventure, an outfit that organizes, guides and teaches adventure-lovers rapelling, canyoning, c aving, river trekking, canoeing, mountain biking and even horse back riding native style (without saddle).

For canyoning, they usually do this at Montaneza Falls in Malabuyoc or at Tison Falls (that's the name of the barangay where the falls is located) in Moalboal. These areas are located in the upland interiors. Jinky talks about the Argao Lantoy National Park. "It's one of the largest cave systems in Cebu. Its giant vertical openings impress even experienced cavers. The highlight is the final 25 meter rapel off the cave exit, along a waterfall." "Barili too has a lot of caves. Most were used during World War II. We use different rope techniques for descending and ascending the labyrinth of natural beauty," says Jochen.

"Safety is our prime concern. So we limit the group to a maximum of 10 people," says Jochem." We have had first-timers rapelling down the waterfalls. Some are scared, but eventually they are able to make it. We have been professionally trained by certified trainers from Austria and Switzerland," adds Jochen, who hails from Germany but speaks fluent Cebuano. "We are familiar with the area, having explored it many times. The equipment is important, too. We have already set up the anchors, so they are already in place.

An important factor is also knowing how to deal with the emotions of those who want to try this sport. Some have panic attacks. Our training has prepared us to deal with the emotional aspect of the sport." "Our new adventure program is designed for parents who want their kids to experience nature. We have treks to cave Busay, where the kids can see flying bats and beautiful rock formations like stalagmites. They can take a dip at a fresh water spring. Each child and adult will be provided with his or her own caving gear," says Jochen.

"For the experienced adventurers, we have the multi-action safari which covers different places like the Pinatubo in Luzon, Surigao in Minadanao and Mt. Canlaon and Lake Danao in Negros Oriental." His wife Jingky manages the expeditions. A winner in various national mountain biking competitions, she looks fit and trim even after three children. Aside from the couple, two other guys compose the support crew. And to bring them around is the unique-looking adventure truck.