Paragliding in Sarangani

I’ve already experienced free fall from riding a microlight. I was suspended in the air through parasailing. And I gazed like a bird while riding a doorless helicopter.

I thought that I’ve already kissed gravity and fooled myself into thinking that that must have been close to feeling like a bird… not until I ran and jumped off a cliff…with paragliding wings and a champion paraglider pilot. I was a chirping vulture for ten minutes.

I’ve always assumed paragliding as a dangerous, risky and scary adventure sport. I would not have been the first person to sign up for a tandem flight. I’ve always been a sissy adventurer with shaky knees, shrieks reaching the falsetto and my tanned complexion turning into vampire white. But after seeing pilots lifting off like happy graceful birds, I saved enough courage to brainwash my fears. I did exactly what my pilot, Buko Raymundo, told me to do— face the wind and run over the edge of the mountain. I ran ’til my feet could no longer touch the ground.

I was free. I was free. I was free! I extended my arms like a powerful goose. I dangled my legs like a child. I hovered over the three-dimensional view of paradise. It was so quiet and peaceful– even more relaxing than yoga or a ventosa massage. I was lightweight. I was a wingless eagle but I soared high.

Thanks to Buko Raymundo, our country’s 2011 SEAGAMES gold medalist in the test event of paragliding accuracy, for my once-in-a-lifetime bird transformation.

Forgive my bulky legs* for taking up too much airspace. From takeoff to landing, ze legs were unharmed by gravity.

*Their current state of bulkiness is a testament that paragliding is safer than riding a motorcycle.

We have 300 flyable days in Maasim, Sarangani. You may also try tandem paragliding in Carmona. Contact Buko at (0917) 8167820.