We only have seven
minutes, when you hear my whistle, the game will end! I ducked under a fallen tree and
scanned the area for the other tributes, thinking if hiding was even a
good idea. I enfolded myself some more and decided to bury myself under the
thick foliage while holding on to my dear life, my untouched ribbons. Welcome
to the Hunger Games at JEST Camp Subic.
The punishing summer heat welcomed Team Red Horse as we entered the Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp
(JEST Camp) at Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Our weekend will be packed with
different activities around the camp and the next day we’ll all transform into
some greedy, voracious tributes as we all engage in the Hunger Games.
JEST Camp has been around for some time but this was my first ever visit
(both my parents hailed from Zambales, shame on me). The idea of the camp is to
reconnect its guests to the simplicity of life in the form of jungle survival
techniques. In time, the camp has transformed into a mini adventure park that
showcases different activities that will surely develop your sense of oneness
with nature.
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| View of Subic Bay Freeport Zone from JEST Camp |
First stop was a quick snack from Greenwich. They have three branches in
Olongapo City; Ulo ng Apo, SM Olongapo and Harbor Point – all are open for
delivery service. The group feasted on Greenwich’s new great stuff to combat
summer heat; Ultimate Overload Pizza (Barkada size), Lasagna Supreme (Full
size), Jumbo Crunchy Chicken (8-pc. Bucket), Choco Banana Crisp and Mango Pearl
Coolers.
The pizza, lasagna and chicken were the instant favorites. Nobody seemed to care about the desserts and coolers until I got to munch on it. And it was terrific. The perfect combination of the Choco Banana Crisp and Mango Pearl Coolers totally revitalized our tired and weary bods. You gotta try that combination.
Moving on, we were led to a quick Survival
101 session. Being the most famous survival school in the country, JEST
Camp offers everyone a chance to unleash their primitive survival instincts by
teaching some indigenous skills in the jungle. And the most basic stuff was how
to combat hunger in the jungle. Bamboo utensils were crafted, water was
extracted from water vines and fire was made from bamboo shavings. It was basically
a travel back in time with our friendly instructor whose ancestors were full-blooded
Aetas from Botolan, Zambales.
Next was the Sky Flyer that gave us some much needed high, literally. We had two options on riding the giant swing; sitting position and supine position (Superman style) – I decided to do both (yabang lang).
The straps were hugging me tighter as I was being raised at 30 feet. It
was high and I was ready to scream, the problem was, I didn’t know when to scream. Until the guy released
the cord and I shouted as if I was being thrown from a huge cliff. It was pure
adrenaline rush and I yearned for more.
Again, the guys strapped me tight as I lie face down to be harnessed. I
wasn’t scared at first but as the cord was raised and my body went into a
diving position, I panicked. And suddenly, the cord was released and I screamed
my head off as I plunged into the cliff. It was not a smooth ride but it was
thrilling and gripping. It felt sooo good to let it all out, the screaming I
mean. The guys were laughing as I went back to them. They haven’t heard me scream
like that. Well, this is one of those rare chances that you’re freely allowed
to scream so might as well do it eh?
We were starving after the fun ride. The group then headed to Kawayan Kitchen for lunch. We had Inihaw na Liempo (185 Pesos), Grilled
prawns (295 Pesos/250 grams), Sinampalukang
Manok – Luto sa Buho (180 Pesos) and Kanin
– Luto sa Buho (120 Pesos).
It was a feast!
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| Inihaw na Liempo |
 |
| Prawns |
The food arrived in no time and they served the piping hot steamed rice
and chicken stew on bamboo. Those were my favorites.
The main event that Saturday was the Wings of the World Bird Show at Magaul Bird Park. Produced by an
all-Filipino team, it features the world’s first half-a-thousand birds show. As
the show commenced, everyone gathered at the Winged Wonders outdoor theatre to
witness this one-of-a-kind show. The theater was jam-packed with eager crowd
and everyone seemed excited.
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| Kanin - Luto sa Buho |
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| Sinampalukang Manok - Luto sa Buho |
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| They roam freely |
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| Five hundred birds! |
It was almost sundown when we arrived at the Aerial Adventure Walk area. I’ve seen and experienced this before
at Sandbox and promised that I will not do it again – Why would I submit myself into such suffering? I was thinking out
loud. But the group was so excited to try it out that I just found myself being
harnessed by one of the staff. I was hypnotized by my buddies, I think. Then it
was game on.
 |
| We meet again eh? |
The objective if this challenge is to cross from one tree to another via
ropes, bridges and platforms. Don’t worry about falling off ‘coz you’ll be
harnessed all throughout the course. Inch by inch, I crossed the Burma Bridge, Barreling, Monkey Vines, Jacob’s Ladder and Cargo Net. My knees were shaking and my arms were immovable as I
finished the course; and then the swing on zipline - the sweetest way to end
everything. It was the perfect way to test your balance, flexibility and body
coordination. Now I know why I’m doing these things.
By dinnertime, the group was again nourished by Kawayan Kitchen. And then beer sessions followed as we surround into a huge bonfire; hotdogs and marshmallows were roasted. And then we realized that the world is celebrating Earth Hour that night, our bonfire was very timely.
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| What's the difference between campfire and bonfire? Go google it! |
We retired at JEST Camp’s
Dormitory which has 8 double deck beds and extra mattresses (check discounted rates here). The room is
also equipped with manually-powered air-conditioning system and en suite toilet
and bath. We snoozed right away, a much needed sleep for the next day’s
activities.
 |
| Dorm rooms are fun. |
Our call time was around 7:30 a.m. and I woke up a little bit early. We
headed to The Deck where we had a
nice breakfast plate of Tocino, Fried
egg, Hotdogs, fried rice and coffee. And then everyone was thrilled when the
instructor announced that we’re heading to the most awaited part of this trip,
the JEST Camp Hunger Games (adapted
from the movie series Hunger Games).
 |
| ToSiLogDog |
We spent the whole morning on different trainings that equipped us on
surviving in the jungle for the games. There were four different stations (Fire Making, Shelter Building, Trap
Setting and Archery) and in each
station we have to accomplish some tasks.
After which, we had lunch at Kawayan Kitchen – boodle fight style. And then game mode again,
We had the vaguest idea on what was going to happen but judging from the
promotional photos and videos, I’m sure we’re in for some action-packed
afternoon. We were just instructed to wear nothing fancy, a good pair of shoes
and some old bag (I used an eco bag).
The briefing was simple; the participants must be 18 years of age (minimum)
with no respiratory and heart conditions and the game doesn’t involve physical
contact with the other participants. No information regarding the game was
mentioned. We were totally clueless up to the last minute.
We were led to the Bird Park, blindfolded. And then the adventure began
as we were transported into this secret place and all we could do was wonder as
to what will happen next. Up until the last minute, no instructions were
conveyed. We were the tributes representing our districts, I was District 9.
We were standing on the logs. Blindfolds were removed. And then running.
Water balloons and water guns. Thick forest. Hiding. Running. Shouting. Water
splashing. Lives were taken. And then the fight. Struggling to survive. And
then the whistle!
The game ended and there were still four tributes alive, three guys and
a gal - me. Another set of challenges. And then there were three left. And then
two. And then the lone survivor.
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| That was me chasing after Rodel - very intense! |
We hiked back to JEST Camp and chitchatted with the other participants
as we waited for the results. We all agreed that this was one of the greatest
bonding moments we had as a group. We’ve been traveling together for some time
but this was the first time that we were so insanely involved in an activity
which proves to be a test of friendship. Luckily, no cat fight prospered after
it, we just laughed about the damages brought by some of my buddies.
Apparently, the early activities were included in the overall tally of
the scores. The fun discussions ended as our instructor went back with the
results.
I was yelling the name of the one I was rooting for when my name was
called. Yes, I was the crowned victor of the 5th JEST Camp Hunger Games and I
will represent District 9 on the annual games (Quarter Quell - very Hunger Games) which will happen later
this year. Shocked, dazed and confused, I accepted my certificate as they
pinned me my JEST pin. And then it dawned on me that I won, yes, me. It was
such a surprise for I’m really not the competitive type.
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| District 9 represent! |
I guess it’s my tenacity to not give up, to push harder without thinking
about the rewards and just keep moving forward no matter what. That kept me
alive and will keep me alive. The fun weekend concluded with contemplation of
survival; this boot camp somehow taught each one of us the value of life – the struggles
and challenges that we needed to combat to stay alive and live the life we
yearn for. And we’re coming back at JEST Camp Subic for another round of harder
challenges, the Hunter-Gatherer Overnight Jungle Survival Training perhaps?
JEST Camp
Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa,
Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
Contact Numbers: (+63) 47.252.1489 | (+63) 917.796.4668 | (+63) 922.883.2763
| (+63) 998.574.7974
Email Address: contact@jestcamp.com
Wings of the World
Show
Magaul Bird Park at JEST Camp
Contact Numbers: (+63) 47.252.1489 | (+63) 917.796.4668
Email Address: magaulbirdpark@jestcamp.com
Show Schedules: Weekends and Public Holidays – 11:00 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. |
4:00 p.m.
Weekdays – 11:00 a.m. | 1:30 p.m.
Great photos. Great article. Great adventure! Ingit much po talaga. Mabuhay!
ReplyDeleteSalamat naman :)
DeleteHi! Could you tell us more about the JEST Hunger Games?
DeleteYou can contact the numbers I posted :)
Delete