. . .XileXplores . . .: Bows and Arrows – My First Attempt being an Archer

I am not a big fan of Hunger Games, but when it comes to holding bows and arrows, there’s just one person I envied for her archery skills; Katniss Everdeen. I love Greek’s culture and for one, Archery is a big part of them. I even imagined myself holding one and trying to be an archer and this dream turned into reality when someone posted in our group page about an invitation to try archery. I was hesitant at first because I don’t even have any idea but seems like my fascination for bows and arrows go way back and it is about time for me to satisfy that craving.

In the Philippines, archery is yet to be a common sport for everyone. It isn’t easy to find someone who plays and even harder to know a location where one can practice. Today, I was lucky enough to have found a hidden treasure right in the heart of the metro.

Kodanda Archery Range is a seven-lane, fully air-conditioned indoor archery range located on the upper basement of Makati Cinema Square along Chino RocesAvenue (formerly Pasong Tamo) in Makati City. Opened July 5 of 2013, KodandaArchery Range was founded to provide an avenue for people who are interested to try out archery, without having to spend a small fortune. It is open to all interested individuals with the minimum age being seven years old. The name Kodanda is Sanskrit for “he who has a bow.” It is also the name of the great bow and constant companion of Rama as he overcomes evil in the Hindu epic Ramayana (Mahabharata being the other epic).

Bows

Arrows and Finger Tab

Arm Guard

Armguard - protection for the arm against the string’s backlash.

Fingertab - protection for the fingers’ repeated pulling of string.

Chestguard - worn over the torso especially for girls to prevent the string from snaring clothes

Quiver - arrow holder

Recurve Bow – normal bow used in our range (the same one used in the Olympics)

People know me as very adventurous and would like to try something new. I have always wanted to play archery even if its mere computer games. Aside from the thrill of holding a bow (and the instinct to kill, haha), this can also be a form of exercise, albeit not as strenuous as others. Still, it can strengthen one’s arms, shoulders, chest, and back. With constant practice, it can develop upper body strength and improve posture and balance.

Like a Pro! lol

At first, I was having problem because I can’t keep my left eye closed. So we place something to cover it as an alternative. After several sessions, I was able to adjust. Left arm stretched, right arm a bit higher angled, strings near the jaw, left eye closed.

Done with my first archery lesson, here are some tips I can share, so you prepare when you take your classes:

There will be three whistle signals:
- 1 blow – Get Ready (go to target range)
- 2 blows – Position Yourself (prepare your bow and arrow, get ready to hit the target)
- 3 blows – Retrieve the arrows
Wear sporty attire, rubber shoes/sneakers. All other safety gear such as arm guard, finger tab, chest guard, quiver, and recurve bow will all be provided.
Most importantly, do follow your coach’s instructions – nothing bad will happen to you if you do.

I also like that this sport help me focus. With enough mind into the game, players can easily hit the target. More importantly, I observe that this can also be a stress-reliever. For those who wanted to let that steam come out a little bit, archery is a great outlet.

First Set of Five Arrows, the last one…Boom! Bull’s Eye (dude! this is for you, go for the kill!)

Rates

Hourly rate is Php 550/person inclusive of the usage of international-standard equipment and safety gear, as well as basic archery coaching by expert teachers.

Php 200 range rental per person for those who already have their own gear.

Additional Php 30 if archers want to take home the target paper for souvenir.

Lessons Offered

Php 6,000.00 for ten (10) sessions, one (1) hour per session

Student will be issued a Certificate of Completion after the ten (10) sessions

Fees include the use of the archery range, and rental of international-standard equipment and protective gear

Dedicated coaching on basic or advanced archery from one of our expert instructors:

Syd Nerickzon Fraginal ( former Phil. player, sea games record holder)

Ronalyn Alvarez (former NCR Team member, Palarong pambansa winner)

Ronna May Alvarez (former member of developmental team of the Phil.)

Sessions will be adjusted to the student’s schedule

Group Packages

Groups of up to 15 guests may avail of Group Packages that includes rental of international-standard equipment and protective gear, and coaching on archery basics from expert instructors. It may also include parlor games and/or coaching sessions depending on the intention of the group. Rates also vary depending on the exact number of guests and duration of stay in the range.

This is my first time to try this sport and I am proud of what I have achieved.