Live the Adventure
A project for my Multimedia Journalism class with Prof. DJ Clark (Asian Center for Journalism, Ateneo de Manila University, October 2009)
Every year, AMCI Mountaineering Club conducts the Basic Mountaineering Course, a five-month long training program that aims to promote the sport of mountaineering and equip trainees with the necessary skills to survive in the mountains. The course is composed of a mix of physical activities, academic lectures, and training climbs, where trainees can apply the skills they have learned and appreciate the beauty of nature.
This video shows what this year’s Basic Mountaineering Course was like through the eyes of two trainees, Charles Ty and Lelet Volfango. As they have experienced, mountaineering is not just about having physical strength, but also about having the patience, mental fortitude, and willpower to go beyond one’s limitations.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Video
I made this video as a final project for my Multimedia Journalism class with Prof. DJ Clark. The topic is close to my heart because I myself was a trainee back in 2005 and have been an avid mountaineer since I was inducted into the club.
I really wish I could have documented all the events of this year’s BMC since it started in June. However, due to time constraints, I was only able to join two major events: their third training climb in Mt. Pulag and their orienteering weekend in Corregidor Island.
On our second night in Mt. Pulag, a storm hit the mountain. Our tents were literally bending at the poles and a lot of the trainees and AMCI members could not sleep a wink because they were wet and shivering inside their tents. While trekking back to civilization the next day, needle-like rains pelted our faces and we were buffeted by winds so strong that we almost toppled over even with our heavy backpacks.
When I asked Lelet about her experience at the time, she said: “In the midst of the fierce weather, it was also beautiful in a way. It’s a different kind of beauty—it’s fierce, it’s in your face. It’s just you and nature and God. When we were in the grasslands and I was [on the edge of the] cliff hanging on for dear life… at the back of my head, I thought, I’m so scared but this is so cool! I hope I can get to the other side. I’m glad I’ve been given the chance to go there and see it and experience it.”
I wanted so much to include that quote in the video, but it’s long enough as it is. And I couldn’t very well whip out my camera during that crazy weather while I myself was hanging on for dear life. I really wish I could have documented those moments though. Now that would have made for a great story!
The photos at the beginning of the video were taken by Roland Aquino during our climb of Mt. Pulag in 2006. The photos show Mt. Pulag at it’s best. I showed these photos to the trainees and encouraged them to go back to Pulag during the summer so they can see the awesome views for themselves. Roland also took the photo of Mt. Apo when we climbed the mountain in 2007.
Videos for the interviews with Lelet and Charles were shot with a video cam I borrowed from the office. Photos and videos of the Pulag climb, orienteering weekend, and interview with Tonyboy were shot with my Canon Ixus 850IS. I also borrowed a few photos from Mardel and Maida, my teammates during the Pulag climb. A big thanks also goes out to Carlo, Tina, and Marissa—the other trainees whose interviews I was not able to include in the video—and my other teammates Renelle, Merari, Jay and Nelson.
I really enjoyed working on this video as well as all the projects for my Multimedia Journalism class. Hopefully, I can further upgrade my skills and equipment to come up with even better, high quality videos in the future—videos of people who have amazing stories to tell.
November Update: Both Charles and Lelet have successfully completed their induction climb at Mt. Apo and are now AMCI members. :)
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