The very first time my friend Donna Rabang Peta and I went to the freshly talked about archery range in Ilocos, I wasn’t expecting anything at all. I went with her as a curious blogger. The fenced property that barangay Casili residents pointed to was closed from the outside. We later learned that, as of now, the range is open only on weekends as they progress to its full operation on the 18th of November.
Donna’s daughter, DenDen Villamor, is an archer of the University of Baguio that has produced excellent competitive archers. Together with fellow-UB Cardinals archer, Emmanuel Balbuena, she was invited to teach the sport over the weekend at the Northern Archery Range. “So far, so good,” says owner Mr. Boni Espiritu when I asked him how locals are receiving archery. “We want to help enthusiasts develop skills,” he adds. The next archery range is located in La Union.
Laoag’s Northern Archery Range owner Bonifacio Espiritu.
I thought the idea of a mother and daughter date at an archery range was so cool. I was quite surprised that it excited Alexandra, who’s more into things like cooking, reading, swimming and occasional outdoor camping with the family. Her connection with Donna’s DenDen was instant. I haven’t seen Alex so naturally at home with a new sport ever. I didn’t have to prod her to enroll in the weekend program.
I tried my hand at the bow, but I guess, my flight of thoughts is faster than the arrow.
I laud Northern Archery Range’s initiative. In a Hunger Games generation, who knows, we might be able to produce more Gabriel Morenos, Dendens and Emmanuels in the sports scene, as skills and practice make perfect.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
