I swear I'd lived | Mati City, Davao Oriental

It's me again! I know I haven't posted in this community for a while now but today, I feel ecstatic to share this recent adventure with you and how I ended up doing this on a weekend.

As previously mentioned in one of my posts, I did solo backpacking for eight (8) straight days in Davao Region. It's part of Mindanao, one of the three main island groups in the Philippines. I know for those who aren't from the Philippines 8 days might sound too short for backpacking but if you're a Filipino with a 9-5 job on weekdays, 8-day travel is a long period of time to be away.

I did longer backpacking before Covid but I have other plans for the rest of the year with friends and loved ones; I had to be as intentional and as picky as possible in choosing which destinations should I go to and what activities I had to do on each destination. I will share the other details in a separate post but the top of mind when exploring Mindanao, especially Davao Oriental is Mati City known for Dahican Beach, dumbed as one of the longest shorelines in this part of the country with its 7-km stretch of white powdery shoreline. But aside from Dahican Beach, there's one more thing in Mati City that every adrenaline seeker shouldn't miss!

It's riding an ultralight aircraft (open type) through Mindanao Saga Flying Club. A 15-minute ride will cost you Php 3,500 ($64) for open-type aircraft and Php 3,800 ($69) for closed-type aircraft.

It was a Friday and my 4th day of backpacking. I messaged Mindanao Saga Flying Club's Facebook page and I was told I should be in their office by four (4) in the afternoon. Arrived there earlier than the call time but unfortunately, I wasn't able to ride that day; the wind was too strong and the ultralight aircraft couldn't sustain such strong winds. They told me the best time to fly is during sunrise. With all honesty, I am not a morning person. If there's one thing in the world that I despise that's waking up early but I know it's worth the sacrifice. I woke up as early as 4 AM and waited for my contact to pick me up from my hostel.

I was the first person to arrive in their office. The aircraft was ready to take me around Dahican. I could tell you how wonderful the experience was but I'd rather show you why it's been wonderful. I hope you enjoy this video of my ride!

I haven't been this alive! I could ride more if I have more money haha