Ever since archery and Gandiva became trending searches in Google on the topic, I have been meaning to try the sport. At the time, I never knew of a nearby archery range in Quezon City. Going all the way to Ortigas on a weekend to kill some time will really kill it. The perennial traffic, plus the waiting in line to be served in line. I have already been dealing with traffic on a daily basis, I want my weekend to be spared of it.
I’m thrilled when my date insisted on doing a sports and recreational activity for a change and brought me to the DeMilitarized Zone, simply known as DMZ Archery Range. We’re both Northeners and the location is strategically located in a sleepy subdivision. It’s searchable on Waze too. After we went, I checked their Facebook profile only to find out that there are a number of FB friends / Eventurers who keep on coming back to the place. Don’t be fooled. Upon entering that door, you will set foot in a parlor first. You might get confused, like we did, but the staff will motion you to walk ahead towards a metal door. Which leads to the arena.
It’s pretty much a full house weekend for an 18mm standard indoor archery range. The players will catch your attention but don’t get fixated by them. You have to enlist to be given a waiting number and sign a waiver afterwards. The lady who assisted us told that there was already a line waiting outside before they even start operating for the day. It’s a good thing we came with a full belly on a lunch hour. We have no problem waiting. That’s what board games are made for – to pass away time.
As much as I like board games (except chess), I like documenting moments a.k.a. #LiveLifeShareMoments more than anything. I took time to roam within the limited range, take pictures, and participate in coaching instead. The second picture I shared is not exactly the vantage view upon entering the facility. I meant to depict the staff assisting the players behind.
Meanwhile, here are the venue highlights I find to be worthy of interest: DMZ Archery Range photo wall, bow and arrow illustration, bow holder, and archery hobbyist gadgets.
Two hours and two batches before us went by in a breeze. To be fair, we never got bored. We observed how the trainer coaches the players on proper posture, cue signals, and locking the arrows in place and when to release them. There are also trained archers who brought their own equipment and played alongside with the players. Except that their target is positioned at a farther distance.
Demo before you call it your shots.
There are two shooting ranges in DMZ Archery Range. Shortly before the group before us started their session, we were motioned to wait outside the second facility, albeit smaller than the first. The first can accommodate 16 players at the same time. The second can accommodate only 10. Here’s a side shot of the first and the bigger facility. I have no problem moving into the smaller room since we can feel the AC cooling us out while we were playing. You can barely feel the AC in the bigger facility.
As a precautionary measure, we were taught to how to safely remove the arrows from the targets to avoid injury.
Finally, our finest moment! Shooting hours for an hour makes you crave for more. Time flies if you are having fun. But our arms are actually getting sore from all the shooting. That long, black armband we were wearing? I thought at first it is to maintain our position while aiming. It also serves as a protection. My date was spared from having an injury when the bow string hit it. Luckily, I didn’t need to prove that to myself.
This round belongs to him. I can’t quite fathom why I never hit the right side of my target. Here’s a shot below of his target. Each player is given five arrows.
DMZ Archery Range is a good sports and recreational activity in Quezon City to foster bonding among friends. Finally, a place for North people to go to. It only costs P199/hour for unlimited shooting.
No wonder there are some who extends their playtime.
And since my date brought me here to shoot arrows, I will bring him next time to a gun shooting range. I’ve had prior experience. Maybe I can beat him this time.
