Flowboarding at Flow House Manila

Calling all thrill seekers out in there! A new water activity has set and waiting for you to be tested! Have you already tried wakeboarding? Surfing? Skimboarding? Yeah? Hmm... how about flowboarding? Not yet? Well, flowboarding is the new hype in town which gives waterboard sports a new kind of face. Flowboarding combines the look of surfing, the tricks of skateboarding, and the boards of wakeboarding yet instead of doing it outdoor, flowboarding are being manipulated/controlled by mechanics. The said sport has been evolving since the 80's but been an underdog since the market which offers this sport is just limited as they are only seen on some resorts, cruise ships, etc. But worry no more because Flow House Manila brought it to the metro and they are now operating!

How to get there?
Flow Hose Manila is located at Molino Boulevard corner Masaito Drive in Bacoor City. If you are going to commute, you may take a commercial van in MOA having a signboard of Paliparan-Molino. Just inform the driver to drop you off at Flow House Manila as it is just along the road. Just in case the driver do not know where Flow House Manila is (since it's just new in the area), just tell them to drop you at V-Central Mall along Molino Boulevard. V-Central Mall is just beside Flow House Manila. Travel time is maximum of an hour.

Option 2: Take a bus at Coastal Mall terminal having a signboard going to Dasmarinas. Then tell the bus conductor to drop you at St. Dominic College of Asia. From there, take a tricycle going to Flow House Manila.

As I am blogging this, Flow House Manila is still in its development period. The area hasn't fully furnished yet like the shopping mall and stuff but the flowboarding area as well as the bar are fully functional. As for their rates and fees, flowboarders will have to spend PhP 650 per hour per head which is inclusive of entrance fee, board rental, instructor, and pool use. For non riders there is an entrance fee of Php 300 which is also a consumable value in the bar/restaurant. Both flow riders and non flow riders can use the pool without time limit. Just kindly refer on the schedule below for the operating hours of Flow House Manila:

Monday – Friday: 10 AM to 12 MN
Saturday – Sunday: 8 AM to 12 MN

The pool side

The bar and restaurant

The flowboarding activity area

Then my family

There are three kinds of position you can do when trying out this activity. First is the laying down position, second is where you are sitting on top of the board and the most difficult one is the stand up position of course. Tip: Flowboarding is considered a sport so basically you will have to keep riding to improve. I fell so many times (surfers called it wipe out) before I was able to do the stand up position. Also always listen to the instructor's advice. They're expert and only wanted to help us to enjoy the experience fully. Do not afraid to get wipe out because the material used by Flow House Manila is similar to that used in trampolines. The ride surface is ready to absorb impacts and will have you bouncing back for more. Yeah I got hurt to some of my wipe out but its tolerable and nothing to worry about.

Lookin' cool right?

Picking some advice from my instructor

Then I let go of the rope and started surfing...

After a minute or less, I got swipe out. lol!

As per what to wear... hmmm there is no dress code in Flow House Manila, but I strongly recommend a boardshort and a rash guard or any comfortable beach clothes. Also bring your own towel and extra clothes. Just anything light and be prepare to get wet!

Flow House Manila also offers not only flowboarding but also a place where you and your friends can enjoy a great drinking experience as its bar has wide range of beverages - Alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Who wouldn't enjoy a glass of Jack Daniels after a nice flow ride huh?

This is me chillin'

So, what you waitin' for? Grab a friend now and experience flowboarding at Flow House Manila!

Flow House Manila
Molino Boulevard corner Masaito Drive, Bacoor, Cavite
Dial 09985545035 for reservations.
Monday – Friday: 10 AM to 12 MN
Saturday – Sunday: 8 AM to 12 MN

Breakdown of Expenses:
Transportation: Below 100 Pesos from Manila (one way)
Flowboarder: 650 Pesos per hour per head
Non rider: 300 Pesos

Aurora, Baler: More Than Just A Surfing Site

Manileños are just 6 hours away to experience the thrill and fun brought by the huge waves of Aurora, Baler.  Baler is a haven for most Filipino surfer because of its high waves and long coastlines. So no wonder why tourists are drawn to visit the place.

Aside from professional surfers, aspiring surfers are also encouraged to visit  Baler. Locals residing near the beach offers surfing lessons including surfboard rentals in reasonable price. In less than an hour, you will find yourself standing on the board and dancing through the waves.

How to get there?
I suggest securing a seat at Genesis Transport Inc (650 pesos) because they offer direct trips going to Baler. From Cubao, the first trip leaves at 3:00am with trips happening at one hour intervals while the last trip leaves at 7:30am. However in case you miss those schedule, you may take Victory Liner bus going to Cabanatuan (185 pesos). Then from Cabanatuan, you'll find vans or baby buses (170 pesos) that can take you straight to Baler. Travel time is 6-7 hours.

For more information regarding the bus schedules you may call:
(02) 709.0803 / (02) 421.1425 - Genesis Transport Inc
(02) 833-4403 / (02) 833-5019 - Victory Liner

Me and Baron playing Frisbee (photo from Rons Nebre)

As you reach Sabang beach, there are lots of Inns and hotels you can choose from. We chose Bay's Inn (formerly known as Ocean View). Package includes free breakfast and free use of wi-fi connection.

Where we stayed during this trip

Bay's Inn Room Rates (as of  2012):
Double bed room - 700 pesos
Double bed + single bed room - 950 pesos
2 single bed room (w/ ac) - 1050 pesos
Double bed room (w/ ac) - 1150 pesos
Double bed room (w/ ac and hot shower) - 1500 pesos
Double bed + single bed room (w/ ac) - 1500 pesos

Lets GO surfing! (photo from Rons Nebre)

To start up your surfing experience, look for the surfing shop (Mahdox Surf School) near the coast. Surfing rate is 350 pesos. It includes 1 hour surfing lesson, instructor fee and rental of surfboard.

Ask your instructor if you have question in mind (photo from Rons Nebre)

The surfing lesson covers the common surfing terminologies, parts of the surfing board, the correct board positioning and the do's and don'ts in surfing. Listen carefully to your local instructor. Listening to them is the key for you to be able to stand up on your board and as well as to keep you safe. Surfing may be fun however it is still consider as extreme sport.

The newbies - Aiza, Baron and me (photo from Rons Nebre)

Goofy surfer - standing on the board with right foot forward (photo from Rons Nebre)

Eteng is really enjoying this sport! (photo from Rons Nebre)

Its all about balancing  (photo from Rons Nebre)

Baler is more than just surfing. This place is full of exciting and beautiful places you can enjoy so charged up before visiting Baler.

The Giant Balete Tree
Penetrate the inner chamber of Asia's largest balete tree. You can go inside this 600 years old tree and go up with the help of children who offer tour and guide inside the Balete.

Eteng finding her way up

Just waiting for my turn

Ditumabo Falls
This tour requires trekking to reach the mother falls. Ditumabo falls is the largest falls in Aurora.

Extra caution here  (photos from Rons Nebre)

The beauty of Ditumabo Falls  (photos from Rons Nebre)

 (photos from Rons Nebre)

Museo De Baler
Have a quick tour and explore the history of Aurora. You'll enjoy this place even if you're not a fan of history because of the items they have inside.

Look at the detailed design on the museum's wall  (photo from Rons Nebre)

Me and my friends joined a travel group called Barefoot Travels for this trip. We spent 2,900 pesos which includes van transfer (MNL - Baler, roundtrip), accommodation at Bay's Inn, 2 sessions of surfing lesson, breakfast,  and tour/transfer at Museo de Baler, Balete tree of Baler, Ditumabo Falls and Caunayan Falls (didn't had the chance to get quality photos).

2 days of stay is enough to experience all these things. So enjoy and stay safe!