HigherDefinition

CEBU, Philippines - “Music was always a big part of my life and a way to make a difference as well,” said Rick Cole, project consultant of Crown Regency’s Sky Extreme Adventure, who claims to have had a “very active and extremely fun childhood filled with adventure, challenges, bumps and bruises while climbing rocks and large trees, even riding some of the trees to the ground as they were cut down.”

He shared that aside from specializing in adventure park setups like that atop the Crown, he has had the opportunity to record three albums in his life and that he hopes to do so more in the next years.

He was able to do solo work and also had two different bands - Tried by Fire and Higher Definition, espousing praise/worship/gospel music. His faith is anchored on being credentialed youth pastor with the Assembly of God in Oregon (USA).

A copy of “In His Image”, recorded and mixed at Soundtech Studios in Phoenix (Arizona), proved that this outdoor adventure freak has also gracefully dealt with spiritual demands in reaching that “higher dimension”; not just literally living on higher grounds.

According to him, writing music is an amazing and exciting experience. “Music is powerful and moving, and affects all those who hear it,” he shared. “I play the drums, but have always wished I had learned guitar or piano — who knows maybe someday.”

Cole mentioned that it is his goal each day to be happy and to smile always; to be laid back, kind and fun, doing his best to help those around him. “I would want to be giving 100 percent to whatever challenge each day brings, and live with honor and integrity somehow managing to affect the lives around me for the better.”

Through his company JRock Adventure, he has traveled extensively to set up adventure-themed parks. Currently, he has been living literally on higher dimension as the new phase of Crown Regency’s extreme thrill rides opened featuring the world’s first urban Tower Zip wherein one can zip across two buildings, 250 feet away from each other. Another exciting ride is the Sky Lift - the first ever motorized zip line in the Philippines wherein one can sit and relax as he/she enjoys the ride from the base of the Sky Extreme Adventure at 461 feet off the ground; and the 32-foot Paramount Climbing Wall placed atop the 40-storey building.

“Adventure work for me started by seeing a need in youth and adults for that matter. And then developing ways to help people improve their abilities, reach goals, face fears and overcome obstacles.”

“From survival training to low elements challenge courses, high ropes courses to quest adventures, zip lines to team building, hiking to city outreach projects, it is all designed to challenge and improve life in every way. Not to mention is so much fun as well, being involved in that kind of activity and watching those I am able to work with go through life changing experiences and succeeding,” he further pointed out.

Further, it was learned that Mr. Richard King invited him to be involved in a project here in Cebu . He said that King had this incredible idea for adventure style rides to be incorporated into what is called the Sky Extreme Adventure at the roof level of the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. “An amazing concept that of course led to my relocation to Cebu in June of 2010 to oversee, design and ensure safety standards for the industry were in place.”

As for “In His Image”, it featured 12 tracks with easy-to-mouth, easy-to-follow-through, easy-to-digest lyrics bearing immediate impact on one’s spiritual status. Unlaced with too much of that ear-piercing synths or that intimidating American twang, Cole’s act of lending vocals is a refreshing alternative.

For this project, he collaborated with Rick Bufton (on lead guitar/vocals), Russ Cole (on bass), Sam Shelton (on drums), and Trent Swartzentruber (on rhythm guitar/vocals).

“We pray that you will not only listen to the music on this album, but that the message behind the music will reach your heart and change your life. We are all nothing but sinners saved by the grace of God who loves us without reservation or bias,” the message on the album read.

Furthermore, Cole underscored that the “basis for all of these works is centered on faith and understanding that all of us have a purpose in life,” and when we place goals and work towards a future, not just living in the moment, “life takes on a whole new meaning.” (FREEMAN)