Women of adventure

This early, television programs and magazines are talking about where to experience something new and daring this summer. There are several accomplished women who have been at the forefront of exploring an adventure in broadcasting, giving their audiences a taste for the rich, sharp experiences many of us only wish we could try. They share their favorite adventures with The STAR’s readers.

The unbeatable former tennis champion Dyan Castillejo (www.dyancastillejo.com) is the country’s pioneer female sports adventurer on television, having broken through so many walls to become an award-winning icon on sports television. Her weekend magazine show “Sports Unlimited” set the standard for its genre.

“There are so many beautiful active destinations around the Philippines,” says Dyan as she lists her favorites. “Batanes: the views are simply breathtaking and the Ivatan people are very friendly. When you’re in Batanes, you’ll always love the great outdoors. Everywhere is a perfect nook for biking, running and exploring new adventures like net fishing at night, riding the fallowa, and diving. Misibis Bay in Bacacay, Albay is a luxury island playground suited for those who want to enjoy the active lifestyle while on vacation. The whole family will surely enjoy their zipline, ATV, scuba diving, jetski, inflatables, windsurfing, wall climbing, segway, paintball and rope course.”

Kat De Castro has been a host and television producer for over a decade now, tirelessly throwing herself into the best aquatic sports challenges for her program “Trip Na Trip” and the segment “Swak Na Swak” for ABS-CBN and The Filipino Channel.

“Romblon has everything. From watersports, ATV treks, spelunking and also diving since it has some of the country’s most interesting dive sites,” Kat explains. “My favorites are jet ski racing and kite surfing. I’m an adrenaline junkie that’s why. Nothing can compare to the feeling you get when you speed or slice through the water. I would definitely go back to Kingfisher in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It’s the newest place to be for all the kitesurfers in the world. You see a lot of pros in action and you will learn a lot of them. Everyone supports one another. They will keep on encouraging you ‘til you fly out into the sky and tackle those waves.”

Pat Fernandez has been the ray of morning sunshine for Solar News Channel for the last two years, expertly explaining local and international weather for Solar Daybreak and Solar News Cebuano at noon. She vaulted to prominence by winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International crown in 2008, and now hosts P.A.T.: People Attractions Travel, which takes her all over the country in search of the undiscovered, interesting and exciting destinations in the Philippines.

“My first story (for another network) was quite memorable. We had a trip to Pinatubo. We swam, drove 4x4s, our footwear got stuck in the mud. The cameramen had to carry me,” she laughs. “We swam in the middle of the lake. It was quite fun. Until now, I can still remember the details, and that was 2009. Not bad for a first story.

“The most exciting thing I’ve done in my life is swim with the dolphins in Ocean Adventure in Subic. We did that even without asking permission from management, so I was in my reporter clothes. Then the trainer said, “You want to jump in?” Okay! I was dripping in the van. It was worth it.”

All three ladies of adventure agree on certain staple destination like Boracay and Davao.

“Boracay is a bit pricey but it has the best facilities when it comes to dragon boat racing, jet ski racing, paddle boarding and kitesurfing,” Kat stresses. “Pagudpud, depending on the season, is best for surfing and kitesurfing. Less crowds too.”

“I like it because I get to go out and take my time. It’s very obvious when I like something. I get to suggest more now, unlike before,” shares Pat, who is living her childhood dream of travel of breathtaking new experiences while overcoming the amusing protectiveness of her male colleagues. “I like Davao. I like the Pearl Farm, I like the food, even the weather. Usually, they take care of me.”

“Boracay. This paradise may be crowded during peak season but you’ll never run out of things to do here. My all-time favorites are cliff diving, sunset jogging, wave pool surfing and mermaid swimming,” Dyan elaborates. “Thanks to Sports Unlimited, I got to experience so many unforgettable thrills in Davao. From climbing Mt. Apo, white water rafting, and scuba diving its numerous dive sites, to island hopping, ziplining, rappelling and trying out fun beach inflatables, this place is a great pitstop to get your adrenaline rush this summer.”

Now there’s no excuse to try something different this summer. Who knows, you may even catch Dyan, Kat or Pat trying things you’ve only dreamed of.