by Florence Pia G. Yu
Published: Sun Star Weekend
Cebu City, Philippines
December 17, 2000
She first started climbing the mountains of her hometown, Tacloban, at 18-years old.� Now at 21, this professional rock/wall climber is still scaling it to the top.� There seems to be no stopping her--even if she's literally driven up the wall.
"I guess my father was a bit afraid for me. Eventually though, he learned to understand me, especially when he saw what I had been achieving in climbing!I would appear on TV, on the papers.� Now, he cuts news articles of me in the newspapers," tells Dorothy.
As a young achiever in her field,� a number of titles are already tied to her name. She recently bagged the Championship for the Intercollegiate Sports Climbing Competition here in Cebu.
In the 4th National Sports Climbing Competition two years ago, she placed 6th--a notch away from making it to the Philippine team to compete abroad. She plans to vie for a spot in the top five next year.�
But Dorothy's game plan does not only include wrestling with ropes.
On weekdays, she attends school.� After class--from six� to 10 p.m.--she works her way up man-made walls of Vertigo Climbing Center, where she is also a part time instructor on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, she could be seen "romancing"� the stone walls and rocks of remote mountains of Toledo.
Despite the hectic schedule, she says she has nothing to complain. "I've grown used to this life," she says with a smile.�
Why do you love to climb?
I wanted to do something different.� And it is a release for everyday stress.� My problems vanish when I climb.� Usually, when I get bummed at school, I go to the center to climb.
What kind of climber are you?
I'm more of a natural climber than a technical climber.
Which do you prefer, rock climbing or wall climbing?
I do both but I prefer rock climbing.� I like climbing natural walls, unlike wall climbing, which is indoors.� Rock climbing is more challenging.
What makes it challenging?
You don't know the wall, the hold and all the other features of the wall, unlike in wall climbing where everything is predictable: you� see a certain hold; you already know what approach to use to get the move.
Why does rock climbing appeal to you?
I have freedom with my moves. In wall climbing, my moves are calculated to get to the goal.
How does it feel to be climbing outdoors?
Exhilarating. It's so quiet and peaceful.. Mura ka ug romancing the stone! (says with a flourish)
What is the technique when you compete in wall climbing contests?
You have to have a feel for the wall you're climbing.� You should be able to read the wall and the holds so that you can plan your every move.� It's a mental game.
How do you prepare yourself for every climb?
I train everyday. I go around the gym tracks five times, and I do pull ups.
What does it take to survive in this sport?
Presence of mind.
Does the thought of falling to your death ever enter your mind?
Always.
How do you feel about it?
Usahay ka-ihi-on ko (I feel like peeing in my pants sometimes)! (laughs) But that's where the challenge is. (grins)
What are your other fears when climbing?
When I climb outdoors, I fear of snakes biting my hand.� I get scared when I think of that, but so far, that hasn't happened to me.
How do you make sure you're safe when climbing?
I check my equipment. I visualize the sequencing of my moves because just one false move and I could fall.
What has rock climbing developed in you?
Foresight.� I find it easy to think of solutions to problems and getting around unusual situations.
How do you divide your time between school and climbing?
I don't study! (laughs)� No, actually, if something needs to be read, I read.� When there are assignments, I do them.� But I don't spend extra time studying in advance.� I'drather climb.
You'd rather concentrate on climbing?
It seems that way! (laughs, whispers with an impish grin) Ayaw lang ug sab� sa akong papa, ha (Don't tell my dad, ok?)?
How does it feel to be rock climbing with mostly men?
(Ponders) Proud pod ko! (giggles)� Syempre, gamay ray tawo nga makabuhat ani (I feel proud because there are very few people who can do what I do).�
How did it feel to be the only girl in the team in the Carrera Condura race?
Great!� Like I was in control.
What do you think of girls who are into this sport?
Continue. Girls can also kick butts. They should push themselves to the limit.
How do you feel, doing what you do?
I feel unique that I have a certain talent that others don't have.� It makes me feel confident.
Do you see yourself making a career out of rock/wall climbing?
No.� In the Philippines, it doesn't pay.� Although it's hitting the mainstream, there isn't much money in it yet.�
Do you see yourself climbing years from now?
Yes.� Maybe even if I have a kid (grins).� I'll let my kid climb, too.� Feel man gud ni nako!