Sunday, September 21, 2014

Gandiva Archery: Bring Out the Archer in You!

Gandiva Archery
I've finally crossed this off my list! :)



Gandiva Archery
Thank you, Gandiva Archery, for making my dreams of becoming Katniss Everdeen a reality. HAHA!
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Kidding aside, it was so much fun!! It's been a while since I last tried anything new, and I'm so glad Mike and I were together for this one.
Gandiva Archery
Gandiva, named after a celestial bow in the Mahabharata, began as an archery store in SM Mall of Asia in 2008. In 2010, they moved to Ortigas and started selling world class equipment (from their tie-up with Samick) and training from skilled instructors.

Sessions at Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range are at P980/hour, but if you go there on weekdays, they have a trial package that will cost you P300 less. For P680, you already get one hour use of range lane, archery equipment, a target face, and assistance from their pro staff.
Gandiva Archery
The coaches will tell you the do's and don'ts on the range, and how to properly hold a bow. It can get pretty intimidating at first, but you'll get the hang of it once you've shot a few arrows.
Gandiva Archery
Here's how my first tries looked like:
Gandiva Archery
Terrible, right? For first timers, I would suggest using the normal target face (instead of the one with the zombie or the boy with an apple on his head), so you have a bigger target area and therefore, less misses.
Gandiva Archery
Initially, I thought a one-hour session was too short, but 40 minutes into it, my right arm was already tired. The following day, it was sore, and my fingers had bumps/callus from pulling the bowstring. Maybe I should've worn a finger tab, like what pros wear when they train. Feeling pro. Haha!:P
Gandiva Archery
But seriously, archery is more than just a game or a sport. Aside from it being a form of exercise (apparently, drawing a bow burns about 140 calories per half-hour), it also helps increase your focus, stance, coordination, and confidence. Another benefit that many of us will appreciate is that it helps release stress. Imagine your problem is the arrow - just pull back and let it go. It's a good way of releasing negative emotions, don't you agree?
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Still need a lot of practice! Mike was able to hit his target and I wasn't, so I have to go back and keep playing until I do! I was so close though!!
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Guess what? It doesn't end there! Gandiva also has a cafe which they opened in 2011. It's a vegetarian cafe, but don't worry, the food's amazing! It definitely puts healthy food in a better light for me.

Mushroom Crispies (P130)
Enoki mushroom with BBQ dipping sauce or eggless thousand island dip
Gandiva Archery
Tomato Basil and Bacon Cheeseburger pizzas
Homemade pizza dough with malunggay (comes in two sizes)Gandiva Archery
Vegetarian Sisig (P140)
Veggie meat cooked sisig style, side salad and rice
Gandiva Archery
Thank you so much for having us! Until next time! :)
Gandiva Archery
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Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range
7/F One Corporate Center, Julia Vargas Street cor. Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Cafe: (02) 638-4549 / Archery: (02) 638-8771
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am - 7pm & Friday and Saturday 10am - 9pm

Don't forget to like their Facebook page for promos and updates! ;)