Experience Safe, No-Strings-Attached Climbing in Makati
MANILA, Philippines – The Bouldering Hive (bhive), the only gym in Metro Manila dedicated to bouldering, has resumed operations following a temporary six-month closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Located at Ayala Malls, Circuit Makati, The Bouldering Hive offers a host of immersive features and fully-stocked amenities, perfect for experienced and first-time climbers. The Bouldering Hive first opened in September 2019 and quickly became a favorite weekday spot among climbers throughout the metro.
Bouldering, a unique form of rock climbing that requires only two things: chalk and climbing shoes. Ropes and harnesses are not necessary, making bouldering a relatively simple and inexpensive activity for anyone to pick up. Climbs can be up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall or relatively low, with a one foot-thick safety mat that allows climbers to return to the ground with a soft landing.
“Bouldering is a modern approach to climbing,” says Christoph Bastin. “It is a 3D puzzle you solve with your body. This is a way people can try something new and overcome their limits, like a fear of heights. We have a saying in the climbing community, ‘feel the fear, but do it anyway.’ You can climb at your own pace and experience the joy of overcoming your limits.”
Adapting to the Pandemic
Gyms in Metro Manila have begun to re-open following six months of government-sanctioned community quarantine. With this, Bastin and his team implemented numerous measures to provide climbers with a safe environment against COVID-19:
- All climbers must submit health declarations and temperature checks upon entry
- Mask must be worn at all times. Free masks are provided in case the mask gets too wet
- The gyms capacity is limited to 30 visitors per time slot
- 3 separate time slots are allotted per day to reduce the risk of exposure among visitors
- Each slot is 3 hours long, with 30-minute breaks in between to sanitize the gym
- Climbing walls and holds are routinely disinfected every day
- All climbers must wash their hands before and after their workout
- Only liquid chalk (a mixture of climbing chalk and alcohol) is permitted on-site to keep hands dry and also disinfect hands regularly during climbing
- Showers are currently closed and unavailable for use
- CO2 levels are monitored at the gym and a high level of ventilation inside the gym is maintained
A Community Center for New and Experienced Climbers
“Climbers have their office, their home, and The Bouldering Hive,” says founder Christoph Bastin. “We designed this gym to help foster a community. It’s become a place where people gather multiple times a week to meet friends and push themselves or just have fun. We’ve also hosted events, competitions, and activities that bring together Metro Manila’s growing climbing community. The pandemic has brought these events to a stop, but the sense of community is still strong.”
Since its launch late last year, The Bouldering Hive has become a favorite after-work and weekend spot for climbers in the city. This deep connection to the community allowed The Bouldering Hive to host a number of events like film showings, birthday parties and climbing competitions for new and experienced climbers alike. Following the pandemic their focus is on offering a safe and fun environment to exercise in small groups or alone. Their introduction to bouldering courses is the perfect way to experience indoor climbing in a safe and fun way.
“Bouldering is a worldwide phenomenon and what I like most about it is the community,” adds Christoph Bastin. “The climbing community is really welcoming and climbers usually offer tips and support to first timers.”
The Bouldering Hive is once again open following the six-month implementation of community quarantine. Located at the Upper Ground Floor at Circuit Lane, Ayala Malls, Circuit Makati, The Bouldering Hive houses 400 sqm of climbing walls, air-conditioning, a coworking space and lockers. Rates for climbing start at PHP 600.
Learn more at http://www.bhiveph.com and follow The Bouldering Hive on Facebook and Instagram (@bhiveph) for regular updates. s
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About The Bouldering Hive
Located in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, The Bouldering Hive is the first bouldering only gym for climbers of all levels in Metro Manila. A popular stop for the city’s growing climbing community, The Bouldering Hive features a diverse experience perfect for new-comers and experienced climbers alike. Follow The Bouldering Hive on Facebook (/bhiveph) and Instagram (@bhiveph) or visit their website (www.bhiveph.com) for regular updates.