Of Bows and Arrows | Kodanda Archery Range

If you have read the entire Hunger Games trilogy or have enjoyed the first two instalments of the series in the big screen, then you most probably have also envied Katniss Everdeen’s skill in archery. Before that, I had a secret crush on Legolas from The Lord of the Rings, and fancied being Princess Merida in Brave. Recently, I even imagined myself as Artemisia, Artemisia I of Caria, in 300 Rise of an Empire. It seems like my fascination for bows and arrows go way back and it is only high time for me to quench this thirst.

WHY ARCHERY

People who know me can testify that I am not a sporty person. Far from it. However, I have always wanted to play archery. Aside from the thrill of holding a bow (and the instinct to kill, haha), this can also be a form of exercise, albeit not as strenuous as others. Still, it can strengthen one’s arms, shoulders, chest, and back. With constant practice, it can develop upper body strength and improve posture and balance.

I also like that this exercise can help people focus. With enough mind into the game, players can easily hit the target. More importantly, I observe that this can also be a stress-reliever. If others want to have an outlet for stress and frustration, I think archery is a good way to let off some steam.

KODANDA ARCHERY RANGE

In the Philippines, archery is yet to be a common sport for everyone. It isn’t easy to find someone who plays and even harder to know a location where one can practice. Last week, I was lucky enough to have found a hidden treasure right in the heart of the metro.

Kodanda Archery Range is a seven-lane, fully air-conditioned range located in Makati Cinema Square, Makati. With Kodanda being a Sanskrit word for “he who has a bow”, a companion of Rama as he overcomes evil in Ramayana epic, the range prides itself as the only indoor (versus open air) and open to the public (versus membership required) venue in Makati for archery enthusiasts.

I LOVE KODANDA

with my namesake, Monica twin

Why do I love Kodanda Archery Range?

Kodanda is a venue for those interested to try archery and who also don’t want to spend a fortune for playing.
Kids as young as seven years old can take beginner’s lessons
Has the most affordable hourly rate and already includes range rental, international-standard equipment and protective gear usage, and archery basics coaching from expert instructors.
The staff are all friendly and attentive
The range is accessible from people living in Manila.

DO’S AND DON’TS

Done with my first archery lesson, here are some tips I would like to share with you, so you prepare when you take your classes.

Do follow your coach’s instructions – he/she is always right. I like that this sport doesn’t need any athletic level, so with practice, I can easily gain mastery in archery.

Left arm stretched, right arm a bit higher angled, strings near the jaw, left eye closed.

Do stretch first. My upper left arm was sore after practice.
Do bring your eyeglasses, especially if you are myopic like me. I couldn’t see the yellow, red, and black circles in my target paper when I wasn’t wearing my specs.
Do pick up your arrows only after all the players are done. Otherwise, you might end up with an arrow sticking to your head.
Don’t go to the archery range intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Common sense.
Don’t walk in front of other archers while they are playing. Or you might be the next target.
Don’t point your bow at people. Unless you really want to hit them with your arrow. Kidding.

WHAT TO WEAR

It is a requirement to wear a pair of rubber shoes or sneakers when you go to Kodanda. All other safety gear such as arm guard, finger tab, chest guard, quiver, and recurve bow will all be provided.

PUBLISHED RATES / LESSONS OFFERED

Rates

Hourly rate is Php 550/person inclusive of the usage of international-standard equipment and safety gear, as well as basic archery coaching by expert teachers.

Php 200 range rental per person for those who already have their own gear.

Additional Php 30 if archers want to take home the target paper for souvenir.

Lessons

Php 6000 for ten one-hour sessions. Students will be issued a Certificate of Completion after the classes. Basic and advanced archery will be taught by Syd Fraginal (Philippine SEA Games record holder), Ronalyn Alvarez (Palarong Pambansa winner), and Ronna May Alvarez (former member of developmental team of the Philippines).

REMEMBER: It only takes a lot of practice! I don’t have any athletic bone in my body, but look what I managed to accomplish on my first class. Not bad, right?

Are you interested to be an archer? For reservation and further inquiry, you may reach Kodanda Archery Range through:

Contact numbers: 02) 621.9109 and (0932) 843.6614 – look for May
Operating hours: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Mondays to Sundays
Email: [email protected]
Facebook page: Kodanda Archery Range

Who wants to shoot some arrows? I hope we can play together! If you want to try out archery, I highly recommend that you go over Kodanda Archery Range and see for yourself. Let them know I sent you!

***