Despite the scorching heat of the sun, we still went on with the plan to visit Agas-Agas Bridge in Brgy. Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

With a height of 75 meters and a length of 350 meters, Agas-Agas Bridge claims the title- highest bridge in the Philippines, as of this writing. Imagine a 30-storey building–That’s how high it is.

With a budget of Php 1.02 billion, its construction started in 2006 and was completed in three years. Surrounded by two mountains, the bridge connects the town of Mahaplag and Sogod.

We just wanted to see the bridge but we got more than what we expected. It was the first day opening of the Zip Southern Leyte, the first tandem zipline in Eastern Visayas.

Being the adrenaline junkie who craves for adventure, of course, I didn’t let the chance pass. The take-off point was situated in a higher area than the bridge. It’s surrounded by steel fence. When I saw the launch pad, my heart started beating fast. The zipping position: Superman-style with the whole body facing the ground

Scared? I’ve tried a lot of ziplines so there’s no need to be scared. But knowing that the zipline is new, the look of the launch pad made me tremble. My cousins, mama and my aunt were also going to try zipping. Since it’s tandem, we got our partners.

Tita Abet, who haven’t tried any ziplines before, tested her courage and went on first. Bea and I followed. The staff asked us about our weights. The weight determines who goes first between the tandem. The heavier one goes first. The heavier travels faster than the lighter one. Why? Law of Physics. (Please don’t ask me to explain more. It’s my least favorite subject. hehe)

Rainier rides the zipline for the first time.

For Php 270.00 ($6.50), I got the adrenaline rush that I was looking for as I flew in a 45 degree angle. I screamed my heart out but the winds blew the fears away. The lush greens with the silhouettes of the mountains was a breathtaking scene. The wind also cooled my face. It took 45 seconds before I got my feet back on the ground. I checked Rash (my camera) and it was safely tied in the harness. Yes, I flew with my DSLR. hahaha. Crazy. But the moments of the first-timers must be captured.

Showing that she’s young at heart, Mama tried zipping for the first time even though she had butterflies in her stomach. My equally adventure-seeking brother was all-smiles for the camera.

Then, I learned from Mr. Edwin Sacdalan of the famed Camp Sabros Zipline in Davao that the 880 meter-long zipline was built 95 meters above the ground. His group helped the local government put up the tandem zipline.

Travel Notes:

• Agas-Agas means “flowing water”. A mini-waterfalls can be found near the launchpad of the zipline. Different species of trees (just don’t ask me what. I forgot my Forestry 1 lessons. haha) can also be found in the area. Here’s one of the trees that caught my attention.

• From Tacloban City, one may reach Agas-Agas bridge in a two-hour van ride from the Tacloban City Terminal in Abucay. Fare ranges from Php 150-200.

• From Bato, Sogod is an hour away drive.