Experience Safe, No-Strings-Attached Climbing in Makati
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.
“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.
“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.
