Calisthenics: Flying with the Bars

Whether on bars, floors or sand, they move like extraordinary because more than of enjoying, they found their sports as life changing.

The combination of the word “Bar” and the name of their Province, “La Union” derived the term “Labarion”. It was coined by the four teenagers who swiftly engaged in Calisthenics—a kind of intense workout that involves own body weight.

Their desire for a fit and healthier body goes beyond bounded walls. A routine gym workout where they used to go had escalated to a more exhilarating, sweat releasing outdoor exercise.

Seems Like Flying

Our camera did not capture even a nip of agitation or sense of uncertainty. All we seen were quick body movements turning on different directions in course of seconds. They were hanging or swinging on the bar, pulling the surfaces and soaring on the air. It must be well-calculated, well-rehearsed or should we say, an extreme mind and body coordination.

Before the sun sets, the Labarion fills the spacious Costa Villa. It has been their daily arena for over three years in Calisthenics.

“Naglalaro kami every day or four times a week dito. Ito ‘yung training ground namin at dito na rin kami nakaka-unlock ng mga bagong moves.” (“We are playing every day or 4 times a week. It has been our training ground and where we continuously discovering new moves.”)

Calisthenics is naturally an attention-gainer sports. The age group of adolescence got easily hooked and in months, members started to grow.

Having Fun

The desire to learn the sports and eventually soaking on it could be the plot twist in the stories of these young enthusiasts. Before being introduced to Calisthenics, perhaps their youth or immaturities have driven them into such unfortunate events.

Some of them were out from school for a year or two due to online games addiction. For others, stealing or ruining someone’s property seemed to be just a hobby. Drowned with quick and fake happiness, the idea of ruined lives was just invisible.

Somehow, Calisthenics has served as their siren, waking them up from a dark dream. The sports has helped align their priorities, discover their potentials, and discern right from wrong.

Paolo Delos Reyes, the Labarion’s leader, has witnessed some transformations of his members, from their sports development to shaping a desirable behaviour.

“Nandoon sila sa age na naghahanap sila ng libangan at kapag nagsawa sila kung anu-anong trip na, magwa-wal-wal.” (“They were in the age when they were looking for something fun. Once they got bored, they tend to lose their control and just do anything.”]

Redeeming Morale

The leader himself and a member have been pity victims of bullying. It was never the good old days in school, but a memory of how they physically and verbally abused. Bullies dominated as they see them as thin, weak, and ready to serve as punching bags.

It did not disappear on Leo Marinas’ memory how he endured to be the core of everyone’s laugher and insults.

“Sinusuntok habang nagsusulat. Itinatapon ‘yung gamit sa CR.” (“I was being beaten while writing. They used to dump my bag in the comfort room.”]

They exist but never felt belong. Calisthenics has redefined them, giving them an ultimate identity.

“Habang tumatagal po mas nakikilala na ako. ‘Yung ginawa po namin nakakatulong po para ma-enhance ‘yung personality po namin.” (“People can slowly understand and value who I am. Calisthenics has helped to develop our personalities.”)

Through the years, Calisthenics has slowly gaining a foothold in countries like the Philippines. The Labarion aims to partake as a matter of recognising its impact and significance. To introduce it to as many people as possible and make it as popular as the basketball are their simple gestures for Calisthenics—the sports that help them realized what living is all about.

Get to know more about the Calisthenics in the Philippines in this short documentary, Batang Baras (Children in Baras).