There are dreams too big, too easy, and some that even take too long for us to achieve. Some people also embrace the redirections of their dreams, as long as they can still see them fly and prosper.
For Erwin Guinto, who once dreamed of becoming a pilot, the air took him somewhere else, and that is the forming of the Batangas Aeromasters Radio Control Association (BARCA).
“Most of us dream of flying the real thing but it's expensive. So, flying aircraft through remote controls and other stuff, we consider it as the next best thing,” Guinto told DAILY TRIBUNE Sunday afternoon during the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF).
A 1-kilometer-wide airfield in Tanauan, Batangas, serves as the playground of BARCA members, who spend their time flying their own-crafted aircraft of different sizes, engines, and designs while using their radio-controlled radios.
Though their team joins international competitions, Guinto admitted having jitters whenever they step foot in foreign places for the first time—such as New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
“This is our first time in New Clark City. And a new place always gives you the jitters,” he remarked.
“Nervous, but of course, it's the first time you fly. But after that, it's okay. It's good,” he furthered.
According to Guinto, small models can be built in a week, but the larger and more complicated ones take months and even years to complete.
“The body is made of plywood, the thin one. We just stick it together,” he stated.
“Some have foaming to make it faster. If not, you also have ribs made of plywood,” he continued. He also elaborated that radios, transmitters, and receivers should be purchased and are too dangerous if built manually.
The materials for the construction of the aircraft also vary depending on the budget of those who make them, as some even need gasoline for them to work.
Guinto also explained that they refer to Oscar “Obi” Mapua, the former owner of Mapua Institute of Technology, as the “Father of Radio Control,” who is also an avid enthusiast of remote-controlled aircraft.