Can a natural tragedy turn into something beautiful? Definitely, yes. What
was once the site of a deadly volcanic activity is now a scenic spot for
adventurers.
With Travel Factor’s PhP 2,450 per head package, our plan to trek Mount
Pinatubo finally pushed through!
Last December 28, 2013, we departed McDonald’s El Pueblo at exactly
3AM. The white van that shuttled us was
full, with 12 excited participants, the driver and our TF travel coordinator,
Maan.
Thanks to our ‘kaskaserong” driver, we arrived at the Department of Tourism
(DOT) office in Capas, Tarlac after only 2 hours. We have to wait because they
open at 6AM. I noticed that there is no mobile phone signal in the area. We also used this time to urinate. There are
available comfort rooms in the different houses nearby. You have to pay PhP 10
though.
When the office finally opened, we filled up a waiver form and paid PhP
150 I.P.I.S fee (They say this is to help the indigenous people in the area).
We then rode the open 4x4 Jeep assigned to us. It was about a 1 and a
half hour ride, passing by streams of water, various rock formations, and dust!
I felt transported in another place,
just like in a set of an adventure movie. I enjoyed the bumpy and challenging
14-kilometer ride. It was really hard taking photos while riding the 4x4 Jeep!
It was about 7.45 AM when we arrived at the start of the 7-kilometer trek.
Kuya Albert, our local tour guide, ably led us through the rough terrain. It is
advisable to wear a jacket or an arm or leg cover as the wind is cold and also,
to protect you from the sun. Also, wear proper trekking shoes as you will pass
by streams and rocks. I had to wear
socks as my feet were having blisters from the long trek.
After 2 hours, we arrived at a “rest stop” where there are urinals and
people selling food and drinks. A word of warning though-- a small bottle of
softdrinks costs PhP 100! Noticeable is a signage that stating how many minutes
to the crater--15 minutes for young ones, 18 minutes for middle age and 20
minutes for senior citizens. We thought it was an easy challenge, but then it
was a really difficult trail because of the bushes and slippery stones. It took
us a good 45 minutes to get to the crater. What a misleading signage!
But all the exhaustion was well worth it as we caught sight of the
lake—which was colored blue-green. It was such a sight, with lush green slopes
& clouds as backdrop.
We then settled on the sand and had our packed lunch and rested our
very tired feet (finally!) I would suggest just bringing sandwiches as it is
quite difficult to eat rice and viand.
After resting and taking photo-ops, we then proceeded to the trail going
back. I was catching my breath and my knees almost gave up on the 198-steps stone
stairway (it doesn't have a handrail also)!
Going back was faster as we took it for just 1 hour and 45 minutes (tho it seemed like forever, maybe because of tiredness). We
finally arrived at the place where our 4x4 Jeep was waiting to take us back to
the DOT office in Capas.
Although exhausted, the trip has left me and my friends with an exhilarating feeling that yes, we conquered Mount Pinatubo!
Although exhausted, the trip has left me and my friends with an exhilarating feeling that yes, we conquered Mount Pinatubo!
