Try This!
Mt. Pinatubo Challenge
By Leng Castillo
At my age (yes, I’m 43!), a certified mom and definitely not a mountaineer, I was a bit hesitant joining the Mt. Pinatubo challenge headed by Phil Chua. But I have been waiting for this adventure for quite some time now and I’m not getting any younger. With the encouragement of these two sporty girls, Joyce Sicena and Janice Baloaloa, I whisked off all the negative thoughts in my mind, took a one-week regular body work-out and braved this exciting getaway with my colleagues.
Team Walang Iwanan was made for this adventure.
The group Team Walang Iwanan was born and here are the wonderful people behind it: Phil, Joyce, Jobert, Nica, Ver, May-Anne, Rona, Debbie, Cha, and yours truly. We were a total of ten people. To ensure safety, we were equally divided into two to meet the maximum capacity of the 4×4 jeep. Five guests, a driver, and a trail guide sum up the passengers in one jeep.
Getting up at 1:30 am is the first hurdle. We agreed to meet at 2:30 am in McDonald’s Quezon Avenue. Joyce, Rona, and I arrived just in time. We had a quick breakfast to fuel up our bodies for the long trek ahead. We boarded the van and by 3 am, we were on our way to Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.
It was still dark when we arrived in Tarlac’s Tourism office for the registration. By 6:30 am we assembled in the waiting area for the briefing and orientation by Ms. Sonia Bognot, the tour organizer. I was in the 9th group of the 4×4 jeeps with Joyce, Rona, Debbie, Ver, and Vincent, our trail guide, and Raymond, our driver.
As soon as we entered the vast expanse of the lahar valley, my spirit started soaring high. My heart was immensely jumping and shouting for joy. It was so amazing exploring a new-found territory.
We laughed like little kids as we jolted up and down, and swayed from left to right. It was a bumpy fast ride where we held on for dear life! Halfway, we hopped out from the vehicle for a photo shoot. Glad to see Aeta children in the vicinity. When asked for picture taking, they smiled candidly in front of the camera. I was expecting these kids to ask for money in exchange of what we asked for. But they never did. They are such kind-hearted souls.
I can’t help but remember how the Aetas were left with almost nothing after the massive destruction of 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. The volcano was dormant for 500 years. Now, Mt. Pinatubo is sleeping peacefully, no longer a threat to the nearby towns of Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac. I admire those who survived the catastrophe.
We conquered the rocky trail and strong streams running through the rocks as we went back to the jeep. After half an hour, we finally reached the Base Camp. The 6 km, two-hour trek to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo starts here.
The sun was shining radiantly; and we were fortunately enough to be blessed with a cool breeze as we trek. We started walking by 7:50 am. I know deep in my heart, I can make it. “Mind over matter,” ika nga.
Looking around, all we saw were lahar, lahar-formed hills, stones, boulders, and flowing streams. I was even more excited as we made it halfway – walking, crossing streams, chatting, laughing, and lots of picture taking. I was amused seeing a small stream where the flowing water was colored yellow. It was sulfur according to our guide. Amazing find, isn’t it?
The so-called lahar country starts here.
The first stream we crossed coming from the Base Camp.
Some more lahar-filled hills.
Later we reached TJ Station, the actual Drop Point area. There are two kubos there, a bathroom, and the iconic welcome signage of Mt. Pinatubo. It says:
Your trek starts here. For young age: 15 minutes, middle age: 18 minutes, and Senior citizen: 20 minutes. Where do you belong?
What?? After two hours of sweating, the trek will only start here? They have got to be kidding me.
Surprisingly, I still had the energy I needed. No body pains yet, just sweat. This is what I get from being a sporty mom. Thanks to our badminton and volleyball sports in the office, I am active and energetic. After photo opportunity with the welcome sign, we headed to the crater.
No more lahar this time. We entered a mini rainforest, with several small streams with very clear water and lots of rocks. Some of these rocks were so slippery. So beware! Thanks to the shade of the towering trees that protected us from the sun.
We walked fast aiming for the 15-minute trek. But we could not overtake some trekkers on the steep trail who were walking slowly. I was able to count 79 steps before the sign that says, “Welcome to Mt. Pinatubo!” Yehey! Finally we’re here!
I can’t describe how it felt looking at this wonderful creation up close and personal.
It was so beautiful! The water on the crater was amazingly turquoise was a picture-perfect. It was a sight to behold. It’s my second time to see a crater, Taal Lake being the first. It was so wonderful!
Then, we went down to the crater. I was ever in awe as I my eyes feasted on the magnificent view. Everywhere I look was a picture of tranquillity. The lake was so clear. It was so inviting to swim. But swimming is now prohibited because of a previous accident that happened. Even boating is no longer allowed in the lake. Since we can’t enjoy any water activities, we just captured the moment by looking at the view.
Later, we went up and settled for lunch. We sat under a tree and enjoyed our food. We rested for about an hour. By 1 pm, we got up from our seats and had our last group picture in the photo den. I was left behind savoring more the remaining minutes watching the beautiful crater, refreshed and satisfied.
Going back was easy. We did it in only one hour and thirty minutes. Once again, the 4×4 jeep roved on the rocky and dusty roads and into several river bed crossings. Dusts were flying freely in the air.
It was so hard to suppress my bliss for conquering the beautiful and magical Mt. Pinatubo. Why do I have to, anyway? I am glad I conquered Mt. Pinatubo and I thank the Lord for another exciting and unforgettable adventure that I will never ever forget for the rest of my life.
The reward was very promising. Better try it for yourself while you still can.
Special thanks to Majestic Mt. Pinatubo Tours. This tour includes van transfer from Quezon Ave. to Capas, Tarlac and vice versa, 4×4 jeeps, packed lunch, local tour guides, applicable fees, and 1 liter of bottled water.
It is your option to give a tip to the tour guide. With Vincent’s outstanding service, we did!
Things to bring:
- Sun block
- Cap
- Water
- Packed lunch (for those who are not availing a tour package)
- Arm warmer
- Trail food
- Camera
- Dust mask
- Big scarf
- Sunglasses
- Trekking stick may help
- Extra clothes
- Garbage bag
- Pen
Notes:
- Wear a comfortable shirt, shorts or leggings.
- Multi-strap sandals (Sandugo or Tribu) or slippers are good for river crossing but your feet might get dusty.
- Rubber shoes are just fine with socks. In my case, I wore Merrelle water proof shoes.
- Hydrate yourself with water so you will not get tired easily during the trek
- There are no restrooms along the way, so better go to the bathroom at the waiting area before you trek. Bathrooms are found in Drop Point area and in the Crater Lake Park.
- Swimming and boating are no longer available this time.
- 40-year olds and above need to undergo a compulsory blood pressure checking.
- Leave no waste, please!
In getting there through public transportation:
Board a bus in Manila or in Pasay (Victory Liner, Genesis, or Five Star) going to Baguio, Dagupan, Tarlac, or Urdaneta and alight at Capas, Tarlac. Board a tricycle in front of McDonald’s Capas and tell the driver to drop you in front of the Tourism Office in Sta. Juliana. Sonia Bognot’s contact numbers: 0932-6094226 and 0918-6021943
