Pinatubo Crater Lake

At 25 years old, my ideal type of adventure and even that of a date would be something as challenging as climbing a mountain, trekking across a terrain or admiring a crater lake. I am not a fan of volcanoes. My earliest recollection of one would be the Mayon Volcano when we visited Bicol way back the 1990s. If I remember correctly, I was 8years old at that time. I sure have memories of its perfect cone shape and the Cagsawa Church, but as I was growing up, volcanoes are mere land forms that I read in books and see in postcards. Yes they are marvelous and intriguing but I never really developed any interest in them. Visiting some of the volcanoes in Camiguin and the Tagaytay view of the Taal Crater Lake as I learned to travel didn't spark some interest too. Not until the 5km Pinatubo trek I challenged myself to finish last May 12, 2012. One, I am a health buff but my body is not really that fit to undergo such trek. Two, I am most concern about tanning my skin since I will be MOH in my cousin's wedding come June. Glutathione shots don't work that fast! Three, how do I gear up? I have the resolution to be oh-so-girly, fail!

I chanced upon promo vouchers on Ensogo.ph last February. I immediately bought one for myself. And just contacted my friends based in Manila to join in if they're free. Luckily, two of them were so game! Plus the boyfriend. I got tickets and everything, filed my leave, I'm set to go. Originally planned on March 25. The day before my scheduled trip, I shamefully got some long sleeve top from Forever 21. I got some gym type of shorts too for the trek. I didn't have any trek shoes so I just gave in to whatever black sturdy looking close shoes in Payless. Decided to use my overused Addidas sling bag. I guess I'm all set... so imagine my horror when, maybe 8hours before my 11pm flight, the trek organizers cancel our trek because the weather is not good in Tarlac. And it is very dangerous to get stranded there. I wanted to push through because I already have my plane ticket but my Manila counterparts told me that it's really gloomy in their side of the country. I had no choice. I stayed in Cebu for the weekend. Then with fingers crossed, I rescheduled it to May 12. Still very risky because the wet season is about to set it. This time, I didn't bargain for ticket prices anymore, I got it just days before the trek. Which to my luck, really did push through! Hooray!

Way before, I was already eyeing to do the trek. The idea of riding on 4x4 old school land cruisers tickled my adventurous side. But it was too expensive, around 4k! Hell no. So when I got the voucher for 999p, I knew it was a deal I had to really take. If on my first attempt I planned on wearing Forever21, hello! I kinda splurged this time. I went hardcore on my gear. Making sure I am well equipped and really ready!

Gear: Oakley Rash Guard, Lakambini Trek Shorts, Tribu Sandals, 

water container and bag from Rustans, a mountaineering blue top and a headwear.

ohdiba??? I look like a pro!!!

Like any trip, I researched a little just so that I would know what to expect. And my expectations were all correct, it was damn tiring!!! 

Took off with the 11pm Cebu-Manila flight. Everyone is expected to be in the Cubao Victory Liner Bus Station at 2am. Thank you to Arvin and Papa A for picking me up and bumming around with me while I waited for the time. Depending on your trek organizer, a private bus or van will bring you to bring to Sta. Juliana Tarlac. The only safe way to the crater. It is a two hour ride, so I got some extra sleep for energy this time. BTW, we didn't go with the public transport, we chose to bring our own ride since it would be much convenient and cheaper.

Upon arrival at Sta. Juliana Tarlac, we had breakfast, signed waivers and did some final chu-chus for the long trek against a very rough terrain (as i read). One thing I learned from all the travel blogs that I read, it's always nice to talk to the locals and really befriend your guide. Our guide was Albert, 18yo from Tarlac. I didn't mind investigating on his personal life, but from what I saw I think he is crippled with poverty. There is so much more he can achieve outside the three walled boundary of the Pinatubo Crater Lake. And I'm happy to have met him and we both shared stories. 

We were then sent off via an old school 4WD Land Cruiser. Yipee! This is it. And thank God for the clear skies! It's an hour 4WD across the Crow Valley. All treks should start before 6:30am, beyond that time a portion of the entrance to the valley is used as military training ground for the Philippine Air Force. They usually dictate if treks would push through depending on their activities. The ride across the the valley is dusty and bumpy. Passing through a rough terrain, mud and water. Good thing I was so prepared with my headwear which can be worn in 8 different ways. I used the Baclava during this time, covering my entire face exposing my eyes only, but then covered with sun glasses too.

With me was Marnie, Claire and bf Hermz, and our new friend, Michel.

you don't know you're beautiful... oh owww... 

this is part of the Crow Valley, it felt as if I was in another planet!

After this stop we continued the 4WD, after an hour we were dropped to where the 5km trek will start. I was bringing only my (super) essentials in that little belt bag that I have. What's inside: bottle of alcohol, face towel, mangorind, ziplocks and plastics. That's it. Yes, I didn't bring a bottle of lotion and I survived!

Final jump off. 5km starts here. See all those baby jeeps?!

Let the next few pictures speak for itself. No need for captions, really! Pero, pero... I swear... all the mini preparations I had before embarking on this challenge was really worth it! My breathing was stable, my legs were determined to go go go. My mind was conditioned. My body was at it's best. But since I'm no pro, there were bouts of shortness of breath but very minimal and bearable. A little sugar rush along the way was what we all needed to take that one step forward. 

  

Jelly ace break! I guess were almost there. I must admit, I kept on asking our guide if we were somehow near...

The 30minute ascend towards the crater. The only part of the trek that is upward. 

AND BEHOLD... the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in 1991. Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano bounded by three provinces, Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. As how the guide explained to me, the crater was once a very huge mountain then upon the eruption, that's were the crater was formed. I actually thought that it would be similar to the Mayon's crater. Hehehehe!!! My bad!!! :p

THIS IS IT!

It looked like a painting. I was in awe when I saw it. I can't help but admire it's greatness. And each time I think about that very moment I saw it, I feel extra happy and proud to have conquered it. Certainly, the road to such majesty is not easy, but every step is worth it!

Packed lunch which was the tastiest food ever after the 2hr trek. You have the option of bringing your own food but we chose to have it catered by our Org (TrekPros). It was quite expensive for a meal but it it saves you from all the hassle of preparing your meals, plus the servings were huge and it was really good too!

OH LA LA...

(i so feel like a pro...)

Once in your life, I think you should see her beauty. Not because I was able to see that I classify it as a "must-see", but because it's one perfect example that not all tragedies are bad and hopeless. Sometimes, like in the rare case of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, something really beautiful came after it. Not only that, it also boosted the tourism in the place. More jobs for the locals. Really, it's more fun in the Philippines.

After resting, we needed to go down before 2pm. The organizers and the guides are scared for the safety of the trekkers if there is rainfall. The terrain gets really slippery, they say. Luckily for us, the whole day was really sunny. (note: I gave some eggs in Carmelites with the intention of a good weather the morning before I flew out). The descend was easier because I can just rely on gravity to pull me down, I really didn't have to use much energy compared to the ascend. But also harder in the sense that I need to take extra care because we passed through a lot of rivers, streams and rocks! But as always, the going back is much much faster.

And by this time, I had the guide all to myself. He took this shots. I paced slowly admiring my surroundings. This time I was imagining dinosaurs and even the appearance of the Transformers, anytime! Hehehe!!!

Promise, I'm no tomboy and I'm interested in boys! :)

The team! With our tour guide, Albert! :)

And I need a quick chick post before ending this. I look so boyish in all those photos. Good enough, eh?

Then we all drove back to Manila. And minutes after entering Manila, the rain poured down. Thank you, Lord for the really good weather! Overall, this trip is an 11 with 10 being the highest. And I'm afraid that this is the beginning of my interests in volcanoes and crater lakes. And yes, I know where to go next.

Crashed into our house in Manila for the night before taking my 4am flight back to Cebu.

Mt. Pinatubo: Checked.

Until the next adventure...

Sincerely yours, my blistered feet!