Mt. Pinatubo (Central Luzon's Sweetest downfall)

It has been a year since I planned a day hike with this so-called beautiful disaster "Mt. Pinatubo Crater lake". And after leaving all the reasons behind the most awaited day has finally come. I'll be attending a Regional Conference of Singles For Christ in Tarlac and the group has decided to do sidetrips; We all agreed to Visit Isdaan Floating Restaurant and day hike in Mt. Pinatubo.

Sta. Juliana Tourism office / Jump-off point

Bamboo sticks bought from the Aeta children from the jump-off

It was a good weather for the Holiday morning of Aug. 31 when we leave the Apartelle at 5am. We had to eat our breakfast first and buy everything that we need for packed lunch. After that, We immediately get our way to Sta. Juliana, the jump-off to Mt. Pinatubo. It was past 7am when we get there and settle all payments needed then brief immediately by the LGU officer what are the do's and don'ts when going up. There are locals in the area that sells arm cover and bamboo sticks; these things are helpful especially when the weather is scorchingly hot and sticks are used to help you to difficult areas and as well as to sway the snakes that might encounter.

The moment you get in the 4x4 that will be the start of your trek. the guide told us that since it is a rainy season our 4x4 ride will be 30-45 minutes only and will walk for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. But when summertime 4x4 trek may take you to 2hrs ride and will pass their so-called "sky-way" it requires short time for walking to the crater lake more likely 20-30 minutes only. It is not just a simple ride, one must hold tightly to their sit because it is a rocky, sandy, dusty and watery ride that you'll ever experienced; no wonder it is called a river trek and I really have to thank the rainy season for it is not that dusty as we travel. As well as wind brings cool atmosphere everytime it touches our face. It is also an advantage that we've been assigned to a closed vehicle that lessen the dust we might absorbed.
While enjoying the ride they take us to a stop-over where everyone has their time to take pictures in the middle of lahar ruins together with Aeta children playing around. It wasn't the main trek yet but we couldn't hide our astonishment with the breathtaking scenery that surrounds us. after about 20 minutes of photo ops we got back to the ride but this time it is more bumpy trail and that so-called river trek was getting intense. Several times that we almost bump our head to the roof of the vehicle because of that rocky road way. And when we finally reached the off-limits for 4x4 the guide briefed us that when we start trekking we should avoid getting close to the lahar walls 'coz we'll never know if there will be landslides or falling rocks and the saddest announcement is that we have to walk faster and will be spending less than an hour to the crater lake. It is a mandatory guidelines during rainy season because rainfall usually occurs in the afternoon and those who were not able to get down atleast until 2pm might be stranded as the river's current get stronger and the lahar flows tremendously. We had no choice but follow such instructions. They're not just guides but also locals from town so they know what that situations means.

Riverbed trail (smooth part)

Photo captured inside the 4x4 vehicle

Stop-over

After our first river crossing

Rest for a while

As the trekking starts the sun was starting to shine also, for an adventure beginning experience we had to cross first the stream with a slightly strong current. good thing that most of us were wearing slippers because it is really a riverbed trekking with rocks and lahar. the rocks that we encounter from the trail ranges from small to medium to large to extra large and super large hahaha that sizes grows and increasing its volume as we came near the crater. It wasn't that hard to walk with the path 'coz it's not steep as the typical mountain has but the main reason for a tiring walk is the scorching heat. Yes it is a rainy season but morning till mid afternoon is the sun's peak hour considering that the trail is a wide river bed with a towering lahar/stone walls; We can't even find a shed or a tree to hide, the only consolation that we get was when the wind blow its cool breeze and also everytime that we had to cross a stream. Crossing the cold water from the streams was really a reliever, it feels like its bringing back all our energy and our sanity to earth. After 2 hours of nonstop walking we finally reached the sign post for 20 minutes walk to the crater, this also serves as the resting place for the visitors. There were cottages and comfort room in the area as well as vendors. but you'll be thinking twice to buy some goods as the prices here comes double or I think triple. The trail becomes different now, it was like you have to be one with the stream. literally and figuratively we walked within the waters and step with the rocks that lies in it.  Less than 20 minutes and whoooo! We finally saw the magnificent crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo, It was indeed a very rewarding moment when you've stared at the incomparable beauty of the place. "Picturesque" This word is really for this place, I couldn't contain my happiness as I try to look in every angle it was indescribably beautiful and worthy for all the sweat that we had.

Rest after a half-way trek

rocks are getting larger

scorching heat

Refreshing cold running water

20 min. to crater

No Filter!

Stunning Beauty

Group Picture at the View deck

We immediately walked closer to the lake for some picture taking and had our lunch there. It was a quick fixed since we had a limited time exploring the view. Some of the signage there that captures my attention was "no shouting, noise might cause soil erosion" I think every visitor might be informed with this 'coz not everyone was able to read this post. Moreover, Swimming or any other water activity is now prohibited in the area. They said that some parts of the water were too hot and according to the experts the crater lake has determine hazardous substance which can be harmful for the human body. It's okay to go near the waters but strictly do not swim. As we finished our lunch the guides told us to get rush and we really have to double our speed as we go down because the clouds looks like will pour heavy rain any moment.
Trekking back becomes difficult now as we had to walk faster when our body were all tired and the weather is undetermined. The sun will show then hide the show again. Another thing is the stream, it's current becomes stronger and slightly deeper than it was in the morning with more flowing lahar now.While in the middle of the trek rain started to pour, everyone was in a hurry and the guides keeps on telling to go faster. When we finally reached the 4x4 vehicle they immediately drive away from the area but unfortunately something happened. Our vehicle's machine over heat and another 4x4 had to tie a knot and pull us until another trouble stop us. Our vehicle being pulled sank from one the river trail, they didn't notice that it was deep and soil/lahar slowly washes away from the flowing water. It took them an hour to get those vehicle out in the area. It was like a movie scene where we are trapped in the area because of those unfortunate events, thanks to those guides and drivers who were equipped and strong enough that shows"bayanihan" during these kind of circumstances. I really want to commend them for bringing back that feeling of "Bayanihan and walang-iwanan" Yes, it is still existing to these days. After that thrilling event we came back to the jump-off safe and sound. There were available shower rooms just have to pay 50pesos. That's how our day hike ended. Tiring yet fulfilling.

trapped in the river bed

pulled by the other 4x4

the group of drivers and guides resolving the trouble

This might just be another adventure trip. but going there has thought me a lot of things and made me realize some life lessons. First is the mountain itself, how can something so destructive be so magnificent now? Mt. Pinatubo may have been the down fall of some provinces in central luzon way back 1991 but now it is their precious gem, their sweetest downfall. I've come to realize that the reason why it is hard to go there even it means you have to endure some difficulties like the river, rocks, dust and heat is because that something so beautiful must be protected, must be pursued and must be taken cared of. 
It is like our dreams, we maybe facing different obstacles but God is just preparing us for the best, for that worthy feeling for our hardships. Second is the cold streams; I always wanted my travel to have body of water that refreshes me along the way. I never thought that this one will have that kind way relieving our tiresome soul. That cold water flowing from the streams feels like it all swept and washing away all my burdens, fears, doubts, sins and worries. It's when you're slowly giving up because of the heat that's also the time when fresh water will relieve all your weariness. Lastly,the spirit of Bayanihan and Solidarity among locals.As I mentioned above when something happen they really showed us something great, something we don't usually see now in our environment. We were busy looking for anything that will push ourselves exceeds from others achievements but these people were so good that they don't leave someone who's in trouble just to get their job done. I really admire them for having simple and contented life, they don't give life's pressure just because of money, what matters most is that they come in group and they will return in group. I wanted to visit Mt. Pinatubo again not just because of the view but also for the people that benefits from tourism and knowing more about their culture. I Thank the Lord for crossing one on my bucket list again and not just achieving it as it is but includes some good realizations on it. 

Photo Credits: Lovely Esios, Gladys Samson, Lucille Taperla & Debbie Samson

Mt. Balagbag (Baguio feels!) and Otso-Otso falls

It was 4th of July and the weather was strikingly bad. Yes! A storm called "Egay" has been producing rainfall but these adventurous feet of mine wants to go out and search for an adventure, it's been a long time that I wanted to go for a solo hike at Mt. Balagbag and chase after the waterfalls nearby and I think this is right moment but not alone. After researching what are the possibilities of going there even when raining, I decided go on with my friend.

We were at Jollibee tungko exactly 6:00am for meet-up and breakfast as well then, after 30min. immediately proceeded to Jeepney Terminal bound to Licao-Licao. It was 30-45min. ride that will take you to Licao-Licao or the Jump off point for Mt. Balagbag and Mt. Maranat. From there One may take a tricycle or do a 30min. walk all the way through Sitio Balagbag Health center where every one must register and pay 10pesos.

Sitio Balagbag Health Center

Paved road from the start of Jump off 

After fixing everything at the center we started walking to a muddy, rocky, slippery and steep trail. having a guide is not necessary because Balagbag trail is wide that you can just follow the trail all the way to the summit and asking the locals is a big help when in doubt which way to choose. I don't know if everyone will agree with my opinion but the rain help us not to get tired easily because it gives a good cool atmosphere with a baguio feels on the side, since there were fog in the whole trail. Several times that we had to stop because the trail was filled with flowing water and some parts were zero visibility as we go up. Then, after almost 1 1/2 hours we finally saw the so-called red gate which is a sign that we are near the helipad or the summit of Mt. Balagbag. It has a gate since the Helipad is a private property; according to the caretaker it was owned by the Robes (somehow related to Bulacan's Congressman) that's why we have to pay 20pesos to get our way to the Helipad. For 20-30 min. you can reach the summit or the Helipad. It was really like a Helicopter may land into that space but One thing disappoints us upon getting there; Thick Fog all around the summit and we were not able to see the great Sierra Madre mountain range which the mountain has to offer and also the view of the whole Metro Manila. It was cold, Foggy and a little rainfall in the Helipad that gives us a feeling of being at Baguio or La Presa or somewhere in the Cordillera Region. I am thankful that it wasn't a sunny day when we get there because Mt. Balagbag has been a victim of Illegal logging and some trees were used to make charcoals that's why it must be a terrible heat experience if not with the rain, but still I can't contain that feeling of incomplete when everything that we expect to see has been covered by Fog. There's nothing we could do but enjoy the atmosphere and the quietness in the summit, I take the chance to make a deep breath and feel that soothing breeze upon my face while praying to the one above and saying everything I had inside. I can feel that peace, serenity and Tranquility for that moment since all I can hear is the wind, humming of birds and the howling of trees. Maybe that's the only consolation that we get by hiking there with less crowd in the mountain, it feels like we own the place and we can roll into the grass if only it's not wet. Instead of having sentiments with the Fog we just had our snacks at the resting place or the "Kubo" within the summit and immediately descend by 9:45am.

Next to our destination is the falls nearby which is located near the jump off and the health center. It is called Kaytitinga falls or known by the locals as otso-otso falls. Some hikers opted to do river trekking going there before hiking to Mt. Balagbag. We chase the falls through a signage "Way to Kaytitinga Falls" beside the store, We asked the local how can we get there and said that we only have to follow the trail and we'll be there 10-15 min. I can say that the trail is somehow easy but becomes difficult because the rain that makes it slippery. We don't know where we were heading to, we just follow the trail and the sound of roaring flowing water and Boom! We were surprised to what have welcomed us. That gushing sound of water that cascading from a higher part or should I say looks like a series of falls going to the river plus the cold atmosphere. It was really a perfect hiding place; I call it a hiding place since it looks like hidden from the trees and again we are the only person in the place. Next thing I know is we were climbing the stones just to get to that cascading water and it was cold but so refreshing. I couldn't help but thank God for that kind of unexpected experience :) :) :) As much as we want to stay there for longer hours we have to packed up and go since the weather in unpredictable the running water might be harmful if it gets stronger, so we have to say goodbye and head back to the trail going to the jump off.
At exactly 12:30pm we were at the jump off, make use of CR first and fix everything then Go Home.

My Friend starring at the view from one of our stop overs

Panoramic shot from the Helipad 

Photo Ops again!

The Helipad

Playing with the Fog

that almost zero visibility trail

My Favorite spot

Path near the helipad

Where I say a little prayer

I love this Photo

Famous Red gate

The lonely tree

Creepy

Trail going down

Fog!

Sorry for this part :( We were not able to capture the whole cascading falls. We just had a few from a certain portion.

trying to get a good photo

down to the river

Envious! hahaha

Most of us will come to a point in our lives that we don't understand everything that's happening to us, we get disappointed to those goals that we didn't accomplished for a specific time, we get anxious to what might happen for tomorrow, we overthink little problems in the family, we regret the opportunities that we lose because we didn't try and we are always afraid to take one step forward to our dreams. Those will bring us down and might lead us to a state of being stagnant. I, for one, will attest to this kind of struggle but what makes me different from other people who are in the same situation? It is by Breaking the Chains. Yes! We can always revive our spirit, refresh our minds, regain our energy, revitalize our heart and rebuild our dreams; It is by finding some source of energy in travelling. I decided to go hike at Mt. Balagbag this time to break the chains; It is not my first time to do hiking but it is a memorable one because my heart was filled of never ending questions. but being alone in the summit and taking a deep breath seems like relieving every burdens I had inside. This may not answer all my questions in life but it gives a feeling of peace and serenity which I really wanted. Also, to escape from a chaotic and fast paced environment I had everyday in the City and more importantly to appreciate life together with its imperfections; Because just like the mountains, our lives sometimes will be facing rainy days which includes slippery path or maybe our struggle to reach the summit is like reaching for our dreams. It maybe tough and might need to face different obstacles like big rocks, walking to the grassland and steep trail but in the end it was all worth the risk. I am encouraging everyone to look for some nature tripping once in a while and discover more about yourself by being one in nature.