Travel Journal 13-007: Mt. Pinatubo

I've been longing for my girl to come with me in an outdoor activity, but since she's a home person, she wouldn't accept any of my invites and just said "I'm already happy supporting you, just pls. don't push me going w/ you". Thus, an impossible job, one can say! :-p. Well, I may not be Tom Cruise to be the Ethan Hunt to make Mission Impossible be possible, but I am J, the persistent! Haha.

It was our trip to Baguio City when I managed to invite her colleagues to join me at my Mt. Pinatubo Climb, which in turn convinced her to join. By telling her that trekking Mt. Pinatubo is not as arduous and challenging as other mountain destinations in the Philippines, somehow it changed her mind regarding the outdoor concept (maybe!LOL), and be convinced by her colleagues as mentioned.

This made me decide to push-through the plan and keep on monitoring the head count. From my colleague from other department and his friends, to my girl and her colleagues. Unfortunately, when the planned date came to near, my girl's colleague turned out to be pregnant, thus backing-out with the plan to climb the Mt. Pinatubo, along with her boyfriend, making the headcount lowered to 2 persons less than the minimum required headcount of the package we are aiming. This made me almost lost the hope that the plan will still materialize, but my colleagues have pushed me to persist the plan boosting up again my hopes. It is then when I continued to recruit buddies to join the climb, but none have accepted. Until one day, my girl told me that her mom and aunt talked to her, asking if they can join the climb since they've been dreaming to see the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo's beauty in person. Happy with what I've heard, I proceeded to the booking proper. I've email a travel agency which facilitated our trip, making a known mall in the Pasay City be our rendezvous.

The eve of the climb came, the family of my girl invited me to stay at their place so that it will be more comfortable for me to go to the rendezvous place since the call time is quite too early. From there, we prepared our meals for the said climb but failed to have a sleep. The time to leave my girl's house came. It's still dark when we left, and likewise when we reached the said mall. We stopped by at a fast-food chain as dealt with the organizer as the exact rendezvous point, where we brought light meals while waiting for organizer's coordinator and my colleague. The team was almost complete when we left the mall. We just picked up our last member along the way, somewhere in Cubao, but dropped of the organizer's coordinator. 

The travel to the north took some hours, giving us time to take nap. Unfortunately, I'm wide awake! Excitement maybe, plus even-though that I have a talent in sleeping(LOL), I really find it hard to have a sleep when traveling via a van(my girl won't agree!haha). This made me a little but unconditioned for the climb, thus making myself easily exhaust. Good thing, adrenaline kept my level in the middle!


It's dawn already when we reached the Capas, Tarlac junction where we waited for all other teams that the organizer have pledged to bring in Mt. Pinatubo. It was almost half an hour past waiting when a swiss approached me. He happens to be the spouse of the coordinator that we dropped along our way. He told me that they owned the agency and have organized a team that fitted in 7 vans(a good business I should say!). Then, we wrapped up some points in the package before heading to the jumpoff.

Our 4x4 ride were ready and waiting, the moment we arrived at the jumpoff. Fast, we headed for our destination, the Mt. Pinatubo and it's crater lake.

The Balikatan exercise still on it's wrapping up time when we passed by their camp. We also have came across a large group of soldiers walking back to their camp. The swiss organizer who rode with our group told us that the day before, he was there with other groups climbing and saw helicopters and planes landed at a place he pointed along our way. It is quite hot, but all compensated by the wind created by the moving 4x4 and astonishing views.

It is already my second time visiting the place, but I still found myself astonished with the mountain's beauty. Mt. Pinatubo have undergone lots of transformation as compared with my first visit two years ago. This is evident by vegetation that have grown from other piles of volcanic ashes.

Soon we have to walk, wherein series of swallow river crossings were challenges for some,  yet coolant for all as the scourging sun exhausts everybody in our 2 hours trek to the crater lake. Slowly, we trek the hot sun above the volcanic ashes. Exhausted yet enjoying the view, we still managed to take some pictures along our trek.

Finally, it's the lake! It's almost lunch time so we took some pictures ( Breathtaking as always! It never fails the awe me.) before taking our lunch. Boodle fight! rawr! The exhausted-everybody(our group) took their lunch together, sharing each pack. 

After short break, our group decided not to waste time and go near the lake where a long staircase gave challenge to most of us. Picture! Picture! A practice that can never be gone, ofcourse!hehe.

We head back, but our 4x4 picked us at final station(30mins away from the lake). Took us 2 long hours before reaching the jumpoff.

See Photos in Facebook.

BUDGET CHECK( As of April 2013)

*Not accurate with the fares since we took a package.  From Cubao to Capas, Tarlac junction, it might cost you around Php 150.00-180.00 plus tricycle/jeep to Sta. Juliana which cost around Php 100.00-300.00. Two way Php 960.00

*Fees that includes guides, environmental, conservation and 4x4 rental is around Php 1,500.00-Php 2,000.00

Total: Php 2,960.00

OR

*There are lot of travel agencies that offers Mt. Pinatubo travel package. The prices varies from Php 1,900.00-Php 2,500.00.

Tarlac - Mt. Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo
Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac
1485 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 2/9
Trail Class: 1
Trekking Time: 2 hrs (+ 45 mins 4x4 ride)

In 1991, the world was shocked by a huge explosion made by a certain volcano. Many were affected, especially neighboring country where the volcano is located, which is due to ashes created by the said explosion. The said volcano is known as Mt. Pinatubo, found in the heart of Philippines' Central Luzon, amidst of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga to be exact, it has gained it's title as the said explosion ranked 2nd largest in 20th century.

 But, who have thought that this killer mountain can create such an awesome view? Yes, you read it right! After some years, Mt. Pinatubo now bears a beautiful scenery one can see. Anyone is now allowed to see the Mt. Pinatubo since it is now open in public for viewing. And upon visiting it, you will notice that the mount of ashes looks like an iceberg or a long fortress wall or a real mountain.due to the cogon-grass.

At first, yours truly thought that the write-ups in the net were just exaggerations of how beautiful the Mt. Pinatubo is, but the moment he experienced visiting the place, he was struck and awed as no exaggerations needed. As yours truly recalled, his first visit with Mt. Pinatubo with no camera but a low-graphics-phone to take the pictures, but anytime someone look at said pictures, the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo still emerge, especially it's crater lake on it's 960 MASL elevation.

Going to Mt. Pinatubo requires riding in a 4x4 ride. Yes, it will be a bumpy ride as you'll have to cross the lava way where nothing  but ashes, rocks and cold waters flowing downstream(since the before the explosion, the said way was a river) to see. Although lately, the place have signs that the ashes have gained little nutrients, sufficient to feed the grass that grows in some parts of the mountain. Once the 4x4s reached the point where they will not able to pass through the big rocks, the trekking time begins. The trek will last for an approximately 2 hours(old way) if they are not able to pass the new way (the rocks here are much bigger than the first 45 minutes of the ride, and could sometimes block their way especially after heavy rain), or 30 minutes if they are able to reach the last station going to the Crater Lake.

During the trek, visitors have to pass the rocks, ashes and various of creeks. Technically, the trail of Mt. Pinatubo is quite easy for experienced hikers or a very active person, but could be very hard for opposite, ofcourse! The trail is more of a rolling trail until you've reach the final ascend that you'll have to pass a ladder. The majority of the trek will be very much expose for the heat as there are nothing much shade along the trail(if you will be trekking the Old way), except for short trail 30 minutes(New way) before the Mt. Pinatubo's Crater lake. But worry not, as the reward is truly much of a worth!

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

There are lots of travel and tours agency that offers a hassle free travel to Mt. Pinatubo. This includes all fees and travel fare needed. Although, DIY is still a good thing to consider! One can take buses bound to Capas, Tarlac intersection(Mcdo), usually Dagupan, Lingayen and Baguio bound buses like Genesis and Victory is good. From there, you may take tricycle to the jumpoff  where you can arrange the guides and environmental fees.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

03:00 Assembly at Cubao
03:30 ETD for Capas, Tarlac
05:30 ETA McDonald's Capas, Tarlac, breakfast
06:00 Take tricycle and head to the jumpoff
06:45 ETA Jumpoff, arrange 4x4, fees and guide
07:15 Ride 4x4
08:00 End of 4x4 ride(Old way), start trek
10:00 ETA Crater Lake
12:00 Lunch (Take note that there are no restaurants nor eatery here so bring your packed lunch)
13:00 Start Descend
13:30 ETA New Way, Take 4x4
16:00 ETA Jumpoff, cleanup, snacks
17:00 ETD for Home

Travel Journal 13-006: Boracay Island

Summer is about to come when my company announced the plan to have a summer outing for it's staff, which created much excitement. No doubt it will create, as the proposed venue is none other than the Philippines' most popular island, the Boracay Island.

As the date closes, the excitement increases in each and every staff. Until the day before the scheduled departure date came. Cramming, many of us have decided to drop by the nearby mall in our office to have a li'l shopping of things we might need in the upcoming event. From the swimming trunks, to the toiletries, and even up to sandals, but none of them I am able to purchase except for the toiletries.

The departure day came. I packed my things good for 3 days, but it seems that I over-budgeted my clothes as I forgot that we will be having free shirts as the intended summer outing was packed with a partial activities of the forthcoming team-building. Soon, the staff left their stations, packed their stuff and hang their work beside the door (It will never happen, I know :p). Boracay, he we come!

The travel occurred in late afternoon after office hours one Thursday in March, thus our bus reached Batangas Pier at dark of the night (Yes, we have planned for a sea travel, but booked an air going back).  The cruise left after an hour of our arrival, some minutes after our hyper-undecided-happy-excited-firsttimenervousness-energy(haha) have subsided. Admittedly, I'm a bit nervous since it's my first time crossing a sea, worrying that I might get seasickness throughout the travel period . Although I have experiences of Island hoping, it won't last for more than a 4 hours in total. Also, even-though that the same company had me experienced to ride a training ship for 2 days and 1 night for team building purpose, still the said ship just stayed in Manila Bay anchorage some kilometers near the Roxas Blvd. Good thing it's sleeping time that I don't have to mind much the seasickness just by taking a proper nap. Luckily, I survived the travel as the Captain announced that we have arrived the Caticlan Port. From there, we rode a fastcraft heading to the very island of Boracay where multicabs have picked us up and dropped on our booked hotel.

It was pouring when we arrived, thus I'm a little bit worried with my cam. Luckily, the rain stopped and me and my office got a chance to take pictures and have a walk to the Philippines' most popular island called Boracay Island. Next thing we knew, we are back at hotel in time for an  activity comprised in our team-building.

The activity was quite fun! At first, we were subdivided into 3 groups, Red, Green and Yellow. I was placed in the Red. Then, we were asked to create a name and chance for our team. And the fun and comedy moments begun. It lasted until almost dusk, making all us so tired (Not to mention that the last challenge was the hardest) and me, to miss the chance to take pictures of the wonderful sunset we've witnessed, instead,  we just enjoyed watching same while having a dip. Then it's dinner time.

On the second day morning, we had our island hopping and snorkeling. Although weather is scourging hot at Boracay and waves at some location are very much wild, we still enjoyed the morning. We also had a small stop at Shangrila were we continued the activities for the team-building. From then, we head back to the hotel for lunch. Then its free time, where I have decided then to join the swimming group. We, took plunge for some time until the scheduled plan for the next activity came.

The said activity was quite thrilling and a challenge, as we were all blindfolded and asked to line. One has to depend on someone in-front of him/her by pulling the shirt of the one in-front. We unknowingly, had circled a big rock-island in Station 1 with the assist of the game master and spouses of some staff. Some got scratches including myself, but nevertheless, we  enjoyed the challenge.  After that, we headed to the Paluto where some of the staff's spouses have already organized our dinner. Then it's war! LOL. Seems that all were hungry as there's almost no sound but the sound of the spoons and forks baging the plates. Then, after the nice dinner, we had our shopping time. "Money burn" as me and my mountaineering buddies call it, but it's is nothing of a concern since it is for my loveones.

The last day came, we had to the helmet diving then head back. Some have rode the Banana boat, but my energy and mood have already subsided making me decide to take a nap. Then, it's bye-bye time for us. We headed back to Caticlan port of same transportation we used upon our arrival there. From the port, we rode a bus that took 2 hours of travel to the Kalibo Airport, where we rode a plane. Then, vacation is over!

See photo in Facebook

BUDGET CHECK

Well, this factor varies. There are lots of travel package for Boracay offered by different discount companies, but I suggest you compare it first with the possible D-I-Y expenses.

Aklan - Boracay Island

 Boracay Island

One of the Philippine's pride that can be boast internationally is a very beach that gained the title of the finest beach in Asia, the White Beach of the Boracay Island. Lying in the shore line of the island, the White Beach has not only lifted the names of the other 24 beaches around( although they also bear beauties that can be boast of), but also, the Island itself.

Lying in the northwest corner of the Panay Island, the Island of Boracay lure it's guests to travel around 196 miles from Manila via either sea or air, just to explore the 7 km long dog-bone-liked-island with more than 10 square kilometers land area that is under the barangays Yapak and Manoc-Manoc.

Boracay Island is a talk of the tongue of not just outdoor people, beach lover, nature enthusiasts, environmentalists, ordinary people of the Philippines, but also even other countries. No doubt it will be! As the stunning beauty it posses, is truly an amazing place to be laze of. From it's white-powder-like-sand, to it's crystal clear water, to the luxurious hotels available around the island, up to water activities and games, and even relaxing spa, what more could a vacationist look for? Yes! There are lots of activities available in this island. For thrill seeker, you can try the Flyfish ride, Scuba Diving (believe only those licensed are allowed) and Parasailing. For those who have not much courage, yet still want thrill, you can have the Bananaboat ride, Jetski, Snorkling (this can come along the island hoping) and Helmet Diving. For party goers, your night will really be full of fun as there are many bars available in this Island. You can also try island hoping which visits nearby small islands. There are still more activities such as Cliff jumping, tower zipline, etc.

Boracay Island is subdivided in three stations, the stations 1-3. Station 1 bears the name of luxury as the luxurious and expensive hotels lives in here. Station 2 is more known for night as the party goers visit this station for it's bar that is well alive during night. Station 3 bears the word cheap as the more affordable hotels lies in here.

The only problem with the island, is that since it is popular, the crowd have occupied much of the place, thus not a good one for those who wants to escape the busy world and looking for peace where they can reflect.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

Going to the Island could be quite an expensive since it requires either sea or air travel if you're from Manila. One can opt to take plane from Manila which can take you up to Kalibo, then you can take bus going to Caticlan Port. From there, you may take Superkat/Fastcraft vessels or Boat to the Boracay Island, there are multicabs and tricycles in the island for land travel. OR, you can take plane to Caticlan, then ride bus to the Caticlan Port. OR, take a bus from Manila to Batangas Port, then take a ferry from Batangas Port to Caticlan Port. OR, take a package. There are lots of travel packages are available only.  This will lessen the burden of organizing by yourself (It is advisable to look for travel package promo to have a cheaper trip).

Travel Journal 13-005: Tarak Ridge Dayhike

 I was on my ordinary day of work when I received an SMS from a friend back at highschool. The message is an invitation to climb a series of mountain destinations for 3 different schedules upcoming within a week. It is a Major climb that caught my attention fast, but as I checked the date, it was scheduled fast to the weekend of that week. Checking my schedule, I remembered that my girl wished to take a rest on that week, which makes my weekend free.

It was a midnight before the scheduled climb when we have agreed to meet up. At 12 noon, me and my highschool friend met up at a place near our homes, then we headed to the town central where we met another buddy. From there, we rode a bus going to the Manila bus station where we're supposed to meet another buddy. We arrived early, so we decided to look for a place to take a heavy meal so that we can survive the upcoming long dayhike.

After the meal, we then headed back to the terminal where we finally met the last member of the group. Then it's travel time. The road is quite bumpy due to constructions of roads we have to pass, making us unable to have a sleep during the long travel. Worried that it may affect my climb performance, I forced myself to sleep by closing both eyes and trying not to think of anything more. 

Ineffective, I transferred to a seat near one of our mates whom I borrowed his pad for a game. Then soon, the Brgy, Alas-asin. We descended the bus, took a stop at a 24-hour-tapsilogan nearby and secured an early breakfast (Don't ask, I know we ate too much!hahaha). I secured my packed lunch, but my colleagues are not fond of taking a lunch at the trails so they decided not. Before we go, we dropped by at the Brgy. hall to register. Next thing we know, we are trekking at the dark trail going to kubo since the sun hasn't showed up yet. After some minutes, we've reached the kubo where we had a few minutes of rest.

The sun is almost up as we head to our destination, Tarak Ridge. We met a group along the trail but as we pause for some pictures, they are long gone. Continuing the trek, I was stung by a bee which nests along the trail. Apparently, their hive were disturbed by the person I'm following, making them hot headed as I pass.

Long time of time have passed. The group is turning worried as we still can't hear a sound of flowing water despite the Papaya river is just  a two-hour-trek away. Added by the factor that the group that have long gone where not even met along the trail, but it just turned into a joke as there are only two possibilities, The other group was lost, or we were. "They are lost!Let's be positive. Hahaha" . We decided to fasten our pace to confirm our worries.

As we push through, we soon heard the water flow. Instead of joy, we turned to be much worried as we thought that it might be the sound of Paniquian Falls which is the other way around.

Luckily as we continue, our guess turned to be wrong as we found Papaya River instead along with its' campsite. From here, we continued our trek and soon found the real challenge that Tarak Ridge offers, the continuous ascending trail. 

As we continue, the steepness of the trail gradually increased, so as the exhaustion. Thus, making quite a challenge on the final leg of the assault, which turned to be an open trail plus a loosen-soil-trail. After different styles and techniques, we finally made it to the campsite where, despite of exposure to the heat, majority of us took our chance to take shots of the moment. Then, we continued to the upper part of the camp where we encountered a large group of fogs passing by. As we observed them, the fogs ascended to pass the fog, the descent back to it's original elevation. The scene is quite breath taking, making us stay a little longer.

After some minutes of observing the fogs, the group then decided to continue to the peak. The trail still bears the challenge of the loosed soil, although they are not as much as before. Finally, we've reached the peak. We took some pictures from different sides of the peak, before we decided to stay at the small forest in the middle of the peak, took our lunch and took a little nap.

Soon, we headed back to the ridge and saw a unresistingly nice view. Another pause causes our delay, but it was then compensated by a very fast pacing descent. 

We are almost at the jumpoff when we passed by a store that sells hardboiled egg. Our hunger forced us to stop for awhile before continuing to the jumpoff.

Finally, the jumpoff! We fast took our dinner and barely took our washout, as we are targeting to take the last trip of the bus. Fortunately, despite of a long travel, we still managed to get to our home before another day came.

See Photos in Facebook.

BUDGET CHECK (As of March 2013)

*Fare from and to Brgy. Alas-asin via bus bound to Bataan (Php 267x2=Php 534)

*Foods, can be shared by group for around Php 100-200.

Total: Php 734.00