Travel Journal 13-010: Mt. Arayat (Magalang-Arayat Traverse) Dayhike

It was the instinct of a mountaineer to look for a climb, when in stress, that struck me like a lightning during that time. I was so desperate for a climb to the point that I planned of having a solo overnight camp, eventhough that I am not a fond of climbing solo. Fortunately, a friend from highschool has sent me a SMS inviting me for a dayhike in Mt. Arayat via Magalang trail traverse to Arayat trail. An immediate yes was the answer! But as the climb comes near, appointments and responsibilities flooded my mind. Good thing, I managed to overcome them one day before the scheduled climb.

I've never been to Mt. Arayat and the fact that I was already eying for a climb to that mountain are the big factors that made my decision final despite my stress level have subsided before the climb.

Friday midnight is the call time! Coming from the office, I arrived home late at around 10 in the evening. I never had time for packing my things yet due to busy week, thus, I end up cramming. Hastily, I packed my things and filled up my water containers. Done! All things ok, I think so. I left the house looking haggard( tired from work and travel back home, nails of both hands and feet untrimmed, wrinkled clothes, unwashed sandals..imagine?haha), and arrived the assembly point earlier than my friend. Hungry, I decided to fill my tummy in a 24hr-fastfood-chain in the area while waiting.

I'm almost finish with my meal when my friend arrived. I bought a burger, then we headed to Cubao where I met a familiar face, the 3rd member of our team. I met her in our Tarak Ridge dayhike with the same friend I'm with, the 21k finisher as they boast/joke. Then, we waited for some minutes for the 4th and 5th teammate but received a call that they can't come so, we stretched out and take our walk to look for a bus bound north that will stopover in San Fernando. Funny, we have to look for other terminals without knowing that the assembly point dispatches a bus with a route we are looking for. Then it's travel time, "Nga-nga!hehe".

We arrived in San Fernando, Pampanga some minutes (or should I say almost an hour?) before dawn. After asking with some locals, we learned that the first trip of jeeps enroute to Magalang will arrive and leave the terminal at around 8 in the morning, thus, we decided to spend some time at a convenient store nearby.

After some chitchats and ice cream party (LOL), we decided to try to look for free flung or those jeeps that don't stops at terminal, but failed, so we decided to take a tricycle even it has a higher price. I took the backseat which afterwards I realized, it's a wrong decision. The cold breeze of the morning plus the speed of the tricycle made me chill, "brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr". Yes, that long!haha. The whole 1 hour travel chilled me that I think I almost freeze!LOL. I have a jacket but I can't get it in my bag, since I might lose my balance. But that's not all, I have hard time having a comfortable seat since there are no steps for backseats (Oh men my legs almost cramp haha). Good thing, we arrived at Magalang and I survived the cold ride whoooh!

In Magalang, we took our breakfast before heading to the jumpoff via another tricycle, that time I asked my friend if he can ride backseat. Then, it's jumpoff! We took our usual prayers before pushing on.

The trekking starts with a figure of the station of the cross. There are also a number of mountain bikers that enjoys the view wherein they turned back once the road ends. The road is quite inclined, maybe that's another reason for their visit.

As we left the bikers, the trail goes a little rough, yet it's inclination continues. A nice warm-up I should say! Pushing on, is a small hut where registration took place. We have a minute chitchat with the caretaker before we resumed our trek, wherein at first, the excitement to be with the nature again prevails, but as we continue, more problems emerged.

The trail splitted to two direction, one leads to another station, and another that leads to a denser place of forest. We thought that the trail leading to another station is the correct one, that's why we turned to the said direction. Good thing, the road was blocked after some minutes of trek. We easily backed track and realize the direction in the net, "follow the electric posts". Then my problems begin emerging. I realized that my cramming leads to a non-prepared climb. Yes, non-prepared! No practice and no proper gear. I left my armsleeves leaving me no choice but to endure the sharpness of the bushes and cogon grasses ahead, but that's not all, the heat of the sun felt like it's burning specially when you forgot your cap. But onion skin, I am not so this doesn't matter much.

As we continue, the mosquitoes were very nuissance for the team. At first, I don't mind those little flying stuff cause all I can feel are the pain from scratches made by the bushes. But as we push, I slowly got irritated since they fly even when we trek and worse, they fly near my mouth when I breath fast due to tiredness which made me engulf some of them accidentally, causing my breathing blocked for some seconds. Yes, I almost choke! But with persistence, we managed to reach the viewdeck, a site where a small tower and a settlement for some military personnel.

It has no clearing when we reach the viewdeck. But so, we still have some pictures and have a very long rest to one of the seats there. The mosquitoes are still present and I now recognize their bites as another annoying thing. We waited if there will be clearing and the view will shows up. But we failed, instead we persisted to push to the planned traverse. A military personnel warned us that there are some confusing part that we should be wary, before he pointed the trail to our next destination.

The trail we faced was long, steep and slippery, but we still enjoyed it as it is more technical and according to my highschool friend, a different type compared to the ones we have passed. Then it's ridge line.

At first, it is a smooth trekking, the trail is clear and trail signs were present every 15-20 steps, then the most memorable part of our trek! We came to a stop at a trail beside big rocks, the trail becomes blur and the last trail sign was around 100 steps behind. Recalling the tips of the army personnel, we came to the thinking of the phrase that we have to go deep down on the rockside. Then, it's a long slippery descend without noticing it is a wrong turn. You read it right, wrong turn! The trail is very slippery and steep making it look like a no turning back. We continued until the trail looks like it's not a trail anymore. We stopped to think and decided to backtrack in some side of the trail since going back to the same path is not possible. Then the challenge came. As one of the team steps to a tree where rocks are tucked. The said rocks with half a life size started to roll down! Sizes that will surely kill you the moment it hit you. Tension arrised! The team decided to avoid the rocks seems they are not dependable anymore. We have to bushwack some thorny plants to find a way that will connect us back to the original trail we've been. With some prayers, cautions and determination. We are able to find back the old trail. It seems that is is a blessing, since as we arived back at the last trail sign, we saw another group of mountaineers heading for a traverse. They pointed out the correct path which we followed, but we rest shortly due exhaustion.

It like a smooth sailing as we follow the trail. Trail signs are available like before, the trail is very visible, and it continued until we reached the white rock. There were views there, but I'm already saving up my energy knowing it still a long way to South, North Peak and Arayat jumpoff, making me in no mood to shoot. Then we continued. It is a deep descend from the Whiterock(this is the correct deep descend) going to the trail connecting to South Peak. The technical trail now emerge. Good thing, no more confusing trails, making a smooth sailing through the North Peak where we had a long rest.

We resumed our trek and decided to descend down to the Arayat trail where it seems to us that it's a never ending trail. Maybe were already exhausted or it's really that long, I dunno. What I know is I felt that no matter how much I keep on pushing the view still says "you're still far!". Forutnately, we managed to get out of the forest before it gets dark. But unfortunate in return, we encoutered the "wise" tricks of the locals there. 

We took our dinner at an eatery near a mall in San Fernando. The quest for "Tocino" and "Papaitan" turns out to an unsatifactory dinner. Lucky enough, I can still say, we still got home safe and sound.

BUDGET CHECK (As of July 2013)

*Bus from Cubao to San Fernando Php 102.00 Back and forth = Php 204.00

*Not sure about the jeep to Magalang cause we have a tricycle at Php 300.00 since we arrived there too early. I think it's approximately Php 35.00

*Tricycle to Brgy. Ayala Php 20.00 (Php 60.00 per tricycle)

*Tricycle from Bano de San Juan to jeep stop Php 20.00
*Jeep to Bus terminal Php 25.00
*Food contribution Php 200.00

Total: Php 504.00

Pampanga - Mt. Arayat (Magalang-Arayat Traverse)

Mt. Arayat (Artrav)

Entry: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga
Exit: Arayat National Park, Brgy. Bano de San Juan, Arayat, Pampanga
1,030 MASL
Difficulty: Major 5/9
Trail Class: 1-4
Trekking time: 7-8 hours

 Traversing Pampanga's Mt. Arayat is one of the most challenging dayhike in Central Luzon. This is due annoying abundance of mosquitoes & flies, the aridness of Magalang trail that can be felt during a sunny day, length of  the trek, and the confusing part can lead you to a dangerous trail. Yours truly have experienced being lost for 2 hours and have encountered falling  rocks half a size of an average adult. Nevertheless, this is just a one point lost and one thing to prevent this is by "looking around". The trail signs should be consistent, and once you noticed it's absence, better have a little back track.

It is a more advisable to take the Magalang trail as an entry point, since it is easier to descend from military camp to White rock and from White rock to South Peak, but if you are looking for challenge, go ahead nobody's gonna stop you(^^,).

The Magalang trail begins with a station of the cross, and it could be your first guide. Although, there is a forks that leads to another station, that might bring you to a wrong path. This means you'll need a  next guide, it can be the electric post. It leads up until the "view deck" where a some military personnel stays. A long path, well exposed to the sun, and mosquito infested trail will face you, if you follow same. From the view deck, it will be a steep descent, and it could be very slippery during rainy weather. Although, there are a lot of trees that can be your support. Then, it's ridge line, where the presence of trail signs should begin. You will be a little off the ridge and continuing will be the tricky part. You may overlook the next trail sign if you keep your heads down, as you have to climb the rocks to continue, or it will lead you to the sides of the rocks where yours truly got lost. Then, you're back to the long ridge line up to the White Rocks. In the White Rocks,  you can have views if you climb the rocks on both sides. Continuing, you'll have to descend all the way down to reach the next trail. Vines are tied up at a small tree, so you can rapel. The trail now to the South Peak. There is not much of view there, as compared to the next peak that you can reach if you keep pushing, the North Peak. From there, it is just some minutes from the campsite which connects the two trails, Magalang and Arayat. Now, it's a long way down via Arayat trail.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

You may take buses bound to north esp. bound to Tarlac as they pass through SM San Fernando where you can take either jeepneys or tricycle to Magalang town proper. From Magalang town proper, take tricycle to Brgy. Ayala.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

03:00 Take bus to Tarlac
04:30 ETA SM San Fernando, jeeps could not be available yet at that time so take tricycle
05:30 ETA Magalang Town Proper, take breakfast
06:30 Head to Brgy. Ayala
07:00 ETA Jumpoff, start trek
10:00 ETA viewdeck
11:00 ETA Whiterock
12:00 ETA Southpeak, take lunch
13:00 Resume trek
13:30 ETA Northpeak
17:00 ETA Brgy. Bano, head to Arayat National Park, Wash out
18:00 Head to SM San Fernando
18:30 ETA SM San Fernando, take early dinner
19:30 Head Home

*Take note that the suggestion is a dayhike, it could be hard to bring large packs at the traverse in descending the white rock plus the mosquitoes. But again, the 2 day IT is not impossible.

Pampanga - Mt. Arayat

Mt. Arayat 
Arayat National Park, Brgy. Bano de San Juan, Arayat, Pampanga
1030 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 3/9
Trail Class: 2-3
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

A traveler heading north can see a sole wrench-top-like-mountain at the right side while on the NLEX. It is located in the Province of Pampanga, the Mt. Arayat.

Mt. Arayat is a sole mountain accessible in the Province. It was already living in a myth like it's CALABARZON counterpart, Mt. Makiling, before it was discovered as a mountaineering destination. Yes, the Mt. Arayat was part of a legend saying these two were sisters. Both a powerful fairy that lives in a mountain. Also, like Mt. Makiling, the ordinary hike is a minor climb, but traversing the mountain will elevate it's level into a major climb.

Trekking Mt. Arayat could be quite challenging, as the first leg of the climb will be an exposed trail. Then as you continue, you will be facing a trail with a largely grown bushes and cogon esp. during rainy days. From there, the ascend begins and it will continue up to the summit. You will rarely find a flat trail, but fear not, the confusion and lost is a rare chance since the trail is very visible and some signs were present.

Mt. Arayat is an inviting destination since it is very challenging and good for a training/preparation climb. However, there are some nuisance that you must be ready to face in climbing the said mountain. The Arayat National Park that serves as the jump-off for Arayat trail is a home for a "wise" people(I opted to use a positive word), as all requests and questions comes with a price. Also, the abundance of mosquitoes and flies could be annoying, so prepare accordingly.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

You may take buses bound to north, esp. Tarlac since they passes SM San Fernando where you can secure a ride to Arayat National Park.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

 Day 1

10:30 Assembly time
11:00 Depart to Pampanga, take bus
12:00 ETA SM San Fernando, take lunch, buy supplies
13:00 Head to jumpoff
13:30 ETA Jumpoff, register
18:00 ETA Campsite, set camp, head to viewing deck for pictures
18:30 Back to campsite, prepare dinner
19:30 Dinner, Socials

Day 2

05:00 Wake up call, prepare breakfast
06:00 Breakfast
06:30 Breakcamp
07:00 Start descend
10:00 ETA Jumpoff, wash out at Arayat Nat'l Park
11:00 head to SM San Fernando
11:30 ETA SM San Fernando, lunch
12:30 Head back home

Batangas - Matabungkay Beach

Matabungkay Beach

 Batangas is home for lots of beaches, and what is good at it? It is just two hour ride from Manila, thus, making it a popular spot to visit, not just during summer but even offseasons. From whitesand beaches to popular diving spots, name it and you can have it! Although not much as beautiful and as popular as Boracay Island, it's long shoreline that lies from the boundary of Cavite (Nasugbu) to the boundary of Quezon (San Juan), still boast such beauty. And one of them is Matabungkay Beach of Lian, Batangas.

A little bit offwhite with regards to the sand, the calmness of the water is a perfect feature it offers. It's sand is finer than those in Laiya and although there not much of the facilities for some of the resorts, there are still some boatmen that offer a ride for a low price for a snorkeling of around half an hour.

Aside from the sunset, the view of islands and mountains nearby can also be seen from the beach, thus, a thumbs up for a Nature lover.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

From Pasay/Cubao, there are buses that is bound to Nasugbu. Take them to Nasugbu where you can take buses to Matabungkay. Now, it depends on the resort you will be taking. Some may require you another ride, a tricycle maybe, but some are already along the road.

Travel Journal 13-009: Matabungkay Beach

I'm on the way home from the office, when I received an invitation from my cousin who is residing in Tagaytay. She will be celebrating her birthday at a beach in Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas. She said it will be just a whole day affair for the coming Saturday thus, I have nothing to worry if I have an appointment or a date in Sunday. This made me say "yes I will come" so easily.

When I arrived home, I found out that my mother and my siblings are already preparing for it excitedly. Aha! My budget is in danger! :p. Fortunately(I won't be paying their fares hahaha), they decided that they will be spending their Friday night at our Grandmother's house in Indang, Cavite since the call time in Tagaytay is too early.

The Friday has came, I arrived late at home as usual. My mother and my siblings are already gone for the two-hour ride to Indang, Cavite. I prepared my stuff and set my phone's alarm at 3 hours earlier for the call time, budgeting 1 hour for preparation and stuff rechecking plus two hour trip. Unfortunately, my tired body didn't responded much in the alarm, instead, I woke up an hour before the call time. Oh no!! For a moment, it took me sometime to decide, whether I will just head straight to Lian, which I am not familiar yet or just stay at home. No, I gave a word, so I will come. I sent a message to my mom and my cousin telling them that I will just follow them. I then hastily did my preparations and left the house within half an hour.

 As I rode a jeepney going to Sta. Rosa Complex, I was recalling the picture of the Google map when I was scanning the said for a round trip before. As I remember, Lian is somewhere southwest from Calamba, between Nasugbu and Lemery, Batangas. And I was right, my cousin told me to take a bus going to Nasugbu where I can take another ride for Lian.

As I arrived at the Sta. Rosa Complex, I saw a van bound to Lemery. I asked the driver if his route includes Nasugbu, but he asked me back where I am heading. Knowing my destination, he then suggested me to take his ride and he will be dropping me at Lian Public Market where I can take a bus going to Matabungkay. And, I did.

I arrived in Lian approximately two and half hours from Sta. Rosa Complex. From there, I asked the locals where I can ride a bus going to Matabungkay since it is the tip of the van driver. They discouraged me to take a bus instead, the locals suggested me to have a short walk to the Public market where a jeep terminal is located. They said that if I took a bus, I will just drop me at the intersection going to Matabungkay, and I still have to take a tricycle. But, if a take a jeep in the market terminal, I will drop me exactly to the front of the resort I was looking for. This made me decide to follow them. I reached the market and rode a jeep where almost all of the passengers know each other. Yeah! A province thing, a close-tie for all neighbors.

As the jeep leaves, my mom and cousins are already worried if I were able to navigate the place. Fortunately, the answer is yes. I was able to navigate, without a sweat haha!

Then, it's feast! The long travel hungers me. And it's revenge! Time to celebrate my cousins birthday. Swim, swim, eat and swim!

It's past dawn when we left the resort. We rode two chartered jeeps on going back to Tagaytay. My family have decided to take the one who's driver is living in Indang, Cavite. But seems that my luck runs out that night. The jeep we took got a problem. The driver said, the filter ( I dunno, I am very bad at auto mechs), which cause us travel in a very slow pace. In fact, in steep roads, the jeep's engine has a tendency to shutdown. 

We arrived in Tagaytay at almost 10, making me decide to spend my night in our grandmother's place in Indang.

See Photos in Facebook

BUDGET CHECK (As of May 2013)

^^Pls take note that this budget is based from my original destination, as this time, I have no idea of how much will be the fare if coming from Mega Manila.

*Fare at Van from Sta. Rosa to Lian Php 150.00, Fare jeep to Matabungkay Php 28.00.
*Resort entrance/cottage/food-around Php 2,000.00-9,000.00 per group

Total (Average price): Php 5,000.00

Travel Journal 13-008: Mt. Romelo

It was of one my friend's wedding when we again met the outdoor group that is closest to our, a group that became more active after we linked our chain of friends. From there, a plan was formed, finally, another climb with them. It's been a long time since I met them in the trail, or should I say even not, as we rarely have joined their climb. Also, our busy days have started for more than a year now, making our outdoor activity  subside to almost none, thus, our group rarely climb together. But since then, my heart as outdoor person started to be excited again, though a long trip out of populated city can already give me fun, one can't disagree that fun is much better with friends, eh? :).

 At first, I thought that the plan won't come into a realization cause of the low turn out of participants since majority of them have commitment at the same day. But luckily, my hope didn't disappoint me, we still decided to persist the said, picking Mt. Romelo as the official destination.

Mt. Romelo have been famous for thievery against it's campers, mountaineer or tourist. Yes, maybe because it is already popular, not just for mountaineers but also for some first timers tourists/campers, makes the thieves of the said destination active. As a precaution, I opted not to bring much valuables, except ofcourse for my budget. Packed, I left the house a lot earlier than the group's call time to meet up with my groupmate first who will also be joining the climb. The pack I carry then since to be missing something, but there is none. I just miss my camera I named Holy, as I always bring him with me since I got him, everytime I go outdoor.

Few minutes of travel, I arrived at the meet up point, the city's terminal center. My friend, hasn't arrived yet, but I was expecting he'd come earlier since I was caught in traffic created by the road block since a bridge in our area is being repaired. After few minutes, I decided to give him a call and  learned that we was also caught in the same traffic. I was not just the route that the jeepney I rode have taken, but also other routes have been jammed due to the volume of vehicles, looking for alternative routes. But luckily, my wait didn't lasted long, as he was just some minutes away.

After meeting up, we then go straight to south where we are to meet other buddies.

After more than an hour of travel, we've reached Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From there, we received a call that we have to wait long since our buddies have miscalculated the travel time. And, we did! But, it's not a matter for us. To my surprise, they also didn't bring any camera. Then we decided to do our markets at Siniloan where we also have to meet one final buddy. We took, our lunch then head fast to Siniloan.
 
It was already late afternoon when we reached Siniloan. After our markets, our buddy arrived which signals the "Let's go" stuff.

It's jumpoff, we took the registration and haste to the trek. The first leg of Mt. Romelo a.k.a Buruwisan, is an abrupt ascend. No warm ups, the unpracticed me breathes heavily that I have to stop every 30-40 steps. Fortunately, the rolling trail begun afterwards. I am no longer a stranger to Mt. Romelo's trail as it is already my third there, but I still noticed my pace have slowed much, not to mention that my pack have gone lighter due absence of my camera, Holy.

Slow might I, yet I still managed not to be the very tail of the group.  Slowly, the group took their pace. We were some distances apart, but we kept each other not too far.  Every seat is a rest opportunity as we trek. Good thing, we came in late afternoon, that we don't have to problem the exhausting heat of the sun as some parts of the trail is well exposed. There are some occasional ascends which proves that my not so strong lungs needs more practice. Soon, the final ascend before the rolling trail that connects to descending trail to the campsite. With average pace, we managed to reach the campsite before dusk.

It's campsite! We've set our camp before cooking our dinner. Yes, socials is essential!(LOL), thus, the never ending shots also begun that night.

When the morning came, we cooked our breakfast and kept them first for a short trek to the falls down the site, the Buruwisan Falls and not far from it, the Lanzones Falls. After some dip and picture sessions, we headed back to our camp and took our breakfast.We took a short break, then headed to Batya-batya falls. The trail to it is more challenging than the trail of the other two falls, as you have to cross some deep part of the river or climb a steep trail on it's side. Unfortunately, I'm not a swimmer, thus no option but to take the side trail. Soon, another challenge came up, a chest-deep-river must be cross. We still managed to cross, but the non-swimmers were stuck the moment we reached the Batya-batya as going near to it requires swimming to it's deep basin. After some minutes, we then head back to the camp where the socials again begun while cooking our lunch.

After the lunch were prepared, we paused our sessions to take the lunch, then continued it after the meal. We took the luxury of dipping in the river while drinking the alcohol, before we packed our stuff to head home. It is almost the same time of ascending when we decided to ascend. It didn't took much of a challenge but as I assist the girls in our group that left behind, we took a confusing trail somewhere near the jumpoff, making us exit in a different trail. As we reach the registration area, our buddies have taken their break already.

(No photos for this travel, since as mentioned earlier no one brought their camera. Photo available here is a photo of an anonymous person from the net).

BUDGET CHECK (As of May 2013).

*From Cubao, my friends paid a fare of around Php 140.00-150.00 going to Sta. Cruz. Then an approximately Php 35.00 to Siniloan, the tricycle might cause a Php 150.00 - 200.00 per trip, thus Php 40.00 each.

*Meal again can be subdivided to group for around Php 200.00 each.

Total: Php 650.00.

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).