Mt. Pinatubo Sojourn 2009.

Mt. Pinatubo Trek Adventure through Russell Ri, who organize tours everywhere in the Philippines. The package fee of around 1,800 pesos already included shuttle transpo from Quezo City, Metro Manila to Capas, Tarlac (jump off point to the volcano) then back to Metro Manila, hike/guide fees and 4x4 jeep rental. Advisable if you could bring hats, caps or bandana/scarves to protect your face from dust during the jeepney ride. The jeep ride was for an hour and the hike going to Mt. Pinatubo crater was about and hour and a half. I'm not a mountaineer but I think the route we took was not for beginners. It was just too much effort. One slip and your head is towards the sharp rocks. It was not for beginners because it seems there's no trail of anyone passing the spot. We reached the crater just in time for lunch. We brought our own food (sandwiches, water), but you can also bring the "binalot" type of food (rice and grilled liempo or chicken with a side dish of salted egg and tomatoes), for added picnic ambience when you eat beside the lake.

During that time, we were still able to swim in the lake (it was still allowed). The water was bottle green and there was vegetation on the lakeshore where there is an abundance of black rocks also. The swim was very relaxing since the water was cool and calm. We stayed in the lake area for about an hour and a half, took pictures and just breathed in the surroundings and pondered how this volcano destroyed so many lives and properties in 1991. We hiked down and reached the base around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. The designated resort/hotel where we are allowed to wash up also offers spa services. You can either have a massage or a volcanic spa/lava treatment.

The hike was long and tiring, but it was all worth it. Overall, this challenging adventure was a great experience. Will never go back, but it's one for the books.

A few months later, I heard in the news that French and Filipino hikers, scaling from Mt. Pinatubo, were killed from flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rain.