×

Blessed with scenic spots and beautiful people, the Philippines is undoubtedly a world-class paradise! But with these treasures come the hazards the country is prone to; each year we face an average of 19 to 21 tropical cyclones, frequent earthquakes and occasional volcanic activities.

One such event happened on June 15, 1991 when Mount Pinatubo erupted, claiming hundreds of lives. After being dormant for around 600 years, its eruption was believed to be triggered by a massive earthquake known as the “Great Luzon Quake” that struck the northern and central parts of Luzon in July 1990.

Considered one of the most destructive volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, the Pinatubo event produced thick deposits of tephra, pyroclastic stream flow and lahar, which were aggravated by Typhoon Yunya, locally named as Diding.

Based on the records of PAGASA, the tropical cyclone developed east of Samar and crossed Luzon before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier, heavy rains and strong winds worsened the lahar flow in affected communities. The combined effect of lahar spewed by the volcano and flooding from the typhoon submerged almost a million houses.

After the dreadful event, a lake was formed within the crater of the volcano. Now dubbed as a “beautiful disaster”, the Pinatubo eruption created an amazing view that continues to stun both local and foreign visitors.

Journey to the crater
Just in time for the commemoration of the Pinatubo eruption’s silver anniversary, the Panahon TV team produced a special segment, not only to commemorate the tragedy, but also to highlight the lessons that the Filipinos learned from it. We were five in the group composed of myself, the segment producer, coordinators, and a cameraman.

It was on a Saturday, at around 2:00 AM, when we assembled at the PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, where our media van awaited to bring us to Tarlac.

We departed at 2:30 AM. Though a bit sleepy, everyone was excited for the trip! After approximately two and a half hours, we finally reached Brgy. Sta. Juliana, the trek’s jump-off location. We were able to meet other trekkers though I noticed that we were not as many as expected.

One of the tourism officers said though the average number of visitors during weekends usually plays between 200 to 250, the number of tourists has dwindled from 400 to 650. According to a local, it was probably because of the additional fees that were being collected recently—something we discovered first-hand later on.

At the jump-off site, we were welcomed, not only by the organizers and tourism officials, but also kids selling trekking sticks made from wood. I bought one from a little girl for only P20. I hoped it would give me stability while trekking on a rough terrain.

Comfort rooms made from nipa are also provided at the site so you can change clothes before starting the tour. After the briefing and distribution of food, we returned to the road with our driver and guide.

Aboard the 4×4 vehicle, we were introduced to our driver, Mang Felix, and Kuya Jimmy, our tour guide. We found out that they were among the survivors of Pinatubo’s wrath.

The dusty 4×4 trip started easily enough. But as we draw nearer to the site, the path became rougher and wetter! The flowing streams were run through without mercy, so we were treated to a slightly messy and wet ride.

We had our first stop over at what they called “Toblerone.” Does it look familiar, chocolate lovers?
p3
The little Aetas were also there to welcome the tourists. They greeted and even joined us in our photos.
p4
We resumed our ride and after almost two hours, we reached the parking stop. After unloading the 4×4 vehicle, we started walking—the official start of our journey to the crater.

p2
Along the rocky trail, we noticed rock balancing displays built by the young Aetas. They also had small bahay-bahayan arrangements where they played and rested as they welcomed the trekkers.
p10
As we trekked, we noticed the yellow-orange deposits found in the streams. These are believed to be iron deposits with rusty sediments.
p6
The refreshing part of the trek was the river crossing–the reason why trekking sandals are the recommended footwear instead rubber shoes. The feeling of cold water on your skin was revitalizing! You could even take a dip in the river when you traversed back.
p8
p1
After almost two hours of a five to six-kilometre walk, we finally reached the captivating crater of Mount Pinatubo! The lake had a bluish-green color, but according to Kuya Jimmy, the color of the water could change depending on the weather or season.
p11
We were allowed to dip our feet and legs, but no one was allowed to swim in the lake. For safety purposes, trekkers are now prohibited to swim or take a boat ride, especially because of a drowning incident last 2013. Apart from this, the water is said to be highly acidic and unsafe for humans.


With this enchanting view, the pain, sweat and sunburn from the long hike were all worth it! We were able to take a short rest, eat lunch (included in the package) and capture aerial shots.

To get more of the majestic sights and inspiring stories from the tour, watch our Mt. Pinatubo Eruption 25th Anniversary Special:

OTHER TRAVEL DETAILS

Expenses:
P 1, 550.00 per head – Inclusions: Food (lunch), 1 Liter of Water, Environmental Fee (Capas) Tour Guide, 4×4 Vehicle Ride, Driver
P 700.00 – Separate Environmental Fee once you reached Botolan area. (Since this was a bit pricy, our tour guide said this is one of the reasons why the number of tourists has declined dramatically)

How to get there (from Manila):
– Take NLEX and Sta. Ines Mabalacat exit. Turn right to McArthur Highway all the way to Capas, Tarlac.
– In Capas, after the new two-way bridge and just before 711 and Jollibee, turn left at the first stoplight (landmark: Pandayan Bookstore) then turn right.
– Drive ahead passing Brgy. Aranguren. After about 1.5 kms, turn left at the sharp curved road (landmark to your right: INC church).
– Drive for about 18 kms. until you reach Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas- Pinatubo jump off.
– Drop by at the Tourism Office for the waiver signing.

Reminders:
– Those who are 40 years old above must have their own waiver and a photocopy of their ID, which will be checked by the tourism office. Before trekking, the tourists’ blood pressures (BP) will be checked.
– Other participants who do not need to have their BP checked must wait for the others before proceeding to the waiting area.
– Parents or adults must sign the waiver for minors.

What to bring / wear?

– Sunscreen/sunblock
– Mosquito repellent lotion
– Cap or turban
– Sunglasses
– Camera with extra battery
– 1st Aid Kit
– Socks to prevent blisters
– Extra clothes,towel
– Toiletries
– Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Recommended footwear includes open trek shoes with straps or slippers that are durable and don’t slip off.
– Raincoats during the rainy season
– Plastic bag to seal in clothes or camera
– Umbrella
– Tent (optional)
– Walking stick (available for P20.00 at the jump off)
– Extra snacks (fruits, biscuits) that you may want to share with the Aetas
– Garbage bag
– Facial wipes
– Face mask (to protect you from the dust)
– Masking tape for your shoes if they fall apart during the hike

For inquiries about the expenses and more details about the tour, you may contact Ms. Sonia at 0918-602-1943 or send an email to mtpinatubotour_bognothomestay@yahoo.com.

Have you been to Lake Pinatubo? How’s your trek? We’d like to hear your experience!