June 1991 - Mt. Pinatubo showed the world its wrath by being the second largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century, after Mt. Novarupta in Alaska during 1912*. The provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga suffered the most during the massive ash plume. Even worse, a tropical storm also hit these areas at the same time. It was raining ash and water, houses were damaged, and lives were taken.

Pinatubo has been quiet ever since but its status is 'Active' under the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Despite this, people still flock back near Mt. Pinatubo. Tourism is going strong around the area, especially when it was featured in KathNiel's movie, "Crazy Beautiful You", in 2015. They're the biggest loveteam in the Philippines 😆

That's why I was excited when my college friend, Faith, invited us to trek Mt. Pinatubo after her Baguio vacation! She was with her boyfriend and 2 other friends. Since I was just in Manila, 2-3 hours away from Zambales, I decided to meet up with them. Our last member is also our college friend coming from his workplace in Bataan. There were 6 of us: 2 couples and 2 close college friends 😄

After a hearty and oily Filipino breakfast, we were led to 4x4 vehicles. Only the travel organizers coordinated with the local government and the military in the area. Apart from them, people with health conditions were the only ones who showed themselves to the authorities. After the go-signal, we were good to go!

The 4x4 Ride

Just like the millennials we were, we did prior research on what to expect. So, we were prepared with our scarves to shield our eyes and noses from the dust when passing by rough roads. The 4x4 ride lasts for about 1.5 hours for 18 km. We were fascinated by the different kinds of terrains and sceneries that we passed by. It truly felt like we visited different countries.

We stopped by the magnificent rock formation about halfway through to take some pictures. We were so excited to see the locals approach us. They took part in our group pictures with peace signs, pogi "handsome" hand gestures, and the Korean heart fingers (oppa!).

The best is yet to come for the 4x4 adventure. We've moved on from the wide dusty roads. We're now going to pass by riverbanks and through the river stream! I was kinda paranoid because our 4x4 driver is a teenage boy being taught by his dad beside him in the front seat. I'm all for self-improvement and learning, but not when I'm on the 4x4 and I see the water level rising to where I was sitting 😆 I think we crossed the river twice on our way up the mountain. My feelings went from excitement to worry to relief to I-wanna-do-that-again.

Start of the Trek

We finally arrived near the base of the mountain where the trekking starts. The terrain was still uneven and rough because it was in the riverbanks. At first, we (Faith and I) tried our very best not to get our shoes wet, which was stupid I know. Inevitably, our feet would get soaked. We're outdoors so getting wet is an adventure! It just took one foot slipping into the water, and we didn't care anymore.

After passing the rivers and large stones, the next part was more into the green forest. The insides of our shoes were still wet and squishy, but the ground we're stepping on was already dry and grassy. When we saw the welcome sign of Pinatubo, we took a rest first in the nipa hut which was also near the makeshift restrooms. The tour guide informed us that we were already near the crater. The slope gets steeper because we're climbing towards the crater. At this time, I was mentally rubbing my hands in excitement. If you've read my Mount Pulag Trek, you'll know I love the home stretch 😁

Mount Pinatubo's Crater Up Close

After the steep climb, we reached somewhat like a cobblestone walkway with trees and grassy grounds around. It's like a park near the volcano's crater. From the edge of the walkway and before the stairs, you can already see the lake from above! It looked so serene and inviting that you'll stop and wonder how twenty-seven years ago, this volcano was capable of being NOT serene at all.

Of course, we went down the stairs to get a closer look at the lake. Swimming was not allowed in the lake because the water is not safe to be ingested. People just lay down their picnic sets and enjoyed the view.

These were some of the silly group pictures we took with the incredibly breathtaking crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

After we've had our hearts filled with content with all the picture-taking, we find our place in the "park" and ate our packed lunch. I don't know if it was just because our stomachs were full or we're tired from the tension in the 4x4 ride and the trek, but we spent some time up there...sleeping. Just in time when our socks were fairly dry thanks to the strong winds there.

The Stranded College Friends

Now, you know I always have stories whenever I travel. This time is not any different, because our 4x4 ride back to the civilization broke down not once, but twice! While the locals were fixing the vehicle, we were stranded there along the dusty roads. Other 4x4 cars and SUVs just passed by us. One car stopped by and told us that they were going to ask for back-up back in the jumpoff point. We waited for a while until one pick-up truck offered to take in some passengers. We volunteered ourselves!

And so, we were at the back of the pick-up truck with the wind whipping our hairs. So, compared to the fresh faces we had earlier that morning, this was us when we arrived back at our homestay.

People were staring at us while looking at how disheveled we were. The owners were kind enough (and I think took pity on our looks) to let us use the bathroom even if we checked out already.

Closing Notes

If you'd ask me, would I climb Pinatubo again? Of course, yes! My high school friends and I are planning to go back this November 2020. But by the looks of the COVID-19 condition in the Philippines, it would be postponed yet again. Nevertheless, I'm excited to go back and be in awe of Pinatubo's quiet facade beauty.

Here's a video made by my new friend I've made during that trip, Jurgen Lasa. Posted with permission.