More than one and a half decade ago, it has claimed hundreds of lives and devastated a number of towns, making a lot of children orphans and many families homeless, but now Mt. Pinatubo is considered one of the tourist's spots in Northern Luzon. The majestic beauty of it's crater lake, breathtaking view of different rock formations, and artistically sculpted lahar walls never fail to amaze every visitor, whether local or foreign.
For the Induction Climb of the 3rd batch [Adamas] of the UP-PGH Mountaineering Club, the officers have chosen Mt. Pinatubo. At first I was hesitant to join the expedition, since we were told that a trainee from a different group died while saving his co-trainees from the flashflood. Honestly, if it wasn't an induction climb, I wouldn't have joined the group, but after having a glimpse of the amazing view of it's crater lake, I'm glad I did.
Team Pasaway with Fred @ PGH Flagpole
Most of the members and trainees meet up at the PGH flagpole last January 12, Friday at around 6:30PM, but our group meet up at the Rehab Department at an earlier time around 5:00 PM, where we pre-cooked the bacon and packed our food. We were supposed to leave PGH at exactly 7:00PM, but since we have to wait for some members, we left at around 7:45PM. (It's actually one of our groupmate, Pio, who came in late, thus we coined our group as Team Pasaway!) We reached the Philippine Rabbit Bus Station at Avenida at around 8:30PM, where we meet up with the other members and guests. We bought our packed breakfast/dinner at Jollibee (our group already bought our packed dinner @ Gary's Restaurant before leaving PGH), and at around 9PM we're on our way to Capas, Tarlac.
Jac and Arnie on the bus
When we were approaching the Dau Bus Station, our bus halted. Some thought it was just because of the traffic, and others thought that it's due to road cleaning, but after 15 to 20 minutes we were informed that the bus broke down and we have to transfer to another bus.
Ma'am Gemma & Sir Elmer (trying to figure out our next move)
This held our excitement, but it's definitely not a reason to abort the expedition (1 week ako nag-pack for this expedition huh! Dapat talaga matuloy! Hehe... ). A variety of suggestions came up, but after about 30 mins of waiting, another Philippine Rabbit Bus came by. We wasted no time and boarded the bus (We have an itinerary to follow!). At first some of us have to stand up, but when we reached the Dau Bus Station, where a lot of passengers unboarded, all of us eventually found our own seats.
Phoebe, Ma'am Vhong, Jac, Lora & Arnie
Albert & Joyce
Ma'am Vhong, Phoebe & Shy
Kuya Carlo, Tisa & Ma'am Gemma (nice smile Tisa!)
Sir Red, Uncle (he's already 70 y/o! astig d b?), & Al
Kuya Ton Ton, Mike & Kim (Guests from Supreme Court)
When we reached the Capas Market, we had a hard time finding a jeepney since it's already 12 midnight. Good thing our expedition leader, Sir Melvin Abac, used his charms and resourcefulness to find a jeep that we could rent upto the Sta. Juliana Visitor Assistance Center. Me and Jen (also known as Bebe) ran to the jeepney so we wouldn't run out of seats (ayaw umupo sa sahig!!! :D). I can smell the fresh leaves along the way and the cool breeze keeps on caressing my face. (Wow fresh air!!! Wala nito sa Manila!!! Hehe!)
Arnie, Lora, Ma'am Vhong, Phoebe, & JacWe arrived at the Sta. Juliana Barangay Hall at around 1:00 AM. After taking some pictures, each group found their own places to settle down. Our group decided to sleep at the basketball court beside the Barangay Hall (we were the only group who opted to sleep outside... really Pasaway huh!). We spread down the ground sheet and tent, covered ourselves with a malong, and had a power nap. At exactly 4:00 AM, we woke up, washed our faces, brushed our teeth and ate our packed breakfast that we bought from Jollibee. Since we don't have to cook our breakfast, and we didn't changed our clothes (sayang sa damit... madudumihan din sa pag-akyat), we are the first group to load the jeepney.
Team Pasaway: Pio, Jac, Joyce & Albert
We left the Barangay Hall at around 5:30 AM, with all the inductees loaded on one jeepney, and the members and guests on another. All of us were so excited! We couldn't wait to start the trek and take some pictures, but it was total darkness along the way, and we can't view the scenery.
When we reached the jump off at around 6:30, we had some picture-taking and some warm-up exercises (basically just stretching our leg muscles... hehe... tamad mg-warm up!). Then Albert lead the prayer before we started the trek.
Jac, before starting the trek
Praying before starting the trek
Pink rock! Cute! (maliit pa yung rocks, nsa baba pa lang kami e)
There were lots of river/stream crossing along the way, so it's really advisable to wear sandals.
Some of the rivers have strong water current, so you have to be extra careful. Each step should be firm and well anchored, so you won't lose your balance. (We have to thank the guys for being such a gentleman on assisting the girls while crossing the rivers/streams... Thank you very much!!!)
During the first couple of hours of walking, I enjoyed the cool breeze touching my face. I felt fully charged and enjoyed every step of the way. I was even talking to my groupmate, Pio. However, as the heat of the sun intensified, I felt weaker and weaker. It seems that my energy was draining away, but I continued walking.
We took some rest and re-grouped a number of times along the way. This was the time to unpack our trail food, drink some water and take some pictures.
We passed along a small water falls and had a picture-taking.
We saw some young katutubos along the way, and strike a pose with them in exchange of jelly ace or chips. Mind you, they know how to say 'thank you', and that's really cute!
After hours and hours of walking along the lahar walls, our expedition leader announced that it would only take 45 mins to 1 hour before we reach the crater lake. I was really getting tired, but that announcement gave me a little hope. (Un pala pampalakas lang ng loob un! Malayo pa pala!) The crater lake was actually behind these mountains...
However, after the endless walking, and not seeing even a bit of our goal, I got a little moody, and started getting bitchy. (not smiling, not accepting trail food from other inductees, not even talking! Except to say... "Wala ako sa mood..." Sorry guys kung biatch ako that time... pagod e...) I was damn tired! It was like walking in a desert, and I can no longer bear the heat of the sun! I was already taking small steps, making some of my groupmates comment like 'hmmm... baby steps', and our expedition leader even told me 'parang nglalakad sa mall ah!', in spite of that, the urge to reach the crater lake keeps me going.
At one point, when I can no longer go on, I rested on a rock alone, meters away from the others (They were having 'take five' ahead of me). My plan was to wait for the last group and the sweeper (Kuya Jower), so I can rest for a while. I guess it was not a good idea, since it alerted our club president (Sir Egay) and one of my co-inductee (Kuya Carlo). They thought something bad happened or something, so they backtracked. When I saw that they were going in my direction, I immediately stood up and continued walking. When they reached me, Kuya Carlo got my backpack and carried it for a while so I could rest my back. (Super thank you Kuya Carlo!!!!) When we reached the other members, they asked me "Jac ok ka lang?", to which I answered "Opo, mahirap talaga 'pag chabinela..." (waaaah!!! I have to lose weight!), but according to Shy, "Hindi ka nag-iisa!" :) Hehe...
Sir Egay gave me 2 sachets of Extra Joss so I can re-charge. Whether it's just a placebo effect, according to Albert, I still felt renewed after finishing 1 bottle of Extra Joss. (Thank you Sir Egay!!! -- galing daw kay Teacher Tina ung Extra Joss nung Christmas Party... :D)
The rocks were getting bigger and bigger as we get closer to the campsite. There was a pink boulder and a yellow one, due to sulfur. (Cute di ba?)
When we were about to reach the crater lake, some of the members were already starving, and suggested to stop and cook our lunch along the trail, but our group decided to move on and cook our lunch at the campsite, leaving some of the members behind.
We were taking it slow since we're already tired. (Sabi nga ni Albert... "slow but sure!") Here's a photo of our group when we were nearing the crater lake.
When we finally reached the campsite and had a glimpse of the crater lake, we were awed by its beauty! It was like a giant swimming pool surrounded by mountains. I can't wait to take a plunge!
Here's the picture of our group when we reached the campsite.
It was already 1:00 AM when we got there, meaning our group took more than 6 hours to finish the trek. However, some of the members, inductees and guests were already cooking their lunch and resting when we arrived.
Our group immediately look for a place where we could pitch our tent, but since most of the members reached the campsite ahead of us, we had a hard time finding a place to settle down. When we've finally chosen a good place, we placed our backpacks at the middle to save it.
We had a hard time cooking the rice so we ate at around 2:30 PM. How I wish there's a rice cooker that we could use on the mountains. Good thing that our viand were already pre-cooked to cut down the cooking time (tetra packs of Lechon Paksiw and Bopis from Goldilocks). Fred (Joyce's & Albert's guest) shared his Century Tuna with us. (Thanks Superman Fred!)
After eating we cleaned up the dishes (not washed the dishes... kulang sa water e!), then we pitched Albert's tent and prepared ourselves to take a plunge in the crater lake.
One of the members, Kuya Jower, advised us not to swim since it's dangerous because there might be some lake creatures (malignos called undin). However, Sir Egay told us to drop it off since we're already in the 21st century.
We checked if the water is clean before plunging in. (We even smelled the water... odorless naman in fairness!) Since I don't know how to swim, I stayed near the shore. The water is too deep according to Albert and Joyce.
Here's some of the pictures when we were enjoying the water.
Joyce offered to give me a swimming lesson, but I'm scared. (Baka bigla ako hilahin ng mga undin :D)
Speaking of undins, Sir Elmer and Sir Melvin told us that they won't harm us since their Supremo is among us (Alam n'yo na kung sino un!!! Hehe). We were joking around when 'he' made his way down to the crater lake, and laughter filled the air when we spotted him. We stopped laughing when he arrived, but the jokes on undins didn't stop there, making him ask about what we're talking about. (Syempre quiet lang kami... baka magalit e)
While we were enjoying the water, some members were having their siesta.
Then Joyce, Albert and I made our way down to the water source, which was 15 minutes away from the campsite, to wash the dishes, refill our water containers and rinse ourselves, while Fred and Pio remained at the campsite to pitch their tents.
I took this chance to take a bath, but changing clothes is really hard when you're in the mountains, so this is where a malong comes in handy. Here's where I took a bath. (lamig ng water!!!)
We were trying to catch a glimpse of the sunset, but since we're inside the crater, we didn't have the chance to appreciate the sunset and the sunrise on the next day.
While our group was at the water source, some of the members had some picture taking at the crater lake. They could have had more poses, if the camera didn't fell down from the tripod. (Sobrang lakas kse ng hangin...)
When we returned to the campsite from the water source at around 6:30 PM, we started preparing our dinner. We cooked carbonara and corn-dog, while Fred prepared some spaghetti. (Sarap ka-group nila Joyce and Albert!!! Sipag nila magluto e!) While cooking our dinner, we heard some landslides, and hoped that it wouldn't reach our campsite. (scary!!!)
We heartily devoured our dinner, but before finishing it up, Kuya Jower informed us that in 15 minutes the Induction Ceremonies would already start and we are the second group to perform.
We crammed on thinking of a performance and practised in 5 minutes. Good thing Albert and Joyce thought of this funny chant about Balay ni Superman. It was damn funny not to mention corny, but all of us were into it, even shy-type Pio! Of course our import, Fred, have a special participation. He performed some magic tricks and even wore a cape, so we started calling him Superman!
We didn't have time to clean up the dishes and just covered the left-overs. However, our pre-cooked bacon was left wrapped in a wax paper, which later on vanished, just like a magic trick! We later found out that some of our co-inductees saw a dog roaming around the campsite. (Hmp! Bad s'ya! Kinain n'ya bacon namin!)
The Induction Ceremonies started with a few words from our Expedition Leader, Sir Melvin, and our Club President, Sir Egay. Papa Egz ended his short speech with 'Let's get it on!" ala Manny Pacquiao.
Then it was time for the inductees to showcase our talents. (Meron nga ba?!?!) It seems that all the performances were crammed up, but nonetheless all of it was funny. The guests from the Supreme Court was given the task to judge the performances. Kuya Ton Ton was the one who declared the winner, and it was the group of Kuya Carlo who performed a pantomime entitled "Bubble Gum".
Here are some of the pictures during the performances:
The first group headed by Phoebe performed a dance number to the tune of 'Di Ako Bakla'. Sir Rico was in front doing some acting, while the three girls acted as his back-up dancers.
The second group (Team Pasaway) headed by Albert sang Balay ni Superman, with a special participation of Fred the Magician/Superman.
The third group headed by Kuya Carlo performed a pantomime entitled 'Bubble Gum'.
After declaring the winner, Sir Melvin and Sir Egay gave each inductee a friendship bracelet. (Sir Melvin made those bracelets... Thank you po!!!) This would symbolize the special bond and unity among our batch. :D
This was followed by our oath-taking, making us officially a member of the UP-PGH Mountaineering Club. Then each of us had a shot of red wine and a round of handshakes from the members as they welcome us to the club.
After which, each new member was given the chance to talk. Some were emotional (ehem!), and some revealed their funny side. Sir Rico sang his piece, and Arnie envied him, so she serenaded us with a song entitled 'In the Beginning'. (Parang nanghaharana! Promise!!! Para kanino kaya un? Hmmm...) However, one member stand out of the rest, and that was Pio! He's a shy guy, who seldom talks. (Pati tawa n'ya walang sounds!!!! Tahimik talaga s'ya promise!!!) He was holding a flashlight on one hand and holding 2 sheets of paper on the other. He was like reading his piece, but the truth is nothing was written on the sheets of paper (props lang talaga!). After finishing the first page, he turned to the 2nd page, and everybody waited. It's a long silence, which he eventually broke by saying.... 'Thank You'. Everyone laughed so hard, making Pio an instant celebrity. (Daming natawa sa kanya promise!!! If you were there baka nag-join na kau sa fans club nia!)
After the Induction Ceremonies at around 10PM, most of the members prepared for a good night sleep, while the other members had a drinking session.
Albert shared his tent with me and Joyce, while Fred and Pio had their own tents.
While we were sleeping, we could hear the gushing of the wind. It was blowing hard, that some of the members woke up just to pin down their pegs, which were pulled out by the wind. Some members were even holding on to the poles of their tent so the wind won't blow it away.
We woke up on a cold Sunday morning at around 5:00 AM. We brushed our teeth and started preparing our breakfast. We reheated our carbonara, cooked some noodles, boiled some eggs and made some corn-dogs. Kuya Ram gave us some tapa (Thanks Kuya Ram!!!). For our desert, we had some apple parfait which we bought from the grocery.
When we were still cooking our breakfast, a flaming stove and butane gas suddenly came flying from Sir Red tents towards Pio's tent. Pio was advised to move his tent, as Fred, Albert and Joyce tried their best to stop the fire. They poured some water but to no avail. Then threw over Joyce's damp malong, but it only burnt the malong. I was so scared that the butane gas would explode. Good thing Fred had a brilliant idea of covering it with the sand, which eventually put out the fire. (Moral lesson of the story: Properly screw the adaptor to the butane gas to avoid leaks and always check the safety of your stove!)
We were supposed to start our descent by 7:00 AM, but we finished breaking camp at around 7:45. We had a group picture-taking, then Fred lead the prayer before we started our descent.
The UP-PGH Mountaineering Club @ Mt. Pinatubo
The HUNKS!
THE BABES!
Team Pasaway with Superman Fred
The NEW members of the UP-PGH Mountaineering Club (3rd Batch), The ADAMAS (Unconquerable)
GROUP 1: Mai, Tisa, Arnie, Kuya Carlo, Lora & Ma'am Vhong
GROUP 2: Phoebe, Sir Rico, Jen (Bebe), & Shy
During our descent, it started drizzling, then after 15 to 20 minutes it stopped. It was like a blessing from the gods. (Bini-bless yung club namin... :D)
It only took us 2 1/2 to 3 hours to finish the descent. Some of the members rented a 4-wheel drive, since Kuya Don Don got wounded because of his sandals.
When we reached the end of the trail, it seems like my bladder was about to explode. Good thing Ma'am Gemma also wanted to pee, and accompanied me. (Thanks Ma'am Gemma!!!)
Here's my picture after reaching the end of the trail, and while waiting for our jeepney.
This was also the time when Ma'am Gemma collected the fees for the jeepney and the guides.
When we loaded the jeepney, everybody was so excited to reach the Barangay Hall and take a bath. Suddenly our wheels got stuck in the lahar, so we have to unload the jeepney and the guys started pushing and pulling up the jeep from the lahar. After several attempts, they eventually succeeded.
When we reach the Sta. Juliana Visitor Assistance Center, our group started cooking our lunch, while the other members were taking a bath. We had macaroni and cheese, boiled eggs, and corned beef courtesy of Fred.
Since we were a big group (31 persons in all including the guests) it took us almost 2 hours to finish taking a bath.
On our way back home, I was still amazed by the crater lake's pristine beauty. I can't hardly believe that on the end of those seemingly endless lahar walls, stands a majestic lake. Even the Koreans who visited the crater lake on our first day were awed by it's breathtaking view. (They were even shouting!!!)
Ma'am Gemma was right on saying that, it wasn't a dangerous trail if you'll visit on a dry season and take extra precautions. I won't hesitate inviting my friends on our next Mt. Pinatubo Trek. Want to join? ;)
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