mt.pinatubo: itinerary, expenses and a link loving ♥

Here's our Mt. Pinatubo Itinerary and Expenses as promised. Please note that aside from the 888-peso deal we got from Nature Trip Travel and Tours through Metrodeal, we also availed of their van rentals for 700/pax, minimum of 10 people.  We had to deposit half of the total amount (P3500) for reservation.

itinerary from Nature Trip

Lastly, click on the link below for my Pinatubo disaster stories. :P

mt.pinatubo: a worthy disaster

Nature Trip Travel Tours

naturetriptravelandtours@yahoo.com

0922-890-6380/ 0917-883-6363

0928-505-0764/ 455-4248

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mt. pinatubo: a worthy disaster

Hiyaaa! Just got back from Ilocos. I have tons of photos to upload and stories to tell but let me continue first where I left off.. with our Pinatubo Trip!

I made it a goal last year to trek Mt. Pinatubo and see its majestic crater; but as you all know my 2012 was crazier than crazy {not saying it's completely bad, ha :P}. I decided not to give up on last year's dreams so I PUSHED for this trip. Emphasis on push 'cause I really got stressed, annoyed and pissed before, during and after the trip! Hahaha! I am not exaggerating, it was that bad!

It all started when I saw Metrodeal's Pinatubo Day Tour for P888 inclusive of  breakfast, 4x4 ride and tour coordinator. I immediately created a group conversation with my college friends {plus two former officemates} on Facebook. Only 8 confirmed but we had to buy 10 because it's in the fine print that every weekdays and Sundays, group of  5 persons is required per booking. Our target date was a Sunday. I shouldered the expenses first with one's promise that he'll help me fill the remaining slots. So far so good.

Then the expected happened. Yep yep, I said expected 'cause all the while I had a premonition that one of them will back out. See, I know my friends that well. On the brighter side, Jun  was able to tag along 3 people {a former classmate who is closer to him, a friend and a friend of the friend :P} so at that point, we're back to 10 in the group. Okay na naman ang lola nyo.

We were all set for March 10 only to find out that there was a landslide along Pinatubo's trail and all tour schedules until the 15th were cancelled. Nakakapikon. I had to communicate with everyone again just to find out our next common free day. We all agreed for April 7. It was a long wait made even worse by the fact that I haven't gotten back my money.

Few days prior to our new trip schedule, the friend who happened to promise he'll help me with things backed out. Of all people, dba? Imagine the horror! I find his reason lame so we had a little argument. Jun saved the day again by tagging along a friend of his friend's friend. True story. 

April 7 then came but Sheena was nowhere to be found. Our call time was 3 am and meeting place was McDo, Quezon Ave. We had to leave the place without her because we can't reach her - I am guessing her phone was in airplane mode at that time. :P We only got a text message at around 11 am telling us that she fell asleep. Oh joy!

Btw, our van service was from Nature Trip and Travel Tours also, the owner of the deal that we got from Metrodeal. It's priced for P700 each. They also offered lunch for P100 but we declined. You can reach them at these numbers: 

0922-890-6380/ 0917-883-6363/ 0928-505-0764/ 455-4248 or through 

naturetriptravelandtours@yahoo.com.

I can't remember the exact time we arrived at but most likely around 6 am as expected in our itinerary. We were served hotdogs, egg and rice for breakfast. And take note, hilaw yung kanin. It's as if the bad vibes given by  some irresponsible people around weren't enough. Haaay.

After breakfast, we signed waivers and paid the miscellaneous fees - P300 conservation fee, P100 DOT tour guide and P150 entrance fee for a total of P550 each. We still had to pay for 10 pax even though we were only 9 in the group 'cause that's what we committed prior to the trip.

early morning shots

tourism office, restroom and cafeteria at Sta. Juliana

The fun part started with the 4x4 ride. We were divided into two groups 'cause the 4x4 can only accommodate up to 5 people. I was with my sister, Jhov and kuya in one 4x4 while Dwin, Jun and his friends shared another 4x4. Our group was so energetic we kept on singing and fooling around with whatever catches our attention. We also played race with the other 4x4's. Good thing our driver and guide were both game. Ang saya lang!

We stopped by a vast open area for photo ops. We also saw Aetas selling bananas, chips and biscuits. We bought some bananas for the sole reason of helping.

the aetas ♥

our group's photo op with the big rock

Our next stop was where our 4x4 left us to start trekking. I missed trekking so bad that when our driver gave us options where to drop us off, I chose the longer walk. I cannot even wait to leave our ride!

all nine of us

and then the trekking began..

last three photos are Biege's photography

After ten minutes or so, we reached Crow Valley. It is the default drop-off point of the 4x4's {unless like me, you want to walk longer}. It was our opportunity to use the restroom and squeeze in some rest.

chillin' for a while

Few steps from where we rested is this famous signage. A Pinatubo trip is never without a photo of this. I should know, I've seen many blogs. Although what's written on it should not be believed in. It took us around 30 minutes to reach the crater. I honestly do not get the purpose.

the famous signage

Unlike the 4x4's trail which is a vast field of lahar, the trail after Crow Valley is more of a lush terrain. It has a lot of trees which provided us shade and made the trek more bearable. It has a lot of streams too but they had rocks where we stepped on. I made it a point not to get my sandals wet. I succeed. :P

lush terrain this time

Finally, we reached the crater. I was in awe with its beautiful turquoise hue. I must say it's worth all the stress I put myself into. Although I expected that I'll be marveling at something beautiful, it's entirely different when you finally see it up-close.

 

photos grabbed from Jhov

Few minutes after we reached the crater, we prepared for lunch. I didn't expect that there are some sort of cottages at the peak. Our guide helped us find a spot because there were a lot of guests at that time. Hello, it's summer!! By the way, we took out our lunch from the same cafeteria where we ate our breakfast. It's no longer part of the package and we had to pay for P100 for a grilled pork and rice meal. It's not good either but not as bad as our breakfast.

our spot for lunch

Here's another unfortunate truth: Instead of the usual 1:30 PM trek down, we had to start trekking down by 12:00 PM. We were told that there was a Balikatan Exercise being held and that the road back will be closed by 1:30 PM. I honestly read about the Balikatan prior to our trip but I didn't receive any formal email from Nature Trip about it. My bad that I didn't confirm further. 

We have no other choice but to make the most out of our remaining 5 minutes or so. Picture galore!!

had to crop you kuya, sorry :P

jumpshot anytime, anywhere

thank you still, Pinatubo

On our 4x4 ride back, they were teasing me.. something like kung anong ikina-ingay papunta, sya namang tulog pagbalik. Hihi! I was asleep almost from Crow Valley to some sort of a checkpoint where all 4x4 had to stop and wait for a go-signal before proceeding. It took a while before we left but we didn't go down anymore because we were tired already. 

On our way to Manila, we capped off the day by a dinner at Chowking. We were dropped off at Quezon Ave. again where everyone parted. 

Horrible things may have happened but I have no regrets. For one, I learned my lesson.. and that is not to trust people easily. Second, despite everything, it's still a goal ticked off from my bucket list. What's not to love about that?

I'll post our itinerary and expenses next so stay tuned! Much, love. ♥

PS.

How about checking this blog out for me: Get Better In Style? Or better yet, follow. Thanksies!

 mt. pinatubo itinerary, expenses and a link loving ♥

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throwback april 2o1o: taal (plus my travel diaries widget)

If you're happy and you know it.. BLOG!! :) 

I've been positive and lighthearted lately. With lately, I mean.. like a month already? Hihi. Tonight is no different. My brother and I were laughing like crazy because I was teaching our 3-year old niece how to open a locked door with keys. There were four keys together and she can't figure out what she already tried and failed. Picture my niece's super cute face then add determination, annoyance and anger. Hahaha! She even had "napapagod na ko" lines but she kept on trying. Haha! I can't get over it. Now I didn't want to waste the good vibes so I thought of blogging. It's such a breeze to think and joke around when your happy, right? There, I just let you in on a secret. 

Anyway, for tonight let's relieve the moment of my first unglamorous short trip. This was back in the days when I haven't dreamt of trekking nor running, or any other strenuous physical activities. I was the typical girly-girly back then so imagine the horror when I found out I have no choice but to join the activity. We had clients then and they personally chose to trek Taal. Trekking? Why on earth? Hahaha! And as I've said I had no choice. Or probably I had. I was just too chicken to say no then. 

And the experience? It was horrible! I remember posting on Facebook just how horrible it was - heat of the sun, dusty trail, smelly horses. Those were my exact issues. Ang arte ko dati dba? Annoying!! Hahaha! But as cliché as it may sound, it's true that change is the only constant thing in this world. 3 years after this nerve-wracking incident, I have climbed mountains, joined fun runs, went spelunking, tried wall climbing, got frustrated in wakeboarding and successfully stood on a surf board! All that and even more!! 

I'd have to note though that this activity wasn't my turning point. It is after I found out about bucket lists that I realized I've been missing out a lot. And that there are a lot of things out there that we should try - even just once in this lifetime. Naks! Yan tayo eh!! :P

what I perceived as bad before ✌

the beauty that's Taal

I regret to inform you though that this blog post will entirely be personal - no travel details or whatsoever. Heeyy, I know nothing about organizing trips back then. Plus this was three freakin' years back! I really just had to do this throwback thing altogether because as you can see I created a "travel diaries" widget on this blog. Look right or down. See it? See it? :)

Update 02.15.2014 
Deleted the photo 'cause I realized it's ugly. Instead, I have my TRAVEL PAGE now. Woohooo! :)

I was supposed to just list down all the places I've been to from A-Z like most travel bloggers do kaya lang my OCD hit me. By all means, I tried to understand a little about Philippine geography and tadaaaaa.. Thank you so much to Wikipedia. And since I'm feeling informative, not to mention, hyper tonight, I'm going to share some realizations I had. By the way, I tweeted the bullets below with the hashtag #geographyfordummies. I felt such an idiot!

• I found out that Olongapo is just a city in the province of Zambales. All the while I thought Olongapo is a province by itself. All the while too I didn't know that Subic has got something to do with Zambales. At least now I know, Subic is a municipality of Zambales.

• And speaking of municipality. It was my question too, what the heck is a municipality. Wikipedia said that a municipality, after reaching certain population and revenue requirements may opt to be a city. A bill should be passed then signed into law by the president. Really now.

• All the while I thought Camiguin, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro are equals. I don't know - probably they are all cities of a certain province, or they are all provinces by themselves. Anything that would make them peers. Apparently, I'm wrong. Camiguin and Bukidnon are provinces while Cagayan de Oro is just a city of Misamis Oriental. Why do we frequent the term CDO over Misamis Oriental??

• I got refreshed that we have 17 regions and I found out that I've been to 10 of them. 7 more to go including Region II (Cagayan Valley), Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) and the rest from Mindanao. I doubt though if my parents will ever let me to Mindanao again.

• Last but not the least, I realized that my bullets are black and there's no obvious way for a geography idiot to figure out how to switch their colors. Ho-huummm.

PS

I cannot believe you let me bore you like that! ;)

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day 1: mt.pundaquit trek - the hard way to get to anawangin

day 3: capones island - short side trip before we hurry home

Before the details of my Holy Week get-away totally escape my mind, I might as well blog about it.

To start it off, I spent the Holy Week living an old school life in Anawangin together with my college friends. We were there from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. That's three days and two nights of deprivation. Pwede ng penitensya. But before I divulge more of our camping experience, let me first share how we get there, THE HARD WAY.

We met at around 5am in Victory Liner Terminal somewhere in Caloocan. We took the bus bound to Iba, Zambales for P265. Can't exactly remember how long the drive was. All I know is that somewhere between our naps, Tin and I got bored and took vain shots using Lex's 12 mega pickles {inside joke. =p} mobile phone camera. See sample shots below.

the now famous semi-cute and semi-rock pose

After several sleep-wake-up cycles and seeing bloody people undergoing penitence through beating, we finally arrived at San Antonio, Zambales. We bought our supplies and had early lunch there. After enough rest and catching up, we went on. We took a tryc to Brgy. Pundaquit, the jump-off point of Mt. Pundaquit, for P30 per person. Yes, we chose to get to Anawangin by trekking Mt.Pundaquit. To be honest, the moment I got tired, I wondered why we ever chose to trek a mountain over simply riding a pumpboat. Haha! Lazeh.

Anyway, as we got off the tryc, we spent 30 minutes or so at the jump-off point just to gear up. Armwarmers, jackets, longsleeve shirts, caps and sunblock. Apply sunblock or die of skin cancer, you choose. =) At that time, the boatmen were also there getting our excess things. Excess, meaning those outside of our trekking bags. They brought our things to Anawangin with their boats. They're paid of course. Also, the leader of our pack, Nad {whom I fondly call SF}, sought for a guide. We paid him P100 per person, his only job was to lead the way. Ang mahal, huh?

And then the trek begun. It was a sandy trail at the start. I get pissed off every now and then because sand gets into my footwear. It so happened that instead of my trusty trekking shoes, I used some sort of Crocs sneakers. Not really a good choice, if you'd ask.

look at how fresh we are at the start of the trek
Tin.Mhoi.Apple

the sandy part of the trail (duh, like you can see in the picture}
Jun.Jep.Apple.Tin.Lex.Rona.Jigs

As we went along, the trail was no longer covered with sand. I really didn't enjoy that relief since I still had the heat of the sun to battle with. We passed by grasslands, dry river beds and some steep slopes while enduring our thirst and tiredness.

dry river bed, I assume

Considering how easy the trail is, I only have the heat to blame for feeling so drained. Oh well, all of us were THAT tired. We had countless rests along the way. Every time we saw trees or whatever form of shade, we rest. Fortunately, I get my energy back easily so I always initiate to take pictures. Or was I making an excuse to hush up my love for such? ;)

I asked kuyang tour guide to take our group picture
nasan ang initiative kuya?

one of the many rests that we had

ootd

The midpoint of the trail is the summit of Mt. Pundaquit. We were dead tired when we reached the summit. Most of us just sat there for quite a long while before finally having the strength to take pictures again. But the boys, being the boys that they are, still went to a point higher.

that's Anawangin down there

After getting the rest we all deserve, we started to descend to Anawangin. We trekked down as fast we can, few breaks, few picture taking. I guess we were all thinking of just getting there. Pasasaan ba't makakarating rin.

looks who's taking a power nap

Finally, We were able to get to Anawangin. Just in time before the sun sets. We had ample time to freshen up, set-up our tents and prepare for dinner. We had fried chicken {prepared in Manila}, fried eggplants and mangoes. Decent enough for camping.

where have all the girls gone?

The rest of the night basically was for taking a bath, dinner and poker. Fun way to end a tiring day.

**pictures of the Anawangin series mostly from naphy and some stolen from mikmik. 

day 2: anawangin - lazeh beach bumming day

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once is enough but twice isn't too much

Quick post on what took away my could-have-been rest days. Hindi ako bitter, pagod lang talaga ko. Haha! Two consecutive weekends of running and climbing as if I have an active lifestyle for real. So far, I'm enjoying. But not to the point na igigive-up ko ang kaartehan ko. Haha! So after this, magiinarte muna ko. ;))

Anyhoo, to give justice to my blog title, lemme just say that this is about goals #3 and #14 which I have accomplished months ago but due to insistent public demand aka friendship, I needed to do 'em all over again. Don't get me wrong, because if these activities would always equate to bonding with friends, I'll be very glad to do them again. But sorry, not too soon.

First tiring weekend, January o9. PSE Bull Run at Fort Bonifacion Global City. Finally, I experienced a real fun run. Remember my disappointment with Pasig River Run? This time I was able to really run and mind you it's not just 3k. It was 5k! Though we only registered for 3k, we were informed that we can run for 5k if we'd like to. So there, a fulfilling spur-of-the-moment decision. Now I can confidently cross-off goal #14 from my bucket list. Who knows, our next run might just be 1oK already?

yeah, obviously we're trying to prove it's 5k!

Second tiring weekend,January 15-16. Climb to Mt. Batulao. Yep, you read that right! Mt. Batulao again. Goal #3, double check! At first I was hesitant to join because I was there only last September. Who would want to climb the same mountain in a span of 4 months? But with the thought that it will be a little different since it's overnight and I'll be with a different group of people, I never dropped the possibility of joining. Then came the expensive conference call with Sheena and Silina. That made me decide. Sasama ako. For.the.sake.of.friendship. =)) No regrets, I had fun. Above all, narealize ko na may talent pala ako sa pag-akyat ng bundok pero wala pala akong talent sa pagtulog sa matigas na higaan. Hahaha! Hence the decision of not climbing again til I'm fully equipped. When will that happen? I have no idea. As of the moment, all I wish to do is to rest, shop and pamper myself. Obvious ba na pagod ako ako? ;)

ang mga mahal kong kaibigan hahaha

we were requested of a wacky shot,
that's the best we can give booo!

we were around 3o but here's my immediate group
thank you for yet another Batulao experience =)

Uh-oh, I said quick post. Vavoo! *hurries to bed*

**pictures of the climb were grabbed from Joel's Facebook account. Thanks!

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I think it's LOVE! {for Mother Nature}

I know I got you with my title. *wink*

Tell me if its weird but I feel like it's my responsibility to update this blog. I already ticked off few items from my list and I feel I have some sort of unfinished business 'coz I haven't posted them here yet. I thought I need to come up with three blog entries to get the updating done then I realized they all have something in common. If you don't get that common thing I'm talking about, you can just come back when you're smarter. {I don't get this bitchy in real life, btw. Heehee.} Thank goodness they do because right at this very moment my laziness won't allow my depleting braincells to come up with three worth reading blog entries.

my #14 Run A Marathon

10.10.10 Run for Pasig River

With their target number of runners participants, they could have named their event 'Walk for Pasig River'. That would make it more appropriate {sense my disappoint, please}. Though I have been warned of what could possibly happen, it is still, again, DISAPPOINTING. :( While I was there and I realized I was not running after all, I had second thoughts of considering it a reality of my goal. I guess I'll have to run another marathon {a real fun run this time} to have that sense of fulfillment. You know how I hate to not be completely satisfied of something. On the brighter side, I still finished the 3km WALK {is the emphasis enough?}, managed to claim my finisher's band, got to be part of another history and contributed a little something to the restoration of that beloved river. I should still feel good, I know.

the run left me with these memorabilia
i am keeping them!
not in the photo: finisher's band

the finisher's band
tell me it's worth all the sweat, tell meeee!!

my running mates? hahaha
because the election is just around the corner

my #3 Go Mountain Climbing

09.25.2010 Mt. Batulao Climb

Don't you just love friends who, even unintentionally, are able to help you out with your goals? Well, I do. Right the next morning after I first posted my little project over my blog, an irresistible offer came. A friend sent me an IM asking if I want to be able to cross out an item on my list on the coming weekend. Jokingly, I said 'kung papaakyatin mo ko ng bundok ngaung sabado, ayaw ko' {or at least something like that}. True to what was supposedly a joke, they indeed have plans of climbing Mt. Batulao on the coming weekend. I initially said no because for one, I am unprepared {Lord knows I super hate being unprepared} and next, the closest friend {aren't you touched?} can't go with us. After few days of much thinking, I decided to go with them. Lucky for me, the friend was also able to make it to the climb, flight back to Manila got moved and all, thank heavens. I also had the time of my life Thursday and Friday night before the climb to go shopping for some sort of appropriate apparel.

And the Batulao experience? It was crazy cool. It has always been like that with friends like them anyway. And you know what? I feel proud my ass didn't fell flat on the Batulao trails. I survived the climb without so much of hardships except during the night on our way home when my thighs {I call 'em my jelly jelly by the way} and knees hurt like hell. I was claiming I developed rheumatism due to Tagaytay's extreme coldness and the mother and sister would only laugh at me {sige na, ikaw na ang may rayuma! haha!} And even after a day or two, I still felt half dead. But all is good now. I am alive and kickin' and my list just got shorter by one.

more mountains to go?

my #15 Do Something for Mother Nature

08.21.2010 Tree Planting in Marikina Watershed

This happened even before I was able to come up with my list. So parang sinali ko lang talaga sya para one down na ko. Kidding. I really have the heart for activities like this. I even want to join coastal clean up drives and the likes.

Anyway, the tree planting activity was held in Marikina Watershed. I actually texted a friend leaving in Marikina that I'll be dropping by their house for lunch but ironically, the venue was in Antipolo. Why didn't they call it Antipolo Watershed for goodness' sake?

Fast forward to the actual tree planting activity, I felt like I risked my life just to plant four {yes just four, I'm so sorry} wildlings. I expected we'll plant in plain lands, but far from what I expected we planted on steep mountains. I know I can climb mountains but it's totally different when it doesn't have trails. You are totally clueless on how to get to the next spot you'll be planting your wildlings on. Sure you can see the bamboo sticks as indicators but it's hard to figure out how you'll be able to get yourself there, where to step next, where to hold. I wish my words are enough to explain how difficult the experience was for me. And to Silina and Sheena as well, for sure.

Despite how hard it was, come next tree planting offering I will still sign up and volunteer. It's the least I can do for the environment. {And since when I became an environmentalist? Hahaha!}

oo, haggard ako >.<

with the other volunteers
can you even see me?

**credits to jabey, tin and jigs for the pics 

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