Beyond Scrubs: Conquering the Mountains and the Seas (Part 3)

Mt. Pinatubo: Beauty unveiled from the ashes

                Mt.Pinatubo, first and foremost is an active volcano located the province of Zambales, Philippines. Its last eruption happened over 30 years, following a massive earthquake. Considered to be the world’s second largest volcanic eruption of the 20^th century, this catastrophe buried its surrounding towns under lava flows and ashes and left behind terrible destruction of agriculture, infrastructure and loss of life. Decades later, like true display of resiliency, Filipinos turned this unfortunate event into a popular tourist destination.

                To reach Mt.Pinatubo, we hopped on a 4x4 vehicle for an exhilarating offroad drive travelling across different landscapes, featuring geological remnants of the destructive eruption. We cruised through rugged terrains of lahar (volcanic ash), mudflows, rock debris and even crossing entire rivers. For this, we donned masks and bandanas to cover our faces because the ride to avoid inhaling dust and ash.

                We also met with some members of an indigenous tribe in the Philippines called the AETA. They are the native inhabitants of the area skilled with hunting and jungle survival. We socialized with them respectfully while some also bought from them fruits and other goods.

               

            After an hour of bumpy, dusty and intense ride, we reach to foot of the volcano and trek begins. The trail is relatively easy compared to Mt. Pulag and it’s a day hike. First part consisted of fairly flat grounds, navigating valleys, lush forest and small sulfuric streams; then there are stairs leading up to the volcano’s crater. Under the daylight and shade of tress, we exchanged stories and funny banters with occasional slips and falls caused by slippery slopes and also due to our own clumsiness.

 Soon, we were greeted by the magnificent Crater Lake. The scene was like straight out of a painting. The luminous blue water mixed with the bright green from thriving plants balanced the dull, ashen walls of the volcano’s crater. Swimming was prohibited for safety reasons. Regardless, just being able to see with our own eyes such a picturesque backdrop is more than enough. One will not think such spectacular creation resulted from devastating calamity. Indeed, it is a beautiful disaster.

Beyond Scrubs: Conquering the Mountains and the Seas (Part 2)

 Baguio: A bustling city with a timeless appeal

Dubbed as the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City attracts hordes of tourist due to its cool weather, museums, artistic man-made attractions, flower farms and nature parks.

Before and after our Mt.Pulag hike, we stayed in Baguio, the largest city of the mountainous province of Benguet. It was February and this is their month-long celebration of Panagbenga or the Flower festival. There were lots of booths showcasing the beauty of the city. 

We went for a boat ride in the Burnham Lake. We tried traditional Igorot attires and took mandatory photo with the friendly St. Bernard dog at the Mine’s View Park then proceeded to Mansion House where we had fun under towering pine trees.  We ate lots of delicious street foods and of course, strawberry taho (famous Filipino snack made of soft silken tofu, with sago and sugar syrup, in this case strawberry-flavored).

We also visited the majestic Baguio Cathedral. Then proceeded to the Lourdes Grotto where we lit candles for our hopes and aspirations.

Adjunct to the Lourdes Grotto is a Japanese- inspired park called Mirador Heritage and Eco Park where we saw a fascinating bamboo forest, various plants and flowers and other picture-worthy sites like wishing wells, a Japanese torii gate and resting areas. There is also panoramic view of the highly- urbanized city. The park was a mix of nature and man-made installations offering a relaxing atmosphere. 

 

               

But then, we had to walk down the famous 252-step stairs. Frankly speaking, it felt like it was a continuation of our Mt.Pulag hike because the whole area consisted of up and down paths. Our legs did not quite recover yet from the hike. 

We also went shopping in their massive ukay-ukay thrift stores and bought souvenirs from the pasalubong centers.

          Although many think that Baguio City is too crowded and overrated, but this bustling city never loses its charm. There is always something new. Albeit brief, we really enjoyed our stay.

(We give our huge thanks to GA Outdoors, our tour coordinator for Mt.Pulag hike, Baban's Homestay and Jude Air BnB and the accommodating caretaker Ate Roxy.)

(part 3 coming...)