All my bags are packed,
I’m ready to go…

I met up with Rhonz at Starbucks, Ortigas Center at around 1:00 AM right after rushing finishing my online tasks. It was already drizzling and it made us worried about our trip to Capas, Tarlac – Bloggers’ Climb For A Cause Thru Akyat Pinatubo. Is there something good to look forward to with this kind of gloomy weather? Is the worst yet to come? We hoped not, and I knew, deep inside our hearts all of the participants were praying so hard for a fine, sunny weather. Even just for that day…

We boarded the bus (KISS Tourist Bus) at 2:30 AM as soon as it was parked. After some reminders and attendance check, we left Manila and headed to extreme north to witness one of the most beautiful natural creations.

But the dawn is breakin’, It’s early morn’

We arrived at Pinatubo Spa Town at 6:35 AM. Jonel and Travel Factor handled bloggers’ registration as we prepped up, took photos and grabbed a bite before the 4X4 ride (4-by-4 land cruiser).

We were so choosy of which 4X4 to ride. All of us would love to be in an open land cruiser to clearly see the view on our way to Mt. Pinatubo. Unfortunately, Rhonz and I ended up to an enclosed 4X4 with Kuya Muning as our tour guide. The sun was brightly shining as we tried to enjoy our boring bumpy ride. It was like trumping in a barren land. If not for the wild grass and streams of water, I could say we’re on a desert. Talk about the residue of volcanic eruption – rock deposits, soil dregs and sediments.

Bumpy ride begins here...

Loooong way to go!

Passed by sediment mountains and rock formations

This is a good sign...

The Earth spewed some dirt and water on us while enjoying the ride. We were thankful that we’re on an enclosed vehicle, saved us from mud! Once we reached the jump off point and took off from the 4X4, it started raining. From light drizzle to heavy rainfall, we thought we’ll never see the majestic view of Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake under the sun…

We were so tired and weary when the sun suddenly showed up and showered us with its beaming brightness and some energy boosts. We were going up the trail faster… eager to see the most astounding view at the pinnacle. Sunlight could make the most perfect view out of it.

The moment it stopped raining, I started taking pictures. Rhonz and I got the hang of trekking. We’re enjoying every step of our happy feet.

Suddenly, the scorching heat of the sun seeped through my skin. The rain had washed off my sun block but I’ve got no time to reapply since everyone was moving fast and I had to keep up, else, I’d be left behind to another group of hikers. Non-bloggers. Strangers, to be exact. Plus, we’re up for the challenge:

Finally, we see the crater lake – cerulean-blue water was sparkling like crystal while the verdant mountains looks lusciously green, incessantly dancing with the soft cool breeze… a newly found paradise.

The Majestic Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

I had to catch my breath as I gazed through them. The magnificent view made me excited to take pictures and post with others! It was really magical, picturesque, amazing! Sugoi!

I was amused with the glistening waters and breathtaking lakefront views. The sunlight was invigorating, the breeze was so refreshing. What a lovely, wonderful sight! The scene was really captivating. I wanted to shout, I’m the Queen of the world!!! The splendid panorama enthralled my senses and triggered my unspoken fantasies. I never imagined that life away from the city could be this luxurious.

Amazing natural wonder! No more flat grassy grounds and uneven rock formations. Everything was carefully sculpted by God’s own hands. Fascinating, enchanting, charming… I’m running out of descriptive words now because I was obviously overwhelmed!

I couldn’t imagine that this beautiful haven had once been deadly… and possibly be after 10-20 years.

I went home with sore muscles, chapped lips, burnt skin and aching soles. But the thrilling experience nullified my complaints. I am not complaining at all, I can simply feel the pain but ecstasy was still all over me. I’m proud to say that I left the place with a delightful spirit, cheerful heart, and a good tale to tell. Each moment spent doing nothing but staring at the lake was so pleasant and gratifying. I just conquered Mt. Pinatubo and I am ready to conquer another mountain.

I may not have impressive shots and flowery words in this post for you to come and see the place. But still, I’m trying to convince you. The images are not the only proof to rely upon. I’m a living witness of the Philippines best – Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake. It should be on anyone’s bucket list. It’s a view worth seeing. It’s a piece of heaven…

Thanks to Fila for my shoes, Trend Micro for my cap, and Sky Travel for my bag. Most of all, thanks to Lizzie of Pinkville (that’s me!) for providing this uber pink apparel. The perfect traveling essentials! Alrighty, enough of shameless plugging of my other blog. Thanks to Nailo (my DSLR) for the photos! Next time, I might get a Flip or trail cameras for events like this. It would be cool to share video clips, right?

Big thanks should go to Jonel of LetsGoSago, all of the sponsors, the bloggers and the Pinatubo Spa Town tour guides! It was a thrilling experience I couldn’t and wouldn’t forget!

Now the time has come to leave you,
One more time, let me kiss you…

I have to say goodbye... (Capas National Shrine, Tarlac)