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)

Kids Ought To Be Smarter!

We just had another meeting with the new officers (yours truly is the new Business Manager) of CSS Outreach Committee and after reviewing our plans and action items, I just realized that I haven’t posted my thoughts and experiences about the conducted ISKF (Internet Safety for Kids and Families) seminar in FEU-FERN last September 17.

We’ll be conducting another one this November so before that event takes place, let me share what happened the last time. I won’t be exerting much effort today since this is long overdue. I just grabbed what I have written for our e-magazine. It has been published anyway so this won’t be a total spoiler. You can either click the attached image here or read the original article I’ve written below:

How can you make the kids smart surfers? Of course educating them can do the trick but there’s a better way on how you can make learning more effective – group discussions. That’s what the CSS Outreach Committee did when they visited FEU-FERN and conducted the Internet Safety for Kids and Families seminar.

Being with the vibrant kids made us feel younger and witnessing their enthusiasm helped us go further in teaching them how to stay safe online.

Michelle Lao, inspired by heart-warming introduction of one of the Barangayette Officers, started her opening remarks excitedly by asking how many of the kids have Facebook accounts and everyone raised their hands! These students were composed of the Grade IV- Grade VI classes, a total of 140 head count. For better understanding, she used a simple analogy to explain Trend Micro’s role in ensuring safety in the exchange of digital information. She compared it to the teachers who ensure student’s safety within school premises. This served as good head start for the kids as they moved on to the first lecture – general online safety.

Edrian Montealegre of Trend Micro CSS Premium Service discussed the many uses of internet along with the threats that go with it. He highlighted how social media can be exploited by hackers and other malware. The kids were taught how to be a smart surfer by respecting others, staying secure and trusting no one. It was made clear to them that they are what they post online.

The kids were lively all through out the discussion especially that there are random prizes to attentive participants such as Trend Micro Internet Security, ball pens, cellphone holders and of course, chocolates!

Mark Stephen Eustaquio, another Technical Support Engineer who provides premium service to Trend Micro clients enlightened the kids about cyber bullying. It’s so nice to know that the kids can relate to the kinds of cyberbullies namely vengeful Angel, show off bullies, mean girls and inadvertent cyberbully. He also shared videos of true-to-life bullying and online bullying. It helped the children clearly recognize the difference between real-life friends and online friends. We’ve seen few finger-pointing scenes all through out the discussion, it’s either they’re pointing someone who’s a bully or someone who has been bullied. What’s important is we have increased the children’s awareness about reality and how to act accordingly. When the speaker asked if it’s CLARO, the kids enthusiastically answered him in unison: RECTO!

Interactive Q and A portion followed after these two presentations. Michelle Lao shared her insights when one of the students asked if there are good viruses. She mentioned love virus as one of them, which is created with good intention and became annoying later on.

And just like any other famous kid’s show, it won’t be complete without games! Helen Vicente led the balloon games. The participants were divided into four groups according to balloon colors – green, white, yellow and red. The kids actively tapped their balloons and did their best to avoid them from touching the floor. Yellow Team won this game and each participant get a Trend Micro notebook! Mary Anne Beloy and the Barangayette Officers helped the Outreach Committee in facilitating this event.

Aside from the upcoming Internet Safety for Kids and Families seminar either in JIL-Bulacan or PUP, I’ll be part of the Gawad Kalinga Home Building Project in Batangas, too! Yay, I’m so excited!

Update: Here are the images grabbed via FB

CSS Outreach on the go!

Picture-taking with Lil McDo!

Our reward! Yummy!

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