[Mt. Pinatubo] Walking on Ashes » Why trek towards the crater of destruction

With the realization that a lot of what I do lately are mostly stressful and that a lot of my priorities are slowly dying in spite of – or perhaps because of – having been too cautious and afraid to make sudden decisions, I registered for the Mt. Pinatubo bloggers’ trek without a second thought. Also, I guess I badly need to remove myself from the mad rush of my daily routine.

However, the night before the trek I got this second thought and asked myself what the hell do I want out there in the endlessness of ashes and volcanic rocks? I’m silly and mad sometimes, I know that, and maybe this is one of those find-yourself-on-spiritual-walk kind of thing I used to do before.

So I go, though it seemed unlikely that anything spiritual might suddenly expand there on the ashes.

Memoirs of my own pilgrimage

I tend to have these clear mind and flow of ideas on long airplane ride or lazy walk, but I tend to forget them the following day. This time, I made a point to remember, made mental notes and write down all my Mt. Pinatubo trekking thoughts.

It’s been a while but I can still feel the medley of dark volcano rocks, ashes, pieces of burnt wood and dwarfed grass under my feet. Nearby was a fellow blogger fussing with his camera against the romantic rain and mud, questioning his decision in joining this Pinatubo climb. On the horizon are silhouettes of mysterious mountains, blanketed by struggling greenery, hiding behind droplets of rain and dreary fog.             

The 4x4 jeep ride going to the main trail, its funny rubber wheels throwing mud at me, was a cheerful mess - like that childish euphoria when I first learn how to ride a bike. Activities like this, small things that can bring up childhood carefree feelings in our stressful adult world are priceless.

Strong lahar mudflow, during Pinatubo’s tantrum years slightly divided the terrain in half thus creating a sunken semi-flat trail now famous for trekkers. This is actually a walled trail, like a snaking rat maze slightly tilted upwards so you know where the exits are. I spied other trekkers staring at these walls of cracked volcanic ash, hardened by time and sewn together by the roots of wild talahib grass, marveling at these sacred walls.

I paused to catch my breath and stared at these walls too, and realized why human race is creating monuments of war and destruction – creating pieces of bronze art sculptures, parks, beautiful historical markers and ornate mausoleums. It is not to remind us of death and suffering but an innate desire to create beauty out of chaos.

We adopted it from nature maybe that is why we call it “human nature” – the ability to turn pain into butterflies.          

Therefore I am wrong. There is some kind of spirituality on the Pinatubo ashes after all.

Why trek towards the crater of destruction

Fools rush in to Pinatubo with only one goal of having a glimpse of its fabled turquoise crater. It is worth it, that I can assure, but you don’t go walking and climbing the Pinatubo just to see the crater.

Why not use these moments of monotonous trekking and walking to expand your awareness, relax your mind, wash away the stink of your chaotic public and professional adult life and increase your experience of freedom? By slowing down your fast-paced life and focusing on each step – the journey rather than the destination – a trek to Pinatubo could be totally relaxing and can stretch more time for yourself. 

Being on nature and traversing a demanding terrain has taught me that life is simple, and you can cross any pass if you have the spirit. The mysterious appearance of a place, a tiny leaf or a colored rock on a trail can reveal to you something about the complexities of life hidden within. You just have to know where to look, and how to hear the colors, and how to embrace the sounds.

Pinatubo hiking could be also intellectually invigorating and emotionally relaxing which can boost your memory and sharpens judgement. Each step can allow you to temporarily shrug off time and savor your personal solitary moment.

Moreover, this trek will not only stimulate your different senses by encouraging you to be more admiring and perceptive of the world around you but it will also give you a chance to reflect inwards and be more honest and introspective with yourself.

This is how you can best experience Mt. Pinatubo trekking – walk with intention of mindfulness.

So grab your trekking sandals and get moving. Something serene awaits you there!

Plus of course a dive into the legendary turquoise Pinatubo lake is an extra treat.   

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Mount Pinatubo Pictures / Trek Photos and other related trekking experiences: 

» Mt. Pinatubo Hiking Pictures and Photos by yodz : Mt Pinatubo Hiking » Capturing Beauty out of Chaos: Mobile Phone Photography

» Mt. Romelo (Famy) Laguna Hiking » How to Torture Yourself to a Trek and Be Happy About It

» Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte » The Best Lazy Trekking to Waterfalls in Ilocandia

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Other Pinatubo Selected Articles, Information and Links:

» Trekking Mt. Pinatubo - Trekking and Hiking Tours from Manila Philippine Adventures [http://www.trekkingpinatubo.com/]

» GMA News Online: "Mount Pinatubo still shadows lives 20 years after eruption" posted: 06/20/2011 | 12:53 PM [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/223918/nation/mount-pinatubo-still-shadows-lives-20-years-after-eruption] Retrieved: 17 August 2011

» Reyman, Roman Leo. “Face to Face with Mt. Pinatubo” posted: June 9, 2011 [http://romanleoreyman.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/face-to-face-with-mt-pinatubo/] Retrieved: 17 August 2011 

Photo Credits & Citation: 

» Image Source (First Image:  "Beyond Reach" by n05feratu [http://n05feratu.deviantart.com/art/Beyond-Reach-2182536] Retrieved: 17 August 2011
» Other Pinatubo pictures: taken by yodz insigne via SGS mobile phone
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Mt. Romelo (Famy) Laguna Hiking » How to Torture Yourself to a Trek and Be Happy About It

July seems to be not a good time to experience the magic of mountains. Late July brings bitter weather and wetter days, however Mt. Romelo surprised me, even at this time of the year. Ignoring a forecast for overcast skies and crazy rains, we conquered Mt. Romelo in Siniloan Laguna. Call me crazy, but I don’t see how anyone can tolerate a sit-on-your-ass all day cubicled job staring at the computer, so yes, even if it’s raining (and a possible typhoon coming) I decided to go trekking at Mt. Romelo, a lovely mountain range which is part of the legendary Sierra Madre, known to mountaineers simply as Famy.

The sky was a bit over generous that day and gave us lots of cold rain at the jump-off. Well, we just shake it off with a bottle of The Bar vodka over a bowl of beef wanton at Ros Anthony Dimsum Kubo - how’s that for a pre-trek ceremony – cool ayt?

A round of vodka before the hike

Ready to hike..hiyaaaa!!!!

Although unconventional, it did break the ice among our group and the cool guys from Emerson Outdoor Group (EmeROG) who actually arranged the trek.

Crossing the rapids

Calmed by a round of vodka, we started the trek at around one o’clock wearing disposable raincoats and trash bags to protect us from rain. I felt my heart beating a little faster as we were doing the initial steep climb – I don’t know if it’s vodka circulating, Blair Witch Project on my mind or I’m just a little excited, it’s the latter I guess.

The torture trail

Along the narrow and muddy trail, we came across a lady riding a pony like Jesus entering Jerusalem. I instantly thought, what’s the damn point of having a wretched pony do the trek for you? Eat some mud, prima donna! Well, yes it’s none of my business, thank you. (just a pakialamero thought.)

Muddy trail - slippery when wet

Going back the trail, unfortunately it’s not your usual a-whole-new-world tra-la-la-la trail during rainy season. Like many things - when wet, it’s slippery and will make you kiss the mud. Many times we literally slide our way down and made love with the mud. We end up having muddy ass, sore feet and few bruises. But despite that, after each fall, we end up lighthearted and happy.

Bleeding leech bite and bruises

Oh, and did I mention the leeches? Well, don’t get excited ridding yourself of mud or washing too long on small streams – you may end up leech infested. Although it is not deadly, seeing trickles of blood on your arms and feet is disturbing.

View of Mt. Romelo after sunset

But don’t fret, en route you will be treated with amazing vistas of the mountain vegetation while climbing steadily through fields of talahib grass with occasional peeks into the rugged province of Laguna and the surrounding lake. And don’t forget a walk into the fog is always an extra treat like a scoop of ice cream on your halo-halo (although fogs remind me of death).

Camwhoring at Buruwisan Falls

Majestic Buruwisan Falls at the end of the Mt. Romelo trail

Also, at the heart of Mt. Romelo is the Buruwisan Falls descending majestically into a wide catchbasin. The waterfalls look like it is veiling an enclave verdant with moss and ferns hiding the magical throne of the queen fairy of Mt. Romelo. At 180 ft, it is ideal for rappelling, but we didn’t try it due to heavy rains. Our local guide told us that Buruwisan Falls is named after a hardwood variety that used to grow on the banks of Romelo River. But our other local guide has different theory, he said Buruwisan actually came from the word Buntisan because many girls got pregnant after the hike – hmmm lovemaking in the mountains eh (excitingly-sexy, I wanna try it someday weeee)

Steep trail going down Buruwisan Falls

Want to add extra trekking challenge? Do the trek descend at night, like what happened to us. Imagine this: walking in the middle of a mountain on steep, muddy and dangerous trail on a pitch-black night under the rain. That’s a real blast! (Ooops, I’m not actually endorsing it ok. I’m just extra happy because we survived it… cheers! Happy to Climb! clap clap clap)

Each step on the mud is priceless

"Each step on the mud, each fall, the laughter, the extended hand of a fellow hiker to pull you up – that is priceless"

We are in fact torturing ourselves on this Mt. Romelo trek and so happy about it. Ironic, but I guess that’s the beauty of having this hike. It will make you realize that accomplishments and success doesn’t always mean having big houses, grand vacations, luxury cars or executive position in the company. You can find feeling of accomplishment and moments of happiness on mundane things as crossing a raging stream or getting on the other side of a steep and muddy trail. Each step on the mud, each fall, the laughter, the extended hand of a fellow hiker to pull you up – that is priceless.

The uber-cool guys from Emerson & my Eastgate buddies (Eddie, Anjho, Carla, Grace, Gennell, Bern, Ruben, Mel, Kuya Vanny, Leslie and Claire)  Talu-nan Happy to Climb!!! Clap Clap Clap..yes!!!

I still find this day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, the trails I want to walk, all the photos I want  to take and all the new friends I want to spend more time with   - yodz -  

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Miscellaneous Information:

Here’s a quick information if you and your buddies are planning to conquer Mt. Romelo:

MT. ROMELO

Location: Siniloan, Laguna

Major Jump-off: Brgy. Macatad, Upland Siniloan

Elevation: 300 MASL

Days required / hours to summit: 1 day, 2-3 hours

Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail Class 1

Note: Mt. Romelo is often referred to as Mt. Famy because the town of Famy is where mountaineers usually get off the bus from Manila. However Mt. Romelo is not even in Famy, it is already part of the adjacent town called Siniloan.

Buruwisan Falls

Has a more or less 50-meter drop suitable for rappelling

Ideal training ground for neophyte mountain climbers

The largest falls among other nearby falls: Batya-Batya, Sampaloc and Lanzones

Location : Brgy Macatad, end of Mt. Romelo (Famy) trek, Siniloan, Laguna

Our Itinerary:

Mt. Famy Dayhike (July 31, 2011)

ITINERARY

0700 Assembly at RSC

0730 ETD for Siniloan

1030 ETA jump-off point. Register (P20/person)

Lunch Break (jump off). Packed lunch.

1130 Start trek

0130 ETA Campsite. Visit Buruwisan and other Falls (if possible).

0500 Back at campsite.

0515 Start descent.

0700 ETA jump-off; tidy-up.

0730 ETD going to Manila

1000 ETA to Manila (RSC)

THINGS TO BRING:

1. Trail Water (at least 1L)

2. Packed Lunch

3. Towel

4. Trail Food (jelly ace, crackers, chocolates, chicha, etc.)

5. Extra Shirt

6. Personal Hygiene Kit

7. Personal First Aid Kit & Medicines (for emergency)

8. Extra cash

9. Isopropyl Alcohol (for the leeches)

Actual Expenses:

Van Rental :             4,300.00

Meal and Parking       200.00

Jump-off Registration 50.00

Local Guide               400.00

Shower Fee               20.00

You might also like to visit Majayjay Falls also in Laguna, check out my entry: Getting High at Majayjay » Taytay Falls, Laguna Escapade

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Related Links and More Info: [Retrieved: 02 August 2011]

» Mt. Romelo (240+): Pinoymountaineer.com – Your guide to Hiking in the Philippines [http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/09/mt-romelo-240.html]

» Climb Advisory (May 2011): Theft situation in Mt. Romelo and Mt. Sembrano [Pinoymountaineer: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2011/05/climb-advisory-may-2011-theft-situation_18.html]

» Siniloan River: Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siniloan_River]

» Buruwisan Falls [http://www.worldsaurus.com/guide/Philippines/CALABARZON/Buruwisan-Falls-172.html]

Mt Pinatubo Hiking » Capturing Beauty out of Chaos: Mobile Phone Photography

This is another attempt on mobile phone photography and I think it shows through a little bit of improvement from my previous photos so I´m going to post my Pinatubo set almost entirely, and as such I would like some feedback and advise on my shots because I still find them lacking composition. Sorry about this being such a wall of greens and ashes but the background story in text is rather complex, and deserves a separate post - I’m still editing it (meaning I’m still on lazy-mode) so please bear with me.

I took these photos using my very handy Samsung Galaxy S smartphone during our “Akyat Pinatubo Bloggers Climb for A Cause” last month. Mt. Pinatubo became synonymous with death, destruction and mudflow when it erupted but after a few years, it became a tourist attraction, hence my title “Beauty out of Chaos”

Here take a look:

"Out there"

"Bumpy ride"

"Race to the Horizon"

"Ash Desert"

"White Phantasm"

"Ash Symphony"

"Pinatubo Collage"

"Monuments of Destruction"

"Mystery Mountain"

"Against the White"

"Catching the Fallen Leaf"

"Baptism of the Solitary Wanderer"

"Death of the Evil Tree"

"Ash Caves"

"Pebbled Harmony"

"Rocks in  Bloom"

"Escape of the Ash Leaves"

"Colored Conformity"

"Metamorphosis at Rest"

"Beautiful Lucifer in Paradise"

"Lost Flock"

"Where is Moises"

"Mystery of Death"

"Femme Fatale"

P.S.

Well, it looks like Google got irritated at me for not writing for so long a time and for my intermittent posts and kicked my adsense and traffic round a bit. As a result I review my dusty drafts folder, cringed a lot for the long list of pending articles and decided to go backwards and abandoned chronological posting of my travel adventures.

I’m still editing my “Spiritual Walk to Pinatubo” so I posted this photo set as teaser. After this, I will post something about my recent trip to Hong Kong going all the way back to my pending post about our Quezon and Vigan escapade.