The Pinatubo Trek
It's been roughly 20 years since Pinatubo unleashed its 600 (or ~500) years worth of sleeping anger. In June 15, 1991, Pinatubo erupted (though seismic activities started around June) and forever changes the surrounding landscape. It affected hundreds and thousands of locals and even buried towns under gushing lahars. I still have a vague memory of the thick cloud I saw that year that my mom later confirmed that it was caused by the said eruption.
Today, what was left has become a tourist destination. A trekking route that offers more than just the crater. The vast landscape sculpted by lahar deserves a wow. An irony of enjoyment and challenge in commemoration of the tragic event that happened 20 years prior.
There are a lot of ways to start your adventure in Mt. Pinatubo. Just key in "Pinatubo Tour" or related keywords in Google and you will see a lot of neat deals being offered by tour agencies - in our case, we chose Tripinas! Don't ask me why, my officemate did all the logistics, and it turned out great and you'll be surprise when you meet Mr. T. ^_^
It's a trekking/swimming trip (yeah, swimming!), so be sure you are properly geared. A smartly packed backpack is your lifeline in this adventure. I usually over pack in every trip I made, it gives me an ease of mind that I'm prepared no matter what. Bring water (it's a must of course), packed lunch, miryenda and every chicha you can comfortably carry. What? I love to eat in beautiful places, it's a must for me! Wear trekking shoes or slippers. If you're going to wear slippers, gauge the rubber if it's strong enough for a four-hour land-water trek. You will cross some foot-deep streams (dept do vary) so a rubber shoes is a no-no if you want them to last. Again, pack only what you need and can comfortably carry. Carry the bag close to your body so the weight of the bag won't greatly affect your center. All set? Let's go!
P365.006: Baan Khun Thai
I am indeed fortunate enough to have this Traditional Thai Massage Spa just opposite the condo where I stay in. For just 250php, you'll sure to have a relaxing, muscle-stretching, bone snapping experience where only a real trained Thai masseur can give you. I live in CGS and this spa is just in the other side of the road. Do try them, they're one of the best in town!
P365.003: Dalitiwan Resort
After several attempts of actually having a summer outing, finally, we did it! We finally had that much awaited "Delgado Family Summer Outing"!
The initial plan was to do an overnighter but after hearing the prices, we opt to just stay for the day which is very tiring as it is.
The place is called Dalitiwan Resort located at Brgy Dalitiwan, Majayjay Laguna. It is owned by a highschool classmate and friend. You can assume that it's not my first time visiting the place but every visit I did is still wonderful as my first.
The usual rate is 80.00php for a day stay per head and that's good for the whole day tampisaw and swimming in their running water pool and stone leveled river.
It's been an SOP for resort goers to rent a cottage, table, umbrella etc. So for that, the charge per cottage is ~500.00php. For an overnight stay, the charge per head is higher charging 130.00php/head. You can choose to stay in the cottage but if you need to have a room, around 2k-3k additional damage per night will be collected depending on the size of the room. Click here for more details.
Do me, my friend, and specially you a favor of visiting Dalitiwan Resort. It's a wild nature encounter with home-like comfort.