CAPAS, Tarlac – If you are looking for an adventure just north of Metro Manila, you cannot go wrong in choosing Mount Pinatubo, a tourist destination that recently shot to fame anew because of its picturesque views and easy trail fit for beginner hikers. 

Our group’s adventure to Mount Pinatubo on Feb. 18, began with a 2-hour van ride from Metro Manila to Sta. Juliana neighborhood in Capas, Tarlac, the jumpoff point of the tour. 

This is your sign to visit Mount Pinatubo, Philippine's new social media darling. Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News

This was booked months before, organized by a mountaineering group, which would then coordinate with tourist guides and Capas local government for queueing and payment of environmental fees on Mount Pinatubo.

The journey to the stratovolcano -- dubbed a beautiful disaster by many -- continued with the signing of the waiver and the registration for the 4x4 vehicles that would carry tourists at the foot of the mountain in around an hour. 

Fees for the tour will depend on the organizer, which would range from P3,000 to P3,500 per person (inclusive of van transfers, 4x4 vehicle rentals, and local fees). Tourists can bring trail food, water, and packed lunches but littering is not allowed along the trail. Water source is available on the jumpoff site, and tourist guides allow the refill of thermo flasks and water jugs for just P10 to P20. 

Bottled waters and sports drinks are available in the jumpoff point, too, which range from P50 to P100 per bottle. 

Dust from the ground, rock formations, and streams greeted the group on the way to Pinatubo’s base, where carabaos and dogs also rested. Aetas settling in the area also said hi, with younger ones playing in huts. 

Resting areas are available along the trail, where Aetas sell water and food. 

After hiking for more than an hour, the group was able to reach the main attraction – the mountain’s crater lake. Tourists will go down a steep staircase if they want to get closer look of the quiet crater lake.

Our group got the full view of the lake to ourselves, since only a few groups -- and families -- were present in the afternoon (shoutout to the unexpected cancellation of the afternoon tours).

Bea Gadon, who invited the majority of the joiners that day, said she wanted to go to Pinatubo since she was looking for an easy climb. The mountain has a 2/9 difficulty, according to mountaineers, and has an easy-to-navigate trail. 

“Aside sa recently na-hype siya… maganda siya and may 4x4 din and may hike which is fun. Tapos game din friends ko kaya nag-push ako,” said Gadon. 

Arvin Castro, a student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, told ABS-CBN News he prepared for the trip weeks ago when he was still in Europe. This was his first time to hike locally, he said, so he really looked forward to the tour.

“I first saw the photos and videos of Mount Pinatubo on social media kaya lalo ako na-excite. It looked beautiful, picturesque. Doon lalo ako na-entice na sumama sa tour,” he said.

THE HELP OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Long-time Mt. Pinatubo tour organizer Mike Celestino said more people since last year have gone to the tourist destination with the help of social media.

Just a quick search on social media platform TikTok will show how hundreds of users shared videos and photos of the mountain since late last year, with some saying it took them time to take solo photos at the view of the crater lake because of the crowd.

People posting on TikTok about Mount Pinatubo accompanied their short video packages with clips of their adventure to the mountain riding 4x4 vehicles, with Eraserheads’ “Alapaap” or Starship’s “Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now” as their background music.

Netizens’ excitement to visit the spot was crystallized when comments flooded ABS-CBN News’ post on our visit to Mount Pinatubo. Many shared their photos on the crater lake, while some said they want to visit the site soon.

 SOME REMINDERS

Celestino emphasized how the Capas local government helped provide Aetas a source of livelihood by allowing them to sell water and food along the trail.

This was why he reminded tourists to be respectful to Aetas when they encounter them, and understand them if they choose not to socialize.

“Dito sa Capas tourism, binibigyan sila ng pagkakataon para magkaroon ng income… binigyan nila ng chance para makapag-guide. Pero ‘yung iba, no read, no write, so kailangan natin sila i-assist at kailangan maintindihan ng guests na hindi lahat ng Aeta ay nakapag-aral,” he said.

The tourism boom also helped Celestino, his family, and other people relying on the mountain’s tourism.

“Malaking tulong sa amin, siyempre unang-una, tumaas ‘yung pondo ng turismo dahil sa mga tao na umaakyat. Siyempre, para na rin makita nila ang ganda ng Mount Pinatubo,” he said.

Celestino, meanwhile, stressed the importance of tourists’ respect to the mountain and their tourist guides.

During the trip, he said some tourists would express their frustration when 4x4 vehicles would be delayed.

“Hindi tayo pare-parehas ng pasensya bilang isang tao. Payo ko lang sa kanila, before sila mag-book o pumasyal dito, siguro tanungin muna nila ang details para hindi sila ma-surprise pagpunta dito,” he said.

“Asahan na rin nila na sobrang daming tao kaya habaan ang pasensya nila at huwag silang magsungit sa mga organizer dahil puyat at pagod din kami,” he added.

The tourist guide warned that Mt. Pinatubo’s peak visiting hours are usually on weekends, so he advised the public to book tours during weekdays if they want a thinner crowd.

One can book a tour at Mt. Pinatubo via mountaineering groups or direct bookings through organizers such as MGCLSTINO travel and tour.

Tourists should not forget the following during their hike:

- valid IDs for registration 

- extra cash 

- sunscreen

- sunglasses

- hats/umbrellas 

- water jugs 

- sandals or slippers 

- trail food 

- tube mask/bandana for dust protection