But somehow no one paid any attention to the ceremony. Everybody was focused on this image in the background of a gray humongous mushroom looming across the Manila Bay. In my hometown Mabalacat, the same mushroom turned day into night, alarming everyone. Could it be the day we had all been fearing – Armageddon?
Then in no time, the 600-year dormant Mt. Pinatubo erupted with a deafening blast spewing black ash, making visibility almost nil. Everyone started to panic, scampering around like headless chickens, saving whatever was within reach. It was a nightmarish scene out of a disaster movie. Thousands of families had to flee. Fortunately, only a handful met their fate, but so many more lost their homes and livelihood.
Pampanga and Zambales were severely affected. How can such a disaster be called an act of God? How hard it is for us to forgive and forget.
But just last June 5, when I conquered my fear and finally climbed Mt. Pinatubo, I experienced what I had long been hearing about. Even the most jaded traveler will be awed by its beauty and splendor. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was beaming when she reached the top, and had her photo taken with the deep blue lake/crater in the background. Tourism Secretary Dick Gordon blinked a few times, perhaps to make sure what he was seeing was real and that he was not hallucinating from exhaustion. And yes, it is an act of God, for only God can make such awe-inspiring beauty out of a disaster.
Father Chris Cadiang celebrated Mass when we reached the top. In his homily, he said his parents lost their home in Bacolor to Mt. Pinatubo. Like me, Pinatubo to him is a bad word not deserving of praise. But when he saw it for the first time, he had a change of heart.
To those who have not been up there, I urge you to go while your bones can still endure the long and arduous hike. It took us two hours to go up and another two hours to come down. Contrary to what I thought, it is not a difficult climb at all. As long as you have the stamina for long walks and are geared with the proper footwear, it can be a walk in the park. And this is no figure of speech. Go with your barkada, bring plenty of water and snacks (and chismis to swap). Do it at a leisurely pace and before you know it, you are at the top.
Once you see the 2.5-km. crater with its turquoise blue water, you will forget your tired muscles and the blisters on your feet. You must take a dip in the crater. Do not miss the opportunity. To see the crater is one thing, but to actually bathe in its water is another. I was initially hesitant because I didn’t have any extra shorts. I did not want to be uncomfortable going down Pinatubo, wet and heavy. But Claude insisted I take the plunge. There must be something medicinal about the cool sulfuric water – because after the dip, I felt recharged and invigorated and ready to conquer Mt. Mayon! It was exhilarating!
Going down is slightly more difficult than climbing up. We were very hungry when we reached Santa Juliana. Claude and I stopped at Four Seasons in Clark and rewarded ourselves with large rib eye steaks, grilled exactly the way we like them. When the lady asked me if I wanted my steak with mashed potatoes or rice, I said both and with fries on the side. She looked puzzled. In less than 15 minutes, we finished everything and asked for Dove ice cream bars and decadent chocolate cake for dessert. She looked even more puzzled.
Ours is perhaps the last climb for the season with the onslaught of the rainy months. It will be ideal to climb starting October till summertime. For guided tours and 4x4 vehicles, call DOT Region III at (045) 961-26-12 or 961- 26-65 or e-mail to dot3@sfp.internet.net.ph or contact the Sta. Juliana Tourism Council on their satellite phone 0981-990401.
Normally, the pick-up point is at Clark unless other arrangements are made. The 4x4 vehicle will take you to Barangay Sta. Juliana where you will be asked to register at P20 per person. Registration is a must for the authorities to have a headcount, making sure no one goes missing.
Many thanks to Bam Tayag for driving us on his 4x4 and for being so thoughtful as to send us a pack of instant energy – my favorite Toblerone white chocolates – and to Tito Lazatin for all these lovely photos.