[DIY] A Ride to the Crater of Mt Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo is situated in the section of Luzon called Cabusilan Mountain Range also known as the Zambales Mountains. It became a mainstream right after its major eruption back in 1991. That eruption was labeled as the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century next to Novarupta where its effects were devastating and felt worldwide. Now, although Mt. Pinatubo and areas surrounding it is still covered by lahar deposits, it has also become a tourist attraction of the country because of the wonderful landscape it has become. Adventure seekers, nature lovers and landscape photographers will surely enjoy exploring the site most specially its crater part.

How to get there?
Me and my friends goal was to ride our mountain bikes from the jump off point of Mt. Pinatubo up to its crater. But do not worry as this blog will still show you on how to get there by commute/public transportation. Our journey starts as we arrive at the bus terminal of Victory Liner in Pasay. We chose Victory Liner because they do not charge carrying cargo such as bikes. You can take any bus that will pass by Capas Junction. Buses going to Baguio, Dagupan, Pangasinan and Tarlac are some of the bus route that will take you there. We took the bus going to Dagupan and just told the bus conductor to drop us at Capas (near the Capas Municipal Hall). We then paid 180 pesos each which was a 3-hour bus ride. As we alight at Capas, we then started pedaling our bikes in search of a hotel to stay in. The next day, we started pedaling again going to the Tourism office of Mt Pinatubo for registration. As for you, take a tricycle in Capas to take you directly to Santa Juliana tourism office. It will be a long ride as well so fare will be most likely 300 pesos, one way.

On our way to the tourism Office

The registration area

Satellite Municipal Tourism Office
Tourists who wanted to see Mt. Pinatubo must register first at the tourism office and settle the fees below. By the way, these are mandatory fees and you'll not be able to pass through the security of Mt Pinatubo without the approval of this office. Note: The office is open as early as 6am and closes by 10am. Meaning to say, visitors must settle a ride going to Mt Pinatubo before the office closes. Visitors who'll not be able to book a ride before that time will have to try their luck the next day. Aw.

4x4 Jeepney Ride - 3,000 pesos (good for 5 pax)
Local Guide Fee - 500 pesos
Registration/Conservation fee - 450 pesos/pax

For Reservation:
SATELLITE MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE
Ms Mai - 0947-3912134
capastourism.com

Signing to a waiver...

Even we have our bikes and intend to ride it all through out from the tourism office, we were still obligated to rent the 4x4 jeepney. It is a policy that visitors should be accompanied by a jeep when visiting the crater. So basically the 4x4 jeepney serves as our convoy.

Approximately, it was a 1 1/2 hour jeepney ride packed with breathtaking views. I didn't mind the striking heat of the sun because of what my eyes saw during the trip. I never thought that the destruction of 1991 eruption will result to an art-like landscape now. You can even instruct the driver to stop anywhere along the road if you intend to take photos of the views as well as the locals and aetas that lives there. The aetas who lives there are really friendly, you'll see them smiling and waving their hands as you passed by them. Tip: Smile back, ok?

Can you feel the heat? hehe

More visitors that day

This way will lead you to the village of aetas

Reached the point where we have to lift and roll our bikes

After the bumpy with river crossing ride, you'll reach the point where will lead you to the crater of the mountain. In this case, you'll have to walk. I saw a sign that says, it will be just a 1km trek to reach the top. More or less it will be just a 20 minutes trek. In our case, it took us 30-40 mins as we have to lift our bikes up to the crater. Haha. I felt sorry for my bike because it was a hard one for her. I bumped her so many times and even scratched some of its part. Huhu. But nonetheless, as we've reached the top, it was all paid off. The fresh air, the crater, the view... it was a site to see! Time for more photo op! Note: There are comfort rooms in the area. Tip: Packed your own food and water. Yes, there are stalls on your way up however they sold it like 3-4 times of its original price.

Finally! Our goal!

So calm... so relaxing...

Thanks "Kerida" for not letting me down :)

Time for some groupfie...

...and selfies as well :)

We stayed in the crater for an hour  and it was already 3pm when we decided to go down again. We were excited on our way down because it will be an epic ride for our mountain bikes. We were like jets with our speed. The 4x4 jeep who convoyed us even had a hard time keeping with our pace. We reach the tourism office by 5:30pm and went all the way back to the terminal with our bikes.

Travelling and biking... this is life!!!

Yup, there are streams along the way

And rivers too!

More 4x4 jeepneys

Thank you Mt Pinatubo for this epic ride!

It was indeed a memorable bike ride for each of us. Mt. Pinatubo surely left a mark on our lives which we will never forget.

Breakdown of expenses:
Bus (Pasay Terminal - Capas Junction) - 180 pesos
Tricycle (Capas - Tourism Office) - **.**
4x4 Jeepney ride - 3,000 pesos
Local guide - 500 pesos
Registration/Conservation fee - 450 pesos
Tricycle (Tourism Office - Capas) - **.**

Bus (Tarlac Bus Terminal - Pasay) - 211 pesos

Food - *.**

18th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

The long wait is over! The Philippines Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is back again in Clark, Pampanga on its 18th year. This year's event is entitled "A Weekend of Everything that Flies" and the dates are all set. The fiesta will be held on February 21-24, 2013. Ticket price is P250.

What is the best day to go? The event's website wrote: "Every day is exciting for everyone. All the aerial activities happen every day so it doesn't matter which day you go." But if you'll going to ask me, I would suggest go for the Saturday or Sunday show. Why?
First reason is, the Breitling Jet Team will participate in the fiesta's air show to show-off their acrobatic jet moves with the exception on February 22, 2013 - Friday. So why do you need to see this team fly? The Breitling Jet Team is the largest civilian aerobatic display team in Europe. Based in Dijon, France, the team displays across Europe and the Middle East and each year undertakes a busy schedule of engagements, including major international air shows and Breitling corporate events. That's why.

Night Glow preparation last 2011 Fiesta

Second, there will be a NIGHT GLOW activity that will only be hold on the Saturday and Sunday schedule. This is when the balloons stay on the ground but will inflate beautifully together in the evening. -- And from that statement, it is a must-see part of the fiesta.

Event Attractions w/ some tips from the organizers:

Ballooning - Don't have the $200 contribution needed for a balloon ride? There's usually a tethered balloon on the grounds so you and your family can experience going up in a balloon without having to worry about where to land! Lines may be long, chase crew not included.

Just a portion of flying kites you'll see in the fiesta

Kite Flying - Kites are available for purchase at the Fiesta grounds. Feel free to get a kite for yourself and support our local craftsmen at the same time. They come in all shapes and sizes and are proudly Philippine- made. It's not unusual to see hundreds of kites flying at the same time at the Fiesta.

Aircraft Precision Competitions - This event calls for crowd participation -- someone has got to release the party balloons upwards! Wait for our announcer Buddy Lopa to send out the call for volunteers. Bring sun block!

witness gliders in action

Gliders - Rolf flies during the hottest part of the day, so prepare your cover ups.

Ultralights - Check out the ACFC booth for details on the club, the ultra lights, and the members! You may even get an ultra light ride out of the deal!

Rescue Demonstrations - The Coast Guard rescue team needs volunteers to be "rescued" during their demos! This generally involves being winched into a helicopter, so only volunteer if you enjoy heights!

Others - Paragliding, Skydiving, Aeromodelling [RC planes and helicopters]

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Where is the exact location of the fiesta?
A:  In the Omni Aviation Complex, inside Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga

Q: How to get there?
A: From the North Luzon Expressway, exit through Dau Exit (83A), turn left at MacArthur Highway, turn right at the Manuel A. Roxas Ave. passing the Bayanihan Park, and go straight ahead passing the Clark Main Gate. CFZ is difficult to miss should you decide to visit using public transport. From any northbound bus lines, get off the Dau-Mabalacat Bus Terminal, proceed to the MacArthur Highway, and take a Checkpoint –Dau PUJ, straight for the Clark Main Gate.

Q: How much will it cost me to get inside the event/fiesta?
A: There will be a 250 php entrance fee for this event and it allows you to stay inside the site the whole day. Additional tip: tickets will be available at the fiesta's gate or you can visit at any SM Ticketnet outlet, at ROX Bonifacio Global City, or at ROX Marquee Mall Clark to avail tickets.

Q: Am I assured that I got to see the balloons flying [Thurs-Fri]?
A: Yes. However the organizers have the rights to cancel an activity due to bad weather condition. It is for the safeness of everyone. Additional tip: Balloons start flying at around 6:30am. Therefore, 1 hour time allowance is advice to get in the main entrance so you can avoid the crowd and see the morning balloon flights.

Q: Can I bring food inside?
A: Yes. Also, food stands/booths are available inside.

I also suggest bringing sun protection/gears like sun block, hats and umbrellas. Some of the event will be conducted in the late morning/afternoon so you are also expected to be laying under the sun. Sunglasses are also advisable since you will be staring in the sky. This will help you see clearly up in the sky while the sun is up and also serves as your protection for your eyes.

Event Schedule (This schedule of activities may change without prior notice)

21 February 2013 - First Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM Hot Air Balloon flight
07:30-08:00 AM RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM Meynard Halili€ Aerobatic Show
08:30-09:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
09:00-09:15 AM Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration
09:15-09:45 AM PT13 Stearman
09:45-10:30 AM PNP Sky Diving Exhibition
10:30-11:30 AM AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
11:30-12:00 PM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
12:00-12:30 PM German aerobatic glider flight
12:30-01:00 PM KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition
01:00-01:45 PM Airlink / WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha flyby
01:45-02:30 PM AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
02:30-02:45 PM FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
02:45-03:15 PM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo
03:15-04:00 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
04:00-04:30 PM RP /U.S./ Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding exhibition
04:30-05:00 PM Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition
05:00-05:30 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
05:30-06:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers


22 February 2013 - Second Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flights
07:30-08:00 AM RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
08:30-08:45 AM PT13 Stearman
08:45-09:30 AM Sky diving exhibition
09:30-10:30 AM AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
10:30-11:00 AM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
11:00-11:15 AM FEATI / PHILSCA Rocketry /RC Demonstration
11:15-11:45 AM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:45-12:15 PM Para-Gliding Tow Exhibition
12:15-12:30 PM KAP / KTP Kite flying exhibition
12:30-01:15 PM WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha / Leading Edge flyby
01:15-01:45 PM German aerobatic glider flight
01:45-02:15 PM Car Drifting Display
02:15-02:45 PM Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
02:45-03:15 PM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights
03:15-03:45 PM AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
03:45-04:15 PM Sky diving exhibition
04:15-04:45 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
04:45-05:15 PM RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding/Towing Exhibition
05:30-06:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers


23 February 2013 - Third Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flights
07:30-08:00 AM RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
08:30-09:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
09:00-09:45 AM AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
09:45-10:30 AM Tandem Sky diving exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:00-11:30 AM Turbine RC flying display
11:30-12:00 PM Helicopter flight display
12:00-12:30 PM Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration
12:30-01:00 PM PT13 Stearman /  AOPA-P Flyby
01:00-01:30 PM WCC / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / Airlink flyby
01:30-02:00 PM Winch-launched German aerobatic glider flight
02:00-02:30 PM KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration
02:30-03:00 PM Paragliding Tow Exhibition
03:00-03:30 PM Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
03:30-04:00 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
04:00-04:30 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
04:30-05:00 PM Skydiving Exhibition
05:00-05:30 PM RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
05:30-06:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers


24 February 2013 - Fourth Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flight
07:30-08:00 AM RP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM Meynard Halili / Aerobatic Show
08:30-09:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
09:00-09:45 AM Wings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
09:45-10:30 AM Tandem Skydiving Exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:00-11:30 AM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:30-12:00 PM Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo
12:00-12:30 PM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM German aerobatic glider flight
01:00-01:30 PM Car Drifting demonstration
01:30-02:00 PM PT13/ WCC / Airlink / Omni / Leading Edge/ Airlink flyby
02:00-02:30 PM KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition
02:30-02:45 PM FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
02:45-03:15 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
03:15-03:30 PM PT13 Stearman fly by
03:30-04:00 PM Sky diving exhibition
04:00-04:30 PM Meynard Halili aerobatic Show
04:30-05:30 PM RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition
05:30-06:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers, Fireworks