2 Peaks (Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Arayat)

Been hibernating for almost a month, without any climbs; I tried to join this another invite from Sir Edzel Herrera (Extreme Outdoor Club) 2 peaks (Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Arayat).

Mt. Pinatubo Hiking notes and story:Upon arriving there at the jump-off area, there are lots of foreigners and they seemed so excited. Some are with their families. Too many 4x4 vehicles parked along the registration area. We are ready now. 

Picture w/ some friends below. 

w/ 4 Extra and Comodos Abs, KC, Tish, Marcke and Albert

Right after the 4x4 ride, it only takes 15-30 minutes to Mt. Pinatubo crater and summit. We made it 20 minutes to the crater. Tadaaa! We immediately took our cameras and stroke out own poses. :)

As we left Pinatubo, we took our lunch in one market in Pampanga and started our trek to Mt. Arayat by 2pm.

Here's our itinerary: :)
DAY 1

• 0200 Assembly Total Gas station Balintawak
• 0230 ETD Manila for Capas, Tarlac via NLEX
• 0400 ETA Capas, Tarlac. Breakfast (own account)
• 0500 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana; finalize prior arrangements
• 0530 Board 4x4 vehicles; adventure begins!
• 0800 ETA end-of-the-road; start trek
• 0830 ETA crater of Mt. Pinatubo.Explore the crater (photoshoot)
• 0930 Back to the 4x4s parked
• 1130 Back at jump-off point
• 1200 Take lunch
• 1230 Buy Goods, trail food, trail water for Arayat Climb
• 1300 ETD to Mt. Arayat National Park (Brgy. Bano, Arayat)
• 1400 ETA Arayat National Park (Brgy. Bano, Arayat) Register and Negotiate...
• 1430 Start Night Trek
• 1700 ETA peak campsite/ pitch tent
• 1730 Sight seing sunset viewing1800 Prepare for dinner (by the organizer)
• 2000 Socials

For almost 2 and a half hours of 4x4 ride, we are covered with the dust all over our bodies.hahaha :D

DAY 2

• 0600 Wake up call/ breakfast (by the organizer)
• 0600 Site seing/ picture taking
• 0630 Breakcamp
• 0700 Start decent
• 1100 ETA National Park; bathe at the natural pools
• 1200 Lunch (own account)
• 1400 Headback to Manila or proceed to Sm Pampanga sidetrip
• 1700 ETA Manila

After a tiring day, we took our refreshing bath in one of the resorts in Pampanga, Blue Water. :)

Mt. Arayat Hiking notes and story:
Mt. Arayat is elevating 1, 030+ MASL w/ a LLA: 15.20° N 120.742° E.
Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 3
We only took it in a traditional way not traverse. The trail describes as kinda steepy slopes w/ generally dried fragile rocks. Although it is not that too tough mountain for some, for me, it is a difficult one. I have to tighten every baby step along the way, sometimes climbing using my both hands and feet (4-wheel-drive) caused by some trail step that isn't established.

One thing that disappoints me are those of the scattering trashes you see everywhere on the trail. It is one of the dirtiest mountains I have seen aside from Mt. Romelo. Mountains like this is somewhat degrading on my part, not just for the Philippine country but also to the locals staff and the climbers as well. How I wish, they have the nerves of using our EDNR Registration fees well for the maintenance of this mountain. It is usually climbed by the devotees that's why, maybe some aren't practicing the principle of  LNT (Leave No Trace). It is not that surprising for some why trashes are very visible in this mountain. Moreover, flying insects such as mosquitoes and the likes are very aggressive, so I suggest that bringing Off lotion and insect repellants is a must. One more unique thing is the availability of the electricity at the summit, no wonder because from the foot of this mountain lies the electrical post up to the summit. haha :) 

Summiting Mt. Arayat is also rewarding, wherein you can see the city view of Pampanga 360 degrees. At night it is very beautiful, city night lights are like the stars down below.
Overall, this 2-peaks-climb is indeed another although tough and different but an additional learning and climbing experience to my life and passion. Thanks God for another blessing like this. :)

Pictures for Day 2:

sunrise @ the summt

w/ my newly meet climbing friends/buddies Kuya Bernard and Yuta :)

white rock! (it has 360 degrees view)