I can't believe it has been 3 years since my last grand vacation / summer adventure. That was when we were in . My life was consumed by work, work, work. So when I got invited to join the Dermplus Sunventure in Mt. Pinatubo, I just checked the schedule (thankful it fell on a Saturday!), and I immediately confirmed I'm in for the it. This was my first ever trekking experience in my whole life and I was so excited and nervous at the same time! Unfortunately, it was the last minute when I remember to read on blogs regarding what stuff I should bring that's why I wasn't able to buy the proper trekking shoes and an affordable action cam. I invited my friend Eyah of Eyahnism.com knowing she loves travelling too! You'll see her on my vlog! Watch it below for the complete experience!
This event was sponsored by Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock. I love their products! I actually buy them from Watsons even before they became active online and started working with influencers. I brought with me the one with the highest SPF (same as shown in the photo above), and re-applied it a lot of times during the trek to make sure I won't get burned by the sun that much. Each of us received this kit btw.
Dermplus Bloggers
I spent the night at Eyah's condo since the meeting place was in McDo near SM North at 1AM. I'm from Cavite so you know how inconvenient it will be for me if I'll be coming straight from my house. We left for Pampanga around 2am via shuttle (van) and arrived at Alvin's Mt. Pinatubo Guesthouse around 4AM. I heard it's the same place where Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo stayed during their taping for a movie before. Some Dermplus Staff were already there to prepare the venue for us (really appreciate it guys!). We finished breakfast and all around 5AM but the waiting for our 4×4 ride took us time.
If I'm not mistaken, it was around 7am when we finally got in the 4×4. It'll be a long day for all of us and will take 2 hours 4×4 ride and 2 hours walk to the crater. I was thinking, "can I really do this?". I don't have any preparations whatsoever but since I go to the gym and workout sort of regularly, I think my body is conditioned enough for tough activities like this.
I love watching the sunrise <3
It can be really dusty so don't forget to wear a mask.
First stop after an hour ride.
We're ready for the next ride!
After 2 hours 4×4 ride, now it's time to walk for another 2 hours. It was really hot at this hour especially this summer, around 9am, so don't forget to have a bottle of water with you and light snacks in case you get hungry along the way.
As I mentioned, I forgot to buy trekking shoes but so happy my pair from World Balance survived! *haha*
Almost a quarter time left to trek! There's a small resting area where you can buy drinks and food (warning: kinda expensive due to their effort of bringing the goods this far). Just think of it as a little help to the people who live in the place. Their Salad Ice Candy is good btw!
There are also two toilet rooms on the side area.
The last part to the crater was more refreshing to me since there are more green in the surroundings and swamps. Be extra careful because of the wet ground / path uphill.
Always, WATCH YOUR STEPS!
Finally, after 4 hours of ride and walk / trek! I'm here guys!!!
Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake!!!
The scene was breathtaking, definitely worth all the dust and sweat going here!
My most favorite shot from this trip! <3
Thanks for this photo Eyah! I really feel like a backpacker or something! *teehee!*
You can go downhill but it'll take your around 3 minutes in a half on a normal pace.
Yes, that high from the ground plus the distance from each steps is like 2x the normal height.
This moment, I will treasure forever.
Going back, you'll still go through the same route, another 4 hours (walk and 4×4 ride)!
Back to Alvin's Guest House for our lunch before heading home!
It was one of the most delectable lunch meals I've ever had!
Now here are a few tips if you're planning to go to Mt. Pinatubo. Leave early, don't be late. Normally, it rains in the afternoon said our tour guide so it's advised to go trekking the earliest schedule, leave the crater lake by noon and be back to your camp or hostel around 2-3pm then you'll arrive in manila around 6-7pm if the traffic is smooth.
Things to bring (Mt. Pinatubo Trekking):
extra shirt and pants
slippers (for emergency plus it's more comfy in it going home)
trekking shoes (one from Crocs is nice, you can go with your regular sturdy rubber shoes too)
face towel
bottle of water
sunglasses
mask / gas mask (esp. if you're sensitive to dust)
hat
umbrella (just in case it rains)
lip balm (you'll need this before, during, and after trek)
light snacks like biscuits
of course, Sunblock that has high spf and re-apply hourly for this kind of adventure!
and your personal stuff
Always keep in mind to pack light so it won't be a hassle for you to carry your stuff while trekking. If you will be staying in a hostel or guesthouse, you can leave your unnecessary baggage there. I can't say much about the fees since this tour is sponsored and they arranged everything for us. It's better if you go there by group of 10 people to avail promos and cheaper rates. There are packages online that you can check this for.
Overall, I enjoyed this so much! My Mt. Pinatubo Trekking experience is one of the highlights of my year so far. Now I want to travel more and explore the beautiful places in the Philippines! I'm squeezing travel to my schedule this year and our next Sunventure will be either Coron or El Nido this April / May for my birthday! Yey!
Thank you so much Dermplus for the unforgettable experience!
We need sunblock every single day even if we're just staying at home. What more for our summer adventures right? You can buy Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock (different variants) at Watsons, Mercury Drugstores, other drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. They also have spray type ones, sunblock for the kids, and sunburn relief products. I can say it works on me as I didn't get any sunburn after the trek nor my skin got super dark! I highly recommend Dermplus, it's proven effective!
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Let me know guys if you've been to Mt. Pinatubo and share your experience with me too! I'd love to know! If you're still planning to do it ( push mo na yan te!). You'll never regret it, promise!
