MT. PINATUBO: Once a Destruction, Now an Attraction

Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano in Cabusilan Mountain Range stretching along the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. Its eruption in 1991 was the second largest in 20th century next to Novarupta, Alaska in 1912. The phenomenon was among the most destructive catastrophes experienced by Filipino people. Its eruption had been causing adverse impacts to locals, mostly Aetas, for a decade. Lahar flows and volcanic ashes damaged numerous infrastructure, changed river systems, destroyed vast farmlands and even unfertilized the soil. 


 Here'are some photos of eruption in 1991:

Photo by Albert Garcia of Manila Bulletin. It was chosen by Time as one of the “Greatest Images of the 20th Century” and also by the National Geographic Magazine as one of “100 Best Pictures” of the 20th Century. 
Source: http://www.balita.com/mt-pinatubo20-photo-exhibit-more-than-just-pictures-it-was-a-reunion-of-survivors-2/

Source: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vdap/images/pinatubo/pinatubo-aerial.jpg

Today, Mt. Pinatubo has become a popular tourist destination. Its 2.7 km wide crater lake, with aqua green water, is extraordinarily beautiful. One can never associate the view with the destructive imagery 2 and a half decades ago. Locals and foreigners tread along lahar trail for hours just to reach the site.

The photo compilation below are my shots and my trekking buddies'--- Tina Corpuz, Pen Casel, Caroline Espejon and Giovanni Mata. It shows trekking to Mt. Pinatubo via Sta. Juliana (Capas, Tarlac) route.

1. The 4x4 Ride

2. Lahar Trek

3. Aeta Villages

4. Parking Area & Beyond

6. Entrance

7. Viewing Deck

8. Lakeshore

 

9. Boating
Today, there's an update that boating is prohibited since the crater's water is undetermined. Other sources say that there's a portion prone to landslide and there are whirlpools in some parts of the lake.

10. Hot Dip 
This water from this far side of the lake is hot. However, updates say that dipping is prohibited due to water's strong chemical content.

  
AND THE DELIGHTED TREKKERS

HOW TO GET THERE:

Trekking Pinatubo 

MT. Pinatubo Tour Package