MEET UP TIME: 5:30 AM
MEET-UP POINT: PINAYKEYPOINT'S OFFICE
Molave Street, Sto Domingo II Capas Tarlac, Philippines
For inquiries, send your email to: pinaykeypoint.team@gmail.com
or text/call: Globe: (+63) 917.477.9156, Smart: (+63)930.508.8494
(Click the map for a larger view)
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Meet up @ 5:30am
Maps are usually sent to you as email attachment after receipt of your final confirmation and payment advise. Kindly print the maps and use it a reference to reach us. Our office is just few meters away from Mc Arthur Highway. We usually assign Pinaykeypoint team members who are wearing shirt with Pinaykeypoint print and ID. They usually wait either at the gate of Capas Municipal Hall, Mc Donalds Capas Junction or depending upon the final agreed meet-up point.
You must settle your payments and ask your team to sign the waiver. We usually send copies of trekking reminders, maps and waiver so we are expecting that you already discussed this with your team.
We are conducting briefing as mandatory requirement prior to final clearance and dispatching. Although we already sent the trekking reminders and waiver, we still have to remind everyone about the dangers in the area, the Do's and Don'ts and what to do in case of emergency and pack up time. Sometimes during briefing, team members blame their team leaders for lack of information and failure to disseminate copies of trekking reminders. We have a link for Trekking Preparation. Please click here to view
6:00 am
Take off to Final dispatching. This is roughly 20 to 30 minutes drive. If you have your own car, you can park it at the dispatching area. It's safe because it's already within the military vicinity. Parking Lots are usually maintained by the some villagers and they usually ask 50 to 100 php parking fee. This is also area for your final restroom. You may sort your things and apply sunblock while waiting for the final dispatching.
 
6:30am
The Local Tourism and Local official will check our clearance and gatepass. Gatepass is a mandatory requirement to climb. Organizers will secure this document for you that's why you need to register your name, age, address, nationality and person to be notified in case of emergency. These are required info in securing your gatepass.
Final Check Point
The grounds of Mount Pinatubo is a Military Camp and under the control of The Philippine Air Force (PAF). They usually make the final decision whether we are allowed to climb especially during rainy months (July to November). Military activity are usually held in the area as well and they are giving us cut-off time to cross the area. Roads will be closed beyond the cut-off time. Basically we are heading to Botolan, Zambales where Mount Pinatubo is located. It is within the Tri-boundaries of Pampanga, Zambales and Tarlac. Capas is the only safe gateway to Mount Pinatubo crater. The Municipal office under the administration of Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan made the initial effort in developing the area and ensure that we have a safe trail going to Mount Pinatubo.
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Off Road Driving is one of the highlights of this trip
The terrain itself and river crossings while watching the breathtaking creation will make you feel that you're in another era far from the hustling and bustling city life. One important reminder while riding a 4WD is to avoid talking face to face. Some of our previous clients bumped into each other's nose and the result is severe nose bleeding. Hah! How will you explain that to your office mates after the trek? So please take our reminders and briefings seriously :)
You may ask your driver to stop for some photo shoots
TAKE YOUR BEST JUMP SHOT GUYS!!!
8:30am
ETA @ LIPIT Station
This is the original 4WD parking station where you start your 2 to 3 hours walk. Because roads are already developed, you may now opt for the 2 to 3 hours walk, 1 hour walk and 30 minutes walk but this is during summer season only. During Rainy Months (May to November of each year), we will be using the 2 to 3 hours walk. Ask your entire team before making the final decision. You may divide them according to their trekking speed and mountaineering experience. I don't recommend the long trek for first timers. Please ensure that you are wearing a durable footwear and have your extra slippers and sun/rain protection. If you bring some trail food and drinks, it's better to take some here to lighten your bag and feed your hunger. This will keep you going :)
For those team that opt for the LONG TREK, please expect a very rough terrain ahead. Remember, you are conquering a volcano and it's a rule of a 'no pain-no gain' activity. This will make you realize the significance of Light Packing because believe me, you will feel the weight of your back pack after 30 minutes of trekking and it's no joke, the longer the trek, the heavier it becomes! For those who opt for the shorter route, you will pass this area via 4WD jeeps.
Wear proper footwear to protect your feet. Using socks is highly recommended. This will save your lovely feet from blisters. Believe me, most of my clients are swearing their footwear's brand after the trip because of blisters and bleeding.
Be careful and watch your step because you might be injured along the way. If this happens, inform your team leader to call the attention of the assigned Pinaykeypoint Tour Coordinators. We have basic first aid kit with bandages and medicine for headache and stomach trouble
Don't just rely on your shoes. Bring your extra slipper.
This will make you comfortable and flexible
Please note that you will be crossing a lot of rivers and streams...
...and might be sprained along the way
Trekking might be very tiring so take a break from time time. Inform your guides that you want to take some rest so they will wait for you. Never cope up with fast trekkers, most of the time this is the reason why some tourists will just fall and collapse. They are too shy or too proud to say that they need some rest instead, they are pushing their limits. It's a no no! Remember, we don't have an ambulance here. You have 2 choices, ask your group to be patient and wait for you or be an injured patient and spoil the entire trek!
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| It's important to bring to bring some trail food to keep you going |
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| ...you have to ensure that you are wearing a durable footwear! |
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| ...Because I cannot assure you that we can always provide a tape and slipper ;) |
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| ...We must be careful during trekking esp in some rocks |
.....because of this creature. But don't worry! Snakes are typically timid creatures. It just leave when they sense a presence of humans... unless you step on them! So you must be very careful and watch your step! Anyway, we don't have a history of snake bite.
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ETA 9:00AM FOR SHORT TREK
10:00AM FOR 1 HOUR WALK
11:00AM FOR LONG TREK
The only rest room along the trail. You're in the mountain so don't expect for a real comfort room. Also, you must be patient enough because there are so many of you that are rushing to use it as well ;) This is located along the TJ Parking Station.
You can also refill your bottles
This is a spring water and it's potable. We are using it for many years ;)
Few meters away is the ReyCat station. It is named after our previous municipal mayor, Reynaldo Catacutan. He is the person behind of these developments. ReyCat played a vital role in advancing the Tourism Industry of our town, Capas which eventually gives an employment to many, not just the local town's folk of Capas but the adjacent places as well. Now, the current Municipal Mayor TJ Rodriguez claimed this area and name it as TJ station but as one of the pioneer organizer, I guess we still have to give its credit to REYCAT.
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Next is a signage... Never let it trick you!
It was used when we celebrated the feast of Pinatubo in 2009. This contest was held for that purpose and it's not funny to see my clients beating the time carved in that wood! Most of them were sprained trying to beat it. Come on guys! you are not here to prove your speed. You are here to enjoy the trail, conquer Mount Pinatubo and see it's majestic feature. Don't let this signage ruin your day...
The remaining 30 minutes is Bush Trekking. You would see wild trees, berries and ferns. Don't try to pick and eat fruits if you're not really a mountaineer. Some wild berries are available but if you cannot identify if it's edible then, forget about it!
A roughly more than 58 steps stairs going up to Mount Pinatubo viewing deck. I know this will add pains to your injury ;) but you can always sit down for few minutes before climbing
Finally, The Majestic Mount Pinatubo!
ETA: 9:30 FOR SHORT TREK
10:00 TO 11:00 FOR LONG TREK
You will feel the proud spirit of conquest and realized in the end that it's all worth it. Remember, not all are given the opportunity to witness God's creations. Take a few minutes rest here and look for the best angle for your cam to capture...
STAIRWAY TO CALDERA LAKE
This is roughly 198 uneven steps without railings. Please inform your guide if you are afraid of heights. You may opt to stay at the viewing deck and wait for your team to come up.
...Pinaykeypoint Team will set up your tents
...and prepare your lunch
We don't really encourage swimming at the crater because according to PHILVOCS which regularly conduct routine check in the area, it's roughly 280 to more than 300 feet deep. Bear in mind that this is not a beach, It is a stratovolcano! sudden drop just few meters away from the crater side. We don't have a stand by lifeguard in the area so as per Local Tourism advisory, we are not allowed to swim because we will not be liable if you are drowned.
PACK-UP TIME: 1:00PM
It may be earlier depending upon the weather. Please be a good neighbor, do some charity with Aeta children before or after the trek. You may bring used clothings, Biscuits, candies, noodles, toys or anything. We don't encourage giving them money since they are in the mountain and there are no stores in the area. Normally Tour ends at 3 to 4. This may be earlier or later depending upon your route and trekking speed.
......THE END.....
PINAYKEYPOINT TEAM
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