Early last month, Isuzu Philippines Corporation invited a group of adventurous motorheads for another trekking adventure to Mt. Pinatubo (Isuzu’s third), using both the 4x4 variants of the D-Max and Alterra. Isuzu’s first assault on Mt. Pinatubo was in 2002 using the Fuego 4x4 pickup. The next ascent was in 2004 using the 4x4 D-Max. In both occasions, the Isuzu pickup trucks proved their worth after conquering the unforgiving terrain of Mt. Pinatubo without any hitches.

In an attempt to prove that their latest SRV also has what it takes to sport the Isuzu badge, four brand new Alterra 4x4s were prepped for another assault up the infamous volcano. The journey started at 4 a.m. from the Mimosa Leisure Park in Clark field Pampanga, driving some 40 kilometers to get to the Mt. Pinatubo Visitor’s check-in Center in Capas, Tarlac.

There, we picked up the guides who assisted us in the eight-kilometer trek up the scenic crater of Mt. Pinatubo. We also met up with a member of the Angeles City Off-roaders club who guided us through unforgiving trail up to the Pinatubo base camp. The paved roads disappeared as soon as we left the visitor’s center. But since it was still dark, we couldn’t see anything over 200 meters ahead of us. All we could see were the deep tire tracks etched on the sand by the vehicles ahead of us.

It was only at the break of dawn that we got to see the wide expanse of land that we were driving through. Actually, it was our second time to pass this route but the view, a wide valley covered by grey sand and surreal looking mountains made of more sand, is always a sight to behold.

Driving on "4-wheel high," the Alterra’s plowed through the deep sand easily with nary a growl from its 146 hp I-TEQ 4JJI direct injection turbo charged diesel engine.

After some 10 kilometers of plowing through the sand valley, a shallow but rocky river welcomed our convoy. And with just a push of the Alterra’s ‘shift-on-the-fly’ system to, the electronically controlled transfer case engaged the Alterra’s low gears, quickly and quietly.

Crossing the river was a bit daunting at first, but our anxiety faded away as we felt the Alterra’s all fours firmly gripping the loose rocks and up the sandy banks. The trail towards the base camp turned from loose sand to extremely rocky.

But surprisingly, the ride inside the Alterra was still smooth — my praises for the Flexride suspension system. There were at least 15 more river crossings and another 10 kilometers of rocky trail before we reached the base camp. But the Alterra proved that it can dutifully drive over any terrain and truly deserving of wearing the Isuzu badge.

Trekking up towards the Mt. Pinatubo crater was a different story, though.

Where was no knowing what to expect from my first off-road experience, the only thing I knew was that the driving would be tough – still only thinking along the lines of a muddy trail and sudden stops because of livestock.

A non-driver, I was assigned to stay at the backseat of vehicle number 3, a white Isuzu Alterra. The other passengers were Vernon Sarne of Manila Times and Top Gear magazine (the driver), Pam Ayson of Action & Fitness magazine, and Isuzu Philippine Corp. (IPC) vice president for Corporate Business, Art Balmadrid.

The drive from the jump-off point was the first part of the rough road driving – a rocky trail covered with lahar dust.

The drive was beginning to get bumpy. As we got closer to the base of the mountain, we noticed that the rocks were getting bigger and the sand, thicker.

Then came the next stop – a deeper part of the river where the vehicles had to go down a two-foot slope, and cross through bigger boulders.

Everyone held their breath, and I was not sure the Alterra could make it. But our driver didn’t even hesitate to conquer the track, and the Alterra went through the hurdle in one easy take. A big splash courtesy of the river as the car descended was the exclamation point for the hurdle.

The next stop was a deeper ravine, and the vehicles had to wade through the water before they can once more go up on land. Everyone alighted after that, and see just what kind of obstacle the vehicles had traversed. Some went down the river to measure just how deep the water was, and feel how slippery the rocks were. The coarse sand (dry lahar) looked like it could easily trap a normal car from getting through.

Meanwhile, we were attracting an audience. Aetas living at the base of the mountains, looked amazed to see us and our luxury vehicles.

Later, when asked why IPC agrees to put their vehicles to such ‘beatings’, Mr. Balmadrid confidently answered: "How else can we show our clients how far our vehicles can go unless we put them to the test?"

It took a fit vehicle like the 4x4 Isuzu Alterra to cover the roads leading to Mt. Pinatubo; but enduring stamina and Madonna’s new disco single "Hung Up" was all I needed to conquer the mountain.

It was an exhausting three-hour climb, distressing when we got our feet wet, and it scooped out sand which made every step very heavy.

I felt like an Alterra – a first time adventurer, and someone who don’t look like I could finish such a trail. But I guess I’m tougher than I look, and was part of the first 10 to reach the top.

The Alterra 4x4 and I did pretty well at our first off-road adventure.