The various sizes of motorized vehicles tracing the lines that formed traffic routes in the large deposits of lahar are proof of ease in reaching Lake Mapanuepe in San Marcelino, Zambales.
Compact cars trailing 4x4s are regular sightings in the area. During the dry season, the lake attracts the crowd that had never heard of Mapanuepe until maybe a couple of decades ago. The Holy Week is considered its peak in the number of visitors accepted.
My early impression of the lake situated in Barangay Aglao was that it was difficult to reach. The locals, organized by the local government’s tourism arm, gave an assurance that it would not be a tough drive.
A guide is needed, however, as the routes leading to the lake change depending on the weather conditions.
Two-way for a guide costs P800 but, as respectful as the locals are, they are willing to assist if needed.
One given to my team of 14 people in two vehicles showed up aboard an old Rusi motorbike. The affordable China-made two-wheeler was an assurance of an easy trip. The travel was made exciting by the presence of very young motocross riders enjoying the bumps and jumps of their self-made treks.
Large quarries make for a desert-like environment along the way. The locals say they make good money for the LGU and the people they employ.
Thirty-four years after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, the lahar supply for controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) for construction projects still seem endless.
Tourism, however, had opened economic opportunities for Aglao residents. Even non-Aglao natives make daily trips to Lake Mapanuepe to peddle various products.
The Aetas displaced by the Pinatubo eruption are always present, however. They have made parts of the town their own after the once long dormant mountain (yes, that is what it is called, not a volcano, like Mayon) had large phreatic eruptions on April 12, 1991 that sent ashfalls across the island of Luzon and far wider.
As if on signal from the guide, they come out of their shades as soon as vehicles come out crossing a stream that flows clear, fresh water from the still very lush mountains.
They offered freshly picked fruits, roasted cashew nuts, and whatever they could get from the mountains. Some they trade for rice, no money needed.
Another enterprising Aeta lugged a haul and offered very usable items. I got from him a machete crafted out of an old jeep leaf spring and a set of bows and arrows that I still think what or who to use for.
I honestly do not know why I made the purchase but that was good money than the if he traded them for rice. He went home happy.
It was hard to believe that the destruction brought by the Pinatubo eruption would create an equally beautiful place in Mapanuepe that not a few compared to scenes of beautiful pastures and lush green grass found in New Zealand.
I’ve never been to New Zealand. The only lake I have managed to camp for a night was in Vancouver, Canada and I could say Mapanuepe’s beauty could stand on its own.
No swimming is allowed, however. The lake which has a size of more than 500 hectares and a depth of 20 meters has undercurrents, we were told. Yet it is tranquil, and the crowds respect space. We went home happy.
