It's not simply the natural beauty of a place that will astound us when we are exploring it; its rich history also makes it perfect.
I enjoy exploring the outdoors, and I'm the kind of person who always finds peace there. So, besides my Aeta pupils, what motivates me to continue teaching in a remote location is the stunning natural beauty that can be seen there.
So now, I welcome you all to my workplace, Brgy. Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales.
The beauty of Mapanuepe Lake is one of the tourist places where you can relax and help clear your mind.
A freshwater lake named Mapanuepe Lake is located in the Philippine province of Zambales. Following Mount Pinatubo's catastrophic eruption in 1991, the lake was formed. After the explosion, lahars clogged the Mapanuepe River's drainage system, flooding the Mapanuepe Valley with its towns. From one of the settlements, all that was left was the church's steeple sticking out of the water.
BUHAWEN, San Marcelino, Zambales—Today, all left of the former settlement of Buhawen is the Bajaoen church's spire, a mammoth staircase made of white concrete and crowned with a rusted iron cross that protrudes into the serene Mapanuepe Lake.
The other elements of the once-active community appear to have been forever obscured from view after it was buried in liquid lahar following the Mount Pinatubo eruption 25 years ago. Yet, if you look closely, you may make out a faint portion of the church's nave under the deep green water.
When Mount Pinatubo erupted in June 1991, Buhawen, one of San Marcelino's 18 barangays, was a prosperous neighborhood of farmers and miners and the site of the Benguet-Dizon gold and copper mines.
The abandoned Dizon Copper mine, situated on the lake's east bank, caused the mercury contamination of the water. However, dangerous substances have been mitigated, and it is now thought that diving and fishing are safe in the lake.
But in addition to the scenic Mapanuepe Lake and the old submerged church, I also came across another beautiful location at work.
To keep an eye on our pupils at home last week, we visited them in the lowest section of the mountain.
You will feel like you are strolling on the moonscapes of the Dizon Mines tailings and mine waste region within less than an hour. Crushed boulders were thrown on both sides of the road built for mining haulage, resulting in the mountainous landscape. From a distance, one can see a cut mountain, which once protected various natural species.
Then, all of a sudden, we were passing by the "Red Sea or the Devil's Pit."
I was astounded by the beauty of this place, but I could not hide my fear as I took pictures at the edge of the pit. Looking down at the dark reddish water, one of the residents says that no fish live there, no plants line the shores, and even birds and insects are afraid to fly across the water. This is because the water is toxic and contaminated with high acid, so no wonder it is called the "Red Sea or Devil's Pit."
Although it may be aesthetically attractive, knowing its past makes me feel sorry that no one could live here.
Before a powerful stroke of the cheap pen and a lack of government concern ruined the land, it was his forefathers' source of bounty.
It's beautiful that I can find these lovely locations near my place of work, and I'm glad to learn more about it's past.
Indeed, learning can occur as we discover and explore the world around us. I am happy to find these beautiful places at my workplace and am glad to know more about its history.