12th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Culture and the Arts
Palm Sunday on Lake Mapanuepe

Lake Mapanuepe is a lake created by Nature. It is only accessible via 4x4 vehicle. It used to be the center of a village in San Marcelino, Zambales. When Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, Lahar blocked the flow of many rivers, creating a nature's dam. With the river blocked, it flooded the village. Only the belfry of the church was left of the orginal village. The villagers were forced to evacuate to higher grounds. These people are strongly religious and every Palm Sunday they would still celebrate in the remains of their old church.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2014
Date Uploaded: 11.2014
Photo Location: Zambales, Philippines
Camera: Canon EOS 600D
Copyright: © Ramon I. Castillo