A Lot Has Changed

These are some photos of Baryo Omaya in Zambales. It's a place we frequent every summer vacation as children. A lot has changed overtime. Besides the trees, my favorite is there's lte here too. Lol.

It's been, what, 12 years I think? I guess last time I was here was 1st or 2nd year of high school. A lot has changed. This is now the mountain's foot. Before, this place I'm standing on (when takin taking this photo) was a cliff (and I'd be 12ft above ground). The Lahar continuously rises every year, as the river flows and the riverbed rises. That rising slope there wasn't cement too, it was all gravel and rocks (fun to run on downhill and get bruises and scrapes, not).

The river is different too. It's not as wide as before. You'd cross it nowadays in 20 steps or less. More than 10 years ago, it's as wide as 100 meters. And can go deep in some parts. Had lots of water lillies on it too. We used to race with water lilly boats and see whose design is the best.

The trees are different. All I can remember were mango trees, indian mangoes to be exact. Now, pine tree are everywhere. I was told no one planted them and nature grew it herself. All the seeds were carried by the lahar and the river. I think it's more beautiful now though.

What once was a deserted place and small vegetation grew into a sprawling field of pines. It could be muc thicker but locals are cutting some down for firewood.

It's a whole stretch. As I remember, the lahar was maybe at least 3 kilometers wide. I'm just not sure if the pines were able to cover the whole area too.

As a result. The sunsets are also changed. With less water to reflect on. But more vegetation and trees to silhouette its beauty.