Lakeside Wishes and Birthday Smiles at Lakewood Lake, Zamboanga del Sur, PH

Hello @worldmappin. It's been a while since I last had my post here. And I truly missed worldmappin.

The only princess in the family turns 7 today. Last week, we asked here what her birthday wishes were, and we never thought she already had a list. Smart little grasshopper, hahhaha, she always has her lists every time. In her list were a cake, a beach, a pool, and a lake. The first three were achievable, but the last one seemed harder for us. So we started to search the Zamboanga del Sur map to where we could find an accessible lake.

This photo collage is made with Canva.

We left home around 9 this morning. Meztli asked where we going, we just told her that we would go somewhere we could eat out packed lunch. She slept the whole journey; she always complains of having headaches when we travel. I think she doesn't like the smell of our car air freshener.

An exciting view as we get nearer to the Lakewood Lake.

At exactly 11 am, we arrived at Lakewood Lake, we woke her, and when she was up, her eyes widened when she saw the view outside the window. She jumped down from the car, and we could see how happy she was. She thought at first we were in the sea, but then a minute after, she exclaimed, "It's a lake! We're in the lake!" It's my first time also to see such a beautiful body of water, and I was astonished!

Lakewood is located in the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur. The municipality is named after its lake. The lake was originally called "Danaw," which means a lake by the Subanen people, one of the natives of Zamboanga Peninsula. Lakewood is the largest lake in the province and is situated at the foot of Mt. Imbing. The lake has a surface area of 7.38 km. sq. and a maximum depth of 85 meters.

The lake is naturally preserved, and its natural beauty is untouched, aside from the constructed water control on one side where the road runs along the lake. Other than that, we cannot see any manmade structure within the lake. It has an emerald, crystal clear water that is truly inviting for a swim, but we were hesitant to step into the water. The beauty that it offers in front of our eyes is enough to feel its serenity and relaxing charm.

The range of mountains filled with trees and coconut trees makes the backdrop of the lake so magical and majestic. The fresh air that every little wave brought to us was cold, and a feeling of healing. If only we could stay there the whole day, but we had to travel back home, so it was not ideal to spend more hours in the place.

A single tree stood between the lake and the road was where we ate our lunch. We don't know why it is the only tree found along that long road. There was 5-step stair going down to the lake. I tried to step down, it was just beside that tree trunk, and I was amazed to find a well just right beneath those tree roots. The well is round in shape and has clear water, and there is a sign that says that the well water is for drinking.

A drinking well under the tree, beneath the roots.

While we were eating, we were surprised when around 6 or more lizards came down from that big tree. They are green with yellowish tails. They were looking at us while we had our bites, and I feel like they were trying to ask for some food. I put a slice of cake with icing on top of the cement, clinging to the tree trunk, and right after a few seconds, those lizards came down to the cake and they started to eat. The kids truly enjoyed those scenes. I knew they were very happy, especially the birthday girl, Meztli.

I hope you can visit Lakewood, too, and have a look at how beautiful the lake is. It is a hidden gem of Zamboanga del Sur that we can be proud of. The lake is also a source of fresh fish that the locals serve on their tables. A source of natural water that they could utilize in times of drought.

The Lakewood Lake is a wish come true for our daughter on her birthday, which is also a dream come true for me, who also dreamed of seeing a lake. Truly, nature is full of wonders that could bring us closer to our Almighty Creator again and again.

See you again in my next travel blogs. Have a wonderful day, and may God Bless You.

With Love,
@jeanieviv84