Back in 1991, the Mount Pinatubo eruption made headlines not only locally but also globally. It was recorded as the "second largest volcanic eruption in the twentieth century". The infamous volcano buried and killed hundreds of Filipinos and businesses deep under the lahar and volcanic rocks. In addition to the economic handicap that it had caused in neighboring towns and provinces like Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac, it also produced environmental hazards around the globe.
Now, can you imagine yourself buried under the ashes spewed by this volcano? Apparently not. But Brgy. Sta Juliana in Capas, Tarlac says to do this unthinkable.
Recently, there is a growing tourism in Tarlac which attracts tourists and travelers on the relaxing effects of the debris brought by the Pinatubo eruption. At the base of the volcano, you can find a spa which offers spa treatments that you'll not find in most of the spas in the city -- the Pinatubo Spa Town. Pinatubo Spa is being run by the locals and is supported by the local government. It prides itself in offering sulfur sand shower and sulfur mud pack that uses volcanic ashes and mud respectively.
You can enjoy these treatments for as low as Php 500.00 each. In sulfur sand shower treatment, you'll be buried neck deep under hot volcanic ashes for 30 minutes. You can take a nap or just lie down and relax; without doing anything, your body perspires as if you're having a workout at a gym. When you feel that you cannot withstand the heat for full 30 minutes, you can ask the attendant to help you out. As for the sulfur mud pack, you'll be taken to a pool that is full of volcanic mud. You'll be asked to apply it all over your body and wait for it to dry in 30 minutes.
After each treatment, you'll be taken to the shower area to have a cold bath. You'll surely feel refreshed and invigorated. Volcanic ashes and mud have surprising health benefits especially to our skin. Both contains 'sulphur' which has an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-yeast, and overall disinfectant properties. Needless to say, this makes volcanic ashes and mud a natural cure for various skin infections such as skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and even acnes and stretch marks. Also, volcanic ashes exfoliate the skin that gives your skin a youthful glow.
Don't settle to the typical and usual vacation activity. Why don't you start an exceptional and renewed travel experience here in Pinatubo Spa Town?
*Photo taken from firingyourimagination.blogspot.com