Perfectly Beautiful but Perfectly Deadly. . .

I came from the province of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region, but no, this isn’t about me, this is about one of the 7 Wonders of Nature in the Philippines which is located here in the Bicol Region. So, without further ado, I introduce to you. . . .
MT.MAYON
(photo1)
Mt. Mayon or Mayon Volcano is located at the province of Albay, at least 2 or 3 hours away from my location. Mt. Mayon is known for its beauty, having the almost perfect cone shape and being the only one at that, this is indeed a wonder of nature. But don’t be fooled by its amazing appearance because this wonder of nature is as beautiful as it is deadly for this is a very active one.
This perfect creation has claimed so many countless lives because of its deadly eruptions. Its first recorded eruption was dated back in the year 1616. But one particular tragedy in the most destructive and lethal eruption of Mt. Mayon has left its mark not only in the History of Bicol but also in the lives of all Bicolanos. It was in the year 1814, when the eruption had buried the Cagsawa Church (a Catholic Church) together with hundreds of people who took refuge inside it and the total casualties reached up to 1,200. The only thing that survived was the Church Tower which until now stood a few feet above ground that serves as a reminder of that tragic event and the deadly power that this beauty possess. The most recent eruption happened just a few years ago in 2014, it was all over the news and internet. With so many tourist going to Albay and even go as far as climbing the Lignon Hills to witness it. I even remember it, it was a scary yet magnificent sight, no wonder the tourists wanted to witness such event. It was at night when the sight was truly beautiful, the hot molten lava the color of red and orange, a large contrast to the darkness that the smoke and ash have brought, lit up the sides of the volcano as it cascades from its crater. Thankfully, warnings have been spread and people have been evacuated to safety to prevent another tragedy.
(photo2) CAGSAWA RUINS(Church Tower)
Despite its deadly attribute, Mt. Mayon is still one of the most beautiful places here in Bicol. I got to see it closer a few times, the first time was during high school in an educational tour when we visited Cagsawa Ruins (the place where the Church Tower still stands), the view there was closer than most places I’ve been to see and admire the Volcano. If you want higher grounds, you can climb up the Lignon Hills, from there you could see not only the volcano but also view of the City of Legazpi below and beyond.

I took this photo of Mt. Mayon on our way home from Albay last month. (photo3)
So, if you ever decided to visit Bicol don’t forget to include these in your list of adventures: