Comments on: Majestic Mayon Volcano

By: Lyza

Lyza — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 03:10:33 +0000

I’m glad more and more of our kababayan appreciate the beauty our country has to offer. I grew up in Legazpi and after college and settling down in Metro Manila I always come home at least twice a year for vacations and now my kids refer to Papa’s house (their Lolo) as the place where Mayon Volcano is. In college, my siblings and I take turns bringing our friends over during summer to show them the sites.
It’s a pity you were 1 month early MarketMan. Mayon is acting up right now and the view at night is an experience one shouldn’t miss, especially if it’s already erupting. We used to go up to our rooftop, bring blankets to lie down on and watch the eruption at night – we had nature’s own gigantic fireworks! It’s not really scary because of it’s elevation and frequency – we even had classes and life went on as usual. Well, this is generally true except for those living and farming in the slopes who had to be evacuated.
Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed your visit.

By: Ron

Ron — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 08:23:54 +0000

Hi MM. Very nice photos!
I think our DOT should regulate Kiosks and handicraft stores in our tourist spots. Do our DOT people even visit this tourist spots?

I remember when I first went to the crater of Taal volcano in the 90’s with an Australian Geologist. All you can see going up to the crater are birds, cows and grassy areas until finally at the top, you have to push through the tall cogon grasses to finally see the crater.

Now, when you hike to the crater of taal volcano, you will be harassed by people who wants you to rent their horses, and what you will see first at the top are small huts selling bottled mineral water and softdrinks!

Are you the one on the photo MarketMan? Camera shy ka talaga!

By: linda

linda — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 03:12:38 +0000

The views are absolutely breathtaking!

And as for MM, ang pic mo – parang si Brad Pitt (brunette) na nakatalikod!hehehe!

By: Marketman

Marketman — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 22:53:29 +0000

Dennis, honey and all the Bicolanos who sent earlier recommendations of where to stay and eat, many thanks…I took a lot of your counsel as you will see in the coming posts… Dennis, I actually passed by the new Tabaco market but we didn’t stop… Oh, and you are right, it was called the Mayon resthouse, I just couldn’t remember the name, will adjust the post now. Thanks.

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:09:17 +0000

You were close, Sasha. The word is “magayon,” at least in our clan’s part of the peninsula. As they say in Bicol, you can cross into the next town and they’ll have a totally different word for the same thing. Awesome photos, MM. I teared up looking at them. Salamat.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:33:20 +0000

I’ve spent numerous summers in Bicol as a youngster, my mom being from Tabaco, Albay. But around my early teens, the idea of spending a month (or more) away from friends (girlfriends specially) kept me from going with the family on our annual summer vacations. Last May, I had a chance to visit the province, and I had never felt more sorry missing those fun summer family vacations. It only took me 23 years to return, and I now realized that I had missed a lot.
MM, the way you had described Mt. Mayon, I couldn’t have described it any better. I was completely in awe too, the first time I saw it again. It’s the most incredible work of nature I’ve ever seen, and it seems to look more spectacular at every glance. You’re also right about the Cagsawa ruins being “ruined” by the kiosks and craft vendors. The observation area you were referring to must be what used to be called the Mayon Resthouse. Which means you indeed went around the volcano. Along the way from Legaspi you must’ve passed through the City of Tabaco, which used to boast of having the best market in all of Albay. But politics and big business has completely ruined it. The old market had burned down several times within the last decade or so under questionable circumstances , and now has been totally torn down and being replaced by what looks kinda like the Satellite market in Legaspi. The old market was multi-story, and allows vehicle access all the way to the top floor.
Iâ€™m immensely enjoying reading your articles specially the Putahe Idol and now this Bicol trip, and Iâ€™m looking forward to â€œat least 12 postsâ€ on your experiences in Albay.

By: mae

mae — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 12:07:25 +0000

What breathtaking views! The photos are absolutely beautiful!

By: sasha

sasha — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:53:28 +0000

Hi Marketman,

I’m glad you liked the Mayon, which is an abbreviation of the word “ma’ayon” that means “beautiful” in the Bicolano dialect or as my cousins used to tell me. (I wonder if that’s true?)
Anyway I grew up in Manila but my dad’s family was from Albay and most of the summer vacations I remembered in my youth were spent in the vicinity of this beautiful volcano. I haven’t been back since I came to Australia in the mid-80s but it’s nice to re-live the memories…look forward to hearing about your adventures MM!! :-)

By: edee

edee — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:52:42 +0000

great photos!…looking forward to your bicol posts :)