There is something about Mt. Mayon that captivates me. I’m instantly drawn to her beauty just like a magnet. I guess it’s not just the perfect cone that got me hooked, but also the tragic story behind it – of love and death. More about the legend here: “Star-Crossed Lovers: The Story of Magayon and Pangaronon.”
I haven’t seen Mt. Mayon up close in person, and it’s actually one of the items on my bucket list. I don’t want to climb it though, I just want to be close enough to observe all its crevices and cracks and marvel at its beauty.

These crevices and cracks are proof of centuries of outrage and yet they all made this volcano even more beautiful. It has always been a mystery to me how this perfect cone remained as it is even during the most destructive phases of Mt. Mayon.
And just like us, what was meant for destruction and to be torn apart, God can turn it into a beautiful masterpiece that will showcase His profound greatness. ❤️
P.S. On a practical note, methinks my going near Mayon is a bad idea given my severe allergic rhinitis and the amount of SO2 that the volcano releases every day. I also have eczema, and I’m actually taking Coaltria daily as prescribed by my ENT doctor to prevent any allergy flare-ups. When I stop taking my meds, hives appear on my face, and just recently, a couple of itchy rashes on my arms. When God created the immune system, I think He forgot the right anatomy in mine. lol Ah yes, always the sickly kid in the family – nothing’s new. 😀

P.P.S. But I really, really want to be near Mt. Mayon – as close as I can get. It’s dangerous for me, but I think it will all be worth it. 😍 I don’t know why but I just want to stare at her beauty and touch the grounds surrounding her. Every time we pass by Mayon, we always see the best of her – nothing’s hidden, everything’s bare and raw. And it is what makes her more captivating. ❤️

It looks like God also answered my prayer because the LGU of Albay Province (all thanks to Rep. Zaldy Co) is planning on offering to the public a Hot Air Balloon Ride overlooking Mt. Mayon and the Pacific Ocean starting next year. Oh, my heart. I think it fell out. lol I’m just plain excited! 😍
I am praying it will be a yearly event so my husband and I can experience this together. But unfortunately, not in the next 2 years because he won’t be coming home. So, delayed gratification it is. Ah yes, when God teaches patience, you really have no choice but to learn it. 🙏
By the way, to the guys (Bicolano or not) who plan on proposing to their girlfriends, nothing can get more romantic than a hot air balloon marriage proposal. Now is your perfect chance – just make sure she’s not scared of heights. 😀👍

The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.” – Joel 2:25