Impending Volcanic Eruption Draws Scores of Tourists

The much-anticipated eruption of one of the most beautiful and majestic volcanoes in the world, which is the literally blowing hot and resistive Mayon Volcano lures tens of thousands of tourists from all over the country and even from other countries to catch a view of nature's authentic fireworks at its best. Described by Albay governor as a slow-moving meteor show, the lava flow that emanates from the volcano's crater is a breathtaking sight to see and behold, and even worthy of a video clip that will easily qualify in video archives of Discovery Channel or National Geographic. The volcanic activity unleashed by Mayon Volcano already attracted 75,000 tourists in December 2009. All of the hotels whether expensive or cheap is fully booked. Hotel St. Ellis and Hotel Venezia have all of their rooms already occupied for the past few days (Last week of December 2009 up to now January 3, 2010).

Mayon volcano which is famous for its near perfect cone is located in Albay Province or in Bicol Region. In February 1814, a powerful plinian-type of eruption off Mayon Volcano took place and considered to be one of the most destructive eruptions ever recorded by this volcano as it buried the town of Cagsawa (where only the bell tower survived until now) and killed about 2,200 local residents.

On June 23, 1897, Mayon Volcano unleashed a continuous eruption for seven days that affected villages like Libon, San Roque, Misericordia and Santo Niño. More than 400 were left dead with this deadly eruption.

With the outpour of tourists, businesses here are now in full swing. Most businesses here posted a remarkable revenues by a whopping 30% increase since Mayon started to show signs of eruption. Transportation also benefitted well, as many taxi drivers only sleeps an average of three hours a day. Businesses that offer car rental services now open shop 24/7 without letup. Taxicab offers a rate of 30 Pesos (about $0.67, $1.00 is equivalent to 45 Pesos), while car rental could fetch from 3,500 to 4,500 Pesos (about $77.77 to $100). The car services main destination is the Ligñon Hill, which offers a full view of the volcano.

The Small Talk Cafe one of the best place to view the spectacular volcano offers no vacant tables. Small Talk Cafe also provides another attraction here and is also getting much attention. Its prominent menu, the Pasta Mayon is drawing raves here. Made from a triangular ravioli, this yummy treat is topped with hot sauce that looks like a flowing lava.

An exclusive island resort Misibis Bay Raintree also registered a sharp increase in revenues. This luxury resort located in Cagraray Island also includes a one of a kind offer to its well-off clients with its enticing and exciting volcano adventure (an option of chopper ride for an hour to see the volcano or a safe view from a cruise).

The night time is perhaps the best time to see the breathtaking volcanic show, and most tourist would love to see the flowing lava from the orifice of the volcano using telescopes, with binoculars or with just plain eyes (hehehe). Although getting near the volcano and its lava is dangerous, some daring and adventurous tourists escapes local security patrolling the area with the aid of local tourist guides. This gives them a once in a lifetime glimpse of a flowing lava but also makes them vulnerable to unpredictable mudslides that can claim their lives at an instant. This can be ironic since there is no recorded local resident fatalities yet. If in case an eruption occurs the local guides will easily find their way out leaving the hapless tourists behind.

The massive tourism activity is indeed very bright, a sure sign that their is tourism boom taking place now in Albay, but all is not well here especially on the part of the local residents that relies on farming. The province has one of the most fertile farming areas in the world and planting produce is an enterprising and thriving industry here. With the imminent volcanic eruption local residents were not be able to harvest their crops that lead to great losses. The government is spending $1,500,000 (about $33,000) a day to give reliefs to the displaced residents.

The volcanic eruption in Albay Philippines is boon and bane at the same time. But Filipinos are persevering and hardworking, no matter what challenge will come their way, they are cinched to overcome it with their big fighting heart and resilience.

My explosive sixth Hub in the HubChallenge!

Happy New Year Hubbers!

The Maguindanao Massacre

Earthquake in Haiti Resurrects Ghosts of the Past in the Philppines

Worst Floods and Typhoons in the Philippines