Mayon Volcano eruption attracts tourists
Many facets of Mayon
Eruption as an attraction
Mayon Volcano, an active volcano in Bicol region here in the Philippines, attracts tourists, both local and foreign ones at its recent eruption. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the world due to its near-perfect cone.
The last days of December 2009 in the province of Albay where Mayon is located were concentrated on the evacuation of the residents near the seven-kilometer danger zone around the volcano.
Albay incumbent mayor Joey Salceda observes that Mayon volcano’s activity attracts more tourists these days amid the warnings of the Philippine Vulcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS).
My home is just a province away from Albay, here in Camarines Sur. From a distance, using my telescope, I can clearly see the activities of Mayon volcano at night. Although I cannot hear the rumbling sound as the very magma, liquid lava, rises, the danger is very imminent in the area. When I was in elementary, we can still hear the sound of eruption way back 1984. Even the sulfuric ashes were scattered by the clouds and when it rained, our white shirts become grayish in color due to the presence of acid rain.
When danger becomes an attraction
Foreign tourists are attracted to the actual eruption of Mayon Volcano. They often say that they want to witness an actual eruption of the active volcano. Although, the danger of nature is just luring them, they said that visiting tourists and the residents as well get more wiser because of the experience. Tourists are instantly educated because of the related accounts of their guides in the area.
Visiting the place will be an added revenue to the local government. Thanks to both local and foreign tourists/travelers who appreciate the beauty even in the danger that lurks around Mayon Volcano.