**Mayon Volcano Eruption** ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/p3b66yhbfc.jpg)img source The province of Albay is now in the state of calamity due to the eruption of Mt. Mayon which is now in alert level 3. Over 30,000 individuals have been evacuated because of the lava continue to flow from the volcano.

![image](https://img.esteem.ws/sw8dfkd2r7.jpg)

Residents begun to evacuate last Saturday evening January 13 due to ash eruption. Mt.Mayon is the most active volcano here in the Philippines

![image](https://img.esteem.ws/xcjhcuhisg.jpg)

with a record of 51 eruptions for the past 400 years. It's last eruption was December 2009 up to January 2010. (photos by BM Snapshots)

**The Perfect Cone** ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/yrdyne11l7.jpg)img source Many people all over the world are amazed by the beauty of Mt.Mayon. It is also known as the world's most perfectly formed volcano for it's symmetry. The Albayanon's (people from Albay) has a legendary folklore where they believe Mt.Mayon came from it is the love story of *Magayon* (the lovely one) and *Panganoron* (the proud one).

** The Legend of the Mayon Volcano** *Panganoron* & *Magayon* Long ago in a place called Ibalon, there lived a beautiful maiden. Her name was Daragang Magayon (the lovely one). She was the daughter of Makusog (the strong one), chief of the tribe. One day, Daragang Magayon strolled near the river. While crossing the river, she stumbled on a rock and fell quickly in the water. She was swiftly swept down stream by the current. “Help! Help me!” she cried. Fortunately, her cries were heard by Pangaronon (the proud one) and his bodyguard Amihan (the cold one). Pangaronon jumped into the river and saved Daragang Magayon. “Thank you for risking your life to save me”, she cried. “How can I repay you? My father is the chief of our tribe. Surely, he will reward your heroism whatever it may take.” Her beauty immediately captivated Pangaronon. He realized that he had finally met the perfect woman for him. At the same time, Daragang Mayon was instantly attracted to him. ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/j55496oq5u.jpg)img source Panganoron asked Makusog’s permission to marry Daragang Magayon. But Makusog could not permit them to marry. Tribal law forbade marriage outside of the clan. As tribe leader he had to enforce the law. Yet, as a father, he wanted to make his daughter happy. Meanwhile, Patuga (the eruptive one) learned about Panganoron’s intention. Patuga was the most ardent suitor of Daragang Magayon. For years, he had been convincing her to marry him, but to no avail. One night, Patuga and his cohorts kidnapped Makusog. Then, he sent word to Daragang Magayon that her father would die if she did not marry him. Without a choice, she acceded. Only then did Patuga release Makusog. Soon Patuga and Daragang Magayon were wed.

![image](https://img.esteem.ws/i0d9d9hn1z.jpg)

But in the midst of the merrymaking, pandemonium broke out when Panganoron and his men arrived. Fighting ensued between teh two tribes. In a few minutes, Panganoron fatally struck Patuga. However, during the skirmish, a poisoned arrow shot from nowhere, fell on Daragang Magayon’s chest. Panganoron rushed to her aid and as he kneeled over the dying Daragang Magayon, an enemy hacked his head off. After the battle, Daragang Magayon was buried and her death was mourned all over the land. Where she was put to rest, a mountain mysteriously appeared. This mountain is now known as Mayon. It is said that even in death and in another form, she is still haunted by the men who loved her. When Mayon is said to erupt, this is Patuga challenging Panganoron. But when Mayon is calm, Panganoron is embracing her. The tears of Panganoron are shed as rain at times in his grief. * Source: Local Government of Albay Pavillion

Until today, many are still delighted by the love story behind the legend of the Mayon Volcano. And they still believe that Magayon always made her presence in every eruption of Mt.Mayon. This photo below is a perfect example of their belief. ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/axp31fa743.jpg)img source In this photo you can smoke coming from the erupting volcano, formed into a man and a woman embracing each other. ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/nsraz8y074.jpg) Here you can see a face of a woman while the lava is flowing. ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/bk8jxv4eab.jpg)img source And this one the lava that flowing looks like a woman wearing a long dress facing her left.. (photos are not edited)

Sometimes the most beautiful thing can also be the most destructive. Please let us pray for the people affected of the eruption of Mayon Volcano. I am glad to be able to share these, because not all of us here in steemit can watch the news especially if it's from the another country. Thank you for reading! Follow me @vhannacario Credit to the Owners of the Photos. 💓