By Mavic Conde

Mayon is the volcano Bicolanos call magayon (beautiful). At 8,000 ft. tall, it towers from the ground into a pointed smoldering peak. It is one of the country’s most active volcanoes and is known for its perfect cone shape. On a clear summer morning, she would greet you with her majesty on the blue sky. Throughout the day, you would see her numerous times, as if she’s just watching over you. Her beauty is so enchanting you cannot find the perfect word to describe it, and every day, just looking at her would take your breath away. We call her Mayon, and for us Bicolanos, she is perfect.

The volcano owes its majestic look from frequent eruptions. Lava has built up over time, creating a picturesque symmetry that is Mayon Volcano. It has erupted 58 times since the first recorded eruption in 1616. Its location on the Ring of Fire plays a role in its frequent volcanic activity.

Folklore has it that Mayon Volcano is the beautiful maiden named Magayon. Her attractive beauty drew a lot of admirers to Ibalon (Bicol’s old name) just to have a glimpse of her. She was the daughter of the tribe chief Makusog (the strong one), who accepted Panganoron to be Magayon’s husband when he asked for her hand through a marriage. Panganoron saved Magayon from drowning when she slipped on a rock in Yawa River, her favorite bathing area. Their relationship had blossomed since then.

But Iriga chief Pagtuga, who was one of Magayon’s ardent suitors, couldn’t take it. He kidnapped Makusog and threatened to kill him. So Magayon agreed to marry Pagtuga.

On the day of their marriage, Panganoron went to the ceremony to take Magayon back. A battle followed, where Panganoron fatally struck Pagtuga.

When Panganoron and Magayon were to embrace each other, a poisoned arrow hit the beautiful maiden. Pagtuga’s soldier stabbed Panganoron as he was kneeling beside his dying lady love.

Makusog decided to bury them together. Years later, people noticed the rising land from where the two were buried. Thus, the legend of the creation of Mayon Volcano.

Some people would say that whenever Mayon erupts, Panganoron and Pagtuga are fighting. And when clouds are surrounding her, it is Pagtuga, shielding her beauty from people who want to see.

We celebrate Mayon’s splendor and the region’s bounty through Magayon Festival, a month-long showcase of culture and heritage, natural wonders, agricultural produce, and other asset products and people’s skills—from culinary to native industries to arts. The festival also relives the tragic love of Magayon and Panganoron through street-dancing competitions. Participants include the schools from different Albay districts, including my hometown Tiwi. Common themes are Albay’s myths and legends and tribute to Bicol’s Hispanic past.

This yearly festivity happens every May (April during former Gov.  Joey Salceda’s term) and helps boost local tourism and trade. Albay’s location at the foot of Mayon makes it a prime tourist destination in the region. In 2017, it recorded a 10.3 percent growth compared with last year, with notable increase in foreign arrivals in the recent years. This contributes to the region being one of the top five tourist destinations in the country.

Back then, Mayon rest house (Mayon Skyline View Deck in Tabaco City) was the most famous tourist attraction. I was in my teens and I would see photos of my relatives with their visiting friends, as well as heard them retell the experience. My ninang (godmother) also had a photo with my mother at the open farm in front of our house, with Mayon in the background.

Now we have Legazpi Boulevard, Ligñon Hill, Eztanza Highland, Taysan Hill, and of course these two National Cultural Treasures—Daraga Church and Cagsawa Ruins—as the main sightseeing spots in Albay. These are also among the designated safe places to watch Mayon during an eruption.

Activities for tourists are more diverse now, too, from zip line to ATV ride to hiking, kayaking, bamboo rafting to food and island hopping. It helps how the LGUs are developing their areas, as well as how local businesses actively promote Albay culinary, which we associate with the fiery Mayon.

For me, one standout LGU-managed site is Sumlang Lake. It effectively integrates Albay’s main native resource. The simple balsa ride is made leisurely with the stylish outdoor abaca furniture sets onboard.

Of course, locals play part in this success, especially those acting as guardians of Mayon and our culture. There’s the mountaineer that makes sure every climber is responsible; the government official that pushes for the overall tourism industry; and every ordinary Albayano who inspires fellow locals to appreciate this beauty sitting in our backyard through their art, love of our food and innovations, if not advocacies.

But as with any active volcano, Mayon can be dangerous. Right now it has been restlessly erupting since early January. My earliest recollection of its dangers includes the ash fall reaching Tiwi, my hometown. Extreme climate also proved doubly dangerous, as in 2006 when Super Typhoon Reming hit the province. Mud and debris from Mayon resulted in a flash flood, causing casualties and burying the entire village of Padang.

Now a commemorative mark stands on the barren land where survivors gather for a yearly mass. In Guinobatan, the Albay province that turned dark on Monday afternoon due to ash fall, there also stands a commemorative mark called the Reming mural. Both commemorate those who perished, and at the same time celebrate and remind us of the Albayano’s strength, resiliency and, ultimately, preparedness.

For us Albayanos, Mayon is not just a volcano but our ultimate symbol. In our provincial hymn, in countless art forms and our way of life, Mayon inspires us to embrace what makes us unique.