Best Shot from Erupting Mayon Volcano with the Blue Blood Mood

When the universe conspires, a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical phenomenon happens. The super blue blood moon perfectly aligns with the Mayon Volcano eruption as it continues to produce lava during the lunar eclipse at 9:46 PM on January 31.

5 Shocking Facts You Should Know About Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano has made it to the headlines once again after its unexpected eruption killed a number of climbers this week. But only on rare occasions such as this when Mayon Volcano is considered a human threat. For the longest time, Mt. Mayon has been the countryʼs answer to Japanʼs Mt. Fuji; exuding a panoramic beauty that attracts a myriad of tourists from around the globe.
Widely known for its symmetrical, “perfect cone” shape, this 8,077-foot active volcano is the main landmark of Albay Province and one of the countryʼs major tourist spots. Mayon Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly monitored by PHIVOLCS.
But beyond the usual facts and figures about Mayon Volcano are tragic stories that have made this landmark even more endearing. Here are 5 of the most fascinating facts you should know about the countryʼs “perfect cone”:

1. Mayon Volcanoʼs worst eruption killed 1, 200 people
   The latest Mt. Mayon tragedy is nothing compared to what took place hundreds of years ago. Described by experts as the worst Mayon eruption ever recorded, the February 1, 1814 tragedy claimed a total of 1, 2000 lives. The eruption engulfed and destroyed most villages of Albay and Camarines as recorded in volume 51 of “Blair and Robertson”. According to accounts, “hot stones, sand, and ashes” flowed from the crater, killing thousands of terrified inhabitants including those who were trapped inside the famous Cagsawa Church.
2. Mayon Volcano is Philippinesʼ most active volcano
   Mayon has remained in the public eye in recent years for one reason: itʼs the country most active volcano. In fact, records show that Mayon Volcano has erupted almost 50 times for the past 400 years. The first eruption ever recorded took place on February 1616 and was chronicled by Dutch explorer Joris van Spilbergen.
3. Mayon Volcanoʼs longest eruption lasted for 7 days
   On June 23, 1897, Mayon Volcano terrorized the whole town with its 7 days of uninterrupted eruption. Fire literally rained over the nearby villages including Bacacay, Libon, and San Roque. The catastrophe killed hundreds of people who were either trapped by flowing lava or hit by hot rocks and steam.
4. Cagsawa Ruins was once home to snakes
   After surviving the deadly 1814 eruption and various earthquakes, the Cagsawa belfry now stands as a grim reminder of Mt. Mayonʼs destructive nature. Built in 1724 by Franciscan friars, the baroque church is one of Albayʼs popular tourist spots. The name came from kag meaning “owner” and sawa which pertains to a “phyton”, a type of snake. Legend has it that the church once kept snakes before it was destroyed by volcanic eruptions.
5. Mayon Volcano came from a slain princess
   The name Mayon originated from Magayon which literally means “beautiful”. A local folklore reveals that Magayon was actually an ancient princess who was forced to marry his wicked suitor, Pagtuga, after the latter kidnapped his father. During the day of the wedding, Magayonʼs true love, Panganoron, tried to rescue the princess with the help of several men. The love story ended tragically when Magayon was hit by an arrow while Panganoron was stabbed to death. Surprisingly, a mound grew from Magayonʼs grave and eventually expanded to become the modern-day Mayon Volcano.