Mayon Volcano Phreatic Explosion

Mayon Volcano is one of the most beautiful peaks in the world because of its almost perfect cone shape. But you know what? Beneath its beauty lies danger! But this beauty which is literally located in our backyard is also one of the deadliest when it breaks its silence. On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, Mayon Volcano broke its silence with a phreatic explosion! Everyone within seeing distance witnessed the thick cloud of ash as it went up from the Volcano's crater.

When I looked out at our yard, I saw the dark column rising high in the sky. I immediately took some photos with my Samsung Galaxy Y camera. We were afraid the thick ash was going to fall here at our place but luckily there was a strong wind that blew it a few kilometers ahead. But a few still fell here and the overpowering smell of sulfur was in the air. I was afraid my little boy would inhale it because even though the windows were closed, the smell still penetrate. I'm very thankful that it rained that evening and the following days so the ash and sulfuric smell were washed away.

We were able to go scot-free from the explosion but unfortunately, there were casualties. Some mountaineers, foreign and local, were on the slopes when the phreatic explosion happened on Tuesday. A total of five people died, four of which are foreigners and the other one was a local guide. The others suffered burns and injuries but are alive. They've all be retrieved and rescued now through the effort of the local government.

Here are some photos of the explosion:

The Orange Gumamela

I found these at my sister's backyard. It was early morning and they still had dew drops on them that I could not resist taking some pictures. These pictures were taken using my Samsung Galaxy Y phone. They're quite clear aren't they? One of the reasons why I'm happy with my Galaxy Y is that it allows me to take impromptu pictures anywhere!

Anyway, I've always been fascinated by Gumamelas. I think they are beautiful.  My favorite is the red gumamela but I these orange ones look gorgeous too! These orange ones are so plump thanks to my Mother. She takes care of the plants really well. She has quite a green thumb! 

Kinahulogan Falls: Cool Wonder of Nature!

Kinahulogan Falls (Photo Credit: Doods Gigantoca)

 A few weeks ago I promised I would tell you about another great spot we went to in Sabang right after we left the pristine Aguirangan Island. We'll here it is and it's called Kinahulogan Falls! My brother-in-law said that it's a great falls but I really didn't know what to expect. All I could think of was that it's going to be another adventure! Before we even stopped by the shoreline, I could already see that the shore was full of rocks; it wasn't sand as most beaches have. When our boat stopped by the shoreline, we immediately got out and I got a closer look at the rocks which looked like the igneous kind.

The Way Up (Photo Credit: Doods Gigantoca)

It was about 5 to 10 minutes walk from the shoreline to the foot of Kinahulogan Falls. And when we reached the entrance, we didn't see the Falls just yet. We had to hike for a little bit because it was uphill! And the terrain wasn't easy! It was very rocky and we really had to careful where we place our foot or else we'll slip and get injured. Some of the rocks we stepped on were sharp so it was a good thing we had our slippers on. Other parts were slippery as can be expected from places like it. It was also a good thing we didn't carry much or we would have been in trouble!

Earth Day at 40!

The world celebrated Earth Day on April 22. This is actually the first time that I've heard about this event. I don't think there was a celebration for this last year. It made me wonder. So, I decided to research in order to know more about this event.

Turns out this year is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. 40 years is a very long time. I guess this is the reason why itis being celebrated with a bang. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970. He came up with this idea after witnessing the devastation caused by the massive oil spill in the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969.

From the very first Earth Day celebration in 1970, this event just grew bigger and bigger every year. This 2010 more than 190 countries participated in the event. Through this event, organizers, agencies, and concerned citizens are hoping that it would be a "turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs."  Also, it is hoped that more people would be aware that there something they can do, even in their little way, to help preserve Mother Earth for the future generation.

So, how did you celebrate Earth Day 2010?

Lovin' the Red Gumamela

It's been a while again since i updated this blog. Been busy. Anyway, have I mentioned that red is one of my most favorite color? I can't really remember if i mentioned that small detail here. Brilliant and eye-catching red, that's what I like. So, while going on a particular road, I saw this red gumamela flowers that I just couldn't resist getting a snap of.  By the way this flower is also called hibiscus. Love it! What do you think?

these eyes

Just look at those eyes! Wish i had eyes like that.. not that big though.. but as vivid and alive as this owl's eyes.

this particular creature is an eagle owl. I've almost forgotten the facts about owls and so i browsed for some information about them. Did you know that owls are very interesting? Their eyes are fixed on their socket... yep they can't move or roll their eyes that is why they have to twist their neck in order to see what's on the side or behind them, but only up to 135 degrees.

And did you know that they far-sighted creatures? Maybe you can stick your face up close to it and it won't see you..lolzz that's just a maybe..

Owls are interesting, this one in particular.. love the vivid color of its huge eyes!

Nature Walk

Going out for nature walk is one of the programs our church has agreed upon to make our Sabbath afternoon more lively. These pictures were taken during our first nature walk. enjoy!!!