Perfect Timing

“The Mayon Volcano is on the right side of the plane,” our pilot said when we were about to land in Legazpi, Albay in Bicol, the home of the almost perfect cone. Too bad, I was seated on the left side of the aircraft.

Nonetheless, the volcano, nominated as one of the New Wonders of the World, was curtained with clouds, or lenticular clouds (high altitude, stationary lens-shaped clouds that are perpendicular with the wind direction) . Thus, no passenger had captured and ‘Instagrammed’ the magnificent sight.

Mayon Volcano is usually shy, hidden beneath cloud formations or steam coming from the Bacman Geothermal Power Plant. Its seemingly timid character adds lure to its already stunning and breathtaking stance. Tourists—locals and foreigners—have to patiently wait for Mayon to show itself naturally at the perfect time.

“Mas maganda na nakatago ang Mayon sa mga clouds. Kasi kung hindi, ayan, nandyan lang siya, dinadaan-daanan, hinidi naaappreciate ang beauty. Parang tinuturuan tayong maging patient, maghintay kung kalian siya magpapakita,” another tourist said. 

(“It is actually better that the Mayon is almost always covered with clouds. If not, people will take it from granted because it’s already there. It’s like teaching us how to be patient and wait for the right timing for it to show itself,” another tourist said.)

And somehow, I found a connection with Mayon. Like her (Mayon comes from the Bicolano word, magayon or maganda (beautiful)) I am somehow timid. I also refrain from revealing too much information about myself after first, two encounters. I consciously choose to unmask my lenticular clouds at a timing that I think is perfect. I know that people have to share their stories, emotions, and experiences, but it is very different from being an open book. I chose to be an enigma, who needs patience to be ‘Instagrammed’.

Photo from my Instagram account: The many phases and faces of Mayon. It took patience before she showed herself.