Saturday, January 10, 2009

PhotoHunt 144 - Aftermath

PhotoHunters
As part of our road trip to Bicol region two weeks ago, we visited the Cagsawa Church ruins in Daraga, Albay, Philippines.

Only the belfry tower of the church is left above the ground in the AFTERMATH of the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. About 15,000 people, including the 1,200 people who sought shelter inside the church, perished in this devastation. The tower has become a famous landmark and tourist attraction in the country. (Note: the tower was being cleansed, hence the scaffolds.)

The picture below was taken during my first visit in 1988 or 20 years ago. The Mayon Volcano was partly visible at the backdrop.

Upcoming themes:
  • January 17: hat(s)
  • January 24: chipped
  • January 31: furry.

15 comments:

CRIZ LAI said...

2 decades ago you visited that ruin.. wow! That was a real real long time ago. It's great to see the government there still preserve part of their history. :)

http://crizcats.blogspot.com/

jams o donnell said...

Great shots. I'm glad the belfry is preserved. THe volacno looks ominous in teh background of the second shot! Happy weekend

Tom said...

The place has improved since 20 years ago. It has been converted into a National Park under the care of the local goverment. They even built a swimming pool in the place.

Anonymous said...

I had to go back and look for hte volcano after I read Jams' comment. It isn't in the first photo.

Such a sad fact that 15,000 people perished.

http://moderatesuburbanchick.blogspot.com/

Tom said...

The volcano should be at the backdrop of the belfry but it's fully covered by clouds. The weather wasn't good that day.

Hootin Anni said...

Interesting historical post for the week's theme today!!!

Mine's aftermath of after math. Come on over to see it if you have some time today.

Anonymous said...

I was supposed to post the same thing. But I got distracted. :D
Happy weekend and happy photo hunting!

June said...

Very interesting...isn't it something to have photos in our lives to show us what once was. Time and space are ever changing...

Anonymous said...

Good choice indeed for the theme. Happy weekend.

Anonymous said...

Cool photos. I love beautiful old church ruins but the story is sad. It's fun to see places around the world during PhotoHunt!

Thanks for visiting mine and have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Oh, great shots!!

Happy Weekend.

Becky said...

That's really a great shot.

My aftermath:
http://decolady-randommusings.blogspot.com/2009/01/photo-hunt-aftermath.html

jmb said...

Great photos for this theme. Amazing how the belfry survived.
Happy weekend.

stan said...

is the volcano dormant?

Tom said...

No Stan. This volcano is active. Last 2006, there was an alert about its imminent eruption. Luckily, it didn't. Please check here