....mt mayon ,

Long ago in a place called Ibalon, there lived a beautiful maiden. Her name was Daragang Magayon (the lovely one). She was the daughter of Makusog (the strong one), chief of the tribe.

One day, Daragang Magayon strolled near the river. While crossing the river, she stumbled on a rock and fell quickly in the water. She was swiftly swept down stream by the current.

“Help! Help me!” she cried. Fortunately, her cries were heard by Panganoron (the proud one) and his bodyguard Amihan (the cold one). Pangaronon jumped into the river and saved Daragang Magayon.

“Thank you for risking your life to save me”, she cried. “How can I repay you? My father is the chief of our tribe. Surely, he will reward your heroism whatever it may take.”

Her beauty immediately captivated Panganoron. He realized that he had finally met the perfect woman for him. At the same time, Daragang Magayon was instantly attracted to him.

Panganoron asked Makusog’s permission to marry Daragang Magayon. But Makusog could not permit them to marry. Tribal law forbade marriage outside of the clan. As tribe leader he had to enforce the law. Yet, as a father, he wanted to make his daughter happy.

Meanwhile, Patuga (the eruptive one) learned about Panganoron’s intention. Patuga was the most ardent suitor of Daragang Magayon. For years, he had been convincing her to marry him, but to no avail.

One night, Patuga and his cohorts kidnapped Makusog. Then, he sent word to Daragang Magayon that her father would die if she did not marry him. Without a choice, she acceded. Only then did Patuga release Makusog.

Soon Patuga and Daragang Magayon were wed. But in the midst of the merrymaking, pandemonium broke out when Panganoron and his men arrived. Fighting ensued between the two tribes. In a few minutes, Panganoron fatally struck Patuga. However, during the skirmish, a poisoned arrow shot from nowhere, fell on Daragang Magayon’s breast.

Panganoron rushed to her aid and as he kneeled over the dying Daragang Magayon, an enemy hacked his head off.

After the battle, Daragang Magayon was buried and her death was mourned all over the land. Where she was put to rest, a mountain mysteriously appeared.

This mountain is now known as Mayon. It is said that even in death and in another form, she is still haunted by the men who loved her. When Mayon is said to erupt, this is Patuga challenging Panganoron. But when Mayon is calm, Panganoron is embracing her. The tears of Panganoron are shed as rain at times in his grief.

Until today, many are still delighted by the love story behind the legend of the Mayon Volcano.

• Source: Local Government of Albay Pavillion, Philippine Travel Mart