The Beginning of a Masked 2020: Remembering Taal Volcano's Eruption

Wazzup Pilipinas!

My heart skipped a beat when I saw Taal Volcano trending and my thought immediately went "Eto na... round 2." *cries*

I got so nervous when I saw this. It's actually not my first to experience the ash fall since I was already around when a volcano exploded causing a similar scenario. I was still so young back then. Not sure if it's the same, must be.

Today is the first year anniversary of the January 12, 2020 eruption of the Taal Volcano in Batangas. After 43 years of repose, it erupted leaving CALABARZON, Metro Manila, and parts of Southern Luzon in ashes.

I remember us being so confused on what to do, since there's still no evacuation announcement.

I was in a rush, more concerned of our car since I've seen how damaging the ashfall was. I wanted my car parked indoors in a hotel or any roofed and enclosed place but then resorted to just buying a car cover. Meanwhile my wife seems calm since she still continued attending an off-site seminar with her officemates.

Encircled area is the southeast part of Taal Island. The approximate location of the northern crater rim of the inner crater lake is at the right side of the circle. The photo is by Andres Alisuag of Bike Scouts.

Where were you when this happened? 

It's been a year since it erupted but still living with the fear that it might happen again. Huwag naman sana.

Feels like yesterday since my city got covered in ashes. That evening of aftershocks and thunder.

I'm still convinced I haven't fully recovered from that, given what transpired after. What a year.

That sunny late afternoon turned slowly into darkness. It reminded me that this was our trial day on wearing face masks.

Winds carried the ash to Manila. I suddenly remember that putrid, sulfur smell that woke us up in the early morning.

The Philippines is almost a year in lockdown as well. But hey, I am still alive and well same as my family. Something to greatly thank about.

Do we really need to commemorate the chapters we had elapsed. From the Taal Volcano Eruption, to the unforeseen pandemic and the storms that went through?

Jusme! Huwag na ninyo ipaalala! Baka mag celebrate sila ng anniversary at maranasan na naman natin uli. Lol!

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