Taal Volcano Crater

Taal Volcano Crater
Originally uploaded by john edward.

This was taken at the rim of the volcanic crater. Taal volcano is one the most active volcanoes in this century with 33 eruptions recorded since 1572. Interestingly, theres a whole community living in the island created by the numerous magma flows of the past. The residents are very poor and earn a living by renting their ponies and serving as guide to the rim of the crater.

They say it's the smallest volcano in the world but the mouth of crater is huge up close. It's a very high bandwidth volcano so to speak. It's hard to imagine the whole thing erupting and spewing molten rock!! The biggest explosion recorded was in the 70's where ash reached as far away as Manila more than 50KM away.

Old Manila Shopping

Old Manila Aglow!
Originally uploaded by john edward.

Quaipo today is as vibrant and energetic as in the 50's. It's a mecca for steep discounts in manila for both retail and wholesale products. I buy my camera equipment here at amazon.com prices! The place is really a massive shopping area where streets take the place of mall areas and building wings displaying among others eye-wear, dental equipment, electronics grouped by street and street blocks.

This is where the big retailers started. The first SM and Mercury stores are still bustling with buyers even today. They are now billion-dollar (USD) business enterprises spanning the archipelago and asia.

Today, Plaza Miranda (inset) has gone through a minor face lift that accetuates the appeal of the quaipo even more. It's a shopping experience like no other!