Beautiful Philippines: A Handbook of General InformationPhilippine Islands. Commission of Independence
History
Beautiful Philippines: A Handbook of General Information
Philippine Islands. Commission of Independence
Philippines -- Description and travel; Philippines -- Economic conditions
Among the attractions are the old picturesque buildings of Lipa
and Taal, the San Juan sulphur springs, the Bawan hot springs, and
the Rosario fresh water spring. There are also several caves and
grottos. The two largest are found in the slopes of Mount Pulan,
Suya, and Kamantigue of San Juan. One of the caves has an opening
of 40 meters in circumference. Issuing therefrom is an underground
river which empties into Lake Taal. Along its course are extensive
galleries and chambers lined with fantastically shaped stalactites
and stalagmites. At the approach of an eruption of the Taal Volcano
nearby, the cave emits a weird sound, audible at great distances.
[Taal Volcano]
Taal Volcano is the great scenic asset of the province. Almost at
the doors of Manila it is easily reached with practically none of the
discomfort which a trip to nature's wild spots usually involves. The
volcano is commonly known as the "cloud maker" and "the terrible." How
long this volcano has been emitting sulphurous smoke is not known; all
that is known is that back in the geologic past, volcanic outbursts
of enormous magnitude disturbed the regions about it. In the 18th
century the volcano erupted several times, and ruined many towns in
the neighborhood. The last and perhaps the worst eruption occurred
in January, 1911.
Then, after a long interval, old Taal, in a paroxysm of volcanic
activity, showed that he was still lusty and capable of making a huge
disturbance. In addition to the steam which had been coming from the
crater more or less continuously, the volcano began throwing out
mud. This activity increased, and culminated in a great explosion
at about half past 2 on the morning of January 30th. The hot water,
mud, and ashes completely devastated about 90 square miles of country;
while some mud and fine ashes fell over an area of more than 800 square
miles. Many villages were destroyed and the official estimate of the
dead was 1,335. The spasm of activity died away until the volcano
again assumed its normal state about February 8th. Since then it has
been very quiet, though a small mud geyser has started up along the
old fault line which extends from Taal to the coast. This is located
on the beach at the village of Sinisian.
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