more active than i thought it was...

Phivolcs raise Taal Volcano alert status, cites rise in volcanic quakes

TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE– Tourists visiting Taal Volcano are advised to await further announcements that it is safe to visit after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recently raised Alert Level 2 status.

This means that Taal Volcano – which is roughly 45 kilometers away from Metro Manila- is undergoing “magmatic intrusion”, which could lead to an eruption following increased volcanic earthquakes. Areas with hot ground and steam emission, such as portions of the Daang Kastila Trail, are considered hazardous and that the whole Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone (PDZ).

Since April 26, the number of daily volcanic quakes detected continued to increase and that “for the past 24 hours, 32 high frequency volcanic earthquakes were detected in addition to a low frequency type volcanic earthquake was detected on June 2, based on the Taal Volcano Advisory issued on Tuesday 8a.m.

“The recorded high frequency volcanic earthquakes could be the result of active rock fracturing associated with magma intrusion beneath the volcano. The fractures allow hot gases from the intruding magma to escape into the Main Crater Lake,” the Taal bulletin said.

yeah... that's probably all the steam that i saw come out of the mountain.

well, i'm glad i planned the trip before the warning came out. i would have hated to miss the hike, view, and the food. :)