Volcanic massage, anyone?

Only in the Philippines…

Based on news reports, a Korean company is set to build a spa resort on Taal Volcano and as of this time, it has managed to enter a memorandum of agreement with the local government to do so. I’ve read somewhere that the DENR is contemplating a temporary permit for this company.

This despite stern warnings from the Phivolcs agency that the whole island is in fact considered a danger zone. Alert Level 1 has been in place for Taal Volcano since 2005. Residents in the area are opposing the spa resort, not just for the insanity of it but also because allegedly some land is being grabbed from farmers.

I spoke with Phivolcs Director Rene Solidum and he confirmed that his agency has been objecting to the construction. It seems the Korean company wants to build it on Daang Kastila, the pathway that leads up to the main wall of the volcano’s crater. When I asked Director Solidum how dangerous (yeah I know, stupid of me) Taal Volcano is, he described the scenic spot as “namamaga” and recalled that it last erupted in 1975 but its worst eruption was way back in 1965 when 200 people died. And the Koreans want to build a spa there?

Now, that’s what I would call massages for thrill-seekers. Yes, why not have your skin exfoliated and your foot scrubbed near a crater of a volcano with an obvious temper? Their lava stones are for real, by the way. They also offer skin-peeling, but only if you get charred first.

Volcanic massages, anyone?

As I’ve said.. only in the Philippines.