Here's why that photo of Mount Mayon is trending

Trending on social media Thursday is this photo of Mayon with ashes and clouds surrounding its perfect cone.

It was taken by Bro. Jun Santiago, CSsR, a freelance photojournalist who took the image midday Wednesday, while waiting for good photos. "We were in Barangay Tagaytay, in the municipality of Camalig. I was really waiting for an image of the ash fall pero yung hangin pakanluran," Bro Jun tells GMA News Online.

When he saw the ash formation resembling a praying couple, he thought, here it was. His winning shot.

Bro. Jun even thought of turning it into a meme or something for the internet "parang yung mga 'Pray for' [na nauuso] but as a photojournalist, I can't do that."

He posted the photo online and was surprised. It had turned viral.

Netizens were quick to reference the legend of Mt. Mayon and the art work of Filipino illustrator Kerby Rosanes.

The legend has it, a beautiful lady Daragang Magayon, slipped by the river and was rescued by Panganoron. There was instant attraction between the two but nothing could ever happen because tribal laws forbade Daragang Magayon, daughter of a chieftain, to marry out of the clan.

Now, Daragang Magayon's most ardent admirer Patuga heard of what happened and devised a plan: Kidnap Daragang Magayon's father and hostage him in exchange for marriage. She agreed.

Panganoron of course won't give up without a fight. He gatecrashes the wedding festivities, a fight ensued, where lovers Daragang Magayon and Panganoron died. 

Where Daragang Magayon was buried, a mountain appeared — Mt. Mayon. According to legend, when Mt. Mayon is in distress, it is Patuga challenging her one true love, Panganoron. When she is calm, it is because she's locked in Panganoron's embrace.

Said Bro. Jun, he was aware of the myth and the illustrated image. "But I didn't visualize it until I saw it online." — LA, GMA News