Etymology. The first mention of the origin of Arayat is a travel diary from 1696 by Gemelli Careri. The author mentions that according to the natives, the original name of the mountain is Bondo Kalaya, which later became Bondoc Alaya (literally “Mount Alaya”). Later on, Alaya became Arayat.

How Mt Arayat was formed?

Arayat and Mt. Pinatubo are part of their respective columns of volcanoes that were formed eons ago when the South China Sea Basin slid down 180 kilometers under the Manila Trench–two tectonic plates moving against each other until one gives in and slides beneath the other (a geological process called subduction).

What kind of myth is the story of Mariang Sinukuan?

The Mariang Sinukuan Legend Mariang Sinukuan is the diwata, or mountain goddess, associated with Mount Arayat in Pampanga, Philippines, and is a prominent example of the mountain-goddess motif in Philippine mythology, other examples being Maria Makiling of Los Baños and Maria Cacao of Cebu.

When did Mt Arayat last eruption?

There are no reports of historical eruptions. Although the volcano was listed as active during the past 2000 years (IAVCEI, 1973), perhaps referring to its thermal activity, the only dated rocks are 0.53 and 0.65 Ma basalts that predated collapse and formation of the lava dome.

Will Mt Arayat erupt again?

PHIVOLCS again discounted any possibility of eruption, although admitting Mt. Arayat is a dormant, not extinct, volcano—meaning, it is only sleeping and may wake up again like Pinatubo did in 1991. Mt. Arayat last erupted 400,000 to 500,000 years ago, according to rock analysis done in 1980.

What wildlife lives in Mount Arayat?

Arayat National Park has sustained its healthy biological diversity, as rare native plants continuously grow in the area.” The Mt. Arayat National Park is home to 49 species of trees and plants, 86 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, and 11 species of reptiles, according to the DENR Central Luzon.

Can Mt Arayat erupt?

Mt. Arayat’s cone is probably built upon an older crater of 900 m diameter, whose remnants form the northern (1026 m) and southern (920 m) peaks. There are no known eruptions in historic times, but weak fumarolic activity is present on the NW summit of Arayat volcano.

How did Mariang Sinukuan help the people who lived in and around Mt Arayat?

Later legend as Maria Sinukuan Sinukuan is associated with the unusual bounty of the forests in Arayat and with the profusion of animals there. Watching over the needs of the people in the nearby town, she used to regularly leave fruits and animals at the doorstep of locals who needed food during hard times.

What is the story of Maria Makiling?

Mariang Makiling is said to be the mysterious fairy guarding Mount Makiling. Mariang Makiling is also known to have a good heart. She would appear as a young girl to help old women gather firewood. She would then slip gold nuggets, coins, and jewels into their bundles of wood.

Is Mt Arayat can erupt?

Is Mount Arayat dormant?

Mount Arayat is an INACTIVE volcano with no recorded historical eruptions but weak fumarolic activity is present on the northwest summit. Mount Arayat is located on the island of Luzon and rises to a height of 1,026m above the Central Luzon plains of Pampanga and Magalan.