Viral 7-Eleven with Mayon Volcano View Now a Major Photo Spot in Bicol

If you’re after a unique travel stop that’s equal parts scenic and snack-filled, you’ll want to pin this location on your map. A newly opened 7-Eleven in Camalig, Albay, specifically in Salugan beside a Phoenix Gas Station and along the Camalig Bypass Road, is now one of the most talked-about spots online—and for good reason.

Mayon Volcano | The Singular VA via Canva Pro

With the majestic Mayon Volcano rising dramatically behind it, this humble convenience store has unexpectedly become a viral Mayon photo spot, drawing in travellers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Also read: Albay Travel Guide: All You Need to Know About This Province in the Philippines

7-Eleven in Albay with majestic Mayon Volcano backdrop

Image credit: Paul Sugano via Facebook

This isn’t your typical corner store. The buzz began when photographer Paul Sugano shared a perfectly timed photo of the 7-Eleven with Mayon Volcano looming in the background. The image quickly spread on social media, amassing thousands of likes, shares, and comments. People were quick to dub it the “Philippine version of Lawson and Mt. Fuji,” comparing it to Japan’s viral volcano-view store.

But what makes it even more special is the authentic, local feel. While Mayon is no stranger to photographers, seeing it framed behind an everyday Filipino establishment like 7-Eleven strikes a balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary. It’s that contrast that turns this scene into something magical.

Lawson Mt. Fuji vs 7-Eleven Mayon View

Image credit (L-R): Lawrence Lam via Pexels, Paul Sugano via Facebook

In Japan, the Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko has become an iconic destination thanks to its unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji. It’s now a must-visit for both tourists and content creators.

The 7-Eleven in Albay offers a stunning counterpart, set against the backdrop of Mayon Volcano, often considered the most perfectly shaped cone volcano in the world. The cultural parallels are hard to ignore: both are sacred mountains steeped in history and folklore, both are key tourist draws, and now both have become unexpected photo destinations.

Photography tips for the best Mayon Volcano shot

If you’re planning to visit this newly viral spot, timing and technique will help you make the most of your trip. Here are some essential tips to capture that Instagram-worthy shot of the 7-Eleven with the Mayon Volcano backdrop:

1. Go early in the morning: Clear skies are your best friend. Aim to arrive between 6:00 to 8:00 AM, when the lighting is soft and the volcano is usually free from cloud cover. Early visits also mean fewer crowds, making it easier to get that clean, uninterrupted shot.

2. Bring the right gear: A wide-angle lens is your best bet to capture both the store and the grandeur of Mayon Volcano in one frame. For mobile photographers, switch to the ultra-wide setting on your phone to maximise your shot.

3. Frame your shot mindfully: Use the store signage and the road as natural lines that lead the viewer’s eye to the volcano. Symmetry and contrast are your best tools here—the man-made structure in the foreground, the natural wonder behind.

4. Consider the weather and volcano alerts: Mayon is an active volcano, with its last phreatic eruption occurring in July 2024. Always check for local advisories or updates from PHIVOLCS before visiting.

5. Take candid moments, too: Some of the most shared photos aren’t posed. Capture people casually buying snacks or sitting outside with Mayon in the distance. It tells a more authentic story of daily life against a dramatic backdrop.

Also read: A Guide to Thailand’s Viral 7-Eleven: Mount Fuji Lawson Store Lookalike

Final thoughts

This 7-Eleven in Albay is proof that you don’t always have to climb mountains or travel far to find beauty. Sometimes, it’s waiting for you just outside a convenience store. With its unbeatable view of the majestic Mayon Volcano, it has quickly become one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Bicol Region.

So, whether you’re a photography buff, a local explorer, or someone who simply wants to experience something new, this unexpected gem in Camalig, Albay, deserves a spot on your travel list. It’s not just a photo opportunity—it’s a reminder that beauty can be found in most everyday places, especially here in the Philippines.