A word on the illustration of Mt. Mayon that's gone viral

On Thursday, an image taken by freelance photojournalist Bro. Jun Santiago of Mt. Mayon went viral. 

Apart from being such a beautiful photograph, Bro. Jun's image also called to mind the romantic and tragic legend of Mount Mayon. 

In fact, many netizens put it side-by-side an illustration by Filipino artist Kerby Rosanes and gave everybody the goose bumps. It's almost like a magic realist type of a thing, no?

L-R: The original photo of Mt. Mayon by Bro. Jun Santiago || The viral illustration credited to Kerby Rosanes

We're sorry to burst your bubble but that's not really the case. 

GMA News Online got in touch with Rosanes, who told us the illustration that's gone as viral as the photograph was in fact edited.

"Someone took my art without permission and edited it in such a way it resembles the cloud formation in the photograph. I got no issue with it whatsoever but would be great if the publisher had asked my consent first," Rosanes, who is currently in Japan, writes in an email interview.

Below is the original artwork, as Rosanes had drawn it. We're putting it below with permission from him:

The original illustration by Kerby Rosanes called "Magayon buda Panganoron"

Says the 27-year-old artist, the piece is called "Magayon buda Panganoron" and it was his entry to a group exhibit called "Doodle Travels PH" that ran in December 2017. 

Read his description of "Magayon buda Panganoron":

It is an absolute privilege to represent and interpret my home province, Albay, in this show. My piece highlights Mayon Volcano - the most iconic landmark in the province. The piece also celebrates the tragic but beautiful love story of Magayon - the princess from the tribe of Rawis who fell in love with the warrior Panganoron. The legend says that the majestic Mayon Volcano was formed right in the place where the lovers died and were buried. Some people said it was a curse since Magayon took her own life when Panganoron was killed in the war. Some myths also say that Magayon is the volcano and Panganoron is the clouds that surround it. As an artist who considers travel as a source of creative inspiration, it is important for me to explore places by not just appreciating the beauty based from what I see but as well as the history or stories that surround them. Knowing about a significant story, myth or legend is oftentimes the best way to appreciate a particular place. I see the place in a different perspective as I dig deeper into its history and cultural background. And most of the time, these bits of stories can spark my imagination and inspire my next piece.

Rosanes is an independent Filipino artist who has books to his name. He has collaborated with brands like Nike, Warner Bros, and Pengiun, and has had work appeared in books, records, and even beverages.  

"I'm  aware of the viral story and it fascinates me, too. At first I can't even tell if the photograph was real or edited. But surely, someone took my art without permission and edited it...at least they mentioned me as the original artist," Rosanes says.

No matter: This clarification doesn't take away from either art pieces. The photo remains beautiful, as the illustration. — LA, GMA News