Move Over Fuji-Lawson, Meet Mayon-7-Eleven in Camalig, Albay

You've probably seen and maybe even dreamed of taking that viral photo of the Lawson convenience store with snowy peak of Mount Fuji in the background. It would be extra challenging to do that now as Japanese officials have already installed black screens, obstructing that particular view for tourists. It's their last resort, local officials said, to address overtourism that led to problems like littering, trespassing, and traffic violations in the area.

You'd be pleased to know that in the Philippines, specifically in Camalig, Albay, you can find a local equivalent of this popular shot. Imagine capturing a 7-Eleven store with the iconic Mount Mayon rising majestically in the background.

 "[The sight] reminded me of the Mount Fuji x Lawson photos sa Japan, but this felt more personal. Local. Parang ikaw lang 'yung nakakita," says Sugano.

Talented young photographer, Paul Sugano, discovered this during a recent trip with his father, as they were on their way to Biliran. "Normally we just drive straight ahead without spending a long stop, but this time, my father decided to slow it down. We planned an overnight stop in Albay, just a few hours before the Port of Matnog, which is an entry point to the islands of Visayas," he tells Esquire Philippines.

As they were heading towards the hotel, Sugano asked his father if they could stop at the diversion road to take a few snaps of Mount Mayon. "We waited for around 10 to 15 minutes, hoping na magpakita yung cone, pero makapal pa rin yung clouds sa tuktok," he recalls.

ALSO READ

This Restored Photo Could Prove Cagsawa Church Was Not Buried by Mayon Volcano Eruption

'I Am Fury': Filipino Photographer Captures Stunning Shot of Mayon Volcano Spilling Lava

As he waited, his attention was drawn to the shifting clouds. "Mukhang mas clear sa kabilang side," he observed. As they hadn't eaten lunch yet, they continued driving toward the end of the diversion road in search of a place to eat. It was along this stretch that Mount Mayon gradually revealed its majestic form.

They passed by a newly opened 7-Eleven and behind it, Mayon was fully visible. "Parang everything just fell into place—ang ganda ng framing, walang tao, tahimik, and the light was just right," he says. "It reminded me of the Mount Fuji x Lawson photos sa Japan, but this felt more personal. Local. Parang ikaw lang 'yung nakakita. Kairos moment talaga siya. Yung tipo ng timing na hindi mo pinaplano, pero alam mong once lang siya mangyayari. As a photographer, instinct mo na to frame it when it appears. Sayang kung palampasin." Sugano's post went viral, garnering thousands of likes and shares on Facebook.

Lawson convenience store in Fuji Kawaguchiko with Mount Fuji in view

For those aiming for a similar shot using their cellphones, he offers these pro tips: If you want the background to be more visible and appear larger, avoid using the 0.5x lens (ultra-wide). Instead, try the 2x or 3x zoom. Step back a little until everything fits in the frame. He explains, "The higher the zoom, the closer the background appears to the subject. This is called compression—one of the secrets to beautiful portrait and travel shots."

Finally, he dispenses an important advice: "Pumwesto po tayo sa maayos na lugar. Respeto po sa paligid at sa ibang tao. Hindi po kalsada o gitna ng highway ang photoshoot spot. Tulad ng sa Japan—hindi photo op ang harap ng Lawson kung sagabal na sa daan. Wag po tayong maging dahilan ng bad rep ng mga turista. Happy shooting po! Ingat at respeto lagi sa subject, background, at komunidad."