When I first heard about the volcanic eruption near my home, I knew I couldn’t miss the chance to witness it. Life had been a blur of editing projects and deadlines, especially with the added challenges of COVID, but this was too extraordinary to ignore. As a filmmaker and photographer, I’m always chasing compelling stories, and this one was happening right in my backyard. I grabbed my camera, packed my gear, and set out to document the eruption. Each step of the journey was surreal—the trembling ground, the smell of sulfur, and the sight of smoke and ash rising into the sky. It was like stepping into another world, one where the raw power of nature was on full display.

Standing close to the lava flows, I felt both awe and humility. The molten rock glowed an intense red, flowing like a river of fire, unstoppable and alive. I vlogged my journey, wanting to share not just the visuals but the sheer emotion of being there. It was both destructive and breathtakingly beautiful—a humbling reminder of the forces far beyond human control. When I sat down later to edit the footage, I realized this wasn’t just another project. It was a moment I’ll carry with me forever, a chance to pause and marvel at the incredible world we live in.