Images reveal Mount Mayon sending columns of black ash over communities, forcing tens of thousands of locals to flee their homes and re-locate to overcrowded evacuation centres.
Others show tourists and residents bravely stay in the 8km-wide danger zone surrounding the erupting volcano – with some even chancing selfies with friends.
Officials are worried the eruption may last months, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of people in its shadow.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said lava eruptions had been intense but sporadic.
It measured ash plumes rising up to 5km (three miles) and detected 15 volcanic earthquakes as well as emissions of sulphur dioxide.
The alert level for Mayon remained at four on a scale of five, indicating a violent eruption may be imminent.
No injuries had been reported but law enforcement struggled to keep people out of the danger zone within 8km of the crater.
Tourists flocked last night to hotels in the area immediately surrounding the volcano to get the best view of the eruption, despite warnings from authorities.
Local hotels and restaurants just outside the 8km danger zone have seen a surge in popularity in the last two weeks.
Purita Araojo, front desk officer at Vista Al Mayon Pensionne, said: “We are thankful because we have many guests but it also makes me guilty because so many people are affected.”