Erupting volcano sparks tourism boom in shadow of 'danger zone'

LEGAZPI, the Philippines - With chili-flavored "lava ice cream" in demand and awestruck tourists packing onto viewing decks, the erupting Mayon volcano is sparking a local business boom in an impoverished region of the country where tens of thousands of others have fled for their lives.

Albay province has built its image around the picture-perfect, cone-shaped Mayon volcano whose periodic activity offers both boundless opportunity as well as enduring misery.

Since Mayon began shooting out lava two weeks ago, restaurants and hotels just outside a 9-kilometer "danger zone" - some complete with volcano branding - have enjoyed an offseason tourism bonanza.