PinoyMountaineer.com periodically issues "Hiking advisories" as a form of warning to fellow climbers as regards conditions in various mountains. However, they are a matter of personal opinion and must be read in that light. General Hiking Advisory (08/07/2012): Considering the reports and threats of landslides and hazardous river crossings in multiple mountains, we advise hikers to postpone any hiking activity within the areas of Luzon affected by the ongoing weather disturbance until the conditions have improved.
Here are some updates and reports from specific mountains:
Nagsasa Cove, Cinco Picos, Pundaquit-Anawangin in San Antonio, Zambales: Swollen rivers; very hazardous trek at the moment. A friend of mine got stranded for three days in a trek the other week.
Pico de Loro in Maragondon, Cavite - Lots of fallen trees and branches last weekend. Groups were not able to summit.
Mt. Makiling in Los Banos, Laguna and Sto. Tomas, Batangas - From Sir Robby of Mt. Makiling: "Non stop raining, mataas ang water level...it's not advisable to trek [at the moment]."
Mt. Tapulao in Palauig, Zambales - From Rein Sambilay: "Climbed Mt. Tapulao yesterday. A landslide in between km 12 to 13 caused the trail to be partially blocked by boulders almost the size of cars."
Mt. Romelo in Siniloan, Laguna: From Van Evangelista: "Very strong rains last wekend, not advisable to climb at the moment."
There were some mountains that did not seem to be that affected, and some hikers reported better weather last weekend, but at the moment, it is best to defer hiking plans. Please help PinoyMountaineer.com update the information in this article by commenting, or by contacting us at info@pinoymountaineer.com
