Thousands of residents in Batangas have been evacuated due to the continuous threat of Taal Volcano’s major eruption. Last January 12, 2020, the volcano’s main crater spewed small rocks and thick ash that blanketed nearby towns. 

As of writing, 11 Batangas towns are under complete lockdown, leaving affected residents no choice but to stay in evacuation areas away from the 14 km-radius danger zone identified by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Alert Level 4 is raised in Taal Volcano, which means hazardous eruption is possible within days. 

Based on the latest records of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC), 37,355 families or 162,728 individuals are in various evacuation centers. 

Together, let’s aim for Operation: Bangon, Batangas. Click on this link for donation details: https://bit.ly/2NHjBEJ

The Easterlies still dominate the eastern section of Central and Southern Luzon, as well as Visayas and Mindanao, while the Ridge of High Pressure Area continues to extend over Northern Luzon. These two weather systems will be bringing good weather condition all over the country, including Metro Manila. However, there are still chances of isolated rain showers and/or thunderstorms mostly in the eastern section of the country.

With such weather perfect for outdoor activities, we listed five mountains in Batangas beginners can take on. Just make sure you take the necessary precautions before you begin the climb!

Ruby continues to weaken as it traverses the landmass of Southern Luzon. With maximum sustained winds of 60 kph, Ruby is now downgraded to Tropical Depression, the lowest category of Tropical Cyclones.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar said the weakeaning of Ruby is due to the friction between the landmass and the weather disturbance, and the intrusion of the northeast monsoon or amihan–cold and dry air mass that is not favorable to cyclone intensification.

Tropical Depression Ruby made its fifth landfall over Lubang Island at 5 AM today. Its first landfall was in Dolores, Eastern Samar last Saturday at past 9 PM. Its second landfall was in Cataingan, Masbate last Sunday morning. The third was in Torrijos, Masbate yesterday at 11:05 in the morning. Its fourth landfall was in Laiya, Batangas yesterday at 5:45 PM.

At 4 AM today, Ruby was located at 80 kilometers southwest of Ambulong, Tanuan City in Batangas, moving westward at 13 kph. (FOR REVISIONS PAG MAY LATEST LOCATION)

Escullar confirmed that if Ruby maintains its velocity, it is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.

Public Storm Warning Signal

Areas included under Public Storm Warning Signal no. 1 will experience occasional rains with gusty winds.

Meanwhile, Public Storm Warning Signals elsewhere have been lifted.

Tuesday rainy weather

Apart from those under Public Storm Warning Signal no. 1, the rest of Central Luzon, Bicol Region and MIMAROPA will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms.

Because the amihan is now affecting Northern Luzon. cold weather and light rains are expected over Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera and Ilocos Regions.

Rainfall Data as Ruby crawl along PH islands.

Here is a list of areas that accumulated the highest rainfall during the passage of Ruby.

Here’s something you don’t hear about everyday: a TV host claiming that her wedding reservation at a private island resort in Quezon was bumped off in favor of another high-profile couple’s wedding date.

While these two concerned parties and the resort owner sort things out, most of us wonder why beach weddings are all the rage, not only among celebrities, but also among us common folk.

To this, we ask this question: why not? With our country’s numerous beautiful and pristine beaches, it only seems natural to hold one of life’s most momentous occasions in such gorgeous landscapes. Just think of it—the sun, sea and sand all working together to make your special moment memorable for you and your guests.

Convinced? If you’re planning your own wedding, then it’s time to check out our list of top beach wedding destinations.

Misibis Bay (Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay)

If private luxury is your thing, head on to this 5-hectare island getaway that offers loads of amenities. Its stretch of white sand is picture-perfect, along with its well-manicured gardens and tastefully designed villas. Aside from being only less than an hour’s flight away from Manila, this resort is equipped with an evacuation plan in case of a tsunami. The resort also offers an aerial view of the famous Mayon Volcano, our country’s most popular active volcano.

Celebrity Couple that Got Married Here: Real Estate Scion Victor Consunji and Beauty Queen/Actress Maggie Wilson

Nasugbu, Batangas

Via land, Batangas is only a few hours away from Manila, making it an ideal wedding spot, especially if the couple and guests are coming from the metro. In 2007, it was declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a special tourism zone, in an effort to boost the promotion and development of its white-sand beaches.

Celebrity Couples that Got Married Here: Pastor Joseph Bonifacio and Actress Rica Peralejo; Singers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

La Union, Ilocos

Dubbed as the surfing capital of the Northern Luzon, La Union is easily accessible via land and air from Manila. Its beaches are famous sites for water sports, particularly snorkeling and surfing.

Celebrity Couple that Got Married Here: Actor John Estrada and Brazilian Beauty Queen Priscilla Meirelles

Boracay Island, Aklan

When it’s beach wedding season, all roads seem to lead to the most popular destination of all, especially among celebrities—Boracay! Aside from its picturesque waters and shoreline, this island is chock-full of gimik spots that assure guests of unlimited party time after the ceremony.

Celebrity Couples that Got Married Here: Actor Jericho Rosales and Model/Host Kim Jones, Actor Oyo Boy Sotto and Actress Kristine Hermosa

Planning to get married on the beach? Here are some tips to make sure that it doesn’t rain on your wedding day:

Choose your wedding month well. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez, it’s best to schedule your wedding between the months of November and February, which are usually characterized by cold and dry weather conditions associated with the “amihan” or Northeast Monsoon. He adds that at this time, “There will be a slim chance of afternoon or evening rain showers or thunderstorms, except for the month of November, where tropical cyclones are at a minimum—at least one or sometimes none at all under normal climate conditions.”

Opt for late afternoon weddings. This way, you and your guests don’t have to endure the harsh heat of the sun. If you want, you can even schedule the ceremony just so it ends while the sun sets, providing a picturesque background for those romantic photos.

Constantly monitor weather updates. Even if you scheduled your wedding during the summer months, it’s best to check on the weather. Anya Santos-Uy scheduled her beach wedding in March because of its  “better chance of weather. Yet it drizzled about an hour before the ceremony!” Monitoring updates allows you to prepare back-up plans just in case a weather disturbance comes unexpectedly.