MARCH 15, 2026 — A striking natural phenomenon was captured in the mountains of northern Philippines after a guide photographed a plant covered in thick frost early in the morning of March 14.

According to mountain guide Henry Lacbawan, the photo was taken in Mount Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet, Philippines, where a layer of frost—locally known as “andap”—formed on vegetation due to the strong surge of the northeast monsoon or Amihan.

Mount Pulag, the third-highest mountain in the Philippines, is known for its cold climate because of its high elevation of over 2,900 meters above sea level. Because of this altitude, temperatures in the area can drop significantly during strong monsoon winds, sometimes creating frost conditions rarely seen in the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that temperatures in nearby highland areas also dropped sharply. In Baguio City, the temperature reached only 9°C, while 7.5°C was recorded in La Trinidad, Benguet on the same day.

Meteorologists say temperatures in even higher elevations such as Mount Pulag could fall lower than those recorded in surrounding towns, making frost formation possible when moisture freezes on plant surfaces overnight.

Aside from Kabayan, similar frost formation was also reported in other parts of Benguet, including Kibungan, Benguet, Atok, Benguet, and Bakun, Benguet.

While frost occurrences are not entirely unusual in the high mountains of Benguet during the peak of the Amihan season, the phenomenon continues to fascinate many Filipinos, especially in a tropical country where freezing conditions are rare.

Beyond its beauty, however, frost can also have an impact on local agriculture, potentially damaging crops sensitive to extreme cold. As weather patterns continue to fluctuate, observers and farmers alike are closely monitoring these conditions.

This rare sight also raises an intriguing question: Are these frost events simply seasonal mountain weather—or could they signal shifting climate patterns even in tropical regions like the Philippines?

(Larawan mula kay: Henry Lacbawan / Facebook)