Cleanup Drive and Hiking in Camel Trail 1

The Hiker’s Maxim: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time (J.K.).” I am not a perfect person nor that I am any better than anybody else. But if there is one thing I pride myself on, it will be the enthusiasm for the environment particularly participating in events that support…

Summer Night Hike in the Desert Gorges of Riyadh…Anyone?

The Hiker’s Maxim: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time (J.K.).” These days, summer is extra tough for people who love the outdoors. When the sun sets late and temperatures spike, it can be tempting to just chill inside with Netflix in front rather than bundle up for an outdoor…

Regeneration Day in Atulayan Island

Less touristy is my default adjective whenever I describe my kind of go-to place for a weekend getaway or a random escape from the rush of the every day. That is particularly true whenever I am on vacation. I am blessed for having someone who has always been on a constant hunt for that kind…

A Transitory Taste of The Philippines at Strawberry Farm in Al Kharj

One of the things I’m most particular about is preparing my own food. To say that I find joy in doing it is an understatement.  Most of the time, I (only) crave foods if prepared by me because there’s certainty that they’re prepared well. Let me put it this way: Sometimes, I refuse to eat…

Exploring the Great Outdoors of Stephen King-Like Days

Disclaimer: This was originally published (17 December 2020) in my workplace via its “Let’s Weekend series” with a title “Exploring the Great Outdoors” and it only comprised 497 words. This one here is the complete version, with almost 3,000 words. Traveling, let alone going outside, these days is a challenge because it entails exposing ourselves…

Riyadhizens, People of Saudi Arabia, Let’s Make it Green!

While digging the modern dossier earlier today, 29 March 2021, pertinent to the #LetsMakeItGreen campaign, I have come across a familiar name, who, apparently was the former CEO of the company I am working for. He was one of the many leaders in the workplace — with reputation. He had truly given the company’s ship…

Greenest, Lushest Park of Riyadh City

I am using this space to thank this profession called urban planning for bringing these very very old nature wonders to a desert jungle that is Riyadh. They are called trees, and, based on what I read, they have 350 million years of experience looking after our planet! We, humans, have an intrinsic emotional need to…

Halcyon islands in Masbate to fire your summer!

Most of the time, the best medicines are not in the form of capsules, syrup, or tablets, but natural wonders such as the beach, sunshine, and or salty/air. One good thing about working overseas, particularly for those working in the middle of the desert, is the blazing anticipation for and of the beach. I couldn’t’…

When the Usage of “Po/Opo” Becomes “Pabebe”

In Philippine culture, the usage of “Po” and “Opo” is a sign of respect. That is, respect when talking to elders and authority figures. We, Pinoy, pride ourselves in using those words. It shows how polite and respectful we are and it is is revered by foreigners. When I was in the academe and the…

21 #RiyadhSunsets of 2020

Happiness, peace, and comfort for me during the lockdown days were catching some rays and fresher air at the rooftop, walking in the park, and watching the sun slowly dips into horizon. The latter is obviously a personal favorite because of four things: the sunset makes the skies change in mesmerizing colors; the sunset reinforces…

An Ordinary Rooftop in Al Izdihar is in the Spotlight

When the coronavirus pandemic hit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world in March this year, we were mandated to confine to our apartments or houses. The stifling room environment every day made me look for a way to get some fresh air and just be outside, safely, from time to…

The Senescent Arabian Wonder that is “Al Balad” and its True Owners

Two years before the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016, Al Balad Town was already declared a heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s proactive efforts in realizing the first of the vision’s theme: A Vibrant Society. Diving into the…