Wellness Practice: The Other “Cut” of the Regimen

It all started when I and my grandparents went into a carnival for the town’s patronal fiesta. It was during this time that sellers (of probably all sorts) of kiddie and hippie knickknacks—ranging from toy cars, toy guns, plastic balloons, rubber bands, yoyos, etc. to bangles, rings, stainless necklaces, crystal pendants, and whatnots—are ubiquitous. I…

“Cling On To The Tagline” is the Mantra

It took approximately five years before I came up with a tagline for this blog and the other social media platforms. Looking back at how I desperately wanted to make it big in the blogging field, influencing world as a whole, by going after mainstream destinations, I couldn’t help but smile at this point. I…

Winter Wonder Buddies

In a few days, most of us would be feeling more sluggish and less playful. I’m talking about the season that’s on the onset. It’s not the ongoing festive Riyadh Season but the season that’s hardly the most invigorating. The one that’s spiritually akin to slumber and rest yet we all look forward to for…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Enchanted and Revived by the Red Sea in Jeddah Corniche

Visiting the second largest city in the Kingdom, Jeddah, has already crossed my mind a few years ago since I saw pictures of that UNESCO Word Heritage Site in Al Balad and the Corniche nestling in city. The site is a reminiscent of the “Ushaiger Heritage Village” in Najd region of Riyadh Province and “Calle…