Pinky Concha-Colmenares
Balai Tanay: Welcome to simple joys
January 25, 2025 9:29 am
I found a lovely place to do nothing in the company of dense foliage, and the sound of a crackling river breaking silence. In the morning, the birds chirped like gentle alarm clocks. In the evening, the frogs croaked, and the leaves muffled crackling sounds.
That place is named Balai Tanay located at the foothills of Mt. Daraitan in Tanay, about 50 kilometers from Quezon City. Although the rainforest setting tells of being in the middle of nature, I was only about five steps to the comfort of urban living. Tucked away in a modern kitchen were an induction stove, refrigerator, microwave, rice cooker – and basic kitchen condiments.
Is the Anti-Distracted Driving Law still relevant?
January 15, 2025 4:02 pm
A casual observation of vehicles moving in traffic, or stopping at intersections for traffic signals, will show the prevalence of motorists using mobile phones – for navigation, entertainment, or communications.
New Year’s resolutions that will make you feel good
January 01, 2025 4:02 pm
Will you make time to list your New Year’s resolutions? Or will you think that will be a waste of time as you have not followed one up to the end of the year?
Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive
December 25, 2024 4:03 pm
It’s the morning after Christmas and the world is still around me. I hear rain and nothing else, not even the occasional broom-broom sound of the tricycle or a motorcycle, or an engine revving up to go. After the noises of movement in the past days, the quiet morning was a pleasant surprise.
It’s Christmas when the parol is out
December 18, 2024 4:15 pm
The Christmas parol is out, perhaps by the tens of thousands around Metro Manila, bringing the warmth of the season in multi-colored lights. Hanging along the main thoroughfares and side streets, windows of houses and shops, churches, gardens, and government offices, the Pinoy Parol shines a reminder of many family traditions.