It's already 2022 and yes, about 2 years now since our lives drastically changed because of the ongoing pandemic. It didn't even cross my mind that something like this would happen in this lifetime and the fact that that a virus will become a major problem worldwide. Well, humans are known to be resilient so we have no choice but to adapt and live with Covid-19. But still, not all humans are the same in handling problems and difficult situations. Because of this pandemic, everyone realized the importance of one's mental health, including me.

Due to my fear of contracting the virus, I took seriously the health protocols that made me too scared to even go out of our house and interact with other people outside my family. My friends also find it difficult to encourage me to meet up with them at times. Later on, I realized that this fear is already affecting my mental health. I became too focused with my work that I forgot the most important thing, that we work to live and not that we live to work. It was a painful realization on my part for something happened to me that's difficult to share for now. The surge of cases due to Omicron last January made my fear worst than ever. Fear for myself and for my family. It's really hard to be an only child I tell you.

Fortunately around late February to March, the positive cases started decreasing and it feels safer now to go out. Someone made me realized that yes, I need to go out and see the nature outside and so one weekend, I asked my parents and my aunt to go and have some coffee in Tanay. Living in Marikina City almost all my life, the province of Rizal is really close to my heart and that yearning for a quick nature trip made me think of Tanay right away. While searching on the internet for places to dine or have coffee with a good view, I came across this cafe called "Kaulayaw at Cuyambay".

Kaulayaw cafe currently have 2 branches, one in Antipolo and this new one in Tanay, Rizal. The branch located at Cuyambay Crossing in Tanay has a really nice view of the mountains. Fortunately, we easily found the cafe and since it was almost lunch time when we arrived at the place, we were already hungry and decided to try and dine first at Kamala Cafe, another gem found unexpectedly. The view from both cafes is really a sight to behold. 

Kamala Cafe is just downstairs Kaulayaw and they serve Thai Food. Since the cafe is kinda new, the menu is still limited. Surprisingly, the food tastes good even though I'm not really a fan of Thai food. Thai food is known to be really spicy so it's a good thing that the servers also asks you if you want it less spicy. They also serve mango sticky rice but we didn't try it since we're planning to move to Kaulayaw later on for coffee and dessert. The factor that made me really like the cafe was the service and the ambience. The cafe's native feel really suits the wonderful view. At almost sunset will be the best time to dine here if you want to get that romantic vibe.

When I worked with RDC before, we held the annual team building activity in Tanay Adventure Camp. It was a one day activity wherein the employees where divided into groups, competing with each other in finishing an obstacle course. The venue also offers other activities like zip line, wall climbing and swimming. 


























































After we were done with most activities, all were given a choice for a side trip, others chose the Daranak
falls while I opted to try and explore Calinawan cave. Ready and excited for the spelunking, I also brought my own flashlight.




















The entrance of the Calinawan cave looks too small and deep that's why I was hesitant at first to enter but then as you go down a bit of steep steps, the inside of the cave is surprisingly wide and naturally lit up by sunlight.




















Calinawan cave has been a favorite shooting spot and was shown in several local movies due to the fact that it is just near manila. The community earned more income because of this but unfortunately, it also brought damages on the cave.


























































Listening to our tour guide, this cave system is said to be connected somewhere in Montalban and was used as a hideout of Filipino revolutionaries before. It's just that no one has been able to really explore the whole cave system.  Later on, the guide led us into the deeper and darker part of the cave.

If you're looking for a short, challenging and fun day tour, you should consider the town of Tanay for there are still many spots waiting to be discovered. Be one with nature!