TANAY, Rizal — While Metro Manila struggles with rising heat, just a few hours away lies a place where the air feels different.
Cooler.
Calmer.
Almost like a quiet breath of relief.
Because of the Amihan season, Tanay, Rizal has been drawing more and more visitors — people searching for a break from the city heat and a moment to simply feel the cold mountain breeze.
According to a report by Mark Salazar on “24 Oras,” temperatures in some parts of Tanay dropped to around 19 degrees Celsius on Monday, March 16.
For locals, the cool weather is something they experience every day.
But for visitors, it feels almost magical.
A Cold That Locals Know Well
For 68-year-old Lourdes, the cold weather in Tanay is both familiar and challenging.
She has lived with it for years.
“Hindi ho kami nakakatikim ng init dito. Ang sakit sa buto, nangangawit na ‘yung buto mo sa lamig,” she shared.
She laughed softly as she explained that while the cool weather feels nice, it can also be tough for older residents.
“Masaya naman po… kaya lang siyempre nahihirapan kapag may edad ka na. Mahirap na.”
Still, she admits something surprising.
Even with the cold that sometimes aches in the bones, she would still choose Tanay over the city heat.
“Pero pag sa Metro Manila ka pumunta, ang lakad maayos… pero pag dito, talagang nahihirapan ka.”
Why Tanay Feels Colder
The refreshing chill in Tanay isn’t just luck — it’s geography.
First, the town sits hundreds of meters above sea level, making the air naturally cooler than in low-lying urban areas.
Second, Tanay lies near the Sierra Madre mountain range.
These mountains act like a natural shield.
They block hot winds from the Pacific Ocean while trapping the cool air brought by the Amihan or northeast monsoon.
The result?
A mountain town where the air can feel several degrees cooler than Metro Manila.
Riders Chasing the Cold Breeze
Recently, Tanay has become a favorite stop for motorcycle riders and travelers.
Many ride along the famous Marilaque Highway, a scenic road known for its sweeping mountain views.
But these days, the ride isn’t just about the road.
It’s about the air.
Small roadside cafés facing the Sierra Madre have become popular hangout spots, where visitors sip coffee while enjoying the cold breeze rolling down from the mountains.
For Edcel, the trip to Tanay was simple — and necessary.
“Dumayo lang po kami dito para magpahangin kasi day off naman po ngayon. Mas malamig po dito… ang init sa Taguig.”
Another rider, Jeremy, said the cool weather feels like the perfect escape from daily stress.
“Parang pantanggal stress ‘pag sa trabaho. Hinahabol lang namin yung lamig kasi mag-su-summer na.”
A Simple Escape Close to the City
Tanay may be just a short drive from Metro Manila…
But stepping into its cool mountain air feels like entering a different world.
A world where people pause.
Where riders stop for coffee and quiet views.
Where the breeze reminds you that sometimes, the best escape isn’t far away at all.
Sometimes…
it’s just a cool wind waiting in the mountains.
