Seven ways to splurge
ANNIE TAN URGES YOU TO TURN YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS INTO AN EXHILARATING, LIFE-AFFIRMING LUST LIST THIS YEAR
BEAT STRESS, drop 10 pounds and age backwards. Whatever is at the top of your 2009 to-do list, there are better ways to accomplish them than by beating yourself up over last year’s lapses. This year, throw in a bit of love and creativity into your list. Some healthy self-indulgence may be all you need to set your goals in motion.
1 Redesign your roost S Have you been wanting to de-clutter and spruce up your turf? A stunning art piece may give you the impetus and inspiration you need to kick off your personal environmental change. The best part? Provocative originals don’t always come with a stratospheric price tag. Manila has a multitude of galleries exhibiting genre art, surrealistic portraits and expressionist nudes by renowned local talents at affordable prices. Galerie Joaquin, for one, offers works by award-winning artists such as Mario Parial and Carlo Magno. Spend an afternoon hunting for treasure at 371 P Guevarra St cor Montessori Lane, Addition Hills, San Juan, Metro Manila. In Singapore, visit their gallery at the ground floor, The Regent Hotel, Cuscaden Street, www.galeriejoaquin.com
2 Try touch therapy
Leave the stress and negative energy of the past year behind. Tirta Spa in Boracay offers treatments of all kinds, including crystal therapy and Reiki. Pay PHP1,500++ for a 30-minute session. For longer sessions, we recommend the Mount Banahaw treatment which involves a scrub, Pandan leaves body wrap, herbal tea bath and pressure point therapy combining chiropractic and traditional Filipino massage techniques.
Three hours and 30 minutes of this costs PHP8,500++. Tirta Spa, Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island, www.tirtaspa.com
3 Welcome a new wardrobe
Change your overall outlook with a few new outfits. The homegrown label, Maldita, translates the latest runway trends into wardrobe staples. Outlets are found in malls across the Philippines (for a complete store listing, click on www..malditastore.com).
You may want to splurge on a PHP10,000 spree here, which will make you eligible for the Maldita
Privilege Card — click on www.malditastore.com/maldita/card.do
4 Get a mane makeover
You needn’t be an avid Hollywood fan to know that a great ’do can be truly transforming. Whether you prefer Katie Holmes’s pixie cut or Jessica Alba’s heavy bangs, a good haircut defines features, slashes styling time by more than half, and completes an outfit. It’s good sense to invest in a top hairstylist.
According to Marie Calica, beauty editor of Marie Claire Philippines, Jude Hipolito, owner of Univers Phyto Salon is the celebrity coiffeur du jour. Jude’s styles are chic and morph into equally gorgeous looks as they grow out.
A date with Jude will run you PHP5,000. 5/F Rustans Ayala Avenue Makati Metro Manila, tel: +63 (2) 02 893 5007
5 Dine like royalty
Indulge your inner gourmand with fine Italian cuisine. Every last Friday of the month, The Tivoli at Mandarin Oriental Manila offers themed seven-course meals paired with carefully selected wines.
Unlike overwhelming buffet spreads, this menu offers tasting portions of each item to tickle your taste buds without busting your waistline.
Reservations are recommended. Mandarin Oriental, Makati Avenue Makati City 1226, tel: +63 (2) 750 8888, ext. 2431, 2432 or 2433
6 Spring a surprise visit
Share the start of the year with someone you love. If you have been putting off visits to a doting aunt, a favorite nephew or a childhood friend, it’s time to make good your promise. With Cebu Pacific’s “Go Lite” fares, traveling and staying in touch has never been this affordable and convenient. For details, visit www.cebupacificair.com
7 Why not wellness?
Feel stifled by your daily routine and the ceaseless demands of urban life? Recharge at The Farm, an exclusive medical and wellness retreat that boasts both AsiaSpa Baccarat and SpaAsia Crystal awards. Set in a former coconut and coffee plantation in the foothills of Mount Malarayat, two hours from Manila, this resort has it all.
With gorgeous gardens, sparkling waterfalls and personalized programs including alternative/complementary healing, colon hydrotherapy, psycho-emotional analysis, fitness programs, spa treats and a daily menu of fresh organic vegan food.
Rates start from PHP82,620 for a five-day program. 119 Barangay Tipakan, Batangas, tel: +63 (2) 884 8073, www.thefarm.com.ph
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