Running out of Valentine’s Day ideas? Don't hit the panic button just yet, men...

AHH, VALENTINE’S Day. That most dreaded time of the year…for men.

Oh yeah, we gals just love Valentine’s Day. Trust me guys.

Even if she says, “Oh I don’t care about Valentine’s Day. It’s just another commercial holiday thought up by merchandisers and retailers to get us to buy stuff and boost their sales after Christmas,” she doesn’t mean it. She expects you to give her a present, today. And if you do, she’ll be secretly thrilled.

So maybe she’ll say something like, “Ohh, you didn’t have to. I told you not to get me any gift.” DO NOT believe her. You WILL get added pogi points in that scorecard she keeps in her head, if you give her a cute or thoughtful present.

Even higher pogi points goes to the man who brings his lady out to dinner, or better yet, cooks her a meal. Why? Because food and romance are tied together like a happy couple. When you are satiated with a meal, your body releases dopamine, exactly the same neurotransmitters released by your brain when you are in love.

"Falling in love causes our body to release a flood of feel-good chemicals that trigger specific physical reactions," said Pat Mumby, PhD, co-director of the Loyola Sexual Wellness Clinic and professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. "This internal elixir of love is responsible for making our cheeks flush, our palms sweat and our hearts race." (http://bit.ly/1cuOjFo)

Chocolates, for instance, also release dopamines in your brain, which is why when you eat it, you just feel good all over. It’s like a happy pill that makes you feel warm, content, and secure. (Royce’ Nama dark chocolates are just the best for me. But if you’re in the mood for more after-romance romancing, studies show that white chocolates release more dopamines in the brain, than ordinary milk or dark chocolates. Try out the Potato Chip Fromage Blanc for a whimsical sexy treat.)

Falling in love, eating chocolates - your brain releases the same kind of feel-good chemicals in your brain called dopamines. For that feeling of euphoria and added romance, get her some Royce' chocolates. (Photo from http://chocolateihaveknown.files.wordpress.com)

An alternative is to prepare a picnic dinner and spend the Valentine evening at Fort Santiago in Intramuros where the world-famous Philippine Madrigal Singers will be performing at 6:30 pm in “Sining sa Muling Pagbabago.” It’s also an art and photo sale to raise funds for the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda. The best part is, it’s free admission! (Uncouples, dateless individuals, barkadas, and families are welcome as well!)

If you’re already in that stage where you go on vacations together, bring her to Tagaytay where the cool weather is conducive to lots of hugging and snuggling. (Discovery Country Suites is a favorite of mine. Aside from the awesome individually decorated rooms, the cuisine served at its Verbena restaurant has never failed to excite me.)

Or go for a staycation in the metro – I’m pretty sure there are a number of boutique hotels around your area just dying to host you and your honey.  (My personal getaway in Quezon City is Cocoon Boutique Hotel with its warm wood interiors and green theme. It’s also right in the heart of the food and dining area of Timog/Tomas Morato Ave. So you can check in early, park there, walk to a restaurant for your Valentine meal, then go back to your room for a late-night swim before uhm, bed.)

What about presents?

Treat her to a massage at home. (Photo from
http://www.gpatlas.org.au)

We gals love jewelry.  The sparklier and more expensive, the better.

Of course, if you’re still in the dating stage and not yet quite “a thing” with the girl in the accounting department, a cute bracelet with a set of charms will do the trick. (Check out Silverworks for their affordable silver jewelry or Promod, a clothing store which carries a lot of tasteful and chic bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. I love shopping there especially during sales.)

If you’re already “a couple,” a set of siopao pearl earrings would make a nice statement. It’s still easier on the pocket than jewelry from Tiffany’s – she will have to wait ‘til you’re married for that, or if you win tonight’s Superlotto – but tells her that you’re in this relationship for the long haul. (Go to your friendly Muslim alahera in Greenhills.  Ask your sister or gal pals for a personal recommendation.)

If you’re gifting your wife, please don’t give her a new frying pan, or a new washing machine unless she asks for it. I know husbands are already in the practical mode when they get to a certain point in their marriage, but trust your wives enough that they will tell you when they need those things.

For Valentine’s Day, however, aside from a big bad bling! you can also give her the gift of health. Why not treat her to her very own spa massage at home? She works hard at her job, she takes of the kids, too (as well as you, you big baby!), and thus, deserves to relax. Bundle up the kids and take them to your mother-in-law, and arrange a real therapeutic massage for the wifey. (Call Spa Works at 975-3255, 394-8674, (0917) 596-0011, (0922) 8320111. They bring everything, the massage bed, the spa music, and the therapeutic oils. Very efficient.)

Give her that youthful glow-present her with some
Blooming-G from Bausch.

While you’re at it, give her food and beauty supplements to keep her healthy and radiant. Lately, I’ve been hearing the ladies rave over Blooming-G, which was popularized by actress-singer Sunshine Cruz. I’ve always admired this girl for managing to smile and radiate positive energy even under the most trying of circumstances. And notice how her skin glows?!    

Blooming-G apparently is made of Borage oil, a type of essential fatty acid that contains high amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), also known as omega-6. Basically it helps a woman retain skin moisture and protects skin cells from damage.

Florinda San Antonio, founder of Bauch Laboratories, underlines the effects of Blooming-G, not only on physical wellness, but on a holistic approach: “Blooming-G was developed to help today’s women live happier, more meaningful lives through its health and beauty benefits. When a woman feels good about herself, she gains the confidence to do more and standout. That is our goal; to improve the quality of life through products that are trustworthy”.

So remember that men - the key is to make your woman feel good about herself. And if she’s happy, obviously she will strive to make you happy as well. Ahem.

So ladies, enjoy this day. Say thank you to the men or significant other who make you feel wonderful crazy and in love. Be glad for the present and more time with your beloved.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all! 

(This piece would've been in the BusinessMirror today, Feb. 14, 2014 in my Something Like Life column, but due to a huge volume of ads, was displaced. Anyhoo, thank you for always supporting us, dear advertisers! We love you!)

Travel Bites: Chillin' in Tagaytay

TAGAYTAY City in Cavite has always been a sentimental favorite for short weekend jaunts for many Metro Manilans, but the simple pleasures that it offers may yet be unknown to fellow Filipinos living south of Luzon who go to the city but only for business or quick visits to their relatives. 

Tagaytay’s light, cool climate is an attractive and comforting alternative to every type of vacationer. It offers a wide variety of hotels and inns to fit every budget, restaurants that appeal to even the snootiest of palates, rest and recreation with its indulgent spas and casino… I sometimes wonder if anyone actually even remembers that the city’s main appeal is actually Taal Volcano. On a clear day, the volcano and its surrounding lake are just breathtaking to behold, especially now that there are fewer fish cages in the area. 

In Tagaytay you don’t need any tourist guide to see the sites…a road map will do just fine (just make sure you have a really smart navigator who can read it!), and a quick eye for street signs and billboards. Even if you do get lost, just hail a tricycle and ask the driver for directions, or inquire from the people on the street…Tagaytay residents are most accommodating and are used to helping out disoriented travelers. 

MUST SEE’s 

Taal Volcano and its lake still makes a striking scenery especially now that there are less fish cages. (Photo from EOS Volcanology)

Volcanic vista. First on the sight-seeing list is the Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake. The Taal Vista Hotel still has the best-unobstructed view of the volcano and the lake. There’s nothing more joyful than sitting quietly at the hotel’s viewing deck, breathing the cool, crisp air and just taking in the rustic scenery ahead. (If only the hotel allowed it, I would pop open a bottle of champagne just to toast Taal’s solemn magnificence.)

Seeking heaven. The Convent of the Divine Mercy (Holy Spirit Drive, Barangay Maitim, 2nd East) is the home of the so-called Pink Sisters, or more formally, the Holy Adoration Sisters. The cloistered nuns lead a contemplative life, just praying and doing an around-the-clock adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, so visitors are asked to keep silent and avoid taking photos inside the chapel. The left side of the chapel is where visitors write their petitions, and ask the nuns to pray for them. 

In bloom. Because of its cool climate and volcanic soil, Tagaytay is a haven for plant and flower enthusiasts. Check out the Flower Farm (M. Dimapilis Road, Barangay Guinhawa), a sprawling five-hectare farm where the most gorgeous of blooms are cultivated and then sold in Metro Manila. 

Kid-friendly. Traveling with children means you have to keep them entertained. That’s what the zoological gardens in Tagaytay are for. There’s the Residence Inn Zoo (Km 65, Barrio Neogan) along the ridge, where the kids can feed the birds. (Its ostrich is quite the camera hound, by the way.) The zoo has a zip line to keep teenagers and brave adults occupied, as well. Just a skip away from Residence Inn, Paradizoo (Km. 63, Panungyan, Mendez) features farm animals. The zoo sits on an enormous farm planted to flowers and vegetables. Its most unique feature is probably the Perpetual Park, the final resting place for pets that have passed on. 

TO-DO’s

Aside from its comfortably luxurious rooms, Discovery Country Suites has a wide array of delightful dishes from its rustic menu. 

Eat! With its many restaurants whipping up a variety of cuisines, Tagaytay has become foodie haven. Restaurant Verbena at Discovery Country Suites offers sumptuous dishes in contemporary country style. Best bets are the Tagaytay Salad Caprese, the Sampler plate (salmon, lamb, beef stew) and Panna Cotta Heaven, three mini-panna cottas in different flavors. Guests checked in for an overnight stay also partake of the cheese and wine served for free during the cocktail hour. 

For a simmering and hearty meal of crispy tawilis, bulalo, and sinigang na maliputo, Viewsite Restaurant (Maharlika West) is an excellent choice. Aside from ensuring happy tummies, diners also have a pleasant view of Taal Lake. For the most delectable raisin bread and pot pies, Bag of Beans (3650 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West) is a great spot to eat or buy pasalubong (take-home) food treats. 

Meditate. When life’s duties and concerns press on us, it is sometimes a good idea to step back, withdraw from the noise and contemplate one’s situation to prepare for a new direction. Tagaytay is probably the most spiritual site in the country as there are a large number of retreat houses located here. For a non-denominational retreat, check out the Brahma Kumaris Center (1020 Magallanes Drive/T# 046-483-2128/0917-502-0243.) Stressed-out corporate executives may want to register for the Resilience Seminar Retreat Series on November 17, which may help you overcome burnout and fatigue. 

Pasalubong shopping. A myriad of food treats and natural products can be bought in Tagaytay and the adjacent Silang town for pasalubong. There’s Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm (Km. 47, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang) for propolis-based soaps, throat sprays and muscle liniment. Gourmet Farms (Km 52, Aguinaldo Highway, Buho, Silang) is for coffee beans, lettuce and salad dressings. (While you’re at it, visit its lush organic farm on-site and The Sanctuary, a retreat spot, at the back. The garden is just awe-inspiring.) Mr. Moo’s (pick a branch, they’re all over Tagaytay!) is the place to go for kesong puti (white cheese) and other cheeses, fresh carabao’s milk, yoghurt and pastillas. They pack everything in ice for free to make sure the products are still fresh when they arrive in Metro Manila.

WHERE TO STAY 

One of the best pasalubongs from Tagaytay is Mr. Moo's milk and cheese products. The entire highway from Tagaytay to Sta. Rosa, Laguna is lined up with Mr. Moo kiosks, so you'll never miss buying from them.

With only seven suites, the luxurious but rustic-themed Discovery Country Suites (300 Calamba Road, San Jose/T# 046-4134567) guarantees guests rest and privacy, as well as the special care and attention that Discovery’s staff are known to provide—with their right hand on their heart, and a response of “Certainly” to each request. 

After you are sufficiently bowled over by the impressive volcano vista, grab the buffet lunch at the Taal Vista Hotel, and watch the cultural dancers perform the country’s native dances. Trust me, the hotel has never grown old. The rooms are quite spacious and the inhouse spa is tops in this part of the world. 

Getting there: By car, the trip to Tagaytay takes approximately an hour from Manila, traversing through the Slex, and going through Santa Rosa City, Laguna. You can also pass through Greenfields Exit, or the Southwoods Exit going through Carmona. 

There are several bus companies that go to Nasugbu, and they always stop at Tagaytay (Crow Transit, BLTB, Kirby, San Agustin and Saulog are mostly found in Pasay City). Just make sure you tell the driver to shout out when the bus has arrived in Tagaytay already or at the Olivarez Plaza. From there, you can either take a jeepney or tricycle to get around. 

For more details on commuting to Tagaytay and especially if you’re coming from Laguna and other areas in the south, click http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2009/03/how-to-get-to-tagaytay-bus-commute.html.

(Travel Bites is published every Monday in the front page of the BusinessMirror. This piece on Tagaytay was published on Oct. 29. Photos by the author unless otherwise specified.)