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.)

Rediscovering luxury and indulgence in Tagaytay

View of the placid Taal lake—fortunately, with no fish cages to mar the vista.

TAGAYTAY City has always been a sentimental favorite for short weekend jaunts for many Metro Manilans.

Amid the light and cool mountain weather, it offers so many pleasures that appeal to every type of bakasyonista or road trip warrior.

Tagaytay has 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 the Taal Volcano. On a clear day, the volcano and its surrounding lake is just breathtaking to behold, especially now that there are less fish cages in the water.

When my friends and I go to Tagaytay, it’s usually to pay a visit to the Pink Sisters Convent to petition the cloistered nuns to give strength to our own special-intention prayers. Then we’re off to Ilog Maria in Silang, Cavite to load up on our propolis-based soaps, throat sprays, and lately in my case, muscle liniment to soothe my aching left shoulder.

We head on to other pasalubong stores like Amira’s to stock up on foodie treats to take home, Gourmet’s Café for the coffee beans, lettuce, and salad dressings, the freshly-baked raisin bread and pot pies at Bag of Beans, quesong puti and carabao’s milk from Mr. Moo’s, to name a few. Lunch is usually at one of crispy tawilis- and sinigang maliputo-serving restaurants along the ridge, or some hidden haven of culinary genius we’ve recently heard of.

In our latest trip to Tagaytay, we stayed at the luxurious but rustic-themed Discovery Country Suites. With only seven suites, guests are guaranteed rest and privacy, as well as the special care and attention that Discovery’s staff at all its properties are known to provide—with their right hand on their heart, and a response of “Certainly” to each request. (Read the rest in InterAksyon, Lifestyle. Copyright on photos owned by this blogger.)

At 61 sqm., the Nantucket Suite is the second largest among the rooms at the Discovery Country Suites.

Why nuns have clear complexions

Something Like Life
June 13, 2008

(Sr. Mary Veritas – aka Rose Maipid – receives visitors, former journalism and PR colleagues on her birthday, at the Pink Sisters convent in Tagaytay.)

LAST Sunday, I tagged along with a couple of friends to Tagaytay to visit an old journalist colleague, Rose Maipid, who had entered the religious life by joining the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, commonly known as the Pink Sisters. Now called Sister Mary Veritas, Rose (I couldn’t help but still call her that) was flustered and excited to see a lot of her peers, friends and family who had come to celebrate her 39th birthday. This is only one of the few times in a year that a Pink Sister can chat and be with “outsiders,” although, technically, they cannot freely mingle with us. There was a steel slotted gate, which had a heavy padlock, that acted as a barrier between us and Rose. She, like the other nuns, can only receive visitors three times a year.

Before our visit, there was some discussion about what to bring her. Someone said she brought potato chips, nachos and some junk food for Rose once before. Another said she would bring coffee and tea. I didn’t know what to bring for Rose except my request for prayers. I wasn’t so sure that giving her chips and dips would make her happy because, I thought, since she had given up this materialistic world of ours, she would have no use for them.

Well, I was wrong. During her birthday feast, I saw Rose’s sister shove half a lechon through a small door in a wall, which Rose promptly took and brought to her fellow nuns. Hmmm… so the Pink Sisters are allowed to enjoy some nice treats, and I made a mental note to bring her various goodies next time. I guess, like many of us, the nuns, too, need a break from their life’s vocation, and are allowed to enjoy some pleasures of the outside world, however limited. I suppose praying for all of us lost souls and those in dire need of help from the Lord can also be mentally and physically exhausting.

So there we were with Rose, chatting with her, dishing the latest news and goings-on among her peers, as well as officials that she often interviewed when she was a reporter. But we were actually amazed that she knew much of the gossip that was going around our industry, and, like a good reporter, was asking us for confirmation. This made us wonder who was keeping her up-to-date with news of the outside world. Either that or she had a divine connection to the outside world through the Lord Jesus or Mama Mary. She knew exactly what kalokohan we were all up to.

(Sr. Mary Veritas fields birthday greetings/calls through a borrowed cellphone.)

Rose didn’t sound or look any different from how I remembered her. One of our friends who spoke to her via cell phone even wondered why she didn’t sound “motherly” (or should that be “sisterly”?). We all laughed at that because we all quickly realized that becoming a nun doesn’t mean changing one’s personality. Everything remains the same except for the inner self, which becomes more spiritual and Christ-like.

I knew Rose as a very competent business journalist, who then became an effective public-relations officer of a bank and an accomplished scuba diver. I remember the last time I saw her, she was shepherding our gaggly media group to yet another eating binge at Dampa that was just newly opened then. She was always the cheerful sort and very grounded, no airs at all, which was why I took to her. That and because she had also come from the same newspaper where I had started my journalism career.

But I never had any inkling that she was contemplating a life of solitude and prayer. According to our common friends, Rose always knew she was destined for some other life outside of the communications/journalism business. She had heard her calling even when she was a reporter. Perhaps she decided to remain in the outside world to gain the necessary experiences for her to serve the Holy Spirit better.

Rose’s becoming a scuba diver actually cemented the way for her eventual decision to enter the religious life some eight years ago. She told us she would often pray the Rosary as she reached the underwater grotto of the Virgin Mary during her dives in Anilao, Batangas. I imagine that seeing God’s creatures and that glorious palette of colors He had painted underwater must’ve left her in awe of His power, majesty and artistry. (I've felt the same way too whenever I went snorkeling, the last being in Palau where the coral reefs are just magnificent, bursting with marine life and the wildest colors.)

She went to many far-off places just to dive and was trying to earn her spurs as a dive master. But during one dive in Anilao, she and her group got lost. Rose took it as a sign from Him that becoming a dive master was not the life He wanted for her.

As a Pink Sister, Rose has given up her worldly possessions and ties to the outside world for a life “in perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Thus we offer intercessory prayer for the needs of all,” according to the congregation’s web site. The nuns who have already made their Perpetual Vows all wear a silver ring with a rose insignia to signify their dedication to the Holy Spirit.

“The rose color of our habits, which we wear in honor of the Holy Spirit, symbolizes our dedication to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. Evangelization and the sanctification of priests are particularly remembered in our life of prayer, which includes the singing of the Liturgy of the Hours [Divine Office] in choir,” the web site adds. Thus, at about 11:30 am in their Tagaytay chapel, one will see the sisters file out and kneel in their own pews, segregated from the public, and sing their prayers. It can be a very moving experience just listening to their heavenly voices.

(The Pink Sisters singing their noontime prayers at their Tagaytay chapel.)

Despite their cloistered life, the Pink Sisters are quite aware of what is going on in the real world. I was surprised to find out from the Mother Superior, for example, that the convent does have Internet access, although its use is normally reserved only for her and one other nun. She said they have to make regular contact with the other branches in other provinces (there are six in all in the Philippines) and other parts of the world, thus the need for the Internet access and e-mail facilities. I wanted to ask the Mother Superior if she watched videos on YouTube or chatted with the other Mother Superiors via instant messaging as well, but I was afraid she would whup me in the ass or use a stick to rap me on my knuckles, guilty Catholic schoolgirl that I am. But like I said, the congregation does have a web site where they also receive prayer requests, so these sisters are Internet-savvy.

And there was something about the Mother Superior that instantly endeared her to me. Aside from her very clear complexion, she just positively glowed. I couldn’t explain it, but apparently it was visible to all as my friends noticed it, too. There was a certain peace and serenity in her, although I could see some flashes of wit in her very kind and wise old face. Perhaps this is what a life of service to the Holy Spirit has made her. She is able to channel the Spirit to touch people just by her presence and her smile.

Next year, Rose is scheduled to say her Perpetual Vows. Although she has been a Pink Sister for eight years already, she says she can still leave the congregation if she wants to. In fact, she told us that when she received one of our friend’s rather longish letter, she was at a retreat. Then she woke up at midnight and realized how much she missed diving. I imagine that seeing all of her family and friends last Sunday was a poignant moment for Rose, as it reminded her of the people and the things she would miss should she decide to make that final commitment to the Holy Spirit.

So, as we said our good-byes, she asked for our prayers that she would be able to make it to her Perpetual Vows. Once she takes that final step, there would be no turning back for Rose. I made a silent prayer and wished her well before walking out the door.

***To know more about the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, or make prayer requests, you can visit the Adoration Sisters web site.

(My column, Something Like Life, is published every Friday in the Life section of the BusinessMirror.)

An old reliable

IN this concluding installment of my three-part series on restaurants to visit and revisit in the new year, here's one more nod to an already established dining destination.

VERBENA, Discovery Country Suites, Tagaytay

WHILE the cool breeze Tagaytay is famous for was not felt as we dined in this restaurant almost overlooking the Taal Lake and the volcano (“almost,” because there was a house blocking our view), lunch turned out to be a pleasant surprise for my food buddy and I.

There were new items on the menu created by Colombian chef David Pardo de Ayala. I must say these were just amazing dishes that were really sumptuous and delightful. My favorites were the Pan-Seared Foie Gras (my heart just skipped a beat just writing that), Oyster Fricasse, Herb-Marinated Mushrooms and Organic Arugula, and Australian Lamb Chops. We were just stuffed that I couldn’t eat my dessert anymore.

In all of my dining adventures, I have yet to taste a badly prepared foie gras. I suppose any way it is prepared, whether it just be pan-seared, terrined, sautéed, poached or baked, it will still turn out delicious. The fat in the goose (or duck) liver just makes it so silky, rich at the same time delicate. At Verbena the foie gras (P590) is pan-roasted with pancetta (Italian bacon), prunes and figs served in an intense cognac sauce. Yes, kids, it is a taste of what heaven must be like.

The Oyster Fricasse (P460) is one of those dishes whose ingredients are so common but I would never have thought to prepare together as one dish. The freshly shucked oysters are lightly cooked with homemade spaghettini in a cream sauce, lemongrass and caviar sprinkles. Another winning appetizer.

For the salad we had the Herb-Marinated Mushrooms and Organic Arugula (P250) served with a light honey-garlic vinaigrette and parmesan shavings. The sweet dressing makes a delicate contrast to the peppery arugula leaves, a good way to transition to some heavier entrées.

The grilled Australian lamb chops was prepared in an aromatic Moroccan marinade, with parmesan-roasted tomato and honey-garlic reduction. The meat itself was grilled perfectly, a medium-well and tender to the bite.

An interesting dessert was a Walnut Soup with Blue Cheese. It was bold of chef Pardo de Ayala to create this, but the flavor of the blue cheese just overpowered the soup and the taste of the walnuts. I would have rather appreciated a slice of just the cheese and some grapes to end our delightful meal. Props to the chef though, for trying to shake up the dessert course.

When one runs out of new restaurants to try, there are always the good-old reliables that one can always turn to.

(Published in the Life section of the BusinessMirror, Jan. 25, 2008. Photo copyright Stella Arnaldo, 2007)