Any mid-week break is embraced in my book.  Unfortunately, it was raining all day yesterday.  The holiday was still well spent paying a short visit at Dita Sandico Ong boutique and getting a Swedish massage @ Neo Spa.

Backtracking a little, Tuesday evening was spent at Harbour Garden, Sofitel for the Philippine Chinese Friendship Day or at least I think that was what it was.  One presentation was really interesting with glowing lights and bouncing people.

We used to frequent Neo Spa at their Fort branch but this is the first time I’m trying out Neo Spa in their Wilson branch.  I dropped by last year around Christmas time to get Spa Gift Certificates to be given as Christmas gifts.  They have it on this cute square plastic packaging –really nice and it connotes peace and clarity.

Unfortunately, the masseuses at their Fort branch are so much better than the Greenhills branch.  Facilities are better too.  I don’t know if I’ll ever give Neo Spa greenhills branch a shot again but I’m definitely looking forward to revisiting their Fort branch at the Net One building.  You can book their couple room ahead of time for your convenience.  For Wilson spas, we also frequent Clark Hatch (now Gold’s Gym), Ahavia, and Chiva Som –being the most consistent of the three. 

Dita Sandico Ong is the trendy wrap artiste.  She uses banana and other indigenous plant fibers imaginatively interwoven with traditional and ethnic Filipino fabric.  Before heading to Neo Spa, I stopped by her store to check out her latest designs.  I eyed a pair of flats but CW beat me to the punch and bought it for me (thanks Bubba!).  It’s so cute! I finally have something to replace my oh-so-worn out Charles and Keith flats that I’ve been sporting around since last year.

I wanted to buy a neckpiece (love vintage type collars) with a flower design that doubles as a visor but I saved it for another day.  Her line is available at Wilson, Greenhills, Rustan’s Makati, EDSA Shangri-la, Alabang, and Cebu.

Holiday Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/573/08_1002-_Events_Past_2_Days

Saturday night, at the end of a long hard week at work, this little bird really needed some relief from stress and fatigue.  I found it at Ahavia Lounge Spa, the newest spa in the city that’s already making some noise as early as its 3^rd month of operation.

CW stopped me right before the door and asked me to breathe deeply.  And breathe out all the stress before entering what we render as our hopeful sanctuary.  He gave me a big hug.  The third time I stepped into this body and wellness abyss, I was expecting to see the vibrant Mika by the reception.  Instead it was a middle-aged woman who was in the same breath as the vibrancy of Mika.  It turns out that it was her mother who was managing the counter.  After looking at their informative menu of select services, we picked our choice of massage.  I was inclined to get another body scrub since I felt my skin recalling the scent of the sweet ginger scrub I had last time.  After some musing, we both decided to get the signature massage.   

Finally, it was time for our massage.  Halfway through it, I fell asleep as my mind escaped to blissful dimension. The description of the Signature Massage is a 2-hour service that combines Western blend and Oriental ritual giving you a total body experience.  It kept that promise.  The masseuse used an essential oil that enriched and enhanced the experience. 

Book an appointment at 744-0343 or 0922-8055600.  Ahavia Lounge Spa is located at 173 Wilson Street corner Barcelona St.  Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.  Coming from Shaw Blvd going to Wilson, Ahavia is in your left side (3 blocks before you hit the corner of Wilson and P. Guevarra Streets)