After our Sunday lunch at Lemuria, instead of going to our usual, Chiva Som or Neo Spa, we headed off to Frontera Verde to get a much-needed R and R.  I’ve always had a big respect for Suriya Spa but even if I pass by their branch in Galleria Suites every time I go to Red Corner gym, I do not get to visit.

The Suriya Spa who has received so much recognition since 2005 merges Asian influences that provide a sense of well being, renewal and rejuvenation.  One step in the warehouse-like posh lodge sets the ambience of your Suriya experience.  The mood of the multi-awarded Spa is one of tranquility and remoteness.  The nice lady by the reception receives us with warm welcome even if we are without a reservation, only mere walk-ins.  We carefully reviewed the spa menu.  

There are a wide range of services to choose from: Mind and Body Harmony Massage (PHP 1,100 @ 60mins), Oriental Body Work Massage (PHP 1,100 @ 60mins), Thai Massage (PHP 1,500 @ 90mins), Hot Stone Massage (PHP 1,500 @ 90mins), Ayurveda Massage (PHP 1,900 @ 90mins), among others.  There was a few I wanted to try but I settled on the Hilot Massage.  Yapping for weeks about getting the “lamig” eased out of me, Hilot was really what I was gunning for.  I didn’t expect that this high-end relaxation sanctuary offered this local kneading. 

Hilot Massage (PHP 1,500) –an ancient Filipino art of healing, which is commonly used today to relax stressed muscles.  It is also a form of a 90-minute massage therapy that uses a variety of massage oils and herbs to cure various ailments.

Chris also picked the Hilot Massage.  We were then assisted to a private room.  This room was the biggest couple’s massage room I have seen.  The room was spacious even if there was a huge Jacuzzi tub in one of the 4 corners.  The huge area gives you enough breathing space as you restore the calm.  One can breathe deeply as your mind escapes the stress and Manila clatter.  After 15 minutes in the steam bath, we were lying cozily on the separate bunks as the masseuses ready the natural oils.

Suriya Spa’s version of the Philippine traditional body massage was one of the best treatments we’ve had.  Usually I get a good massage while he has qualms about his.  This time around it was satisfaction guaranteed for both of us.  The experienced therapists are well trained and polite.  My masseuse worked her hands on my back with a gentle rub and enough pressure to break stress spots.  I enjoyed 20 minutes of it and fell into a deep sleep… Peacefulness felt even in slumber.  20 minutes before the session ended, I woke up to the consistent kneading that was like an angel’s touch.

The promise by Suriya Spa of a rejuvenating, refreshing and soothing experience within a serene ambience was kept.  Chris and I stepped out of the Spa with a feeling of renewal.

Dial the Suriya Spa Hotline at 0917-8537767 for reservations.  OPERATION HOURS: The Suriya Spa is open Mondays to Thursdays from 1 pm to 11 pm and last treatment service is 9:30 pm. Fridays to Sundays from 10 am to 1 am and last treatment service is 11:30 pm.  Suriya Spa Website: http://www.suriyaspa.com

The Suriya Spa at Frontera Verde
Ortigas Center (Opposite Tiendesitas)
Ortigas Avenue, cor. E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue
(C5) Ugong, Pasig City, 1604
Tel. (632) 633-9898 Fax: (632) 633-8998

Suriya Spa Album

GAP Gray Turtle Neck PHP 1,600

(I used the Ayala EGC cards, P1,000 and P500 I got from GesierMaclang during the Alveo event, soo convenient this Ayala Electronic Gift Cards… YAY!)

It’s hard to go wrong with GAP.  So basic.  Luvv it!

With You

I need you boo, (oh)
I gotta see you boo (hey)
And there’re hearts all over the world tonight,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight [x2]

[Verse 1]
Hey! Little mama,
Ooh, you’re a stunner
Hot..little figure,
Yes, you’re a winner
And I’m so glad to be yours,
You’re a class all your own
And..
Oh, little cutie
When..you talk to me
I swear..the whole world stops
You’re my sweetheart
And I’m so glad that you are mine
You are one of a kind and..

No Air

Tell me how I’m supposed to breathe with no air

If I should die before I wake
It’s ’cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
Oh

Forever

Intro:
1, 2, 3, 4..
Hey (eh)
Forever
Hey (eh)
Forever

Verse 1:
Its you, and me
Moving at the speed of light into eternity (yeah)
Tonight is the night
To join me in the middle of ecstacy
Feel the melody and the rhythm of the music around you, around you

Bridge:
Ima take you there, Ima take you there
So dont be scared, Im right here,you ready
We can go anywhere
Go anywhere
But first, its your chance
Take my hand
Come with me

Chorus:
It’s like I waited my whole life
For this one night
Its gon be me you and the dance floor
Cuz we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double your fun
And dance forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever (forever)
Ever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever on the dance floor

Verse 2:
Feels like were on another level (ohh ahh)
Feels like our loves intertwined
We can be two rebels
Breaking the rules
Me and you
You and I
All you gotta do is watch me
Look what I can do with my feet, baby
Feel the beat inside
Im driving, you could take the front seat (front seat)
Just need you to trust me (trust me)
Girl girl girl
Its like I

Chorus:
Its like I waited my whole life (oh)
For this one night (one night)
Its gon be me you and the dance floor (dance floor)
Cuz we only got one night (ohh)
Double you pleasure
Double your fun (yeah)
And dance forever ever ever (ohh)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever (forever)
Ever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever ever ever (ever)
Forever on the dance floor

(It’s turning out to be my Q4 collection)

Black Rustic Knee High Boots Original Price PHP 3,500  Sale Price PHP 2,800 

These boots are made for walkin
And that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you

Where will you be on the evening of November 26?

Uncover the Night…

How time flies!  It feels like it was only a couple of weeks ago when I attended the exclusive media preview screening of The Amazing Race Asia 3 (TARA 3).  The screening was held at Fiamma on September 4, 2008, a Thursday, only over 2 months ago.  It was also on the same night of the TV premiere but 2 hours earlier and without the commercials.  The Amazing Race Asia 2 Philippine team, Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez hosted the event.  Paula of another team (TARA2) also graced the event.

It was my first time to see Geoff from the famed “Backstreet Boys” Rexona commercial.  Tisha Silang on the other hand, I always get to spot since her office is on the same building as my office in Ortigas.  I was happy and surprised that they made the cut!  I remember seeing them on TARA 2 as the Primer showed “audition tapes” that didn’t make the cut.  I also remember seeing Director John (Street Productions?) from the Nokia Soul of Manila production team with his girlfriend in one of the audition tapes.  Theirs was a little funny and editorial.  Anyway, seeing Tisha and Geoff finally making it after getting the no-go for TARA 2 goes to show that Britney Spears didn’t get her record deal after just one audition.

Bubba and I wanted to send an audition tape for TARA 3 (just to give it a shot) but didn’t get around to doing one.  TARA 3 application period followed even before TARA 2 episodes ended.  It was a busy period for me while Bubba was just being plain lazy –or he doesn’t really want to do it.  I’ve been bugging him since TARA 2 to become interested in sending in a tape –or at least discuss it.  I even penciled it on my calendar, “Discuss TARA.”  I kept moving the date or putting it on repeat mode.  It’s almost been a year.  Not even a 15-minute discussion.  Hopeless.

The second time I saw the two from TARA 3 was last Monday at the Metro Club.  I immediately SMS-ed Bubba who was working at one corner and told him, “It’s a sign!!! We have MUST.  Discuss.  TARA plans.  ASAP.”  Next day Tuesday, we were at the media launch of Dinelli Gourmet and the long time dating couple hosted the event.  2 days in a row, that should mean something!  Not to mention the time Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez hosted the Nokia Soul of the Night party –where Bubba and I were adventure race participants!   The world is certainly saying something to me –or us (because I cannot send an audition tape with only ME in it)! 

“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”

Okay okay, my imagination is shooting to different places.  I’d better stop the rodeo-gunning spree.  Moving on.

I didn’t get to follow TARA 3 as much as I did TARA 2 (where I did not miss a show and kept watching the reruns over and over again to Bubba’s dismay), but I was still into it.  I missed a few shows here and there but what I miss I try to catch online.  There are three teams left, all of which, are very interesting duos.  I would’ve loved it though if AD and Fuzzie were still contenders with their laidback nonchalant attitudes –what a different element to throw in the mix. 

Image source AXN

Tonight, it’s the final episode.  Who will make it first to the FINAL pitstop?  Catch it tonight at 9pm on AXN Sky Cable channel 49!

Events Events Album

Nokia Soul of Manila Album

Nokia Soul of the Night Album

Nokia Soul of the Night Album 2

The Amazing Race Asia Promo Event Album

Related Post:

Racing with Insomniacs

Nokia Soul of the Night Party

Nokia SOTN Presscon

Nokia Culminating Party  

Discovering the Soul of Manila

BTV Available On SkyCable As An Ala Carte Channel

(Source CTC)

Good news for Basketball fans! Popular sports channel Basketball TV is now available on SkyCable on ala carte. BTV brings live and exclusive hard court action straight from the world’s biggest basketball arenas.

BTV is a 24-hour sports channel that is home to highly sought-after basketball leagues such as the NBA, PBA and the Philippine Collegiate Championship, among others. It also features magazine-type shows that provide in-depth game analyses and exciting personality profiles of basketball superstars.

Subscribing to BTV requires a Digibox and an additional monthly fee on top of the regular subscription rate. This pioneering scheme in the local cable TV industry makes it possible for SkyCable subscribers to have more flexibility in choosing and paying for the channels and programs they want to watch. BTV’s availability on SkyCable could not have been more timely, especially with the start of the 2009 NBA season. Basketball aficionados will surely have a front row treat to all the heart-pounding games of their favorite NBA Teams.

To subscribe to BTV, please call the Customer Service Hotline at 631-0000 or send an SMS to (0917) 631-0000 and (0918) 638-1000.

Last week, Estee Lauder launched its limited collection of solid perfume compact during the Estee Lauder Holiday Spectacular event held at The Gallerie, Rustan’s Makati.  Filipino designer Inno Sotto owns The Gallerie, a level dedicated to fashion, particularly his own personal collection.  The venue was laced with everything that is beautiful including a red carpet in the midst of the displays.

Estee Lauder first introduced its solid fragrance compact in 1963 with the release of the Youth-Dew Boutique Oval.  This year’s collection shows that their fragrance trinkets only get better one collection after the other.  Designs weaved vary from special holiday-themed items such as candy cane and striped lollipops to animal figures such as penguin, spider, dove –all fabricated in distinctiveness and glamour.  Some of the compacts were even designed by famous jewelry designer, Jay Strongwater.

The collection is touring different countries and will return to its home in New York once the circuit is completed. The roving exhibition is not only a showcase of the intricate solid perfume ornaments, but some are issued as auction items to benefit the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

The fragrances are speckled from the familiar Estee Lauder brands –my favorite of which, Pleasures.  Some of the elaborate compacts are available for as low as PHP7,000, that can stand as a perfect holiday gift. 

Celebrity spotting at the event includes Priscilla Meirelles, Cory Quirino, and Diether Ocampo.

Events Events Album

I’m not a big make-up person. I still don’t know how to put eye make-up on my own or even blush properly.  My friends (hello Carlo!) used to laugh about my blush.  I’m jealous how other girls can play around with their eyes using different make-up strategies.  I was tempted to attend a make-up short seminar 2 years ago in one of the top make-up schools in Manila but I figured that 30-50 grand could go a long way somewhere else –besides, I do not have that amount in my make-up kit much more my wallet.  With this hurdle, I kept my cosmetic enhancement to the basic (powder, mascara, blush) even to big events like weddings.  Once in a while, I dabble into shimmers and what nots, but applying them is my drawback (Rihanna’s Disturbia in my singing version ”dumb dumb di dumb dumb”)

I needed to buy a new mascara 3 months ago and my favorite Lancome Hypnose mascara (sold at PHP1,500 as far as I can remember) was out of stock in black.  It was available in brown but I don’t know if I want to go brown again.  Lancome Hypnose gives volume to your eyelashes to create that “hypnotic” look.  I thought of changing to Lancome L’Extreme and try extending my lashes with the product.  Unfortunately, they were also out of stock in washable mascara at Rustan’s Shangri-la and Rustan’s Makati.  They have Lancome L’Extreme but it’s in the water-resistant formula.  I’ve tried waterproof mascara (L’Oreal dual mascara) and I really harmed my shrill lashes back then.

Lancome is one of the brands I’m really loyal to.  It started with the release of their Juicy Tubes 4-5 years ago (?), which I’m really fanatic about.

Since the Estee Lauder brand has been my favorite as of late in foundation and compacts, it was an opportune time for me to give their mascaras a shot.  They had a special offer on their Magnascopic.  For PHP 1,500, you get the mascara at its price with 2 add-ons.  They threw in an eye gel cream and a mascara remover in the pack.  It looked like a good buy then.  Although I have to say I really miss the Lancome brand.