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

There is a newly opened wellness spa along Wilson St going to Shaw.  It had its soft opening on April 20 and we were there on their second night of operation.

April 21.  We had dinner first at Mickey’s Deli along Jupiter Street before trooping to the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Premiere at the A-Venue.  The trade event ended past 10pm but it was really fun to watch Pokwang, who was supporting an Eiffel tower headpiece.  Her comedy made me forget the time. 

On our way home, we saw the Ahavia signage finally lit up.  I suddenly had the urge to treat CW for a massage even if it’s only a Monday night.  The guard assisted us through parking inside the unpaved ground.  One of the owners welcomed us and showed us inside where we met the two other partners at the reception area.  It’s close to 11pm but they were still very chirpy.  The spa is actually a house (by one of the owners, I think he said his name was JP) converted to low-lighted wellness center. I wanted to get a full body massage but the girl owner suggested that I get a body scrub (I must have looked like I didn’t take a bath that morning) since it has also a massage technique to it so I conceded to get one.  CW on the other hand got a 2-hr massage. 

Ginger Body Scrub PHP 799

Being only on 2^nd day of operation, naturally there’d be kinks and the owners gracefully admitted to this.  The shower heater didn’t work immediately.  After the body scrub, I had to walk (shaking) through a cold room to the shower to rinse off, which is new to me because when I get a body scrub from other spas, the “staff” usually rinses me off in the same room.  They rinse off the scrub, I don’t.  Not that I want to be a Cleopatra, but I actually paid for a service. The ginger scrub smelled nice and expensive and it soothed my tired mind.  I love the supple feeling it left on my skin too.  I took a bath the next day (do not contest, I did!) and I still smelled a hint of the scrub, which gave me a refreshed feeling throughout the day. 

Full Body Massage PHP 599

CW was ok with the massage (he fell asleep) but suggested it could be harder.  The masseuse’ “hardest” was still weak.   The review is too general because they didn’t have a brochure yet that I could take home.  I cannot describe more the different types of scrubs they have or further details other than the actual experience.  I wasn’t able to take notes either since my body goes to safe mode and was ready to rest at 11pm.   We plan to visit Ahavia and give it a try again within this month or probably after the Hong Kong trip on the first weekend of June.      

As you enter the glass door, first thing one will notice is the ethnic Indian flair displayed on the wall in this 2-floor restaurant.  The chairs and tables are black with gold details. 

On the Table:

Saffron Rice PHP 180

It was just that yellow rice.  There wasn’t much flavor in it nor did it smell like it had saffron.  But I liked that they garnished the rice with dried prunes and apricots.

Chicken Curry PHP 180

Anticipating that their mild hot is really spicy, we specifically mentioned not to make it spicy.

Chicken Kebab PHP 150

It was dry and kind of crumbles when you eat it.

Chapati PHP 40

Thin Crispy Bread

Naan PHP40.  Indian Soft Bread

Samosas PHP 80.  It was served with regular chutney and tamarind chutney

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/342/08_0117-_New_Bombay

New Bombay offers authentic Indian cuisine with an air of India in two locations: 

New Bombay. 119 Wilson Square, Wilson St. San Juan. 10am-1230am. 7270737

Dela Costa, Makati 8192892