Finding Peace in La Paz

CEBU, Philippines - La Paz is a very peaceful and laid back district in Ilo-Ilo—a stark contrast with the life I have become used to in Cebu. In La Paz, the store that I have to check is just a stone’s throw away. I swear I could see it from the balcony of the place I’m staying in. Guanco, a very old district in Ilo-Ilo where my other store is located is only a ten to fifteen-minute drive away—which works for me, as well.

Although seemingly peaceful, I can hardly say that my stress levels have drastically taken a downturn in the City of Love. 

So what’s a girl to do after a rather frustrating and pointless talk with they-who-must-not-be-named? Here are my top stress busters when you’re whisked far away from familiar faces and places and left to live on your own in a place where you have to start at Ground Zero.

La Paz Batchoy at Deco’s

Nothing soothes the soul and rids the body of stress than a great bowl of special La Paz batchoy from Deco’s. I used to pass by this place a lot and it wasn’t only when I had the most exasperating and exhausting of discussions that I felt like swinging into this place to get a bowlful of what they call Ilonggo history.

La Paz Batchoy is the halo-halo of meat stock soups. This hit which dates back to around 70 years ago in a small public market stall owned by a young cook and entrepreneur named Federico Guillermo Sr. whom everyone called “Deco”, is a scrumptious concoction of noodles, shredded meat, herbs, and spices, sprinkled with everyone’s favorite crushed chicharon.

Personally, I love my La Paz Batchoy with sliced hard boiled egg on the side or fresh egg adding a subtle spike of flavor into the soup. Top it off with either pandesal or puto on the side and you have a perfect afternoon gastronomic retreat. This is even better with a nice hard bound book and rain pattering on your window pane.

Tibiao Fish Massage

Back home, it was always either Thai or Swedish massage. When stress levels shoot up sky high, the routine massage methods simply won’t do. 

I happened to run into the Tibiao Fish Spa at the ground level of SM Ilo-Ilo City by accident one day after work. I truly consider this a fabulous find in the City of Love most especially because I no longer had to drive all the way to Antique for a helping of ichthyotherapy or fish therapy.

The presence of water alone makes this type of massage a relaxation trip that’s best with a circle of your closest friends. Tibiao fish will begin to sward around your legs as soon as you dip your feet in the water and nibble at your toes inducing a very ticklish sensation. The smaller the fish, the more ticklish the sensation. I suggest you spend 15 minutes in the tiny fish tub, 15 minutes at the medium fish tub, and the rest of the time at the large fish tub for total exfoliation. Sit back and relax as these fishies will feed on your dead skin. Water + Fish nibbling your toes + giggles = a better mood and a stress free evening.

In English, La Paz means “Peace”. La Paz Batchoy and the Fish Spa definitely make La Paz live up to its name. ?