Summer staycation

Everything about it had a unique stamp  from the USB invite that had a video greeting to the events that unfolded that day: We rode a party bus that brought the city’s top editors to and fro and experienced a one-of-a-kind reception that heralded the marriage of beauty and technology. This was one staycation that was both informative and invigorating, to say the least.

To say we lead such busy and hectic lives is an understatement. To take some time off it is almost impossible. Yet somehow, my instinct guided me in saying, “Yes!” to this invitation. I am most fond of surprises and nothing gives me a thrill more than a well-thought-out surprise. I guess that’s me letting go of that control freak in me  to just let go and go with the flow. The host in me always prevails in getting ahold of all the details related to the program, but that’s just me.

A limo picked us up and brought us to an undisclosed venue. We were told to travel light, so I packed two “light” suitcases and gave my staff the day off. We all need to withdraw from the hectic pace of everyday life once in a while. In the car, I thought to myself, “So this is how it feels to join Big Brother or Survivor.” Not! 

Midas Hotel in Roxas Boulevard became our home base, a quaint boutique hotel that had Hermés boxes as design pieces in their entire lobby. I entered my room, looked out, and savored the view of the famous Manila Bay outside my window. And then the iPad rang. It was a video message from Pond’s brand manager for the Philippines Jacque Yuengtian (yes, à la “Tyra Mail”) telling us to get ready for the festivities that were going to happen that day. 

Next thing I knew, I was standing next to Unilever big boss Peter Cowan having tea and scones, then we were off to another secret location aboard the party bus, where an impromptu session of karaoke ensued. I wanted to put that bit in because I got a perfect score for my rendition of an old ditty. Stylebible.ph’s Isha Andaya and I won iPads for our singing “prowess.”

Red and pink

Dinner was on the top “shelf” of Fully Booked. The space was converted for the night’s entertainment, where two areas were set up: A pseudo lecture area where we learned about skin aging, and another where the dinner was served. Our very own Apples Aberin, Project Runway Philippines star and now-global PR director for Pond’s  I am particularly proud of seeing this Pinay supermodel conquer the corporate world the same way she did with the runways of the world.  A scientist from New York, Dr. Helen Meldrum, explained how Pond’s Age Miracle works before we were treated to a sumptuous feast. The day ended early  at 9 p.m.  for what was written in the itinerary as “beauty sleep.” of course, I ended up heading out and painting the night red, since that was the theme color of the entire day, anyway.

The next day was light and easy, with breakfast served just down the hallway from my suite. I love the proximity of the venue, that way I couldn’t be late for the event. Pink was the color motif and it was really interesting to see everybody  from the brand managers to the editors  clad in different shades of the color we usually associate with being tickled. The day’s lecture was about “whitening”  something I don’t think I need to indulge in. The truth of the matter is that Filipinas are very much into it, whether we like it or not. Everything is a matter of choice, so I turned it. Unveiled was Pond’s very own Flawless White products.

The day ended with a climax: The announcement of event host Ginggay Joven-dela Merced with the Pond’s team doing an Oprah moment of giving everybody their iPad2’s, with the entire press kit  stories, pictures, memories  all embedded within the gadget, once again metaphorically mirroring the marriage of beauty and technology. It encapsulated the entire staycation and everything else we did on this page.

Always remember that in the midst of all the things that keep us busy, taking a few steps back, settling in silence, and giving yourself that much-needed break, whether by pampering yourself, reading a good book, or just going into meditation, is ultimately doing that which is good for you.

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Have a productive start of summer. Follow me on twitter.com/officialTIMYAP and on Instagram at officialtimyap.