Get some SPA-mpering

People who live amid the hustle and bustle of the metropolis need to de-stress. Visiting a spa is an option to rejuvenate both body and soul.

“For almost 15 years now, we have been bringing a unique and personal holistic approach to wellness for our patrons. Today, we are more than thrilled to open our latest spa to those who deserve total mind and body rejuvenation,” says Richard Uy, EVP of The Spa, which recently opened a branch in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati.

The Spa’s newest branch is located on R2 level of the Archaeology wing. It features a modern glamour-inspired design with eight premier suites and a foot-care room. Its premier suites have a private shower and steam bath. The new location is also the fourth branch to house a barre3 exercise studio.

Developed by American fitness veteran Sadie Lincoln, barre3 is a revolutionary class that is inspired by ballet, yoga and Pilates. The combination of the three gives birth to a 60-minute routine exercise that improves balance and increases flexibility. The exercise also helps achieve a better posture.

“Many who are looking for a convenient, challenging and effective workout that delivers fast and long-term results have found contentment in barre3,” says Tanya Tan, the spa’s business development manager and barre3 managing director. She adds, “The exercise not only tones your body, but also helps you achieve a sound mind and a calm spirit. This balance of the mind, body and spirit is what the ‘3’ in barre3 symbolizes.” 

Started two years ago, barre3 is fast gaining popularity, with classes being offered worldwide. Soon, barre3 will be featured in the Mexico City location of Hard Candy Fitness, a club owned by Madonna.

Sadie says, “I designed this class based on my need to have a simple, smart, mind-body workout that fits into my busy life as a driven professional, hands-on parent and mind-body practitioner. Each class is 60 minutes and designed to deliver a consistent experience.”

(The barre3 exercise studios are found in the following branches: Alabang, The Fort, Eastwood and Rockwell. Other branches of The Spa are located in Greenbelt and TriNoma. Check out www.barre3.com.ph or log on to www.thespa.com.ph)

A Scotch tasting program with Chivas

A stylish two-day Scotch tasting program was recently held at The Republiq Club in Resorts World, Newport City. The exclusive tasting session was meant to showcase the Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old premium Scotch whisky.

It was the second time Pernod Ricard Philippines, the exclusive importer and marketer of popular international premium brands such as Absolut Vodka, Malibu Rhum, Martell Cognac and Kahlua, hosted the Scotch tasting event, following its successful tasting program a few months back. At the event, a number of 18-Year-Old single malt whiskies from the Chivas Regal 18 blend were paired with chocolate shavings, almonds, sultanas and chocolate truffles.

Republiq’s chef Fernando Aracama prepared a sumptuous four-course dinner for the occasion. Hyatt executive chef Josef Miklavc also created unique chocolates infused with Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old blend.

Darren Hosie, regional mentoring manager for Chivas Brothers Limited, flew in from Scotland and led the tasting program. Hosie joined the company in July 2003 and has since become an international brand ambassador. He goes around the world to “evangelize” on the distinctiveness of the Chivas Regal.

The night also introduced the Chivas 18 Blend of Brothers represented by Manila’s accomplished gentlemen namely Louie Kaw, Marc Soong, Marco de Guzman, Neil Arce, Bingo Manahan and Ike Stranathan.

Queen Victoria granted a Royal Warrant to the Chivas brothers, James and John, in 1843 to supply premium Scotch whiskey to the royal family. Now, Chivas delights the palates of Scotch aficionados in the Philippines.

Battle on the dance floor

The best all-female dance groups from different high schools and universities in Metro Manila showcased their groove at the recent elimination round of the Crissa Dance Synergy 2010 held at the Sky Dome of the SM North Edsa.  The grand finals will take place on Dec. 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Activity Center.

Apart from being the biggest and longest-running all-girl dance competition in the country, the Crissa Dance Synergy is also the only dance competition endorsed and accredited by the Department of Education.

Crissa brand manager Chris Go said, “We’re celebrating our sixth year with a much bigger, better and more intense dance competition with the inclusion of college dance groups from the top universities in the metro. From Crissa Teen Synergy, the contest is now called Crissa Dance Synergy to reflect a fiercer, more challenging all-girl dance battle.”

This year’s theme was all about girly chic as the contestants in the elimination round donned their fun personalities, confident attitudes and fashionable styles to complement their impressive dance talent. Hosts Archie Alemania and Rizza Diaz took turns in presenting the elimination of dance groups. Contestants came from Kalayaan High School, Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School, Benigno Aquino Jr. High School, Lagro High School, Ismael Mathay High School, Juliever Academy, Camarin High School, Holy Infant Montessori High School, Systems Plus Computer College and Quezon City Science High School.  Joining them for the first leg were the dance teams from De La Salle University (DLSU) and Far Eastern University (FEU).

In the end, six teams qualified for the grand finals and went home with P10,000 cash each. Advancing to the grand finals, where at stake is a P100,000 cash prize for each of the winning high school and college teams, were Juliever Academy, Systems Plus Computer College, Lagro High School and Ismael Mathay High School for the high school category; and both DLSU and FEU for the college category. Benigno Aquino Jr. High School and DLSU each bagged the Most Fashionably Fun Award and P3,000 worth of Crissa gift certificates for being the teams with the most stylish Crissa get-up.

Judges in the first elimination round were Jason Zamora of Maneuvers, choreographer Ickay Eusebio, Dr. Noemi Bellosillo of the Department of Education and lawyer Lily Freida Milla of the Commission on Higher Education.

The crowd was also wowed by song numbers from the Claret Quartet and a dance performance by the Claret Hataw Boys.

The grand finals will have Dennis Trillo as special guest.

The Crissa Dance Synergy 2010 is made possible by Juicy, The Body Shop, WL Foods, Biogenic, Reva Footwear, Fres Beauty Soap and Sisters Sanitary Napkin.

(For more information, check out Crissa Jeans on Facebook.)