Where did January go? We were all quite hopeful at the start of the year, thanks to the new vaccine and diminishing cases, but within these four weeks a new variant of the virus now lurks among us. Thus, we begin 2021 with more mixed signals, uncertainty and desperation, going back into our homes and figuring out how to really stay safe and COVID-free.
Last Friday, I made sure to moon bathe at 3 a.m. to ask for clarity, courage, right action, a good path and loads of support and love. According to my good friend and urban healer Rosan Cruz, the first full moon of 2021 activates a deep emotional truth within you. It is a chance to take stock of an area of your life and come to terms with change.
The power of a full moon is obvious. In astrology, the sun rules over your external self, the part of you that can be seen in the light. However, the moon rules over your internal self, the part of you that lingers in the dark. These two aspects of yourself struggle for dominance during a full moon, and the struggle may unfold through revelations, realizations and the desire to express your most heartfelt emotions.
Every full moon has its own personality and unique energetic aura. This particular full moon takes place in bright, passionate and creative Leo. Ruled by the sun, a full moon in Leo is a full moon that demands your attention. Let self-expression lead the way on this full moon.
Governed by the Yin principle, the Year of the Metal Ox, 2021, inspires our self, understanding and emotional warmth, immersion in our personal life and strengthening of family relationships. It is the time to get in touch with our inner being, but to also find values, harmony and love in the interaction with our close friends and other people.
Wellness resort
Beginning Feb. 12, the Year of the Metal Ox is an excellent year to improve your health and prioritize your well-being. Next month, I plan to visit The Farm (thefarmatsanbenito.com) in San Benito. Since I am unable to travel to Japan and enjoy onsen treatments, I will relax and have special treatments there instead.
Managed by CG Corp. Global under the arm of CG Hospitality, The Farm at San Benito is an eco-luxury, holistic, medical wellness resort located in Lipa City, Batangas, a 90-minute drive south of Manila. Its world-class facilities and services have made it a recipient of 61 prestigious international accolades, including “The Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World.”
Their aim is to help the guests’ bodies return to their ideal balanced state and achieve holistic optimum wellness using five key healing components: holistic integrative medical services; nurturing spa and hydrotherapy water wellness; plant-based, whole-food, vegan cuisine; mindful movement and functional fitness; and healing environment and heartfelt service. The Farm also offers noninvasive beauty and antiaging services for those who wish to enhance their physical selves through a holistic approach.
The Farm recently launched new facilities, accommodations and a restaurant that redefines people’s idea of a holiday home. The Acqua Sanctuary is a newly built facility offering a multistep, hydrotherapy water wellness program for guests. The Farm added Pesce, a new pescetarian restaurant. While fish is included as the main source of protein, the restaurant combines this with consciously cultivated, organic living foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
A year ago, five luxurious Mahogany Villas were added. Four of them measure 300 square meters, and the Mahogany Luxury Villa is a spacious 600-sq-m haven, with two bedrooms elegantly designed with simplicity in mind.
Work out, eat right
Due to this pandemic, we all need to take extra care of ourselves. I’m so conscious about being healthy, so Balesin Island Club and Aegle Wellness Center have helped me keep an active life. From Pound instructors Marge Camacho and Isabel Lava to Kundalini yoga teacher Rosan, they have been helping me work out and eat right!
This February, The City Club, in partnership with Miyazaki Gyu, brings to Sakura Japanese restaurant the Miyazaki Gyu Beef Festival (tel. 0917-7998894, 0908-8870910, 87370000), a monthlong special dinner offer featuring dishes made with Miyazaki Wagyu, Japan’s No. 1 meat as rated by Japan Meat Grading Association and Wagyu Registry Association.
The City Club is a membership club in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District, with 50 plus world-class amenities, including acclaimed specialty restaurants—the same restaurants found in their sister club, Balesin Island Club. Sakura, the club’s Japanese restaurant, has been a favorite of members and guests with its authentic, elevated Japanese cuisine with modern flair.
Exquisite Japanese dishes, including Beef Sashimi, Beef Teppanyaki with Truffled Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms, Aburi Beef Sushi with Uni and Ikura, and Beef Tartare, will be prepared and served by Sakura’s skilled chef Valerie Nombre for a full-course fine dining experience.
Gastronome Pepper Teehankee described Miyazaki as “one of the best types of Japanese beef around. It is full of beefy goodness and so tender it was like cutting a block of butter. The seven-course meal highlighted how versatile Miyazaki beef is, served both cooked and uncooked.”
Nic Belasco, general manager of The City Club, told me how excited he was to partner with Santi Araneta and Miyazaki Gyu for the festival. “The Miyazaki Beef Festival this February is the first of its kind for The City Club, which runs Feb. 10-28.”
Additionally, to maintain social distancing, it’s allowing families of 10 to book Sakura exclusively each evening. This makes the festival perfect for both individuals and small groups who’ve been meaning to catch up over dinner at a safe and private place.
The Miyazaki Gyu Beef Festival is open to all. As an early reservation exclusive offer, 10 percent off will be given when you book a table by today, Jan. 31.
