How about a couples’ retreat, or an artsy speed dating event?
Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday means it can be celebrated over the weekend. There’s extra time to spend with loved ones and more activities to try, including for singles who just want to have fun.
Couples, whether just starting out or already long-term, can go on a wellness retreat like the one organized by Simula Wellness Retreats called “Buklod.” It takes place Feb. 15 to 16 at El Jardin de Zaida in San Juan, Batangas.
“The program is designed so that each individual can rediscover the love within themselves first in order to show up as their best selves for their partner,” says Richard Liao, a holistic health coach who cofounded Simula Wellness Retreats with his wife Barbie.
“The word buklod means ‘bond’ or ‘union.’ Love is the bond that brings people together. We have a lineup of romantic and fun wellness activities themed around mindful connection.”
Liao lets Lifestyle peek into the program: a meditative painting activity, a breath work and sound bath session, a morning workout that couples will participate in as partners.
“Our best tip for couples to make the most out of this retreat is to show up as their true and authentic selves, and not to be afraid of being vulnerable enough to be seen,” he says. “The deepest connections happen when we let go of our armors of self-judgment and allow who we truly are to be appreciated and loved by others.”
He goes on sharing how self-development and inner work became the foundation of his relationship with his wife and their journey as a couple.
“Wellness has strengthened us in more ways than one. Coming from stress, anxiety, and burnout, while it was a joy to find our own individual healing, it truly was a gift to be able to journey alongside each other and eventually together.”
Aside from the wellness program, the retreat fee of P22,500 per night includes eco-luxury room accommodation for two persons, full board meals, romantic dinner under the stars, and access to resort facilities. Visit @simulawellnessretreats on Instagram for the full details on “Buklod” and future retreats.
Paint with a date
If you’re into meditation and the arts but still waiting for “the one,” you may find your match by joining “Paint with a Date” this Sunday, 1 p.m., at Muni Cowellness and Recreational Center in Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
It’s a speed-dating event, says Jezreel Gibaga from the organizing team of Breathe Learn Thrive. Participants will be given art materials to use with the guidance of the art teacher at the event. They will then have a guided meditation “to spark creativity.” Later on, they will be paired up to paint while getting to know each other.
“This is open not just for those looking for love, but even for those who just want to make friends and learn art!” she points out. The P1,999 fee is inclusive of art materials. To sign up, send an Instagram direct message to @breathelearenthrive.
On the same day, you may stay at Muni for a session of “Sound Healing and Reiki: Love and Healing,” which starts at 6:30 p.m. It’s described as “combining the therapeutic vibrations of Himalayan singing bowls” with Reiki, a spiritual healing art with Japanese origins, to “create a deeply relaxing and restorative experience.
”The class rate is P1,500. But if you bring a friend or partner, you each get a discount of P100. The next session is on Feb. 16.
Muni has special offerings for this month of love on its wellness packages for individual, pair, and group bookings. Inquire at @muni.philippines on Instagram.
