GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Do a 'me time'...at the mall
Every city dweller knows the importance of 'me time' — that sacred time you spend with yourself, to reflect on the previous week's horrors or prepare you for the coming week's stresses.
Especially during long weekends, people go on a quick solo trip to the beach, or when budget allows, to Hong Kong or Singapore. But when it's 'petsa de peligro,' — before pay day, like right now — 'me time' becomes a hard and expensive gift to give yourself.
Which is where we come in: Stash a little cash and plan exactly one day of indulgence for yourself in a mall. The idea seems drab, but only if you think of malls as crowded spaces of capitalism.
The first thing you need to do is minimize unnecessary spending by leaving your credit card at home. There are many distractions and you have to remember that in vacations, you pay for the experience, not knickknacks.
The goal is to relax, so plan a day that is all about chill. Perhaps a trip to a spa? A manicure? A facial? A drink? Or four? Most malls offer these services, but we're focusing on the darling indulgence Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong offers.
It's not very crowded, the food options are great, and the ambient lighting is spot-on. It's also a fair middle ground for North and South folks, so you can meet up with friends easily.
But this is all about you so we suggest you book an afternoon at The Spa. It's located in a nook in the mall's East Wing; it hardly feels like your in a mall once you step inside. It's very quiet and there's a number of services from which to choose.
The Spa offers the Aroma Facial Message, which is a 45-minute session offered for P935 (or P825 if you are a member). Enjoy a bit of tea before laying back to enjoy a massage that covers your face, scalp, and shoulders.
You can also opt for the Aroma Scalp and Shoulder Massage if you want to focus on those areas, priced at P825.
The therapists aren't afraid to work out the knots on your shoulder and if you have a lot of them from stress, it'll feel divine. They also offer to remove some white or blackheads. Say no if, like me, you're not a fan of facials.
But if facials are your thing, you can also check out Skin 101! Seaweed Facial, anyone?
All of your makeup will be removed, but the oils will leave a refreshing feeling on your skin and there's a chance you'll look positively glowing after the session.
If you're not willing to spend more than P500 for a bit of pampering, we say put on your sandals and head to Nail Spa, at the 5th floor of the mall's main wing.
There's an Express Feet treatment that costs P350, sure to make you feel fancy. It's all about the ambiance and Nail Spa...uh, nails it. Sit back, enjoy the excessive amount of pillows and the art on the walls.
Shelling out a little extra for their other treatments like Pamper Feet or Bliss Feet is not necessary, but recommended. Maybe for a more special occasion?
After chilling at any of these establishments, you can enjoy a cup of coffee from Bo's Coffee Primo or a cup of flat white at Toby's Estate, the second floor of the main wing. Or perhaps a glass of wine at Planet Grapes, if you're out on a date-ish thing?
There's also the option of heading up to Shang Cineplex, before winding down with a beer at Brotzeit...but you can also always just call it a day and continue relaxing at home.
Keep in mind that the goal is always to cha-chill without the cha-ching. An itinerary keeps your vacation organized — the same principle applies to your weekend.
Make a list of errands you need to run on the weekend and then spare an hour or two for a bit of pampering.
You'll feel more ready to face the coming week again! — LA, GMA News
