Cue Eight by IU feat. Suga.
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I have a thousand things to be thankful for as I turn twenty-eight (yes this is a belated post), but a big and specific part of my gratitude goes to the moments of healing we got to create for ourselves. When life gets too difficult, work too demanding, and love too confusing –we go back to centering, peace, and good food.
Nothing can be solved without enough sleep, food and some pampering (not necessarily in that order).
The Farm at San Benito
Last year, I spent my birthday nearby in the historic Rizal Park Hotel. While it was fun and relaxing, it wasn’t exactly refreshing –I was still in the city. I wanted to go somewhere with nature and living things.
Read Here: 2022 in Review (Staycation Edition)
And ever since I started considering Lifestyle Medicine as a clinical track after residency, I’ve been on the lookout for wellness and aesthetic hubs in the country. Enter The Farm at San Benito.
Marketed as a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat in Lipa, and the first of its kind in the Philippines, The Farm offers villas ranging from small huts to sprawling spaces fit for company retreats, surrounded by a literal forest and featuring an actual farm somewhere in the premises. The price is a little prohibitive for a run-of-the-mill staycation, but for a birthday or anniversary –why not?
I have over a dozen photos and videos from the experience. Someday I’ll make that short vlog… But until then, these were the highlights of our stay:
- Hilot Haplos. We availed of a shorter 1.5-hr package versus the usual 2 hours. It comes with a traditional hilot and a full body scrub with tablea cacao. Because we didn’t avail of the coconut bath, we even got a PHP2000 discount! The massage hit all the right spots and got me melting on the table after. Something to try next time –the aquatherapy.
- Garden Glass Villa. We booked a smaller villa for our stay, but because we were celebrating my birthday, we got a free upgrade to a bigger suite! Honestly so so ready to invest in my own mountain/lakeside home with similar finishings and an outdoor tub. Also funny: the rooms come with complementary tea, but no coffee. Maybe it’s because coffee is unhealthy? Perish the thought.
- Free Wildlife. I don’t know why but there were peacocks and geese (?) freely roaming around. That’s their right and I support that.
An actual outdoor tub (which we didn’t actually try, but it was nice to look at). 
At 0.5x view because you need to appreciate the architecture! The interiors and furnishings show signs of age, but the place is clean and well-kept. 
When the climate is cool and there’s no pollution, walking distances is a pleasure all on its own. 
This experience could have been INFINITELY BETTER if only they had heated pools. If the sun wasn’t around to shine, I could not have survived the cool water.
My sister got to try their sleek gym. Because I got there post duty, I totally forgot to bring exercise wear (though I think they do sell some clothes in the small shop near the reception). So now I think I’ll be back just to try out the small yoga classes and the gym. And also the walking/hiking event, which we missed out on because of the rain.
Also catch our crochet bucket hats (my mom made them herself).
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The all-vegan, pescetarian, and vegetarian fare were just so-so. But if I can eat with the promise of a good view every day… that might be worth it. (My body composition scanner says I need more protein though.)
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I don’t know if it’s just the season or time we went there, but there’s just so much space to move around.
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I’d give this experience a solid 7/10, but probably higher if I wasn’t so concerned over the budget and if the food was a little better. The Farm delivered the fresh air, lush forest scenery, and pampering that I craved for. Would definitely recommend to try at least once on a special occasion!
Bon Appetit Cafe at 1120 House
I have no idea what’s new or trendy in the restaurant scene, so another thanks to the people who recommended 1120 House to us!
We couldn’t bring Kaleb (and by extension, Kuya Gio and Ate Kim) to The Farm because Kaleb came down with some colds, but at least we got to enjoy a day out together in Manila.
The food itself was inconsistently seasoned, and the portions were a little small. But the vibe (especially the pig-themed decor???) was excellent. Kaleb certainly enjoyed the view of the patio (the cafe is beside an outdoor pool).
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Here’s to another year of savoring the best in life– family, food, and uninterrupted sleep. Cheers!
jari m 
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