A weekend to remember

Photos by Star Sabroso We have just had a long weekend and while everyone around me was making plans to go out of town, I was a feeling a little disappointed that I couldn’t join my sister in Bohol. I was all set on spending the next few days sleeping in and attending some yoga classes, when I received a message from my editor asking if I was available to participate in a detox weekend at the IASIS Health and Wholeness Center. Iasis is Greek for “healing” which is synonymous to “wholeness.” The original writer had to back out, and was I interested? Of… COURSE! I didn’t know what to expect. I had a mental picture of myself munching on carrot sticks and feeling hungry most of the time. I was also provided a list of rules that asked its guests not to bring processed food and snacks such as coffee, junk food and sweets. Nonetheless, by the time we had to leave for the wellness center, I was psyched. Day 1 I was available only for two days so they customized a healing program for me. I learned later on that the program is more effective if I stayed for at least five days. IASIS is located in Angat, Bulacan and part of the Gawad Kalinga farm so I got a glimpse of the community before arriving at the driveway of the center. The people who greeted me were friendly, relaxed and warm and I felt immediately at ease. A welcome green juice was given and then I was given some time to settle down before the first meal in the Nourish Cafe. Breakfast consisted of fruits which I shared with the operations manager Daniw Arrazola and Gerone Ba-ang, my yoga instructor for the day. A few minutes with them and we talked as if they were already my longtime friends. They shared stories of cancer patients who stayed with them to partake in their programs that aim to heal people in the most natural way possible. After eating, I had time to explore the grounds and discovered dill outside my bedroom window, which was a pleasant surprise. I also came across some tomatoes and other vegetables. Soon, lunch came and when I saw the table, I kid you not – it was full of vegan dishes, both raw and cooked. There was so much food that I laughed. For lunch, they served wakame soup, togue, Korean bibimbap and topped it all off with banana cinnamon ice cream. Daniw also happens to be one of the first raw food chefs in Manila and every meal I had during my stay was something worth going back for. They asked me if I wanted to rest, but I wanted to maximize my experience so we had a tour around the GK community. I also requested if we could practice the scheduled yoga outside so we could have a view of nature while doing our Vinyasa poses. Honestly, my first day felt more like a vacation instead of an assignment. And the highlight of the day? It was the signature massage before going to bed. It was pure heaven after a full day of yoga and walking. Day 2 We started the day at 6:00 a.m. with Oil Pulling. This has been practiced for centuries to remove toxins from our bodies. It was my first time to try this where you swish a tablespoon of coconut oil for around 20 minutes. There is a nearby structure with a second level to meditate while doing this. After finishing this activity, I went back to the kitchen where I started working on the calamansi to make my alkaline shot. A major benefit of having an alkaline body is that less chronic diseases will be experienced and it helps prevent the risk of cancer. Scheduled for the day were two treatments I was looking forward to before going home to Manila that night: the infrared light therapy and the wholeness process. The infrared light therapy tackles various skin problems and body pain in an effective and non-invasive way. It looks just like a sauna without the mist. The wholeness session at the end was memorable for me. According to Gerone, detoxing is not limited to the physical. We should also take time to do an emotional and spiritual cleanse.  During the session, there were crayons, a piece of paper and some art and I cried, sharing more than I thought I would that night. Haha. When it was time to leave, I felt sad. I felt I was leaving some kindred spirits, people whom I connected with and felt like family. The detox weekend wasn’t anything I expected and for anyone who needs some time off to just focus on what is important, consider having a few days off to do this. Your body and mind will thank you. IASIS Health and Wholeness Center offers a Detox program through a slow food principles and organic menu offerings; a Healing practice that observes deep healing not just as physical recovery but an overall transformation process; a Transformation Spa with therapists working alongside healers, coaches, and medical practitioners in building programs suited to a person’s goal and personality; and a Heart and Soul retreat that consists of yoga, inner dance, coaching, nature walks, art therapy and a daily diet of highly transformative workshops that will allow you to tap into core energy. IASIS Health and Wholeness Center is located at GK Enchanted Farm, Angat Bulacan. For more information and booking contact them via iasiswholenessgk@gmail.com or +63 917 550 4061 / +63 939 918 7309. For more information visit iasisph.com or iasis.ph on Facebook.