QiWellness Living -- An Epitome of Relaxation

Pronounced as chi, qi in Mandarin means energy -- the life force in everything. Aptly named after this term, QiWellness Living in Tagaytay promotes a very sensorial experience and a place to relax and unwind from the urban jungle that is Manila.

QiWellness Living is discreetly tucked along the main road in Tagaytay, and even if we frequent Tagaytay, we weren't able to notice it when we went there a couple of Saturdays back to sample their 8-course Yin-Yang dinner menu. I was told that the place has an unobstructed view of Taal but we didn't get to see it because we arrived well after the sun has already set.

A couple of red doors with brass lion door knockers greeted us from the entrance. The same brass lion door knockers adorn a couple of other rooms inside but with a black door. The good people of QiWellness gave us a tour of the place. As with most places in Tagaytay on the side of the volcano, the entrance is located on the topmost floor. We also found the kitchen and a big dining table in the Ming-era style on the same level. As we went down, there is a really old-looking tree that was very nicely lit. I thought that it contributed to the ambiance of the place.

I was a bit surprised that as we entered, there was a loud sound of a gong. They sound it every time a guest arrives. It was alright during the first couple of times, but I felt that it became too much after a while. Haha. Nakakagulat lang everytime they sound it.

On the floor below, we saw the tea house complete with a tiled roof that reminded us of the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Countless tea kettles adorn the back wall of the bar. Clear glass railings sits on the Taal viewing side. More seating for al fresco dining can be found here. On the other side of the floor, we were ushered to the Opium den, where you can get the Qiharmony or Qireflexology services. It was dark and red, but air conditioned. The area was divided by curtains. I guess the only thing missing was actual opium. Hahaha.

Further down are a couple of jacuzzis, which comprise most of the bath house. The yin yang pools reflect the opposing nature of yin and yang -- black and white, hot and cold. Oh, did I mention that while you're soaking in the pools, you see the view of Taal? Wow, right? I am so coming back here during the day. There's also a steam room nearby and a couple of private massage rooms on the side. These rooms may be converted into bedrooms for those who want to stay overnight.

After the tour, we got ready for dinner. Because it was evening and I only brought my phone with me, these photos don't do the food justice.

My favorite was the scallop dish.

I think it was reasonably priced and we loved the food they served. My husband and I are both fans of tasting menus and the summer dinner menu of QiWellness Living definitely didn't disappoint.

QiWellness Living
Aguinaldo Highway, Brgy. Maharlika East,
Tagaytay City, Philippines
+63 917 522 6969
www.qiwellness.ph

Crafts/DIY: Chalkboard Paint Tutorial

I've been looking for chalkboard paint, and although I've found some, there are only a few colors available. Well, what do you know? You can customize your own chalkboard paint color by using just two materials:

* 1 cup of latex paint -- This can be any color of your choice so there's unlimited colors you can use.
* 1 to 2 tbsp of unsanded tile grout

All you have to do is mix them extremely well and there you go, you can now start painting using your own chalkboard paint.

Wouldn't it be cuter if these black backgrounds were another color, say pink?