Live In Manila

This is a blog compiling everything I've ever written for newspapers, magazines and other publications. The first entry is my very first column that appeared in Manila Times in April 2008. 

MAN ON THE SIDE

Paul John Caña

Live In Manila

These days, it’s a good time to be a concert geek living in Manila

In recent weeks, every time I find myself in the company of fellow music lovers, the talk always gravitates towards all the international artists that are stopping by to do shows in the country. Those that have already come and caused many of us to part with our hard-earned moolah include Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Josh Groban, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Ne-Yo, Maroon 5, Incubus and Harry Connick Jr. Heck, even Richard Carpenter flew in for a special performance with chanteuse-turned-bus operator Claire De La Fuente and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself in Malacañang. Scheduled to fly in over the next few weeks and months is a motley mix of old favorites and fresher faces: Swing Out Sister, Toto, James Blunt and Matchbox 20. But invariably the most interesting part of these chats involve the speculation on and anticipation for the supposed arrival of the really big guns; people get worked up hoping to finally witness shows by U2, the Dave Matthews Band and Madonna later in the year (if the buzz is to be believed) here in our little corner of the world.

For fans of live music, it’s obviously a pretty big deal to be suddenly inundated with all these artists making the trip to personally share their music with us. There hasn’t been such a significant number of popular foreign artists “invading” our shores since the wave of chinovela pop stars died down and left many of us gasping for breath (hyperventilation caused by either extreme adulation or plain disgust). I can’t help but wonder now about the sudden downpour of all of these artists. While we have the promoters to thank for bringing them in and putting on the shows, I have to wonder if anything has changed in the overall “concert climate” in these parts that has suddenly caused Manila to join the ranks of some of our more cosmopolitan neighbors in attracting top tier recording artists.

For sure, the general improvement in national security must have something to do with it. I can’t forget when shows here by Oasis, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Slipknot were suddenly cancelled purportedly because of security concerns. Despite the stifling political climate these days, there hasn’t been a major security issue (such as an explosion with a significant number of casualties) anywhere in the country in recent months that could shoo away potential visitors. And while we’re thankful enough for the relative peace and stability we’ve been enjoying, it doesn’t hurt that Aguilera, Adam Levine, Brandon Boyd and all the others and their managers and publicists believe, too, that it’s safe enough to come here and not worry about being blown up to bits in the middle of their set.

Promoters are, I think, becoming more aggressive in selling the idea of doing a show here in the country to international artists and their management. While big names like Bjork, The Police and The Cure (and many smaller acts with a devoted following like Damien Rice and Broken Social Scene) still only make it as far as Singapore and Hong Kong, local concert organizers are reaching farther and going deeper to try and convince big-ticket names to include Manila as a stop on their world tours. Bringing the biggest names in contemporary music here doesn’t come cheap, that much we know, but with the help of corporate sponsors, it’s becoming increasingly clear that astronomic ticket prices aren’t even an issue. Nosebleed seats for shows by Beyonce and Groban reached into the P20,000 area, and yet people still came in droves. When it comes to artists we like, we Pinoys have shown that we’re more than willing to shell out however much it takes so we can be right there in the audience, singing along to every word.

Finally, it’s our nature as a music-loving folk that must be reeling in all the prize catches. In particular, our penchant for Western pop music – the kind we see on music channels – doesn’t see any signs of abating anytime soon. The local offices of the major international record labels say their artists have a stronger-than-good chance of dropping by to do a show in Manila if their current releases achieve some kind of sales certification (like gold or platinum), so judging by the artists that have swung by our shores in recent months, and in spite of the worldwide trend of plummeting CD sales caused by digital downloads, we’ve pretty much proven that we’re still voracious music consumers.

Whatever it is, I gotta admit, it’s pretty cool that we’re finally getting some love from all of these artists. It’s one thing to hear Colbie Caillat, Maroon 5 or Vertical Horizon on CD or mp3, quite another to be right there watching them perform live. Whether I personally like them enough to spend my hard-earned cash for tickets is beside the point. What’s important is that we’re finally on their radar. For the consummate music lover, nothing beats the experience of a live concert put on by a favorite artist. Now if somebody can just bring in John Mayer, the Arctic Monkeys and Coldplay…

FRANCO: Superstar lineup puts the ‘rock’ back in rock ’n roll

Also from The Manila Times

Superstar lineup puts the ‘rock’ back in rock ’n roll
BY PAUL JOHN CAÑA Contributor

People have started calling them a “superband,” but for the members of Franco, it’s a term that makes them very uncomfortable.

“For us this is just another job. We don’t want to be called a ‘supergroup,’” says guitarist Paolo “Ocho” Toleran. The Queso axeman is joined in Franco by Gabby Alipe and Janjan Mendoza of Urbandub, Buhawi “Buwi” Meneses of Parokya ni Edgar and frontman and band name source Franco Reyes.

For almost two years, there were murmurs of this all-star lineup that played rock music as it should be played—raw, unhindered, uncompromising and powerful. Franco would pop up intermittently in surprise gigs around the city, but never quite got together long enough for a proper introduction. Until now.

On Saturday night, Franco launched their much anticipated debut album at Eastwood City Central Plaza. Catching all five of the superstar rockers at one time was an event itself, and prior to the show they had time to tell the story of Franco, the band.

“We’ve all known each other for more than 10 years,” Toleran says. “We all lived in the same village. Of course Gabby and Janjan knew each other way back from Cebu.”

“I’ve known Franco for close to 15 years,” Gabby says. “He’s a musical genius. It was actually Janjan who all got us together and suggested we jam a few songs.”

“In the beginning it was like that, just jamming,” Meneses adds. “Then MCA offered us the chance to record the album.”

But before then, the band members had to convince Reyes, who was then based in the United States and only flew back to the motherland from time to time, to come home for good.

“Most of my loved ones are here, and really the Philippines is home for me,” he says “As they say, home is where the heart is.”

Despite all coming from different bands who are all established in the mainstream, it was not difficult for the five friends to come together to produce new music. The mix of different styles—hard rock, pop, funk and even a little reggae—all came together and became the “Franco sound.” “It’s positive music,” Gabby says. “The lyrics carry positive vibes. There’s a message to every song.”

At the Eastwood Central Plaza, fans snapped up the album for the chance to meet the band and snag that much coveted autograph. Taking to the stage, Reyes, who wrote and arranged all the songs in the album, could not help expressing profound gratitude to everyone who’ve helped in some way to bring him and the band to where they are now.

“Salamat sa pagtangkilik sa musikang Pilipino [Thanks for patronizing Filipino music],” he said.

Franco went up onstage in front of a packed Eastwood Central Plaza. With layered guitar riffs, a booming bass and incessant drumming, the band played the kind of rock music we rarely ever experience in this day of pop star divas, rap and hip hop hybrids and lukewarm, tasteless rock star wannabes. The melodies weren’t lost in the ear-splitting rhythms and head-turning grooves. Reyes vocals soared over the instruments, like the cooler version of Chad Kroeger.

Alipe, already a master front man with his work with Urbandub, let his Franco brother bask in the spotlight and was content in providing the occasional backup vocals. Standout tracks that would soon undoubtedly adorn countless Facebook walls and quoted on Twitter status messages include lead single “Castaway,” the rasta-infused “Touch The Sky” and latest single “This Gathering.”

Time will tell how this new project will work out, especially since all the band members admitted that, unlike the old days, it’s not the easiest thing in the world to get all five together to play. But for those thirsting for some genuine OPM rock music without the bull and the fluff, the eponymous album is a must-own and will satiate any longing for ball-busting, ear splitting rock and roll.

FRANCO: Superstar lineup puts the ‘rock’ back in rock ’n roll

Also from The Manila Times

Superstar lineup puts the ‘rock’ back in rock ’n roll
BY PAUL JOHN CAÑA Contributor

People have started calling them a “superband,” but for the members of Franco, it’s a term that makes them very uncomfortable.

“For us this is just another job. We don’t want to be called a ‘supergroup,’” says guitarist Paolo “Ocho” Toleran. The Queso axeman is joined in Franco by Gabby Alipe and Janjan Mendoza of Urbandub, Buhawi “Buwi” Meneses of Parokya ni Edgar and frontman and band name source Franco Reyes.

For almost two years, there were murmurs of this all-star lineup that played rock music as it should be played—raw, unhindered, uncompromising and powerful. Franco would pop up intermittently in surprise gigs around the city, but never quite got together long enough for a proper introduction. Until now.

On Saturday night, Franco launched their much anticipated debut album at Eastwood City Central Plaza. Catching all five of the superstar rockers at one time was an event itself, and prior to the show they had time to tell the story of Franco, the band.

“We’ve all known each other for more than 10 years,” Toleran says. “We all lived in the same village. Of course Gabby and Janjan knew each other way back from Cebu.”

“I’ve known Franco for close to 15 years,” Gabby says. “He’s a musical genius. It was actually Janjan who all got us together and suggested we jam a few songs.”

“In the beginning it was like that, just jamming,” Meneses adds. “Then MCA offered us the chance to record the album.”

But before then, the band members had to convince Reyes, who was then based in the United States and only flew back to the motherland from time to time, to come home for good.

“Most of my loved ones are here, and really the Philippines is home for me,” he says “As they say, home is where the heart is.”

Despite all coming from different bands who are all established in the mainstream, it was not difficult for the five friends to come together to produce new music. The mix of different styles—hard rock, pop, funk and even a little reggae—all came together and became the “Franco sound.” “It’s positive music,” Gabby says. “The lyrics carry positive vibes. There’s a message to every song.”

At the Eastwood Central Plaza, fans snapped up the album for the chance to meet the band and snag that much coveted autograph. Taking to the stage, Reyes, who wrote and arranged all the songs in the album, could not help expressing profound gratitude to everyone who’ve helped in some way to bring him and the band to where they are now.

“Salamat sa pagtangkilik sa musikang Pilipino [Thanks for patronizing Filipino music],” he said.

Franco went up onstage in front of a packed Eastwood Central Plaza. With layered guitar riffs, a booming bass and incessant drumming, the band played the kind of rock music we rarely ever experience in this day of pop star divas, rap and hip hop hybrids and lukewarm, tasteless rock star wannabes. The melodies weren’t lost in the ear-splitting rhythms and head-turning grooves. Reyes vocals soared over the instruments, like the cooler version of Chad Kroeger.

Alipe, already a master front man with his work with Urbandub, let his Franco brother bask in the spotlight and was content in providing the occasional backup vocals. Standout tracks that would soon undoubtedly adorn countless Facebook walls and quoted on Twitter status messages include lead single “Castaway,” the rasta-infused “Touch The Sky” and latest single “This Gathering.”

Time will tell how this new project will work out, especially since all the band members admitted that, unlike the old days, it’s not the easiest thing in the world to get all five together to play. But for those thirsting for some genuine OPM rock music without the bull and the fluff, the eponymous album is a must-own and will satiate any longing for ball-busting, ear splitting rock and roll.

The Beat Master - A Review of Timbaland's Shock Value II show

I kind of like this review. From The Manila Times 

Justin Timberlake and Jojo join Timbaland’s Shock Value Tour II
BY PAUL JOHN CAÑA

The wait was excruciating.

The Mall of Asia concert grounds opened hours before the shadow of any foreign artist was seen onstage, but crowds started coming in before the sun had even set to get as close to the stage as possible. They probably had no idea it would be hours before the marquee act would turn up.

The Timbaland Shock Value Tour II featured in-demand producer, rapper and star-maker Timbaland.

PLDT-Smart brought in the Grammy-winning Virginia-native, along with teen singer Jojo and a certain Justin Timberlake (you may have heard of him) as a fundraiser for its corporate foundation. After endless loops of concert sponsors and advertisers were flashed on the big screens, a short video of what the concert was about was shown. Funds raised would help in rehabilitation projects for schools and households affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. “Special thanks to Timbaland, Jojo and Justin Timberlake,” the end title card of the video flashed.

There was some irony in the fact that a concert that was organized for a worthy cause would be held at the exact same time that the world was celebrating Earth Hour. While millions of homes and commercial establishments switched off for one hour to send a strong message about energy conservation and sustainable practices, a gigantic production involving an untold amount of electrical power was underway.

To be fair though, the concert hosts (composed of eight, yes, eight, different radio deejays) did lecture the crowd about the significance of Earth Hour. The warm-up act, a dance number by popular group the Philippine All Stars, managed to get the crowd worked up, although it took almost another hour before the main act, Timbaland himself, took to the stage at a quarter to 10 p.m., well after the end of Earth Hour.

Timothy Mosley—a.k.a. Timbaland or “Timbo”—ambled onstage amidst grateful applause. “I’m about to put on a show for you all, and I’m very glad to bring it first here to Manila,” he said. With that the stage came to life. Gigantic screens played video and computer graphics in tune with the electronic beats that melded seamlessly with the music from the live band behind the artist. Perhaps those that were in the silver section and farther away may have had a totally different experience, but for those who were close enough, it was nothing short of a sensory overload.

With the eye popping visuals, beats that could be felt, not just heard, Timbaland managed to blur the lines between a hot, thumping dance club and a full-on concert experience. The music traveled from giant speakers straight to the bloodstream, causing limbs to shake, feet to dance, arms to wave and heads to bop. Movement became involuntary. Only deaf people would have been immune to the earth shattering grooves, and even that’s doubtful, as the music made the earth move, literally, and they must have felt the vibrations and would have probably danced along, too.

Doll-faced Jojo, with her shampoo-commercial ready hair, performed a duet with Timbaland midway through his set, and performed her single “Too Little, Too Late” solo. The 20-year-old visibly struggled through parts of the song but was nevertheless rewarded with appreciative howls from the audience. Too bad that was the last the crowd saw of her; it wouldn’t have hurt anyone if she did just one more song.

Timbaland gave off the aura of a skillful conductor ably manipulating his orchestra. He was a master at working the crowd, upping the ante and building up to a monstrous climax. And the payoff at this show was undoubtedly Justin Timberlake. Arguably the biggest male pop star in the world today, the former boy band member first made his presence in the concert felt through teasing voiceovers. There were mad screams then, but when he finally materialized, vocal chords ripped and eardrums shattered. The show may have been Timbaland’s, but there was no denying who audiences really came to see.

Timbaland and Timberlake are frequent collaborators (the former produced the latter’s second album, Futuresex/Lovesounds, as well as many other singles and tracks), and their chemistry onstage was undeniable. Audiences, particularly the females, were in a state of near-ecstasy. But when it was the Grammy-winning singer’s solo turn at the spotlight, there were no complaints. Timberlake performed a limited set (he was after all, only a guest at Timbaland’s show), but audiences appreciated that he did some of his biggest hits, including a very explicit “Cry Me A River,” a slow version of “What Goes Around, Comes Around,” and the grand finale, perhaps the one song that many that night were all waiting to hear. “I retired this song but, f**k it I love you guys so much.” And with that he launched into his massive hit, “Sexy Back.”

If there was anybody there who wasn’t moving before, that ended it. With Timbaland providing backing vocals, JT brought the house down with the song. Fireworks lit up the night sky during the number, but for once, hardly anyone glanced back; all eyes were locked onstage, where the real pyrotechnics was happening. It was an incendiary performance, and even music purists “allergic” to pop must have been feeling it. Unofficial sources pegged the final count that night at the SM MOA at 75,000, and there is little doubt that every single one was bringing “sexy back” or at least, was trying to.

Nobody liked the agonizing delays, but ultimately, JT made sure he was well worth the wait

The Beat Master - A Review of Timbaland's Shock Value II show

I kind of like this review. From The Manila Times 

Justin Timberlake and Jojo join Timbaland’s Shock Value Tour II
BY PAUL JOHN CAÑA

The wait was excruciating.

The Mall of Asia concert grounds opened hours before the shadow of any foreign artist was seen onstage, but crowds started coming in before the sun had even set to get as close to the stage as possible. They probably had no idea it would be hours before the marquee act would turn up.

The Timbaland Shock Value Tour II featured in-demand producer, rapper and star-maker Timbaland.

PLDT-Smart brought in the Grammy-winning Virginia-native, along with teen singer Jojo and a certain Justin Timberlake (you may have heard of him) as a fundraiser for its corporate foundation. After endless loops of concert sponsors and advertisers were flashed on the big screens, a short video of what the concert was about was shown. Funds raised would help in rehabilitation projects for schools and households affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. “Special thanks to Timbaland, Jojo and Justin Timberlake,” the end title card of the video flashed.

There was some irony in the fact that a concert that was organized for a worthy cause would be held at the exact same time that the world was celebrating Earth Hour. While millions of homes and commercial establishments switched off for one hour to send a strong message about energy conservation and sustainable practices, a gigantic production involving an untold amount of electrical power was underway.

To be fair though, the concert hosts (composed of eight, yes, eight, different radio deejays) did lecture the crowd about the significance of Earth Hour. The warm-up act, a dance number by popular group the Philippine All Stars, managed to get the crowd worked up, although it took almost another hour before the main act, Timbaland himself, took to the stage at a quarter to 10 p.m., well after the end of Earth Hour.

Timothy Mosley—a.k.a. Timbaland or “Timbo”—ambled onstage amidst grateful applause. “I’m about to put on a show for you all, and I’m very glad to bring it first here to Manila,” he said. With that the stage came to life. Gigantic screens played video and computer graphics in tune with the electronic beats that melded seamlessly with the music from the live band behind the artist. Perhaps those that were in the silver section and farther away may have had a totally different experience, but for those who were close enough, it was nothing short of a sensory overload.

With the eye popping visuals, beats that could be felt, not just heard, Timbaland managed to blur the lines between a hot, thumping dance club and a full-on concert experience. The music traveled from giant speakers straight to the bloodstream, causing limbs to shake, feet to dance, arms to wave and heads to bop. Movement became involuntary. Only deaf people would have been immune to the earth shattering grooves, and even that’s doubtful, as the music made the earth move, literally, and they must have felt the vibrations and would have probably danced along, too.

Doll-faced Jojo, with her shampoo-commercial ready hair, performed a duet with Timbaland midway through his set, and performed her single “Too Little, Too Late” solo. The 20-year-old visibly struggled through parts of the song but was nevertheless rewarded with appreciative howls from the audience. Too bad that was the last the crowd saw of her; it wouldn’t have hurt anyone if she did just one more song.

Timbaland gave off the aura of a skillful conductor ably manipulating his orchestra. He was a master at working the crowd, upping the ante and building up to a monstrous climax. And the payoff at this show was undoubtedly Justin Timberlake. Arguably the biggest male pop star in the world today, the former boy band member first made his presence in the concert felt through teasing voiceovers. There were mad screams then, but when he finally materialized, vocal chords ripped and eardrums shattered. The show may have been Timbaland’s, but there was no denying who audiences really came to see.

Timbaland and Timberlake are frequent collaborators (the former produced the latter’s second album, Futuresex/Lovesounds, as well as many other singles and tracks), and their chemistry onstage was undeniable. Audiences, particularly the females, were in a state of near-ecstasy. But when it was the Grammy-winning singer’s solo turn at the spotlight, there were no complaints. Timberlake performed a limited set (he was after all, only a guest at Timbaland’s show), but audiences appreciated that he did some of his biggest hits, including a very explicit “Cry Me A River,” a slow version of “What Goes Around, Comes Around,” and the grand finale, perhaps the one song that many that night were all waiting to hear. “I retired this song but, f**k it I love you guys so much.” And with that he launched into his massive hit, “Sexy Back.”

If there was anybody there who wasn’t moving before, that ended it. With Timbaland providing backing vocals, JT brought the house down with the song. Fireworks lit up the night sky during the number, but for once, hardly anyone glanced back; all eyes were locked onstage, where the real pyrotechnics was happening. It was an incendiary performance, and even music purists “allergic” to pop must have been feeling it. Unofficial sources pegged the final count that night at the SM MOA at 75,000, and there is little doubt that every single one was bringing “sexy back” or at least, was trying to.

Nobody liked the agonizing delays, but ultimately, JT made sure he was well worth the wait

The Art Of Doing Nothing (Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay)

This can be found here

The Art Of Doing Nothing
By Paul John Caña

If doing nothing is an art, then I’m a Da Vinci or a Michelangelo. A blank space on my planner is pure bliss, and there’s nothing I look forward to more than a weekend filled only with spectacular possibilities to lay back and chill. So when I got the invite to engage in the artful pursuit of having absolutely nothing to do, you can bet I was up at the crack of dawn and driving up to Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay faster than you could say “high gas prices be damned!”

I’ve made many trips to that little slice of botanical heaven, and as a city kid through and through, every time I’m there, I can’t help but draw my breath in at the sheer magnificence and beauty of it all: a garden straight out of a genuine English countryside, complete with butterflies dancing during the day and fireflies brightening up the night; the tantalizing smell of freshly baking bread as you pass by the panaderia; the quaint little white linen-draped nooks scattered around the garden that conjure images of carefree lovers whispering sweet nothings into each others ears. And the food! You come to Sonya’s to see her garden, and you stay for the gastronomic delights that emanate from her kitchen. From being a private paradise open only to friends and family, Sonya’s Garden had evolved into more than just a garden and a restaurant for those “in the know”. Now, Sonya’s secret can be experienced by visiting the spa for any of her signature treatments or staying in any of the charming cottages that make up her Bed and Breakfast.

“The Art of Doing Nothing” was a weekend package being offered by Sonya herself and on this trip I didn’t know what to expect. I’m a self-confessed slacker, but how exactly do you find the art in doing nothing? As it turned out, “nothing” can be a whole lot of different things.

Yoga was one of them. While my idea of relaxation is vegetating on the couch and fondling the remote control, to Sonya, apparently it meant twisting your body into all sorts of different shapes while remembering to watch out for your breathing as you try to find inner peace. The lady of the garden is a firm believer in the organic and the natural, and that includes rest and relaxation methods. It was just my luck (or maybe not) that my jeans and shirt getup didn’t exactly scream out “Relax!” so I had to sit that one out.

For any guy, arranging flowers sounds about as much fun as a trip to the dentist, but I gave it a go, because yes, it was yet another way to kill time. Sonya also led a session on sandwich making and hair conditioning using ingredients you find in the kitchen (egg yolks and olive oil), but as I wanted to stay true to the premise of this entire exercise, these were activities that I took no part in. Seeing a fellow nothin’ doer’s hair get smothered in that egg-oil concoction while munching on those succulent fresh tomato with basil and mayo sandwiches in a fantasy-garden setting was enough for me.

But the ultimate in lethargy and self-indulgence was to come next: if doing nothing really is an art, then getting a luxurious massage must be a grand masterpiece that could rival the Mona Lisa. For someone who’s only contribution to the activity was to lay face down on the bed while my masseuse kneaded and pressed my entire body, I thought I did a pretty good job.

In between all these instances of kicking back and doing, well, “nothing,” I did myself no favors by gorging on the exquisite cuisine Sonya and her crew offers her guests. Whether it was the decadent adobo flakes for breakfast, tempura-with-a-twist and sticky rice for lunch or her signature organic salad with the divine dressing and pasta with three different sauces for dinner, it was a nightmare for dieters but foodie heaven for everyone else. I was a sloth and a glutton – two deadly sins in a span of a few hours.

Although it was advertised as a weekend of indulging in your inner indolent self, the organizers saw it fit to include a workshop on travel writing conducted by eminent writer and former advertising exec Barbara “Tweetums” Gonzalez. It was a pleasure learning new tricks of the trade from the surprisingly delightful and engaging Miss Twee. In between workshops, she even regaled us with her stories of growing up as a great grandniece of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, her years in the cutthroat and maddening world of advertising and her personal and amusing views about romance and relationships.

Romance is almost a forgone conclusion during a stay at Sonya’s. What with the heady mix of scented flowers, sweet herbs and pebbled pathways lit by colored lanterns in the silence of the night. But for those who manage to make the trip here without a companion, the hushed silence forces one into solitude one doesn’t realize one needs until it overtakes you. In the night, snuggled against crisp white sheets in each room’s unique and wonderfully eclectic décor, one is sure to wonder when it was that one last experienced true peace and quiet.

I also found time to pay Sonya herself a visit in her home in the middle of her magical garden. Amidst charming and rustic furniture that recalls a peaceful life in the country, and her pooch named Pupay constantly yelping for attention, Sonya explained that the concept of “doing nothing” involved extricating yourself from the madness of the daily grind and the quagmire of routine and immersing yourself in things that might be familiar or exciting and new. She might be whipping treats in her kitchen, pulling out weeds in her front yard or chatting with curious visitors and satisfied customers of her restaurant, but to her, it’s all the same: another day spent living her life and doing exactly what she pleases; and that, she says, is how life should be lived.

All told, it was the template for a perfect weekend. More than the actual, almost surreal experience of getting away from the harsh realities of life in the city, I feel most fortunate at having learned – from Sonya herself – that doing nothing really is an act unto itself; a choice to take on meaningful pursuits to discover the difference between what is essential and what is fluff. Between living and merely existing. Doing nothing is an act of rebellion – to challenge established practices and celebrate life in the process. It’s slowing down and stopping to smell the roses. And really, is there any place better where you can do that than in Sonya’s Garden?

How to Get There
From South Superhighway, exit at Santa Rosa and turn right towards Tagaytay. Upon reaching Aguinaldo highway, turn right toward Nasugbu, Batangas. Go past Tagaytay Rotonda and proceed for 10 kilometers more. After Splendido Golf Course and Sunrise Hill, make a right turn on Buck Estate. Drive for 2 kilometers and watch out for Sonya's on the left side. Use the first gate and drive towards the end of the driveway and make a right towards the parking lot.

Sonya’s Garden
Barangay Buck Estate
Alfonso, Cavite
(63 917) 532 9097 / (63 917) 533 5140
www.sonyasgarden.com

The Art Of Doing Nothing (Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay)

This can be found here

The Art Of Doing Nothing
By Paul John Caña

If doing nothing is an art, then I’m a Da Vinci or a Michelangelo. A blank space on my planner is pure bliss, and there’s nothing I look forward to more than a weekend filled only with spectacular possibilities to lay back and chill. So when I got the invite to engage in the artful pursuit of having absolutely nothing to do, you can bet I was up at the crack of dawn and driving up to Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay faster than you could say “high gas prices be damned!”

I’ve made many trips to that little slice of botanical heaven, and as a city kid through and through, every time I’m there, I can’t help but draw my breath in at the sheer magnificence and beauty of it all: a garden straight out of a genuine English countryside, complete with butterflies dancing during the day and fireflies brightening up the night; the tantalizing smell of freshly baking bread as you pass by the panaderia; the quaint little white linen-draped nooks scattered around the garden that conjure images of carefree lovers whispering sweet nothings into each others ears. And the food! You come to Sonya’s to see her garden, and you stay for the gastronomic delights that emanate from her kitchen. From being a private paradise open only to friends and family, Sonya’s Garden had evolved into more than just a garden and a restaurant for those “in the know”. Now, Sonya’s secret can be experienced by visiting the spa for any of her signature treatments or staying in any of the charming cottages that make up her Bed and Breakfast.

“The Art of Doing Nothing” was a weekend package being offered by Sonya herself and on this trip I didn’t know what to expect. I’m a self-confessed slacker, but how exactly do you find the art in doing nothing? As it turned out, “nothing” can be a whole lot of different things.

Yoga was one of them. While my idea of relaxation is vegetating on the couch and fondling the remote control, to Sonya, apparently it meant twisting your body into all sorts of different shapes while remembering to watch out for your breathing as you try to find inner peace. The lady of the garden is a firm believer in the organic and the natural, and that includes rest and relaxation methods. It was just my luck (or maybe not) that my jeans and shirt getup didn’t exactly scream out “Relax!” so I had to sit that one out.

For any guy, arranging flowers sounds about as much fun as a trip to the dentist, but I gave it a go, because yes, it was yet another way to kill time. Sonya also led a session on sandwich making and hair conditioning using ingredients you find in the kitchen (egg yolks and olive oil), but as I wanted to stay true to the premise of this entire exercise, these were activities that I took no part in. Seeing a fellow nothin’ doer’s hair get smothered in that egg-oil concoction while munching on those succulent fresh tomato with basil and mayo sandwiches in a fantasy-garden setting was enough for me.

But the ultimate in lethargy and self-indulgence was to come next: if doing nothing really is an art, then getting a luxurious massage must be a grand masterpiece that could rival the Mona Lisa. For someone who’s only contribution to the activity was to lay face down on the bed while my masseuse kneaded and pressed my entire body, I thought I did a pretty good job.

In between all these instances of kicking back and doing, well, “nothing,” I did myself no favors by gorging on the exquisite cuisine Sonya and her crew offers her guests. Whether it was the decadent adobo flakes for breakfast, tempura-with-a-twist and sticky rice for lunch or her signature organic salad with the divine dressing and pasta with three different sauces for dinner, it was a nightmare for dieters but foodie heaven for everyone else. I was a sloth and a glutton – two deadly sins in a span of a few hours.

Although it was advertised as a weekend of indulging in your inner indolent self, the organizers saw it fit to include a workshop on travel writing conducted by eminent writer and former advertising exec Barbara “Tweetums” Gonzalez. It was a pleasure learning new tricks of the trade from the surprisingly delightful and engaging Miss Twee. In between workshops, she even regaled us with her stories of growing up as a great grandniece of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, her years in the cutthroat and maddening world of advertising and her personal and amusing views about romance and relationships.

Romance is almost a forgone conclusion during a stay at Sonya’s. What with the heady mix of scented flowers, sweet herbs and pebbled pathways lit by colored lanterns in the silence of the night. But for those who manage to make the trip here without a companion, the hushed silence forces one into solitude one doesn’t realize one needs until it overtakes you. In the night, snuggled against crisp white sheets in each room’s unique and wonderfully eclectic décor, one is sure to wonder when it was that one last experienced true peace and quiet.

I also found time to pay Sonya herself a visit in her home in the middle of her magical garden. Amidst charming and rustic furniture that recalls a peaceful life in the country, and her pooch named Pupay constantly yelping for attention, Sonya explained that the concept of “doing nothing” involved extricating yourself from the madness of the daily grind and the quagmire of routine and immersing yourself in things that might be familiar or exciting and new. She might be whipping treats in her kitchen, pulling out weeds in her front yard or chatting with curious visitors and satisfied customers of her restaurant, but to her, it’s all the same: another day spent living her life and doing exactly what she pleases; and that, she says, is how life should be lived.

All told, it was the template for a perfect weekend. More than the actual, almost surreal experience of getting away from the harsh realities of life in the city, I feel most fortunate at having learned – from Sonya herself – that doing nothing really is an act unto itself; a choice to take on meaningful pursuits to discover the difference between what is essential and what is fluff. Between living and merely existing. Doing nothing is an act of rebellion – to challenge established practices and celebrate life in the process. It’s slowing down and stopping to smell the roses. And really, is there any place better where you can do that than in Sonya’s Garden?

How to Get There
From South Superhighway, exit at Santa Rosa and turn right towards Tagaytay. Upon reaching Aguinaldo highway, turn right toward Nasugbu, Batangas. Go past Tagaytay Rotonda and proceed for 10 kilometers more. After Splendido Golf Course and Sunrise Hill, make a right turn on Buck Estate. Drive for 2 kilometers and watch out for Sonya's on the left side. Use the first gate and drive towards the end of the driveway and make a right towards the parking lot.

Sonya’s Garden
Barangay Buck Estate
Alfonso, Cavite
(63 917) 532 9097 / (63 917) 533 5140
www.sonyasgarden.com