V-Day

I’m not a Valentine’s Day fan. The traffic is horrendous and the commercialism just crazy.  But when I saw this post from Bea Tantoco on my Facebook timeline, I felt the urge to go. I have been wanting to hear her sing, but most of her gigs are too late and far away for my lola hours. Everything seemed to come together for me for this one night, though: the date (not the 14th!), the venue (one of our favorite in the world not just because it’s a mere 20 traffic-and-pollution-free minutes away, but because it’s beautiful), the food (by Margarita Fores, enough said) and of course Gippy and Hindy Tantoco’s creative touch.  I put my Valentine trepidations aside and jumped in. It was our kind of event, Valentine’s Day or not.

So we went.  The evening began with a glass of refreshing, organic iced tea at the development’s Banahaw Clubhouse. Then  we got into a golf cart and were driven to the venue. The drive itself was a joy to the senses. The evening breeze was chilly, the barely lit roads were dark, quiet, and a balm to the soul.  Friends later said it was like being on a boat on wheels. A candlelit path told us we were close. Big, red, lanterns added warmth to the perimeter of the giant “kubo” we know and love.

We weren’t quite prepared for how different the pavilion looked. We’ve had many festivals, celebrations and study groups in this place, but tonight it was transformed into an indoor forest of sorts. Hindy did a fabulous job, as usual, of using what nature offered on the grounds.  Vines dripped from the ceiling, lush foliage was everywhere, and the warm light from the candles cast a soft and welcoming glow that made me more than glad I came. (Given the light, the photos are not quite what they ought to be, but I hope you get a sense of the magic).

The tables were appropriately dressed in jute and linen, nito plate chargers and more gifts from nature.  Carb treats were on the ready as part of the centerpiece, though waiters came around offering appetizers and champagne. I passed, knowing that more good food would challenge my already challenged metabolism.

Our table was closest to the new wood fire oven, a pet project of D, Hindy, Gippy and other good friends who believe in sustainable food and living. It’s too early to divulge what this means, but you can guess it has to do with lots of good food coming up. We’ll be sure to announce it everywhere when we’re ready.

The pretty Bea Tantoco, accompanied by just a guitar, serenaded us. We thoroughly enjoyed the acoustic performance. Really, we need more of that! I met her first via Twitter and Facebook, so it was good to make that connection true at last. She has a lovely, full voice. It was heartwarming to see her family so proud of her.

There are also no photos (who wants to keep taking photos on a night like this!)of the little jute bag with two mini arrangements of biodynamic roses from The Flower Depot that every lady in the house got to take home. That was a most welcome touch. I don’t remember the last time I got roses for Valentine’s Day, but taking these home made me recall the pleasure of receiving them. These days I buy my own flowers regularly and find so much joy in filling the rooms with them, but I’ve forgotten how nice it feels to be given a surprise bunch as well.

Of course the company was exemplary, too. Hindy and Gippy’s family were there and we got a view of how close and loving they are. No wonder this place is so special.  What is inside manifests outside and the couple’s love for nature and the support of their family was so clearly seen that night. It expanded the scope of love from just the usual Valentine-couple to that of family, nature, to life itself. One of my BFF’s, Deeda and husband, Steve, shared our table and we all had a blast. The conversation was lively, joyful, sometimes raunchy and downright funny. The evening was a celebration of true and lasting friendship as well.

Sta. Elena is a special place, indeed. I’m lucky that I live nearby and it is a part of my life, even if I don’t live there. If you happen to be looking for a special place in the South, make sure you put this on your list. If, like me, you are passionate about sustainable living, this is the place to start. Watch out for more events (or plan your own with them!) here and make sure you make time for it. I can guarantee you will come out of it completely recharged.

You can call Sta. Elena at (02)886.8686 or visit them at www.staelena.com