A handsome reward for dads

Let’s face it, dads generally get shortchanged in the parental holiday department. Moms get flowers, roses, dinners and lunches, chocolates, spa treatments on Mother’s Day. Dads are lucky to get a steak, usually.

But not so at Makati Shangri-La, where fathers get celebrated in luxe style. They call it the “Ultimate Handsome-izer” package, and from June 1 until Aug. 31, it’s a sure way for dads — and any guy — to feel kingly.

It includes overnight Deluxe Suite accommodation and a five-hour treatment package that is so special, you may want to consider extending your stay. While most dads find it hard to pencil in chill-out time, the Shang makes it easy with a variety of services spread out during your overnight visit.

Starting with your arrival, you’re shepherded to the Deluxe Suite, which comes with a king-size bed, luxury bath (with L’Occitane products), two flatscreen TVs and a full “business center” (desk with LAN Internet connection, fax machine and ample desktop materials) in case you get the urge to get down to business.

But the real “business” for fathers should be self-indulgence, and that starts with a two-hour treatment at Stresscape, Shang’s signature spa, where you can choose either the Relaxation Package (Lavender Leaf Facial and Aromatherapy Massage) or Marine Facial Package (Nourishing Facial and Aromatherapy Massage). It’s one hour of aromatherapy massage followed by that procedure that more men partake of than they let on: the facial. The Marine Facial includes seaweed-based lathering and scrubbing with Phytomer products — definitely worth the face time.

You won’t feel the burn, only a cooling, relaxing glow afterward. (At least that’s what my wife said.) According to my therapist, this is a favorite destination of men staying at the Shang, as many as women. After all, the Philippines has a reputation for “wellness” treatments to maintain, and the Makati Shang is definitely doing its part.

From there, stroll a few doors down and visit Salon Privé, where you get a chance to see how the other half live. Enjoy a 90-minute 90-minute “salon makeover with haircut, foot spa, manicure and pedicure treatments.” Not fond of pedicures and manicures? Hey, it’s okay, no one’s judging you: slip into a chair and let a therapist clean those raggedy nails, top to bottom, followed by a half-hour foot spa. Meanwhile, let the stylist go to town on that clomp of hair, and treat yourself to a backrub while you’re at it. You deserve it.

All this luxury may make some dads feel a little guilty about what their families are doing to pass the time. Don’t worry about it: the mall’s next door, the Shang has a swimming pool and kid’s play room for them to while away the hours. And did we mention the Deluxe Suite?

But if you really must work off some of that guilt, hit the gym for part three of the “Handsome-izer” package, which includes 90 minutes of cardio, sauna, steam bath and pool swimming. Do 30 minutes of weights or hit the treadmill (catching some World Cup action on the built-in screen); then hit the steam room and sauna to sweat out the toxins. (Not being used to steam baths, I decided to spend 20 long minutes in the 90-degree room. Now I know how Cool Hand Luke felt inside “the box.” Even my sweat drops had sweat drops.) After that, plop down inside the whirlpool for some therapeutic water jet action. Then slip into your trunks and head to the pool for a “relaxation swim,” also part of the package. The Shang’s 25-meter pool is a great way to stretch out after all that pampering.

The next morning, enjoy a breakfast buffet for two at Circles

Event Café — because nothing follows guilt better than a pile of crepe-thin waffles, hand-rolled sausages and a fresh fruit smoothie. And by the way, you can book the spa and gym services in whatever order or combination you like (as long as bookings are available). Want to swim first, take a massage and haircut later? Not a problem.

Getting handsome — not just for dads but for all men of a certain age — is not just about looking good, but feeling good. The Shang package offers a holistic balance, and — if only for one day out of the year — it reminds men to take care of themselves. And if you feel like you need to buy a present for those patiently waiting family members, the mall’s just a few sprightly steps away.

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This Father’s Day, Makati Shangri-La offers other packages specially tailored to dads. There’s the “Just Like Daddy” promo, in which any “father-child mirror image” pair that dines at any of the hotel’s restaurants from June 10 to 20 gets the chance to win a dinner at the Chef’s Table for 10 persons at Circles Event Café prepared by executive chef Franco Brodini, plus a relaxing two-night stay in two Superior rooms, and a pampering makeover worth P10,000 at Salon Privé.

The “Weekend Salvo Enhanced” package throughout June gives dads staying Friday to Sunday extra privileges such as a personalized shopper and 10-percent discount card in Adora at Greenbelt 5, a five-centiliter bottle of Hennessy VSOP, plus complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access. CATS Motors allows the first 10 guests to experience the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class that comes with a chauffeur for a day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The upgraded weekend package is available for bookings made for an Executive Suite or for Horizon Club floors and rates start from P14,500.

From June 18 to 20, enjoy lunch and dinner at Circles, Shang Palace, Inagiku, Lobby Lounge, Red, Conway’s and the Mezzanine from. One lucky father will win an Ascot Chang custom suit from a choice of premium Italian materials worth P120,000 and a gift certificate for a Boys’ Night Out at Conway’s worth P10,000 in a raffle draw.

And make Father’s Day more emotional with special-edition “Emoti-Cake” faces in chocolate and cheese starting at P380 available at Sinfully Circles.

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For bookings and information, call 813-8888 local 7345 or 7346 or visit www.shangri-la.com.