Calatagan, Batangas—In the heart of this coastal paradise Name and Health Center, a sanctuary that elegantly blends herbalism, authentic health regimens, and prehistoric Filipino cuisine. This is more than a health retreat; This is a journey that brings our rich cultural heritage to life. Who is behind this magical experience?Apart from Ala Hotel Groupa champion of time-tested health and the earliest form of medicine known to man: Herbalism1.
Araw Aruga: A mindful social initiative
Araw Hospitality Group is not your typical restaurant entity. They are more like health wizards on a mission. their social initiative, Dai Aruga, not just luxury beds and spa treatments. It’s about giving back, empowering voices, and celebrating our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Boy, did they deliver.
Incredible IP Women's Retreat
from May 6-8, 2024, Nawa Wellness welcomes an extraordinary group of women – leaders and representatives from diverse Aboriginal Cultural Communities (ICC). These fierce ladies, Tessie of Isnag ICC, Arlene and Maribel of Sama Bajau ICC, and Daisyrie of Dumagat ICC, deserve a break. They have been fighting for their communities, advocating for change, and dreaming big. Araw Aruga invited them to a luxurious retreat and boy did they soak up every moment of it.
Spa bliss and beyond
Picture this: Tessie, Arlene, Maribel and Daisyrie immersed in the spa wonderland of Nawa Wellness. The air smells of healing herbs and the treatments are pure magic.this caress massage? Like a gentle hug from Mother Nature. And those all-natural facial treatments? Instant glow! But Nawa Wellness offers more than just pampering; It's about a secret connection with nature.
Sustainability and Healing Hands
The women participated in intensive livelihood workshops under the guidance of skilled health therapists. Their mission?Explore the basics of traditional Filipino language midwife massage. It's not just about kneading muscles; it's a legacy passed down from generation to generation. As they learn, they also share their stories—their ideas, struggles, and dreams. These women are warriors, fighting for intellectual property representation, education, and equal opportunity across the Philippines.
Culture Night: Where the Magic Happens
The finale of the retreat? A special cultural evening! Picture Daisy reciting powerful spoken word poetry, her words echoing resilience and hope. Maribel and Arlene dance, their movements telling stories of the sea and the stars. Where's Tessie? She twirls, her traditional garb like a vibrant tapestry of Cordilleran culture. Every performance is part of their ICC soul and a testament to their strength.
social chain reaction
By the end of the retreat, tears welled up in my eyes. These women feel seen, heard, and inspired. But their work isn't done yet. Discrimination, educational disparity and cultural preservation – there are still many issues that need to be addressed. Araw Hospitality Group stands with them and is committed to supporting the National Council of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Together they will build a sustainable ecosystem, healing one piece at a time.
So next time you come to Nawa Wellness, remember these fierce IP women. They are rewriting history, one spa session, one dance, one dream at a time. Araw Aruga, you touched our hearts!
The program concluded with a special cultural evening, where each woman was invited to present a piece of cultural and artistic work from their ICC. Daisyrie of Dumagat ICC performed an exciting piece of spoken word poetry, while Maribel and Arlene of Sama Bajau ICC shared different forms of cultural dance. Not to be outdone, Tessie from Isnag ICC also performed a dance and explained the meaningful costumes and traditions of her cultural community.
The program concluded with a special cultural evening, where each woman was invited to present a piece of cultural and artistic work from their ICC. Daisyrie of Dumagat ICC performed an exciting piece of spoken word poetry, while Maribel and Arlene of Sama Bajau ICC shared different forms of cultural dance. Not to be outdone, Tessie from Isnag ICC also performed a dance and explained the meaningful costumes and traditions of her cultural community.
This event is just the beginning of larger initiatives that will create positive social impact through authentic connections, strong voices and a shared culture. In view of this, Araw Hospitality Group is committed to supporting NCIP’s initiatives through the Araw Aruga program and looks forward to building a more sustainable ecosystem that will create a ripple effect in society.
