january-2011

Clockwise from left: An afternoon
yoga class with Monica Eleazar-
Manzano is a kind of “moving
meditation”; a delicious raw food
lunch at Bahay Kalipay; and healing
music during yoga practice.
P URE PALAWAN
PALAWAN IS full of gorgeous natural
landscapes that will help you unwind
from the stresses of modern living —
the islands are abundant with stunning
beaches, forests and mountains. And
that’s why I have joined this weekend’s
“Inner Dance Yoga Retreat” in Puerto
Princesa. It’s not just to relax, but also
to learn new skills to make everyday
life healthier. It makes sense that it’s
taking place in an environment that
pulses with a vibrant energy.
Ever since it opened in Puerto
Princesa in 2009, Bahay Kalipay has
been attracting guests from all over the
Philippines and even around the world.
The popularity of this new retreat center
{ 41 }
A clean
slate
There’s no better time than now to rid
yourself of last year’s toxic excesses.
Restore your health and balance on
a relaxing retreat in Palawan.
Text and photos by Katherine Jack
has spread, largely by word of mouth.
People come in search of health and
relaxation but also to learn a new way
of living. Their retreats and workshops
focus on yoga, raw food and a new
healing technique called “inner dance.”
I arrive at Bahay Kalipay on a bright
Saturday morning and take a walk
around the grounds with owners, Pi
Villaraza and Daniw Arazola. Though
it is just a 20-minute ride from the
airport in Puerto Princesa, their retreat
center is well-hidden from main roads,
isolated near the quiet mangrove-clad
seashore of Honda Bay.