Whenever the going gets tough, the tough gets going… with prettily painted nails! Well, at least that’s how I am. In the midst of a stressful week, I make it a point to go to the nail salon to relax and get myself pampered. I believe that nothing can be achieved by worrying too much (although I admit I’m guilty of this). Taking a break from stress can actually be beneficial as it clears the mind and ultimately, allows you to craft solutions that you would otherwise miss when you’re pushing yourself too hard.
One of the salons I visited last year after a long, tiring day was Silid ni Maria at Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati. It’s located really close to one of my clients’ office so it’s the perfect escape from the worries of work.
Stepping into the venue, a sense of calm immediately enfolds you as the old world charm of its interiors welcomes you with its warmth . It’s like stepping into your ancestral home – everything just feels right and familiar.
The staff too will greet you like old friends as they explain the inclusions in the service menu. Friendly and accommodating staff gets Silid ni Maria a plus in my book. For myself, I decided to make use of my Haplos Mani & Pedi GC.
After making my choice, I was led to a very plush recliner. It’s so comfortable I was worried I’d fall asleep. Actually, I really did want to sleep for hours and hours. The mood lights and lounge music playing in the background weren’t helping as well. I struggled to stay awake by reading magazines and going online (Yes, they have FREE WIFI!).
By the way, Silid ni Maria has a great selection of nail lacquers from brands like O.P.I,Orly,Essie, China Glaze, Misa, and Zoya.
For my nails, I chose the beautiful iridescent sea green color from Zoya you see in the photo above. It was sparkly without overly being so and the colors shifted and changed with every move of the hand. It really was gorgeous.
Plus, the nail crew who attended to me were really precise and O-C about applying the polish. The result was perfectly manicured nails. 
Over-all, I really enjoyed my Silid ni Maria experience and I want you guys to experience it too. So here’s the surprise: I’m giving away THREE FOOT SPAS to three of my blog readers from Metro Manila. Unfortunately, Silid ni Maria doesn’t have branches in other areas yet so I’m limiting it to the GMA area for now.
Here’s what you have to do to join:
1. Like my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.
2. Like Silid ni Maria on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
3. Log your entries on the Rafflecopter app on my Facebook page to unlock more chances to win.
This giveaway will end on March 15, 2013.
P.S. The photos used in this post were taken from the Silid ni Maria Facebook page. I can’t seem to find the photos I took 
I must have accidentally deleted them.
Franc Ramon
/ March 6, 2013The place really looks comfortable and from how I see your schedule is, this should be perfect for you.
Rhea Bue (@iamthedoll)
/ March 6, 2013wooow.. bongga labs! I want but too far from me.
I need spa so badly!! uggg 
)
micheatsandshops
/ March 6, 2013It’s just one MRT ride away!
Joy
/ March 6, 2013I’m joining!!!
Glad it’s in the south side of the Metro. 
micheatsandshops
/ March 6, 2013hahahaha yes!!!
christine batiller
/ March 6, 2013thanks for the giveaway!
i usually lay my back on the bed and read a book or make “harot” with my son, that’s how i cope with stress.
micheatsandshops
/ March 6, 2013Hehehe sounds good!
myril
/ March 6, 2013Awesome giveaway! Just in time for a ‘me’ time for my feet
I usually go the spa if I wanna relax or just lay back on my bed and read any book I had bought recently..Hope to win 
*cross fingers*
micheatsandshops
/ March 6, 2013That’s what I do as well!
Judith A. (@judithalbius01)
/ March 6, 2013I usually take a nap
sherry ann gole cruz
/ March 6, 2013malling is my way of coping out stress…
Jaja of Beauty Colada
/ March 6, 2013aside from massage, my ultimate de-stresser is at home facial mask! I love hove facial mask calm my skin, soothes redness or breakouts, brightens, and removes impurities from my face. Also, nothing beats relaxing at home with my 2 babies (2 year old boy and a 7mos baby girl) a, this might sound weird but I learn so much from them.
This giveaway is very timely Mich Thank you
Bea Bajar
/ March 6, 2013I honestly go to nail and body spas when I’m stressed or I just want to unwind and have a me-time. The comforting ambiance of each spa makes me feel relaxed and relieved that everything’s going to be alright and at the end of the day, I know I would succeed. The feeling I get when reading a newly published magazine or a newly bought book from a second hand book shop while my hands and feet are in the zone of relaxation is priceless.
jane
/ March 6, 2013omg! pasali ako if pde lng haha! goodluck to everyone! love those colours!! Reminds me to polish my nails too. I am too lazy haha xx
micheatsandshops
/ March 6, 2013Sure Jane! But the footspa may only be availed here in Manila
Rain Gatdula
/ March 6, 2013I do watch movies and series.. Tsaka I drink to cope up.
micheatsandshops
/ March 6, 2013Drink? I hope not too much
Belinda Ibanez
/ March 6, 2013Eat chocolates to relieved stress
Debarpan
/ March 6, 2013Nice giveaway,I guess it’s your blog’s 1st giveaway so wish u a best of luck for this.
sheelalalamarie
/ March 7, 2013Definitely having my whole body massage and watch t.v. :>
Pepper Tan
/ March 7, 2013I’d love to go there one weekend to pamper myself. My daughter would love the foot spa for kids too.
Ganessa
/ March 7, 2013Too bad they have no branch here in Davao. I like the wide selection of nail lacquers.
Sai Montes
/ March 7, 2013Wow! That’s something I’d like to try! My nails are so naked for two months now hahaha
rica
/ March 7, 2013When I’m stressed I surround my self with all my comfort food and then I feel a little better.
mikeemaegarcia
/ March 7, 2013I like this giveaway. I hope to win because I haven’t experience bringing myself for a foot spa experience.
I cope up with stress by lying on the bed and read fictional books such as Matched by Ally Condie that I am reading this week. Sometimes. I tend to eat ice cream if there is any in the fridge or anything that is sweet.
micheatsandshops
/ March 8, 2013I’ve read Matched by Allie Condie
Love ice cream as well to beat the stress! 
Rowena Wendy Lei
/ March 7, 2013Waah I thought Silid ni Maria was a restaurant! What a unique concept! The treatments seem very interesting.
Krissa ❤
/ March 7, 2013All I can say is…. WOW, JUST WOW! @@ Essie, Opi, Orly, Zoya…. Wanna go there! Hahaha!
Wander Woman
/ March 7, 2013The place looks lovely. And those nail paints! <3 *looks at own neglected nails, then cries silently*
Reylyn Cruz
/ March 8, 2013When I’m stressed:
I go shopping with a friend
♥♥♥
Listen to music
I write poetry
Go for a walk
Exercise
Go to the spa
I practice deep breathing, meditations, or muscle relaxation
and most of all I go to church and pray
Jessica Janile Clemente Gregorio
/ March 8, 2013When I’m stressed, I listen to light music and read a book~ Doing these really soothes my senses.
Regina Grace De Borja
/ March 9, 2013I cope up with stress by playing with my neices and talking to my bestfriends
That’s my effective way to cope up my stress
K. (@KarlaIzavella)
/ March 9, 2013If I have a choice (and the time) I would surely go to the beach when I’m stressed. It keeps me calm. But since I don’t think it’s possible to do that every time, I just go to salons and pamper my feet and nails.
Say
/ March 9, 2013Eat chocolates! it doesnt matter if its only flat tops or curly tops
Monica
/ March 10, 2013I want to have the spa as well! Hope to find that silid ni maria someday….
Eunice Chua
/ March 11, 2013To cope with stress, I usually go out with friends. I enjoy their company and makes me forget of what caused my stress.
Jelo Manongsong
/ March 11, 2013I sleep early, treat myself a massage for once a month and by thinking positive.
jo-ann
/ March 11, 2013All I can say is that the place is pretty awesome, perfect for those who want to be cared for the meantime.
Danica Marie P. Abrigo
/ March 12, 2013I Joined. I take foot spas when I am stressed
Leoniza Martinez Anub
/ March 12, 2013having a great and relaxing full body massage makes me feel refresh..
khyutee
/ March 13, 2013pampering my self by going to spas and salon helped me cope up with stress.
codenameaya
/ March 13, 2013Thank you for this giveaway! As for me, I find reading books and listening to audiobooks really relaxing, so I make sure to keep copies of books on my phone. I also like to pamper myself by getting a mani-pedi or a spa treatment when I’m feeling stressed. And of course, I also find shopping a very effective stress-reliever! haha. Even if I don’t win this giveaway, I’ll still visit Silid ni Maria because I found out that they carry the China Glaze Capitol Colours (The Hunger Games) Collection <3 OMG.
Eyah Ballada
/ March 13, 2013I so wanted to win!! By the way how much are the services?
What I do when I’m stress:
I usually drink cold chocolate drink, have a bath then shave haha, use a face mask while music tripping then watch a movie. But if I have the money-I go shopping
Mafe Manlapaz
/ March 13, 2013Most of the time I watch movies to destress…
Cates Dajao (@tsuoshiro)
/ March 14, 2013Have a massage or sleep
Francis Falucho
/ March 14, 2013We do a family date, watching movie, going to amusement parks and eating in our fave resto’s.
avhie del rosario
/ March 14, 2013what do I do when I am stress -> I pamper myself by eating good and healthy foods and getting a nail art! I also watch comedy films and I go out with my friends
Rengie
/ March 14, 2013I usually treat myself to some good milk tea to cope with stress. Good thing, I don’t get stressed too often, else my tummy will show bulging evidence.
chiara
/ March 14, 2013To cope up with stress, I go surf Youtube.. really, that makes me calm and just relax.. plus i get my mind off things