“If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely
that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer’s day. Nothing
stimulates our appetite for the simple joys of life more than the starvation
caused by sadness or desperation. In order to complete our amazing life journey
successfully, it is vital that we turn each and every dark tear into a pearl of
wisdom, and find the blessing in every curse.”
- Anthon St. Maarten
Lightness and darkness, male and female, life and death - these are just some of the many natural dualities in the world. Chinese philosophy adheres to the fact that everything in the cosmos is made up of two opposing but equal forces – yin (black side with white dot) and yang (white side with black dot). And their eventual union is believed to provide a state of balance and harmony in this universe.
Such is the interesting concept behind the Y2 Residence Hotel, managed by the Hospitality International, Inc. Since everyday city life could be quite stressful, the hotel offers the weary soul a distinctly serene and tranquil ambiance to restore the needed balance our mind and body need.
And interestingly, the yin and yang symbol is omnipresent right from the building’s exterior, lobby, hallways and walls to rooms (even furniture and furnishings), simply reminding everyone that a balanced and harmonious life is the key to eternal happiness.
The two-bedroom suite that comes with a modest living room and kitchen, is perfect for family staycation. There are Oriental sayings that could be found all over the room - Confucius’ “Silence is the true friend that never betray” and Buddha’s “Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.” Even the key card key card holder contains a Lao Tsu quote “Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity.”
Pink Panda, the all-day dining restaurant of the hotel, offers complimentary intercontinental buffet breakfast to guests. Managed by Erwan Heussaff, the diner has a modern meets old world Southeast Asian concept, another striking contrast.
The only part of the hotel that veered away from the Taoist concept is the penthouse, where the swimming pool and viewing deck are located. Maybe non-conformity is still part of that search for balance. Nonetheless, its relaxed, colorful and playful ambiance makes it an ideal spot to chill, day or night.
Undeniably, the Makati skyline is a picture of panoramic beauty. But even so, it still provides a stark contrast between those who have so much and those who have little in life, also a physical manifestation of the yin and yang.
But come to think of
it, if there are no contrasts, differences or opposites, the world would be
such an ordinary, boring state.
So I guess it justifies
the thought that it’s okay to look into our dark side because in there lies our
passion, hunger, and pain. And in order for us to be whole, we must learn how
to embrace them.
Y2 Residence Hotel
#4687 Santiago St. cor. Valdez
and Singian Sts., Makati City
Tel. No.: 224-3000
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