The city stood still—but not in silence. On August 3 and 4, 2025, the Energë Wellness: Mind. Body. Spirit. Retreat transformed Makati Shangri-La into a sanctuary of intention, vitality, and soul. This historic two-day urban retreat marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the country’s leading voices in wellness, hospitality, and holistic healing—an immersive weekend that elevated urban living into a multi-sensory journey of rejuvenation, self-care, and inner transformation.
Photo: Energë Wellness/Instagram
A powerful fusion of mindful movement through yoga and pilates sessions, conscious community wellness talks, cutting-edge recovery science, and nourishing farm-to-table cuisine, the event offered over 50 VIP guests a rare opportunity to reset without ever leaving the city.
The event gathered beauty queens, wellness practitioners, and global personalities who embody intentional living, including Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Reina Hispano Americana 2017 Wynwyn Marquez, models Jessica Yang, Mikyle Quizon, Josh Barfuss, Kirk Bondad, as well as international guests: LA Based Model/Actor Cole Micek, and Hollywood documentary filmmakers Gabbi Pascua and Alan Dennis all embodying the retreat’s message of intentional and gratitude-filled living.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration for Wellness Tourism
This retreat also marked a milestone partnership with Makati Shangri-La, aligning with the hotel’s vision to position itself as the premier wellness tourism destination in the region. Through Energë’s signature programming and holistic approach—bridging recovery, movement, nutrition, science, and spirit—the event offered an experiential blueprint for how urban luxury and intentional living can co-exist.
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“This was more than just a wellness event,” said Jonathan Reynolds, General Manager of Makati Shangri-La. “It was a convergence of vision, culture, and innovation. Through Energë Wellness, we are expanding the definition of hospitality—transforming our property into a place not only for rest, but for renewal and reconnection.”
“We designed this retreat to reflect the full spectrum of wellness—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—while staying true to what drives us: the people,” said JP Mallo, Co-Founder of Energë Wellness. “This is more than a brand. It’s a movement rooted in the heartbeat of the community. Every experience this weekend was crafted with great partners and collaborators that mirror that ethos.”
For the past eight years, New Lounge has been more than just a beauty destination—it has always been about community. Known for curating meaningful experiences and fostering connections, New Lounge has proudly partnered with Makati Shangri-La and Energë Wellness. Today, it has evolved beyond beauty, continuing to be recognized for its signature customer journey and elevated experiences.
“This is a call to build a world where healing begins within and extends outward — creating safe, intentional spaces where we all can truly thrive.” said Rachelle Bravo, collaborator and Founder of New Lounge. “True beauty lies in discovering the superpowers already within you. We’re proud of this launch partnership with Energë. The team is really creating new ways to unlock that potential—through community, intentional spaces, and transformative modalities.”
A Weekend of Intentional Wellness: Highlights from the Retreat
Daybreak with Purpose
The retreat opened with a Community Run through the heart of Makati—a collective activation of movement and momentum. Participants began the second day with a Sunrise yoga session led by Jen Martinez, in collaboration with Alo Yoga, infusing the morning with flow, rhythm, and elevated energy.
Science Meets Spirit
Guests immersed themselves in a curated lineup of workshops and experiences:
- Breathwork led by Reef Liggayu of Breathwork Philippines, guiding participants into expanded states of clarity and calm.
- Philippines’ first deeply immersive Flotation Therapy Sound Bath by Libni Fortuna, held poolside to harness water’s natural frequencies for deep emotional release..
- A powerful Longevity Talk featuring Dr. Christian Jacob Del Rosario, Dr. Ivan Zapanta, Kirk Bondad, Sheena Katz, and Darren Darnborough, discussing Stress & Burnout and exploring the future of human optimization across medical, spiritual, and lifestyle spectrums.
- Go or Glam sessions offering a choice between high-energy training or restorative spa and beauty experiences from New Lounge and Makati Shangri-La’s spa.
- The Energë Wellness Talk, hosted by co-founders and joined by expert facilitators Matt Barbers and Ashley Cayuca of Just Show Up Club, Energë Wellness Ambassador Josh Barfuss, Life & Energy Mentor Libni Fortuna, Breathwork Philippines founder and coach, Reef Liggayu, and filmmaker Gabbi Pascua, offered a rare glimpse into the real stories, struggles, and science that make up the path to holistic living.
The Recovery Revolution
Energë’s signature Recovery Zone featured an elite suite of treatments—ice baths, compression boots, and guided body stretching—empowering guests to reset their nervous systems and optimize physical performance.
“Recovery isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to feel strong, present, and aligned in their daily life,” said Kirk Bondad, Wellness Director at Energë. “We’re making tools like ice baths and compression therapy more accessible, because optimizing your body should be part of how you care for yourself—not a luxury.”
Soulful Nourishment
Guests enjoyed a specially curated Farm-to-Table Lunch by Chef Justyn Reyes and prepared by Chef Edwin Loh, Chef Nori Muranaka and Chef Ron Valladores of Makati Shangri-La—a culinary celebration of seasonal ingredients, local farmers, and functional nutrition.
Sacred Closing
The retreat culminated in a serene Gratitude Circle and Meditation, led by the co-founders and facilitators, bringing guests into presence, alignment, and shared intention.
Introducing the Wellness Directors of Energë
Energë Wellness proudly unveiled its duo of Wellness Directors during the retreat—two distinct thought leaders who together represent the dynamic aspects of holistic well-being.
Kirk Bondad
An advocate of strength, movement, and peak performance, Kirk leads the physical wellness arm of Energë—integrating recovery, resilience, and body optimization into the everyday lifestyle.
Dr. Christian Jacob Del Rosario
A longevity and regenerative medicine expert, Dr. Jacob serves as the bridge between clinical innovation and integrative health, helping guests understand the science behind energy, vitality, and aging well.
What’s Next: Energë Wellness at Makati Shangri-La
As a result of this landmark weekend, Energë Wellness is proud to announce four major developments:
- Floatation Therapy – will be available every week starting in October at Makati Shangrila 2. Sunrise Yoga- will be open to the public soon
- Future Retreats – Energë will be offering regular Mind Body Spirit retreat weekends at Makati Shangri-La, creating accessible touchpoints for city dwellers seeking transformative wellness experiences year-round.
- The Energë Social Wellness Club – A first-of-its-kind concept is now in development: a dedicated Energë Social Wellness Club located within Makati Shangri-La. This upcoming flagship space will serve as a permanent hub for recovery, connection, mindful movement, and longevity-focused lifestyle programs.
“Our goal isn’t just to inspire change—it’s to build the infrastructure for it,” said Justyn Reyes, Energë Co-Founder. “With this new club, wellness becomes not just an escape, but a way of life. The intention is that this community movement goes beyond these walls and impacts the lives of those all around the world. ”
A Movement Has Begun
With world-class partners, thought leaders, and community at its core, the Energë Wellness: Mind. Body. Spirit. Retreat marked not just an event—but a cultural awakening.
As one guest perfectly summed it up: “I didn’t expect my life to change in two days. But it did.”
