Posted on 04/03/2006 11:38:54 AM PDT by baker_girl
GERONA, Philippines (Reuters) - Ardith Vescara is an angry young woman. On top of family and academic pressure, the 13-year-old Filipino says boys tease her at school.
But instead of letting her emotions eat away at her, she is treating herself to an unusual form of anger management.
At the Isdaan restaurant in Gerona, about three hours north of Manila, Vescara and other patrons work out their stress for 15 pesos (30 U.S. cents) a go by hurling plates at the "wall of fury" emblazoned with words such as ex-wife, boss and lover.
A shout of "tacsiyapo" -- or "shame on you" in the local dialect -- usually accompanies the sound of smashing crockery.
Vases and bowls are also available, while the wealthier of the furious patrons can toss an old TV set for 1,300 pesos.
Not only is throwing things at the restaurant much cheaper than yoga lessons or professional therapy, it is a lot more fun.
"Isn't it better to break these plates than your personal stuff at home?" Vescara said with a smile.
Manila residents fleeing the congested capital flock to the restaurant on weekends before heading to nearby beaches or into the mountains with much less emotional baggage.
Arnold Viola, the manager of Isdaan, said it was not unusual for husbands and wives to target each other on the wall before returning to the restaurant to enjoy a romantic meal.
"The top three targets are boss/manager; wine, women and gambling; and lastly the loan sharks," said Viola.
Angie Trumpeta, a medical student, made the long journey after a marathon run of exams.
"Something like this would help release all of your stress," she said while flinging plates at the wall.
It is not just customers who benefit. Isdaan's staff enjoy throwing plates at the "perennially complaining customers" sign.
An Elvis impersonator who entertains the patrons, Jerwin Cedillo, said it was not always easy dealing with angry people but they usually left Isdaan in a calmer state of mind.
"To most people who have pent-up emotions, this wall of fury is the best way to let go of all your anger," he said.
I will be a dedicated patron.
Grab Your Plate PING!!!
Hehehe,
Would you like a vase,plate or TV?
Keep your hands off my Herend china!
But now my mother-in-law's Gien dinner ware, go for it!
Hillary will promise one in every village
This girl has Dom in her future!
She could even be an IPW, if she plays her cards right!
Thanks, baker_girl!
I was just about to grab Millee's ping list on this!
If you open up one of these in the US, someone will be hit by flying crockery, suffer enormous psychological damages, and take everything you own.
Should we make her a "Junior IPW" card?
I want to go!
This girl has potential.
As long as I get to throw the last plate.
I'm good.
OOOPAH!!! The Greeks have been doing this for years...
No problem.
Sounds like a fun Freeper vacation!
Only if we get to smash the Clinton china.
Works for me!! Can we write Hillary and Bill's names on the plates?
and a little ouzo and I'd have that plate twirling on my head before throwing it into the fireplace.
OK...re-read the article. I guess we would write their names on the wall...not the plates.
But, either way. Sounds fun!
Plate throwing or non-plate throwing section?
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