Anger boiling? Smash plates at eatery

Ardith Vescara is an angry young girl. 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 าwall of furyำ emblazoned with words such as ex-wife, boss and lover. A shout of าtacsiyapoำ -- or าshame on youำ -- 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. าIsnีt it better to break these plates than your personal stuff at home?ำ Vescara said with a smile.

Manila residents fleeing the congested capital flock to the restaurant at 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. าThe top three targets are boss/manager; wine, women and gambling; and lastly the loan sharks,ำ said Viola. Angie Trumpeta, a medical student, made the long journey after a marathon run of exams. าSomething like this would help release all your stress,ำ she said while flinging plates at the wall. It is not just customers who benefit. Isdaanีs staff enjoy throwing plates at the าperennially complaining customersำ sign.