It was from friends that I learned about the Filipino practice of making “pagpag” after coming from a wake. It’s pure superstition, of course, and “pagpag” simply means shaking off death and whatever negative vibes it brings. Absurd, I thought. Death is death and life goes on. And life can be sweet. But we figured that nothing could shake off any clingy spirits or sweeten the bad taste of death after coming from a wake like scoops of delicious artisanal gelato at Bar Dolci. Located at Forbestown Heights just off Burgos Circle at the Fort, Bar Dolci offers an exciting range of gelato flavors — Salted Caramel, Mexican Hot Chocolate (yes, the chilli kicks in as you swallow that rich chocolate ice cream), White Chocolate Wasabi, etc — as well as other interesting dessert fare like cocktail drinks in popsicles, a myriad of macarons, jelly candies, cakes, and fresh-brewed coffee. I’m sure that if Dame Agatha Christie were still alive, she just might consider the exquisitely sweet and rich desserts at Bar Dolci her choice for her classic “Delicious Death”.

Bar Dolci is at F133 Forbeswood Heights cor. Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio Global City. For reservations, you may call (02) 846-8245. It’s also on Tweeter and Facebook.