Everyday Concepts

Last night my girlfriend and I was planning to visit one of our favorite local spas. Once we got there, we were disappointed when the receptionist told us that the next available room for couples would take almost an hour. My girlfriend really wanted to get her back done since she works in a bank and sitting on the teller cage for hours would really end up on her back. So, we decided to find another alternative nearby.

Walking around the Fuente rotunda in Cebu city, we saw an ad which directs us to another spa which offers Thai massage -- Tonton Body Massage Spa. Without further questions, we decided to try it out for ourselves.

Upon entering the spa, we noticed that the place was so empty. Apparently, there were 2 floors on the spa. The ground floor was for foot massage primarily and the upper floor was designated for the other services which include body massage. Well, as we went up.. it was the same thing, the place was quite empty. We didn't really mind it since we really need our back done.

Took us a few minutes before we got ourselves handed down to our masseurs. It was the usual, got our feet washed and cleaned before any other thing. One thing that bugged me on that one is that the place where we got our feet washed is adjacent to their supplies. Well, that isn't a problem with me but in my years of taking up architecture...I have learned that the "back of the house" (supply room, utility, etc.) is not supposed to be viewed by the public...or in this case, by us, the customers. This is the first time I noticed this in the different spas that I've visited so far.

Well, skipping that one... we were directed to our spot. Believe me, there were a lot of beds available but we had to be placed in the last ones. It was the usual curtain partitions which separate one bed from the other. But another thing that hit me was that the place looks like an emergency room. I mean, the curtains looks like the ones you see in the hospital. Heck, the orientation itself pretty much looks like it. Also, there were no aroma scents or Thai calming music (which you hear usually in a spa) in the place where we assigned to. And here's one more thing, I noticed our spot got too many clocks (I counted 3) and none of them are even working. These things are not very noticeable but this would really add flavor if you're running a spa.

On to the massage...Well, everything was quite normal. Nothing new to expect here. Just the traditional Thai body massage that you get from the others. There was one thing I don't like though...when the masseur was doing my back, I feel like I was being choked. Not that I'm complaining or something but I mean...I don't get this on other spas...must something to do with their pillow or positioning...I was just really uncomfortable when that was done.

Well, after trying out Tonton body massage, my girlfriend and I both complained of shoulder aches...I don't know if this is normal for therapeutic effects but I certainly haven't experienced this in other spas.

Overall, Tonton Body Massage is something I would not recommend for you guys. The place needs alot of improvement; and certainly there's alot better spas out there which can get you better service and fulfillment for your Php 200.

My rating --- 1 star out of 5!