In the past decade or so, the spa industry has experienced tremendous growth. It seems that places that offer all sorts of massage - Swedish, Japanese shiatsu, even the Filipino hilot - have been sprouting like mushrooms all over Metro Manila.
My personal favourite is Thai massage because it's less icky. It's dry because no oils or lotions are applied to the body. I've tried several places that offer Thai massage and the latest place that I visited is known as Nuat Thai. Don't ask me what 'Nuat' means because I don't have a clue.
Nuat Thai has several branches all over the metropolis. Lucky for me there's one along Dona Soledad Avenue Extension in Paranaque City, where I live. I went there not too long ago because I felt that I needed to iron out the kinks as well as the aches and pains all over my bod. Actually, I try to go to a spa once or twice a month.
This branch that I visited looks pretty small from the outside. It was mid-afternoon when I entered and I had to ask if they were open. They were. So I said I wanted a regular Thai massage, which goes for the usual P300 for one hour service.
"Male or female?" the receptionist asked. I said female. Little did I know that I would get both. Or neither. I'll explain the political incorrectness shortly.
For the record, I've tried male masseurs before and found that in general the guys don't know their own strength. Too painful.
I took off my shoes and got the usual washing of my feet. Then I was led to a cubicle where I was given a pair of shorts and pajama tops. The usual nature sounds was playing. I lay back and relaxed, hoping that this masseuse was no newbie.
Yup, she was properly trained and I was totally relaxed at the end of the hour. I prepared the usual P100 tip that I give when I am satisfied with the service.
Since the cubicle was dark, I had to ask the receptionist who my masseuse was. "Ako po," said the person whom I didn't recognize because the cubicle was dark and also because my eyes have seen better days.
"What's your name again?" I asked. Actually I never asked in the first place. "Victor po," the masseuse answered. It was then that I noticed that Victor had some facial hair that almost passed for a mustache.
Yup, I had been given a pretty good Thai massage by what is now referred to as a transgender.
Did it make any difference? In a word, no. The service was pretty good.
The Nuat Thai Foot & Body Massage is located at 187 Dona Soledad Extension, Better Living Subdivision, Barangay Don Bosco, Paranaque City. It's open from Monday to Sunday, noon till midnight.
If you like Thai massage and are from the area, it's worth a try. read more