Japanese group opens laser, aesthetic center in RP

MANILA, Philippines - The biggest and number one eye laser and aesthetic center in Japan has come to the Philippines, hoping to cash in on the fast-growing market for medical tourism.

The Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics Center (Philippines) held its grand launch last week at The Enterprise Center in Makati with some of the biggest names in politics and show business in attendance.

Dr. Hajime Watahiki, chairman of the Shinagawa Clinic Group of Companies, said they will bring in the first-ever Japanese medical technology to the Philippines in an effort to boost medical tourism in the country as well as in the whole of Asia by attracting foreign clients to try their top-of-the-line services.

Watahiki said their laser eye service uses the most advanced and safest facilities. When it comes to aesthetics, Watahiki said they boast of the latest breakthroughs in surgical and non-surgical procedures.

The local Shinagawa medical team underwent intensive training at the Shinagawa Cosmetic Surgery Center in Tokyo early this year.

Aside from Watahiki, the Shinagawa officers and staff include Watahiki’s wife, Miyuki Watahiki who is the chairwoman of Shinagawa Singapore, Junichi Torikata, consultant, Masako Uemori, president of Shinagawa Phiippines and Koji Miyashita, president and CEO of IPS, Inc.

Noted guests during the opening were former First Lady and now Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, Sen. Loren Legarda, First Sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Makati Rep. Monique Lagdameo, Pops Fernandez who is known as “concert queen”, and beauty queen-model Priscilla Meirelles.