Convenience, quality service at affordable prices

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-owned wellness brand Big Apple Express Spa said the start of the year is the best time to commit to good health no matter how young or how old one is.

Commitment to good health may include being active. Trying to exercise at least 30 minutes daily is a good start to a healthier lifestyle, said Roselin Pagunsan, one of Big Apple’s owners.

Quitting smoking, for good, is also a good way to choosing the healthy lifestyle as well as cutting down on stress. Getting more sleep, wearing sunscreen and reconnecting with friends are simple steps often taken for granted but can be big solutions to a healthier mind and body, Pagunsan  said.

Cutting back on alcohol is also a good and healthy measure as well as sharing one act of goodness everyday.

And finally, Pagunsan said getting a weekly massage is also good for one’s health because it promotes better blood circulation, better sleep and increase joint flexibility.

 “Massage helps keep joints more fluid, making you more flexible and less prone to injury,” Pagunsan said.

Affordable and quality service

The company, which is celebrating this year its 10th year as an innovative spa business is targeting to open 10 more branches.

The company aims to further grow the business and become the number one provider of spa services in the Philippines, Pagunsan said.

In the future, the company also hopes to expand outside the country.

In June, the company opened its 20th branch at Ayala’s Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City and will soon open the Starmall, Alabang branch.

Its other branches are at the Cash & Carry Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Festival Mall, Forbes Town Center, Gateway Mall, Festival Mall, Market! Market!, Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Venice Piazza, Mckinley Hill, Robinsons Galleria, SM City, Lipa, SM Center, Pasig, Starmall Edsa and Waltermart North Edsa.

The spa caters to working class around the malls it operates, spa lovers and health buffs.

The company is a business concept that utilizes modern business systems and service strategies.

“It is a venue where anyone can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy in a clean and comfortable environment at convenient times, locations and at affordable prices,” the company said in its profile.

In 2005, the company launched its pilot branch at Robinsons Galleria, introducing the revolutionary concept of bringing convenience and quality service of a destination spa at affordable prices.

As of 2008, just barely two years since it operated, the company registered a growth rate of 500 percent per year.

The company has expanded through franchising, with a low initial investment of P500,000 to P1.5 million, depending on the size of the area.

It also has reasonable payback period, site selection assistance as well as a simplified operating system.