SWAC urges members to promote "hilot"

CEBU, Philippines - To further promote the local massage known as “hilot” to the Filipinos, the Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu calls on its members as well as the spas and massage parlors in Cebu to advocate the local massage to its customers.

SWAC president Johnie Lim said during the weekly 888 news forum that admittedly, foreign massages are more successful in the spas and massage parlors in Cebu and emphasizes the foreign massages in their list of services compared to the Filipino massage.

“Sad to say, most spa operators are offering more the massages of other countries.”

He said that at present, he is aware of only three spas in the city that are offering the Filipino massage, and this is still aside from the foreign massages that they still offer.

Lim said that there should be a focus for the local massage since it is already known to many for its unique style.

Also, since the hilot is accredited by the Department of Health, Lim said that this should be strong reason already for those in the spa and massage business to promote the hilot even more.

SWAC presently has 30 members, and Lim said that during meetings with the group, they always stress on the things to do in order to further strengthen their campaign in Cebu.

Lim said that they have noted increasing customers for the Filipino massage but is aiming to multiply the number of customers through their efforts.

He said that we have enough masseuses who are trained of the Hilot and is also aiming to be more educated with the local massage through free workshops.

In the Beauty Health and Wellness show that will be done later this year, Lim said that they would have a dedicated program for the advocacy of Hilot.— AJ de la Torre

Lim also said that aside from this, they constantly make sure that the spas in Cebu maintains quality service and standards that are fit for their customers. He also said that spa operators are also reminded that they should uphold a wholesome image in terms of operations, and the whole package including the proper uniforms of their masseuses.

“This is part of the things we are doing to help in the effort of Cebu in making us the wellness destination,” Lim added as SWAC is a member of the Health and Wellness Council made up of different sectors offering various services namely the Hospital and Medical services, Dental services, Hospitality services, Travel & Tours services, and the government agencies Department of Health, Department of Tourism and Department of Trade and Industry.