Powder or lotion? Pasig's female inmates offer spa, parlor services

MANILA, Philippines - Visitors to the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory (CJFD) can enjoy a relaxing massage and a facial, officials said Friday.

Inspector Lourvina Abrazado, the jail’s officer-in-charge, said 32 of the inmates have been certified as beauty and bodywork consultants after completing the training sponsored by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

A makeshift spa and parlor is located at the jail’s visiting area. Abrazado said a whole-body massage costs P150 while a facial can be had for only P80.

“Clients can choose preferred emollients among lotion and other massage oils. The package includes basic cleansing, extraction of blackheads, and massage,” she said. “Spa is now a popular relaxation for many and rather an addiction for some.”

Abrazado said inmates can also put artificial, “Barbie-like” eyelashes on clients for only P50.

The Pasig CJFD said the spa is among the skills enhancement and livelihood projects introduced through the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s Directorate for Inmates Welfare Development.

“Our main goal for this spa is skills development and enhancement for our inmates. Aside from these projects’ support to their daily needs, it can be their livelihood once released,” Abrazado said. “Instead of succumbing to boredom and loneliness, inmates have these projects to keep them occupied.”

Abrazado and another jail officer, a certain SJO1 Isip, provided initial capital for the equipment and materials to start a spa.

Ma. Theresa Galano, TESDA-accredited trainer and owner of Cavite’s Prim Rose Body and Facial Spa, provides continuing training to the inmates.