When I was young my mother would give me a hilot at the back whenever i would complain of body aches or tiredness. It seems so natural for her to run her palms on my back and find stress spots. Nothing beats the mother’s touch and strokes trained by tradition.
In one way or another, I’m sure most of us Filipinos have experienced hilot too. Whether through our mothers or our community manghihilot’s healing hands, we know how deeply rooted hilot is in our tradition.
Imagine the same hilot method refined and integrated in the mainstream spa and wellness centers. That’s experiencing tradition and wellness together. That is what inspired Mont Albo Massage Hut, an internationally-recognized Filipino Spa brand, to include hilot as its specialty service.
Mont Albo Massage Hut was founded by Dr. Nol Montalbo in 2007 with a vision of “Bringing Hilot to the World”. Now that vision is a reality as the spa company has widened its reach as it has already breached the 50 branches level nationwide.
And good news for for Soccsksargen spa patrons, Mont Albo is now in Gensan! And these 2 branches are the two biggest, and, perhaps, with the most beautiful and cozy interiors bearing the signature Filipino and Asian-themes.
WATCH: Mont Albo Gensan Branches Video
- Mont Albo Osmena, Gensan
- Mont Albo Makar, Gensan
The Osmena and Makar branches are the two biggest in terms of number of beds and therapists on board. These are the first branches in Mindanao too!
Osmena Branch is the biggest of all branches, can accommodate up to 19 clients at a time. Makar Branch has 5 Couple/Duo Rooms for partners and massage buddies. Its ground floor and second floor can be booked for exclusive spa parties.
Mont Albo has 6 different massage services with three 3 body scrub options.
1. The traditional Hilot
It’s a Filipino hot massage best for relief of back pain and “lamig”. Banana leaves and virgin coconut oil are key elements in this treatment. It’s highly recommended for individuals with upper back aches and stress related pains and anxiety.
Ventosa or suction cups therapy is a recommended add-on.
2. Swedish Massage
It is the standard, medically-oriented Western massage popularly used in rehabilitation clinics and spas worldwide. Mont Albo employs 5 improved basic strokes to this massage to suit the modern Filipino busy lifestyle.
3. The Signature Mont Albo massage
It is a mix of selected traditional strokes and techniques of Swedish, Shiatsu and Thai-Yoga massages.It soothes all the muscles from head to foot, relaxes the mind and meets one’s psychological need for touch.
3 Unique Body Mechanics with combination of Yoga, Ayurveda, Acupressure, Thai Massage, Japanese Shiatsu and Chinese Reflexology.
4. Tui Na Massage or “push-pinch”
Its main goal is to return the body to balance to facilitate the flow of qi (life force/energy). Principles of acupressure are applied by following meridians along the body which are pathways of qi.
5. Eastern Foot Massage
Mont Albo’s signature foot therapycombines the Thai foot elements of Thai foot massage, Dagdagay (Filipino traditional foot massage), Shiatsu and Chinese reflexology.
6. Thai-Shiatsu Massage
A combination of rituals and body mechanics of Thai massage, Ayurveda, Yoga, Acupressure, and Japanese Shiatsu (“finger pressure”).
If you’re having a hard time choosing from these massages, you can seek the Mont Albo’s therapists’ advise to match your need.
You can also try their Suob, the Filipino version of steam bath or Sauna. They also sell signature products like all-in soap, whitening oils and lotions, seven teas (pito-pito).
Mont Albo aims to make available the luxurious spa therapies within reach for every Filipino.
By highlighting Hilot as the specialty service, Mont Albo does not only promote wellness and relaxation. It also reintroduces to its clients an important Filipino tradition.
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Mont Albo Massage Hut branches are open daily from 1PM to 2AM.
Makar Branch
Verez Bldg, crossing Makar-Siguel Road, Brgy Labangal, near Makar Wharf. Contact No: 09267204539 / 0921803 4689 / (083)305-1243
Ormena Branch
South Osmena, along DTI, beside Jos Inato. Contact No: 09394679176 / (083)3051287 / 09955817356
Marbel Boy 