To be honest, I am not big on massages, spas, or in general - pampering myself. I always make my busy-ness as an excuse on why I don’t have time to treat myself to some form of relaxation. Thankfully, I got the chance to experience a spa treat from one of the country’s spa and treatment centers, Bioessence.

Photo c/o Bioessence’s Facebook page
I know you’ve heard of them and I know how you’d always wanted to try out their services. (Wink!)
When they messaged me via Twitter offering me the chance to try out their summer treatment, I was beyond ecstatic. I was like, “SERIOUSLY!” The invite was definitely God-sent, what with all the stress of the past weeks. Such a good timing, if I may say so.
After much deliberation, I decided, the heck to just give it a go. And was my choice the right one.
I was a bit late when I got to their West Ave. Branch because the cabbie driver almost brought me to EAST AVE. And that’s obviously the opposite side of the road. Anyway, when I got there, I instantly felt comfortable because of the accommodating staff.
(Pardon the blurry photos, Nikki (my DSLR) is still not in the pink of health.)


I was led to the lounge area where I sipped a glass of iced tea, while waiting for my ‘room’ to be ready. Ms. Anj and Brenda toured me around the place.





Treatment and consultation rooms
And this was where all the awesomeness happened. The VIP room. This room can accommodate a couple, hence, I know that one day I’ll be dragging my husband here for some ‘us’ time and relaxation.



The VIP room and mirror shots
Unlike some other massage centers, Bioessence follows a procedure on their treatment. It’s not the usual, you go there and they place you in a bed and the massaging begins. The first step was a 10-minute sauna time.
It was my first time to go into a sauna room. And it felt good to be perspiring like crazy.



After the sauna, I headed back to my room and indulged in a hot bath in the jacuzzi tub. With the relaxing background music, there was nothing left to do but close my eyes and think: “what have I done to deserve this?” Haha!



Bubbly jacuzzi, me on my robe, and candles on the sink
After the bath, the massage began. The treatment that they offered me was their Banana Leaf Massage. It’s a combination of Swedish massage and Ventosa, with the Filipino-twist - the usage of banana leaves, which in our culture is commonly used in ‘hilot’.
It’s notable that Bioessence tweaked the Ventosa massage process by eliminating the use of fire. They just used heated glasses because according to them, they want to ensure the safety of their clients.

Photo credit: Yourwebsiteisinvisible.com
No, the photo’s not me (obviously), but I want to depict how I felt during the massage. And that’s exactly how, with a big grin plastered on my face. Haha.
What I love about the treatment was the combination of Ventosa and the banana leaf compress. I love the soothing effect of the ‘heat’ on my back.
After the massage, I was left to rest for a while. And I couldn’t help but grin because that indeed was the ‘good life’.
They even served me food. Awesome. :)

A failed photo of me and Ms. Anj. :-/
All in all, it was an amazing experience. It was a good ‘first-time experience’. I was pampered to a whole new level and finally had a much-deserved relaxation. And I learned a lot of things about massages during my stay there, which include:
- You can have your massage at least once a week.
- You can take a hot bath after a massage (contrary to popular belief that you can’t).
- Toddlers and kids can also get a massage. (You just have to have the patience to command them to lay still. :))
Thanks again Bioessence, Ms. Anj for the invite, and Ms. Brenda for enlightening me about the massages.
I’d definitely go back!
Bioessence offers skin (facials), slimming (non invasive), and spa (massages, scrubs, etc.) services.
Its services cater to all - from 350 break time facials to high end treatments - that can be tailor-fitted to everyone’s needs.
For more information, you may text or call them at 0918-8232889 or (02) 3767106.
You may follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@BioessencePH) too.
xx, A