Sometimes our tired aching bodies are in dire need of something more than a quick-fix, a place where knotty joints and rigid muscles can be checked in and given an do-over by expert hands, kneading our overworked body and soul while we sink into our plush seats and slowly drift into blissed out sleep. The metro's filled with spa and massage treatments that offer flash-fast services to whisk you to relief in under thirty–sometimes event fifteen!–minutes, for those who are always in a flurry and in a hurry. But when your overstressed body cries for the stop button, give earnest heed to what it says and give yourself that much needed break. And if you're seeking a new solace for your next me-time, visit Foot Massage Lounge, a luxurious and relaxing treat for your feet and body.
Located at the second level of The Forum BGC
A Standard of Grace
Behind the concept of Foot Massage Lounge is Cat Ilacad, owner of Posh Nails. "It's been eleven years already for Posh Nails," shares the entrepreneur, "and I've always wanted something like this. Posh Nails was the first to introduce couches for manicure-pedicure services in the metro, and for here, I also want to introduce something different again." While the name clearly highlights their expertise on foot massage, they also extend the pampering for the entire body through dry massage. Cat is also a fan of foot massages herself, and notices that most foot spas and foot massage services offer a typical setting: a common room, seats close to each other, and oftentimes less of the quiet and more of the chatter. "You don't really feel luxurious when you have your foot massage in these places. So I was thinking, why not try something new? Something that feels like the lounge of a boutique hotel?"
It was a particularly dreary afternoon when I headed my way to the new dry massage lounge, so I was doubly eager to escape it all with a rejuvenating massage. Once you step inside the lounge, you can experience what they mean by lounge. Everything was easy on the eyes, a starting point of one's calming journey with Foot Massage Lounge. Their color palette–black, white, and gold–if placed on other hands, may have turned the combination gaudy and busy. "This is really for the people who have the time and will find time, and for those who want an escape, complete with the setting," Cat says, describing that she wants customers to be pleased with what they see from the moment they step inside the lounge. Her use of black and gold, she adds, is "because I want this to be completely different from the brand of Posh Nails, which is girly and kikay with pink and violet." Foot Massage Lounge plays with vintage romantic, with plush velvety seats waiting for you to sink in and pass time idly.
While you wait for a bit for your appointment, your eyes will easily trail little darling details: black shelves lined with hardbound books, small plants resting in white and glass pots, framed patterns and black and white photographs, and my favorite–framed quotes hung on walls, encouraging you with messages like "You belong somewhere you feel free," and "Don't be delicate; be vast and brilliant."
Men, as much as women, are very much welcome in Foot Massage Lounge. No flashy pinks and purples here, nor a girly vibe that may repel the manliest of men that wish to book a reflexology session. You can also turn the me-time to we-time at this lounge, as they have rooms that can accomodate couples, families, and even bigger groups for that pamper 'sparty' that is becoming ever so popular. Currently, the lounge can accomodate as much as 14 guests at a time. Each room has their own air conditioning and television, and each guest is seated on a soft reclining chair for their foot or body massage. Bathrobes, disposable shorts, and rubber slippers will be handed to guests to make their stay more comfortable. Thirsty? Ask your therapist for a complimentary beverage to drink before or after your massage.
Soothe Your Body and Sole
Many people frequently book a reflexology session because it's not just a calming massage, but a natural therapy that heals. A trained masseuse, just by expertly applying certain kinds of pressure on specific areas of the feet, hands, and body, is said to significantly improve balance on your body. When one's body (not just your feet!) is balanced , this means a calmer disposition, including better circulation and mobility. Regular reflexology sessions are recommended as it is said to also promote an improved immune and digestive system. With these health benefits commonly attributed to reflexology, one could say that the relief is felt from sole to soul.
Room for one
At Foot Massage Lounge, services are easy to understand or memorize as they only provide two: the Deluxe Foot Massage (P600) which focuses on foot reflexology, and The FML Signature Massage (P750), their top of the line pampering which combines Shiatsu Massage and Foot Reflexology in a 75 minute session. Before your session, you are asked at the reception area what kind of pressure you prefer for your dry massage, and if you would like a male or female therapist for the service. "We trained our therapists for three months," Cat shares. All of them trained in Xiamen, Swedish, and Foot Reflexology, all three techniques and styles combined in the signature massage. "What we have is something I would personally look forward to, and I'm excited for all my friends to try out here," says Cat. After 75 minutes of their signature body massage, every tense muscle of my back (shoulders especially) and feet was taken care of. I requested for a hard pressure treatment, and my therapist Rebecca spared no effort in getting me top-to-toe relaxed, so relaxed that I fell asleep for a good fifteen minutes (probably more). Relaxation takes some time and some quiet, and a visit at Foot Massage Lounge will welcome you with both, along with their soothing and invigorating treatment.
Renew yourself at this new getaway and get that much needed pause from the hectic city life–we all know our overworked selves need it every once in a while. Make it extra lush at this new lounge, where their look and ambiance parallel their top-notch services.
