Tourism Secretary Ace Durano is highly optimistic that the country’s wellnAess programs will be one of the main tourists drawers this year. "The recognition that we got is an indication that the Philippines’ wellness programs are of excellent quality and are getting great support from our neighboring countries. Despite us being neophytes in this field, we have already gained international acclaim from the Baccarat Awards. This all the more motivates us to continue to develop our current spa and wellness programs and build on new ones," he said.

Taking its cue from the success of its Asian neighbors like Thailand, Singapore and India, the Department of Tourism (DoT) began its Medical Tourism Program in 2004, integrating traditional healing modalities and use of local herbs, oils and essences to promote health tourism. According to US economist Paul Zane Pilzer, the wellness industry is predicted to be a trillion dollar industry in the US alone by 2010.

The Philippines is promoting two indigenous therapies to lure foreign tourists to the country’s world-class spa destinations – "hilot" and "dagdagay" are now claimed to be among the world’s best.

Since its inception in 2004, SAPI has been working closely with the DoT in carrying out the goals and aggressive marketing of all member spas, and the continuation of the intensive training of staff and improvement of facilities and services in order to professionalize the industry and maintain topnotch services at par with the best in the world. SAPI now has 30 regular members, 18 probationary, 21 allied and 26 affiliate members.Move over Thai massage

The country is now marketing its own brand of massage therapy in the world. "Hilot," an ancient Filipino art of healing, was known as the much cheaper alternative to medical doctors in the country, especially in very deep rural areas. Today, the "manghihilots" have been replaced by spa therapists doing this medium deep tissue massage techniques for 60 to 90 minutes. The full body massage involves a combination of slow moving fingers and hand pressure over various pressure points throughout the back and legs, and relaxing the tension in the head and neck.

Hilot is a very healthy Filipino-style therapeutic massage perfected over the centuries. It employs "chiropractic" manipulation and massage, relying on certain massage techniques and intuition for relaxation of aching and tired muscles. Hilots have also been known to reset dislocated and sprained joints such as the knee, ankle, fingers and metacarpal bones.

Another traditional Filipino therapy, "dagdagay," is a foot massage first popularized in the Mountain Province. Dagdagay is an acupressure treatment for the feet using sticks in place of finger pressure. It is a way of accessing the body’s entire immune system through the soles of the feet.

"Hilot" falls under the program’s wellness and health enhancement category which also includes spa, massage, naturopathy and detoxification. The use of virgin coconut oil, local herbs and essences will likewise, help promote the country’s indigenous products.First Urban Medi-Spa

Riding on the growth opportunities of the booming medical tourism industry, a Filipino-owned company with international investors redefines the concept of the spa through its introduction of the urban medi-spa.

Amezcua Wellness Centre, located along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, is a multi-million facility which boasts of a spacious 1,200 sqm. carefully designed floor space, state-of-the-art equipment and a comprehensive approach to addressing issues relating to the body, mind and spirit through East-West and Ancient-Modern medicine.

More than just another spa, Amezcua provides a wide selection of medical screenings, treatments and therapies, blending the best of modern medical technology with proven traditional healing practices.

Amezcua’s general manager Renu Gidoomal said that the company’s foreign principals chose the Philippines as their pilot site because of its "conducive environment." She added that the innate hospitality of Filipinos and their proficiency in English makes them ideal therapists and staff. She also cited the country’s "favorable exchange rate," explaining that in comparison to key Asian cities like Hong Kong, in which a luxurious lifestyle can be very expensive, the Philippines is quite affordable.

Amezcua marries ancient therapy and new technology in an innovative range of services to achieve a holistic healing. Medical doctors trained in traditional and alternative medicine perform such hi-tech procedures as Live Blood Analysis, Meridian Stress Assessment, Lymphatic Drainage, Lymphatic Facial and Aromatherapy, and Iridology diagnoses. Traditional Chinese therapies of acupuncture and reflexology are also available for treatment of a wide variety of ailments through the redirection of "Chi" energy.

Treatments like the traditional Filipino acupressure "Dagdagay" helps boost the immune system. The Green Coffee Cocoon facilitate the elimination of toxins and impurities, while the "Pinoy Hilot," Sabai Stone Massage and its signature AromaMoor Treatment combat the effects of fatigue and stress using only the finest non-comedogenic face, body and spa care products composed of allnatural botanicals. The Body Quest Studio offers invigorating yoga, pilates, and Tai Chi classes. Clients may also relax in the wet or dry sauna, or reflect in the serenity of the "Meditation Kubo."

Gidoomal disclosed that the company is forming strategic alliances within the tourism and medical industries in the Philippines. With its all-encompassing array of services comprising a total health, rejuvenation, and serenity packages, Amezcua’s foray into the country definitely offers a big boost to the promotion of the Philippines as a medical tourism capital. "We are confident that our pilot facility in the Philippines, our first in Asia, will be successful. This will be our springboard for future expansion in the Asia Pacific."