Cat Ilacad: Prompting the next wellness trend
MANILA, Philippines — A deluxe session from Catherine Ilacad's Foot Massage Lounge in Bonifacio Global City is anything but routine. Everything in the Lounge ensures that guests get the kind of royal pampering not experienced elsewhere.
Ilacad, for one, insists on making everything thoughtfully customized—from branding, massage couches, hot packs, decors, furniture, to reflexologists' uniforms, even the disposable shorts customers wear when they come in jeans.
She knows what would work. After all, Ilacad has founded and successfully managed Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa, arguably the first nail salon of its kind in the country.
Ilacad told Philstar.com how the now 13-year-old Posh Nails, which she initiated at 22, did not take off immediately when it opened. But when the nail spa trend kicked in a few years later, the company was acknowledged to be the one that started it all.
Ilacad, now 34, was awarded the Agora Awards’ Outstanding Achievement in medium scale enterprises last year. She credits her success to hard work, wits, strategy and the support of her renowned father, Orly Ilacad of OctoArts Films.
This time, she ventures into foot reflexology, believing that the fast-paced lifestyle of professionals in business districts would benefit from the "calmness, serenity, improved circulation, enhanced energy and inner balance" that foot massages offer.
Foot Massage Lounge at The Foum as seen from Bonifacio Global City's 7th Avenue.
As did Posh Nails in its time, Foot Massage Lounge is expected to set a new wellness trend--to make customers feel right at home (especially if they live in a stately mansion).
Guests can choose to watch a film on the flat screen TV sets on the wall while their aches and pains are soothed. Individual, couple and group rooms are available.
Schooled in the Xiamen style massage, the solicitous therapist would occasionally ask for the guest's opinion, on whether a trigger point is being relieved or the massage remains relaxing. The session starts with a back and neck massage to make the session a whole-body experience than simply having only one's feet spoiled.
A warm bean pack is placed one's back, while refreshment is served. A soothing balm is used instead of the usual aromatic oil. The balm helps reduce friction but does not leave the after-massage greasy feel.
After a brief break, the therapist would return with a pair of wooden hammers or massage sticks to swiftly but lightly pound on a guest's tense leg muscles.
Outside the massage rooms, a lobby that looks straight out of Pinterest--with luxe black, gold and white interiors and Victorian chairs--greets guests. The hallway leading to the massage rooms are brightened by red pendant lighting. The wall is covered with leaf patterns in gold.
"It's like you're in a boutique hotel because of theme of the place and the different rooms. We also chose these colors to create an ambience that is more relaxing for the customer," Ilacad says.
Photos by AJ Bolando, Philstar.com
