Hilot is an exotic and mystical form of traditional massage that heals specific areas of the body and brings both physical and spiritual balance and harmony to the entire being. While hilot is still practiced widely in rural towns and even in the city’s older neighborhoods, few can claim this expertise within the confines of a spa.

         Amuma Spa at the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort in Cebu employs a certified manghihilot who learned the technique from generations of manghihilot in her family. Instead of the straight-up therapeutic strokes employed by traditional practitioners, Amuma throws in a fair amount of luxury to combine healing and relaxation in one rejuvenating treatment.

Hilot experience, the Amuma way

          Amuma also incorporates chants and spiritual invocations (orasyon) along with the body massage into the hilot experience in order to induce relaxation and promote healing. There’s also the pausok or the space cleansing through medicinal herbs and mineral smoke.

          Since each therapist has her own inherent technique, the traditional Hilot treatment is never the same twice. That makes the treatment an always singular experience. As well, hilot focuses only on areas that need healing, hence the Traditional Hilot is not a whole body massage.

          A session opens with what the Visayan called padampi, the gentle application of virgin coconut oil or lana. The ritual creates an initial connection between the healer (manghihilot) and the guest.

          This is followed by the pahaplos, which involves spreading the lana by using deep strokes to warm up the muscles and improve blood circulation. Then, to soften the muscles, the manghihilot proceeds to a third technique called papisil or kneading. At this stage, the guest begins to feel the stress melting away into oblivion.

          To further aid circulation, the papisil is followed by the patulak, a technique that concentrates on muscle and bone action. The manghihilot then proceeds to the papiga, a maneuver to gently rouse the guest out of the massage. However, the papiga is the moment when the guest is completely soothed and tranquil.

          To finally signal the end of the treatment, the last of the hilot technique is applied, the payugyog, which involves spreading and settling the muscles and tenderly waking up nerve endings.

          Aside from zeroing in on the root cause of the problem, i.e., a tension in the back or a knot between the shoulder blades, and melting away years of accumulated stress, the manghihilot caps the treatment with a dasal/meditation and an advice on health and fitness.

          The cool tiles of the lobby are an autumn mix of Indian slate. Flowing water features and wood and natural stones provide the overall calming ambiance.

          Aside from its signature hilot massage, Amuma Spa also offers reflexology, body wraps, massage therapies and facial and nail care treatments. Gentle lessons in taichi, yoga, meditation and even arnis are also available.

          While deciding on which treatment to have, guests may hang out in the Amuma Cafe where fresh fruit and vegetable juices and healthy cuisine may be had, or they may indulge in a bit of beauty pampering in the Amuma Parlor just beside the reception area. A large lagoon-style swimming pool in the middle of the Amuma suites provides a cool and soothing centerpiece.

         The second level houses the spa rooms where private treatments are done, a spacious lounge area with low tables and fluffed-up giant batik pillows for those who wait for their treatment, a VIP suite that includes a steam room and a jacuzzi and a veranda overlooking the carp-filled pond where one can simply lounge around or opt for a foot spa.

         If guests prefer an alfresco-style spa treatment, the round native thatched-roof Amuma Hilot Pavilion by the pool offers the whisper of nature and the gentle flow of water. What’s more, an outdoor jacuzzi pool and sauna, a yoga pavilion and watsu pool are also there for the guest’s asking.

         It’s the perfect fillip to a holiday on the beach, where soaking in the clear waters, basking in the sun or indulging in different water sports gives way at day’s end to a faultless combo of respite and rejuvenation.

         Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and Amuma Spa are developed and managed by Almont Hotel, Inc. of Cebu. For inquiries and reservations, please call Manila Sales office at tel. no. (632) 817-5751 or email bluewater@pworld.net.ph or log on to www.bluewater.com.ph.

By Maripet Poso