Ever since Chi opened at the Mactan Shangri-la, I've been dreaming to try one of their massages. Going to the spa to enjoy sauna, jacuzzi and massage is one of the luxuries that is easily available in the Philippines. My usual trip to the spa costs P1,000 (or about US$22)---that includes a 20-minute sauna, another 20-minute soak in a Jacuzzi and a 60-minute aromatherapy body massage. When I travel for work or pleasure, having a massage at the end of the day is my favorite thing. In Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Boracay, even in Sagada, therapists are available at a minimum of P300 an hour, at your hotel room or even by the beach.
I have tried a couple of spas in Cebu but my friends there have been raving about their luxurious experience at Chi, the spa at the Mactan Shangri-la Hotel. The rates are not in any way cheap, but we needed to be pampered after a long week, so we turned off our cel phones, closed our eyes and breathed in the experience.
The interior of Chi is welcoming and luxurious and I loved the scents around me. After a brief consultation with the receptionist, I opted for the Healing Stone Massage (P6,600 for 2 hours) while the traditional Philippine Hilot (P5,900 for 90 minutes) was recommended to my friend. The garden villa was very private and serene, our therapists were courteous and friendly. I was a bit apprehensive when warm basalt stones were placed at my back, along the spinal column and below the shoulder blades--a type of thermotherapy. But as the gliding massage strokes with therapeutic oils started, I thought I died and went to heaven! The combination of heat and massage eased my aching joints and muscles, and was very relaxing--I fell asleep (I hope I didn't snore.:p).
My friend has chronic back pain and the Philippine Hilot really worked for her. Hilot is a massage technique that has been passed down through generations. Traditional manghihilot or healers are part of the Filipino culture, and manghihilots of old have ritualized their healing activity using native animistic beliefs. At Chi, warmed coconut oil and banana leaves were placed over the body while the healing hands of the therapist identify areas of energy imbalance throughout the body. My friend swore her back pain has not resurfaced since the hilot.
Chi is a luxurious spa at the Mactan Shangri-la Hotel in Cebu. I definitely cannot afford frequent visits to this spa, once or twice a year is good enough for me. For those who want to pamper themselves once in a while, make an appointment when you're in Cebu. Mactan Shangri-la is at Punta Engano Road in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, telephone nos. (63-32) 2310288. This is not a paid ad.
Hilutungan Island is one of the seven satellite islets that forms the Olango group of islands off the coast of Mactan, Cebu. Hilutungan, like the other islets in Olango, is a low-lying coral island with with an elevation of no more than 10 meters above sea level. This island is a marine sanctuary and a favorite destination of snorkelers and divers because of the variety of small and large reef fishes found here, as well as barracudas, manta rays, seahorses, sea urchins and star fishes. Hilutungan has a small community, a church and an elementary school. There is stretch of white sandy beach, a sand bar and a nice resort if you'd like to stay for the weekend.
Posted for Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday
Another islet 40 minutes from the Hilton pier, located between the islands of Bohol and Mactan, is Nalusuan Island. It is the crowning glory of Olango Reef in Cordova, Cebu. Originally a sand bar, Nalusuan Island was reclaimed to allow the construction of the resort which occupies the entire island.
The island measures close to a hectare, it has a 260-meter wharf and a stretch of white sandy beach. Nalusuan Island is a marine sanctuary--a favorite destination of divers, and the protected coral garden and rich marine life are great for snorkeling. 
Water sports, rooms and cottages are available at the resort.
Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary
Olango Island, an island 5 kilometers east of Mactan Island, Cebu, is not only known for its wildlife sanctuary and dive sites but also for its floating restaurants that cater mostly to tourists. These restaurants on stilts offer fresh seafoods--you can choose from live grouper (lapu-lapu), parrot fish, mackerel, blue marlin, squid, abalone, lobster, prawns, crabs, oysters, scallops, clams and other shellfish. You can have it grilled, deep-fried, pan-fried, steamed, mixed with vegetables or eat them raw. For the adventurous, there's puffer fish, jellyfish, stingray, different kinds of seaweeds and other exotic fares.
Boats are parked by the restaurants' ladder and we hopped from the boat onto the ladder. The water was not deep so no worries about falling into the water. Our boatman was also kind enough to assist us in case we'd lose our balance.
We had a great lunch here. It wasn't cheap but it was a delightful dining experience.
A friend from Cebu told me that Sulpa Island got famous a few years ago after police caught and arrested four Japanese tourists shooting porn at the beach. Bird wardens from the nearby Olango Island bird sanctuary spotted the lewd activity and called the police.
Sulpa Island, Mactan, Cebu
