Here are some of my advise on how to deal with freelance and spa masseurs:
First of all, we should respect the privacy of these masseurs. Be discreet about it. Do not post their face pics online unless with their permission.
Take a bath before getting a massage. The masseur will be rubbing your entire body with all the dirt and grim. Mauwaw ka pud intawon.
If you want to know the cellphone number of a masseur in a spa, ask the masseur personally not the spa management. Go to the spa, get the masseur and ask his number. Common sense dictates that the spa management will never give you the cellphone numbers of their masseur or massage therapist. If they give out the numbers, most of the customers will no longer go to the spa and that would affect their business.
Do not immediately ask for extra service. Test other masseurs in the spa and when you found the right one, then be his loyal customer or "suki". Gain his trust and confidence in you before asking extra services.
As for tips, you should give one. Spa masseurs (those working in the spa) only earn through commissions per massage and tips. Maluoy sad mo. If you do not like the services, then do not tip. I usually give around 40 or 50 Pesos for average massage. 70 to 100 Pesos if he really gives you a good massage.
If the spa masseur asks you if you want extra service, first ask the rate before saying yes. If the masseur says "ikaw na bahala sir" tell him your preferred rate and ask if he is okay with it. Some are asking for 500 Pesos for a jack off which for me is too much. Negotiate it to around 200 to 300 Pesos.
For freelance masseurs (hotel and home service only), some ask for 1,000 Pesos or more for extra service. 1,000 Pesos is expensive even by Manila standards. Unless you look like Adonis with all the muscles and face to go with it, then probably you are worth that much. But for Cagayan de Oro, the asking rate should range around 600 to 800 Pesos maximum.
And most of all, do not act like a desperate person! Sometimes out of desperation we do things that might endanger ourselves and the job of the masseur.
If you have something to add, just post a comment.
