Fai Thai Body Scrub

I went to Fai Thai recently for a body scrub.  I would not really advise it.  When you get out of the cubicle for a shower, you have to pass by the waiting area.  A bit awkward considering you are walking around half naked for everyone to see.  The shower functions as a restroom.  In fact there is no real shower space because a urinal is already occupying the shower space.  The only good thing about their spa is the towel.  They are thicker compared to other spa's I have been to.  And the scrub itself?  Well I got a good scrub and the therapist was not shy about it, if you know what I mean but I noticed that someone was peeking behind the curtains.  The therapist confirmed to me that every now and then, the receptionist would be checking on the therapist to ensure no extra services happen.  Bummer!

Fai Thai

I recently went to Fai Thai near Rose Pharmacy in Cruz Taal.  Barato!  Their Signature Massage is only Php 180.00, a blend of Hawaiian, Shiatsu and Swedish for 1 hour.  The place is okay not really at the high end but not that cheap looking.  They already expanded and has another branch just beside the original spa.  So far, no one offered me any extra services.

Dealing with freelance and spa masseurs

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.

CDO Massage

Welcome to CDO Massage!  It is a personal blog where I share my personal experience in spas and masseurs in Cagayan de Oro City.

A word of caution.  Hire these masseurs at your own risk.  If you are not satisfied with the masseur featured here, post a comment so others would know.

Thanks and enjoy your massage!