FIRST, there’s a breathtaking view of the Manila Bay, which to some romantics is relaxing enough. But there’s more in store from where we’re seated one recent afternoon at the Networld Hotel on Roxas Boulevard.

We’re at the SM Kenko Sauna and Spa, touted to be the first authentic Japanese health spa in the Philippines. It is also one of the major come-ons for visitors at the said hotel, which has created a niche in the Japanese tourist market for services especially made for them.

The SM Kenko Spa has many interesting and unique facilities, but topping them all is its hydrojet pools. Ten times stronger than a jacuzzi, the hydrojet pool is a hard, deep-cleansing water massage. Water on hydrojet pools—separate facilities for men and women, of course—can go from 39 °C to 42°C. It is very authentic because the system used was imported from Japan and was installed about nine years ago by the Japanese suppliers themselves.

Yes, that’s quite awhile back, because SM Kenko Spa has been around longer than Netword Hotel itself, making it the best-kept secret among spa addicts in the Philippines.

Another major come-on is the unlimited use of the wet floor for the guests. The wet floor is where the saunas and dressing rooms are located.

Besides the cold pools, there are two kinds of saunas, dry and steam, with varying temperatures.  The male dry sauna’s temperature ranges from 70°C to 90°C. The female dry sauna ranges from 60°C to 82°C. The male and female steam sauna (again, separate facilities) ranges from 50°C to 60°C, while the male and female cold pools range from 16°C to 18°C. Again, all the equipments came from Japan and the temperature settings are patterned from Japanese standards.

Then, there are the massage services. Sparomatherapy is the signature SM Kenko massage, which uses natural oils from Switzerland. There’s a lineup of blended natural oils that should fit one’s needs. There’s one used as muscle relaxant. There’s also the anticellulite, which stimulates the production of estrogen to maintain muscle tone. There’s one for antistress, which promises to calm the nervous system and lift the spirit. Very intriguing is the one called “sensuality,” as the oil used promotes an energetic feeling and a sense of well-being. Another is simply described as a relaxing oil, which may sound redundant but very self-explanatory. Other interesting oils are called Cheerful, Detox, Firming (for stiff and overworked muscles) and Phyto (basic unscented). The massage choices are shiatsu, Swedish or combination.

SM Kenko also offers Philippine-inflected spa services like hilot, dagdagay and bentosa (using damong Maria), along with body scrubs. For those who want only their feet to be touched, there are foot-specific scrubs and spa treatments. They also offer a variety of salon services, including coloring, perming, rebonding, trim and styling. SM Kenko also has on the menu the centuries-old practice of ear candling. It is used to relieve pressure, wax buildup and inner ear blockages. It comes with a relaxing facial massage.

Because of these unique services, SM Kenko has been cited with many awards. The Philippine Holistic Training Center awarded it as “The Most Innovative” and “The Cleanest and Most Number of Customers for Hotel and Day Spa.” In 2006 it also received the Global Excellence Award as an outstanding Japanese health spa.

For the recently concluded Miss Earth 2007 Pageant, SM Kenko also played host to 30 of the 90 candidates. This writer remembers overhearing Miss Spain (who ultimately finished as fourth runner-up) and Miss Venezuela saying something about having the best massage of their winter-beaten lives there.

Open from 11 am to 2 am, SM Kenko Sauna and Spa is on the fifth floor of Networld Hotel, also known as Jipang Building, Roxas Boulevard corner Buendia Street, Pasay City. Reservations can be made at 536-5830. Membership packages for individual, family and corporate are available. Networld Hotel also boasts of being 20 minutes away from the international and domestic airports.

Of course, you don’t have to be Japanese in order to enjoy SM Kenko. All nationalities are welcome. Just leave your political beliefs outside.

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FIRST, there’s a breathtaking view of the Manila Bay, which to some romantics is relaxing enough. But there’s more in store from where we’re seated one recent afternoon at the Networld Hotel on Roxas Boulevard.

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