A Filipino-inspired holistic experience at the Amuma Spa

Maribago Bluewater prides itself  for offering Filipino-inspired holistic treatments in their very own Amuma  Spa. Amuma is a Visayan term that means "to pamper". True to its name, Amuma Spa is a haven for rejuvenation. Our blissful Amuma Spa journey started from our very own Amuma Spa Suite (see related story here). The suite is just a few steps away from the Amuma Spa main hall and its very own swimming pool.

We were asked to choose from four variants of massages oils: VCO, Ilang-Ilang, Lemon Grass and Green Tea. If I can only choose all, believe me, I will. I chose Lemon Grass for my hubby and VCO for me. 

We were then led to the Filipiniana-inspired shower room. The lockers were made of native materials. To complete the Filipiniana feel of the shower room, I was given a sarong instead of a robe which I shall wear after a refreshing bath.

The shower room is complete with bath amenities like lotion, cotton, Q-tips, shampoo, conditioner and soap. 

The shower rooms are clean and well-maintained. Kudos to Amuma Spa!

After a refreshing shower, we were led to the couple's room. This hallway is our gateway to a well-deserved spa indulgence, after working hard for many months! Should I say, this is the gateway to heaven? 

The couple's room is spacious. It has its own jacuzzi, steam bath, comfort room and a veranda.

We first indulged in Hingut-an, a head and shoulder massage that de-stressed us after our long journey from Sumilon Bluewater. The massage was followed by suob, a Filipino version of the steam bath. Suob has been used by various Filipino ethnic groups to drive away elements of illnesses. A concoction of warm water, herbs, salt and flowers were placed in a basin where we were asked to put our feet on, letting the therapeutic mixture vaporize inside a large thick cloth that envelops the body. The healthy steam increases blood circulation, fat metabolism and detoxification. It nourishes the skin and makes it supple. The muscle fibers soften which makes this a worthwhile treatment before a massage. 

That was just the beginning.

After the suob, we proceeded with our much awaited Amuma Hilot massage. It is Amuma Spa's signature rendition of the traditional Filipino hilot massage, a fusion of hilot techniques from across the Philippines. Uniquely Filipino, this therapy induces relaxation and promotes healing. Warm fresh banana fronds are used to loosen tense muscles. This is the Filipiniana version of the famous hot stone and ventosa massage. I love the warmth of the banana leaves placed on my back. It softened my stiff muscles. A relaxing pillow was also placed on my eyes. It is like a cold compress. I wonder where I can get one? It helps diminish puffiness in the eye area.

The massage lasted for an hour. The therapist then enjoined us to use the steam bath. 

Recharged, we then headed to the lounge area to indulge on a cup of ginger ale. It is definitely one of the most relaxing spa experience we had.

Amuma Spa also has a spa boutique at the ground floor of the spa pavilion. It offers a wide variety of homemade soaps, oils and a lot more.

 I forgot to grab some coconut soap and massage oils before we checked out the next day. I  am sure these coconut soaps are a good alternative to Akisha's oatmeal soap (the one she uses to alleviate her skin asthma). 

When we went out of Amuma Spa, it was already dark outside. The spa pavilion looks so beautiful at night.

Amuma Spa also has an alfresco spa pavilion by the poolside. It is also near the outdoor sauna and jacuzzi.

The outdoor spa pavilion gives you a chance to enjoy a massage while indulging in fresh air. 

You can also have Thai massage here on one of their floor mattresses. 

Amuma Spa is truly a sanctuary of Filipino-inspired holistic indulgences. So the next time you will visit Cebu, try to allot a day to relax after having a beach-and-sun adventure.

A Spa-cial Affair at Maribago Bluewater

After another 3-hour drive from Sumilon Bluewater, and after a day of adventure and island living, we headed to our next destination, Maribago Bluewater for a relaxing spa vacation. Yes, you read it right, a SPA vacation! 

Maribago Bluewater is located in Buyong Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. From the airport, it is about 5-10 minutes ride. 

 

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Glamping at Sumilon Bluewater: Getting out of my comfort zone

I travel because I want to de-stress and be away from the noise of city life. I travel because I want to breathe fresh air. I travel because I want to reunite with nature. I've been to hotels and resorts around the country. They are almost the same. They just vary in price and theme. I want something special, something that can make my stay more memorable, something outside my comfort zone. Thus, I chose glamping.

Glamping or glamorous camping is an innovative way of "camping" in a more sophisticated setup. For some, the idea of camping is equivalent to bugs, uncomfortable beddings, questionable food and eerie nights. These are also the reason why for some, their first camping experience becomes the last. 

But glamping is way different. 

 

Find out more here.

 

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The Villas at Sumilon Bluewater

Sumilon Bluewater has 12 spacious villas that have an individual veranda with a fantastic view of the sea and mainland Cebu. And when I say, spacious, I mean it! The villa is too big for the three of us, as it has two double beds, a lounge area, mini bar and a writing desk. What I love most are the giant sliding doors that give a well-deserved ventilation and a magnificent view. Please click here for full story.

Deja Vu: Cebu Pacific's flight to Naga City

Yearly, I and hubby celebrates our birthday with a "major, major" trip. So this year, we decided to go on a 4-day Naga-Caramoan trip. Thanks to Cebu Pacific's piso seat sale, we scored our RT tickets at P900+ for two pax. 

Cebu Pacific's flight to Naga utilizes an ATR plane. Remember my post about ATR's and Q400's in my Coron post? Yeah, I was nervous while we wait for boarding, as I smell flight cancellations that day since the weather was quite mad.

But then, when we were asked to board, I almost jumped in excitement! 

ATRs are said to be unable to withstand bad weather conditions and are more susceptible to flight cancellations. That is why until we took off, I am still crossing my fingers that we land safely in Naga.Airphil Express Q400 aircrafts are faster and tougher than ATRs. So next time you book a Turboprop, check if it's Q400 or ATR.

So while praying aboard, I kept myself busy by taking aerial photos. I love taking aerial photos because it makes me feel as if I am on top of the world, literally speaking. 

i saw some islands  and sandbars. It makes me more excited! I am not sure if these are still part of Camarines Sur, but one thing is for sure, I am so happy we have these in the Philippines. Why go abroad, when I have yet to see the best places in the Philippines?

 Then I realized we were roaming on top of these island for like four times already. Uh-oh, now I can really smell "CANCELLATION". And I am right, the pilot announced that we have to go back to Manila since the weather in Naga is unfavorable. Oh no, has this happened before? Am I on a deja vu?

So we went back to Manila with no concrete explanation nor guidelines as to what to do next. We never hear anyone from Cebu Pacific say the flight is indeed cancel. Even the flight attendants said they do not know what's going to happen. Talking about customer service...Paging Cebu Pacific.

The shuttle brought us to the arrival area. Still no one from the airline was there to lead us where to. We just followed the other passengers. This led us to the arrival area, where Customs usually is during international flight arrivals, and they have a signage that says "Cancelled flights proceed to E11". So there, that says it all. Our flight was cancelled. 

We went to the E11 counter and asked the ground attendant what are our choices. He said, "Re-schedule the flight tomorrow." Oh, as if that's a choice. I believe choices are made where you could choose between options. Here, I cannot see any other option than to "re-schedule" the flight the next day. I got irritated. I told him if can we join the last flight for the day or just re-route the ticket elsewhere (even if it's bound to Tuguegarao, believe me  I'll grab it! We need a vacation!). He said they can only re-reoute the ticket to the nearest destination, and that the nearest destination is Legazpi, whose flight was also cancelled. He also said that he can rebook our flight to the last Naga flight of the day but we have to run because it's boarding already. After he said that, he talked to someone over the radio and they were like grinning and having the time of their lives while we wait for our new boarding pass for a flight that was supposedly boarding already. Urgency apparently doesn't ring a bell to him. Okay, now I am really annoyed. 

For one, I do not see the logic why airlines would only re-reoute your ticket to the nearest destination. Why would you push your passengers to the "nearest destination" when the weather in the original destination is unfavorable? Isn't it non-sense to do so because the weather in the "nearest" destination might be the same as the weather in the original destination? Think about typhoon diameter. I know that weather is something beyond the airline's control, but customer service is your call.

Number two, why would they tell us that the only option is to book the next day when the next thing they said is about re-booking it to the last flight of the day? Had I not ask about it, would they offer that option? I don't think so. 

And lastly, why the hell would you consume your time talking to somebody on the radio with a not so urgent matter when in fact you have to attend to a more urgent matter? Remember, the flight you are giving us is "boarding" already. 

So we ran to the boarding gate after we got our boarding passes only to find out that the plane hasn't arrived yet. And it follows that it is not yet time for boarding. GRRRRRR.

After how many minutes of waiting, we heard the boarding call and alas! We are going to Naga. 

I took photos again aboard. And finally, the pilot said "Cabin crew, prepare for landing." Yahoooo!

I took photos of this mountain, thinking it was Mt. Mayon. I know I am wrong! It's Mt. Isarog.

Naga City, here we go!!!!!

Upon arrival at the Naga Airport, taxis will call your attention and offer you a ride to the city. Taxis here are not metered. Fare is P250 up from airport to city. So we opt to ride the pedicab instead. This brought us to the main highway. Fare is P10-15, tell the driver ahead because when they know you are not from the place, they charge P20 up each. From the highway, ride a bus to Naga and tell the driver to drop you off at SM City Naga. The bus will actually have a pit stop at the terminal near SM City, so you could just walk to the mall. Fare is P10/pax. You can also alight at the Our Lady of Penafrancia Shrine before SM.