AFTER several months of planning, the Davao Wellness Association, an active local organization of spas, salon and wellness-related businesses in Davao City, finally launched their first SPArty project to members of the local media last May 2 at Jade by the Sea in Matina.
Officially organized in 2010, DavWell currently has 30 dedicated and hardworking members, led by president Fides Castañeda-Bernabe of Pressure Points Spa.
“This is a testament that we are ready to make Davao City as the next wellness destination of the Philippines,” she said during our interview.
According to Bernabe, their SPArty project is a special event that will complement city holidays and celebrations as well as a support activity for the campaigns of the Department of Tourism, such as the annual Visit Davao Fun Sale. Moreover, it endeavors to highlight their members’ diverse wellness products and services in a fun and exciting way through a theme party.
“Although we are doing this as a joint project in the association, the SPArty is also a showcase of our members’ capacity to execute and host such event for the locals and tourists,” she added.
While the media launch served as a dry-run, the group hopes to make the next SPArty bigger and even more exciting come August.
“Our SPArty’s next round is going to be during the Kadayawan Festival. It will certainly be bigger as we want more people to partake and enjoy the activity,” Bernabe said with excitement.
DavWell’s SPArty by the Sea pampered guests with various massage services rendered by professional masseurs and masseus from member establishments. Guests were also treated with food and refreshments, serenaded with live band music, and entertained by firedancers.
The event’s special guests included DOT Xl regional director Robberto Alabado lll and Department of Health Xl regional director Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr. Members of the Manila media, with representatives from Philippine Star, Business World, Philippine News Agency, The Daily Tribune, The Manila Times, Business Mirror, Peoples Tonight, along with DOT Manila media communication officers, also dropped by and enjoyed the spa services.
The media group were invited by the DOT Xl to witness the Visit Davao Fun Sale and enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of the region in their island to highland tour.
Bernabe was joined by Davwell officers assistant secretary Menchi Layno, treasurer Abbey Gorrez, secretary Karen Cachero, vice-president Cherry Faye Al-ag, public relations officer Elaine Ortonio, auditor Mimi Joquiño, adviser and past president Jeilyn Savellano and their members during the event. Participating members include Basic Kneads Massage and Wellness, Body Bliss, Chioks Spa, Dream Escape Massage, Elysia Wellness Spa, Family Infinity Spa, Firm Spa, Holiday Spa, K1 Spam, Miso Thai, My Dream Spa, Olive Leaf, Opal Jhane Thai Massage Spa, Oriental Touch, Pacific Spa, Pressure Points Spa, RCRYUU Natural Holistic and Wellness Center, Sadya Salon and Spa, Scents and Oils Massage Centre, Solaz Massage and Spa, Soothing Strokes Massage Center, Thina Massage Cafe, Zhi Ya Spa Center, and Be-ing Suites and Wellness Center.