9. Massage at Home
Phone Numbers: 742-1829, (0915) 331-0088
Areas covered: Metro Manila (1 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily)
Price: P300/hour, minimum of 2 hours for home service
The lowdown: While Massage at Home's efficient receptionist did away with the basic spiel and offered little information during the call, the therapist was neat and courteous, and even wore socks since she had to step on the bed. The therapist also made sure she applied and maintain just the right amount of pressure throughout the session, according to the client's level of comfort.
Whatever Massage at Home lacked in aesthetics and equipment (no massage bed, no towel and no other options for the massage oil except lavender), they more than made up for with impressive massage skills - forceful and strong but never uncomfortable or painful.
Thumbs-up for: The basic yet impressive service is one that you would gladly ask for again. The therapists also arrived way ahead of schedule, even in an area which is usually difficult to find.
10. Spa Du Soleil
Phone Numbers: 775-5002, 381-9242, (0915) 212-7999, (0922) 430-4999, (0921) 257-6999
Website: www.spadusoleil.ph
Areas covered: Makati, Taguig (Bonifacio Global City), San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Pasay, Paranaque and Alabang. They also do special out-of-town spa parties. (2 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily)
Price: P500/hour
The lowdown: Dressed in a neat scrub-like uniform, the therapist comes armed with clean towels, oil bottles, and a portable spa bed, and are adept at relieving heavy-duty knots with their Swedish massage.
Spa Du Soleil regulars may remember therapists being more prompt or sessions with Zen music, tea service and even decorations to give the service a Mediterranean vibe. All these were missing during the test session, and the therapist arrived almost two hours late for this session.
Thumbs-up for: The kneading technique of Spa Du Soleil trumps the generic technique of run-of-the-mill masahistas who charge cheap.
Photographs from www.spaholics.com, orangehomespa.com, James Singlador for Islands Massage and Mobile Day Spa, www.asianmassageph.com.




Just a note, ask all the questions you need to ask. The receptionist isn't that articulate and get ready for exact amount, the therapists do not have any spare money to give you change if needed. Here's their mobile # 09175994398.