Refreshed

Much of my energy was extracted from my recent business trip. In occasion like this, I usually resort to Thai massage. But I couldn’t see any massage parlors in Korea that offer that kind of massage. I settled to a sports massage. The masseuse, thinking I’m Japanese, asked me in Nihonggo, itai desu ka (is it painful)? I replied, daijyoubou desu (it’s fine). But later, I told her I’m not Japanese and kindly talk to me in English.

This week, I am preparing for another business trip. This time in Taiwan. It will be my first time to visit the country. So that’s two countries in a matter of week (Korea and Taiwan). Ah, the demands of work. I am not complaining and I don’t have any right to complain. Actually I’m enjoying it, a cool way of learning things. Seeing the actual products is a realization that not all are mere blueprints.

As long as have my massage after each business trip I am fine.

an exhausted look
comforting pressure power
a refreshed aura

Earlier this year, I treated myself to a Deep Tissue Massage (DTM). Actually I never heard this kind of massage until one of my friends shared her DTM experience. (offtopic: it was her boyfriend who introduced her to DTM).

Deep Tissue Massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.

I was forewarned by my friend and I readied myself to handle the pain. Before the massage, Rick, the therapist asked me series of questions, from work habits, health problems and the likes. DTM is more of a customized massage. He tirelessly explained all the points too, why he is doing this and that and what is the effect after. But I admit I dozed off at some point during the massage. It was such a relaxing two-hour experience. By the way, here’s the link to Energy Room.

After the session, he asked me if I find it painful. I told him, no worries, I love pain. LOL!

My current equation is (Demands of Work + Massage = Re-energized Totomai).

Next in line: Acupuncture.

/totomai
03/21/10

Madonna

Most of my friends know that I am addicted to Thai massage and its my solace every time I feel exhausted or drained-out. Its a healing process of sort, it renews your physical being and in some cases, restore your sanity.

Anyway, brought by overtime work and Golden Week activities, I thought I badly needed a massage. And off I went to Kinsicho. I never realized there were lots of massage centers that offer authentic Thai massage. Expect me to be there every month/

The very moment I entered the place, I heard one masseuse saying "lucky guy". Perhaps she noticed that I'm a foreigner so she spoke in English. I asked about the price of each course and finally settled for 1.5 hrs massage at 7000 yen. Its a bit expensive compared to the rates in Thailand but I thought its fine, I deserved this one.

And so the session started. The masseuse kept asking if the pressure applied is hard or not. I told her no problem as I prefer hard massage. Fifteen minutes later I noticed another pair of hands applying softer pressure on my legs. I opened my eyes and saw there are two masseuses feasting on my body. Initially I thought, am I that stressed-out that the older one needed an assistant? The older masseuse tried to explain everything in Japanese and in some parts in Thai but I found it difficult to understand. So I assumed that the younger masseuse is a trainee and I am lucky enough to be her guinea pig. Twice stretched. Twice satisfied. Ah, Thai Massage is really addicting.

Since its my first time to experience two masseuses doing simultaneous massage on my body, I asked it if the younger one is under probation or training. The older one explained that she is her baby (Thai really likes to use baby in referring their daughters) and she just arrived in Japan yesterday. Now I understand why she was very helpful in assisting, its because its her daughter. Maybe she wants her to learn fast so that she can help her. Perhaps to earn additional income. We all know about the global crisis, right? They were from Bangkok proper.

(Our conversation was in broken English / Thai / Japanese, haha!)

It could only be me, but I actually found the situation sweet and touching. Being together, helping each other in any way they can. As they say, mothers know best. So if she thinks this will be a career for her daughter, then so be it. I went out of the center, refreshed and inspired, that's why I am blogging this one.

And it reminded me of the coming Mother's Day. I know that most mothers would do anything to provide comfort to their children, no matter how difficult it may be. Others trying to break the norm, but who are we to judge? Each mother has her reason, and it should be respected.

Madonna and Child

There is a painting
of a mother and child,
in black and white
leaning against the aged bricks
of the cathedral.

There is a painting
of a mother and child
with blank eyes and cracked lips,
stained by the changing seasons.

There is a painting
of a mother and child
outside the church,
seems lifeless,
yet breathing and begging.

/totomai

To all the mothers, just remember, everyday, not only during the second Sunday of May, is Mother's Day as long as you keep on loving.

And how can I forget my own mother. Ma, Happy Mother's day. Palangga ka namon. Expect my call tomorrow.

/totomai
05/09/09

Masseuse

I am addicted to Thai Massage.

The hotel I am staying offers traditional massage. Every two weeks, for almost a year, my body craves for this addiction. Their masseuses range from young to not-so young, slim to not-so slim, pretty to not-so much. Just choose what you prefer. I tried the services of at least two masseuses until I met Khun Malai, from then on, I am her regular customer.

Khun Malai is the oldest masseuse. She had a shy smile, spoke in little and broken English, and her kindness exuded out of her. Every time she massaged me, I can feel that she treat me as her son. And I guess that’s what my other officemates felt too. She really took her time when doing her services, she was never in a hurry and the next thing you’ll know is that 2 hours had already passed.

Being the oldest, she had the least or the last one to be picked by customers, especially by the younger or foreign ones. I can still remember the time when our group had a drinking session by the pool and some younger masseuses asked us not to throw the cans as they will give it to Khun Malai (I didn’t know her yet). Of course, we complied. Out of jest, we made a deal that we should only get the services on Khun Malai as a way of helping her. Fortunately for all of us, we had a great deal. Funny but in one’s month time, Khun Malai was named as the top masseuse of sort by the hotel.

And she never fails to bring some souvenirs / native delicacies from the places she’s been. A gesture I found sweet and heartwarming. If she had the chance, she’s the first one to say hi or hello to us, asking us how’s our day and the like. She was like our second mother.

Last Wednesday, being tired from my Cambodian tour, I asked for her service. We talked for a while first and told her that I will be going home this 21^st of May. She asked, for how long? I told her that my job is finished and I will not come back anymore. Her voice cracked a little and the sparkle in her eyes faded. She continued asking if I like Thailand, I said yes but I have to go home. Our company had decided not to renew our contracts. She further asked about my other officemates, her regular customers too, and I told her all of us are leaving by end of May. She just said she hopes to have customers like us in the future. My heart is breaking, I know what she feels. I assure her that if I come back in Thailand, I will visit her again.

To Khun Malai, thank you very much and Happy Mother’s Day!

Of course, Happy Mother’s Day to my Mama too. Love you ‘ Ma.

ETA

Two days before going back to the Philippines, I played tennis with my fellow engineers and I thought that was one of my unluckiest days. The tennis ball hit my right eye and believe me it was one of the scariest moments of my life. LOL! Still I continued playing, and before wrapping up the game, I twisted my left ankle.

When I arrived at the hotel, I asked for Khun Malai, if she can massaged my ankle. Of course she did. And what touched me more was after the session, maybe after 1 hr, she knocked on my door and brought me a dinner since she said I cannot go out to buy one. Whew! And offered me a pain killer she brought in a pharmacy prescribed by a doctor. A gesture I won't forget.

/totomai
05/11/08

Massage

After toiling from work, or from any demanding activities, I often treat myself for a body massage. It’s my way of releasing the stored pressures and a not-so-expensive method of relaxing. Usually, I go to massage parlors or clinic spas, or if I am lazy enough to travel, I opted for a home or room service.

There are different types of massage and more or less I have experienced each. Among these styles, I prefer a hard body massage and I realized that I am fully satisfied after a Thai massage. I can’t really explain in details the procedures involved, but I enjoy the part that I am being stretched. My interest in Thai massage or massage in general leads me to different venues. I tried some expensive and cheap spa clinics as well as with the blind masseurs in some shopping malls. How can I forget the Japanese masseuse who can’t speak English – it was a sign language session (oh, the pictures on the brochures helped a lot!). From take of your clothes, what do you want to drink, hard or soft massage, lie down.

Barely two weeks old here in Thailand, I can sense some pressure from work. Or is it just me pressuring myself. And I guess I need some Thai massage. Wouldn’t it be cool to try this traditional massage in the country of origin? There are lots of stalls, cubicles here offering massage. But I was warned by lots of friends and officemates to be more cautious in entering some parlors here. You’ll never know what’s in store for you! Hmm, I think I’ll take it as a challenge.

/totomai
06/01/07