Respite

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Down Starmall  Lane, along a laid back business center, my three haggard-looking friends and I climb up steep stairs to find respite at Banahaw Healing Center.  Soon after purchasing service, we were led into a feet-washing room, an almost too dark a corner alley; one could not see well anything, but movements of their bodies like flickering shadows.  Soon after, each of us was led to a faintly-lighted cubicle housing nothing more, but a single bench-like bed to lie on, a plastic bin to secure personal effects, and a hook to hang clothes.  I wasn't sure of the body kneading I might get from my assigned masseuse, but I went along for the encounter.  Soon, Filipina therapist Kris began to work her fingers and hands on my upper and lower back, applying long and short, but precise stroking and denting of my body pressure points.  All hour-long session, I was comparing her work on my arms, my shoulders and legs with that of Shawn, my 'states-side' body therapist whose skill and expertise unbridingly soothed and healed my physical aches and pains with confidence.  It was unfair I did put Kris and Shawn's work side by side.  One charged $75.00, and the other a meager Php650.00, roughly $12.00, less tips.  The therapy sessions had incomparably different indulgent healing effects on my wearied body.  I was grateful that Shawn and Kris, coming from widely varied training experiences, were both able to comfort my battered physique!