Trying SWEDISH MASSAGE

I've been longing for a full body massage since the beginning of this month. Schedule had been so very busy for me the previous months plus a big event lined up for me on the second week of the December add up the Holiday season.Whew!


Can somebody treat me for a nice and relaxing massage?


Wait no more! Just yesterday, I had a taste of what they call a Swedish Massage for FREE!


I was not impressed at first. I am used to hard massages like the traditional HILOT, not until I had my left arms finished.

Swedish Massage got me on my arms

For you massage virgins, Swedish Massage is the way to go, especially if it is your first time at a spa. 

During Swedish Massage, massage therapists use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. Other classic Swedish Massage moves inlcudes kneading friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping.

about.com

Swedish massage uses firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefit.

Relaxation for FREE

Commonly, during your Swedish Massage session, you are nude under a towel or sheet lying down; but for my case, since it is free, I am on a sitting position with my clothes on. It must be more relaxing when your lying down and nude, must try that one soon.


Again, Swedish Massage is best for first timers but if you had been going in and out of spa for times already, you might not be happy with the gently and smooth strokes you will be getting from this particular type of massage.

a Gentle Head Massage

Did i mentioned I had it for FREE? Yes, I got from the Stratford International School Swedish Massage Students under the program of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or popularly known as TESDA. They need to massage number of people as part of their On-the-Job Training.

Special thank you to JOHN MICHAEL- the trainee Massage Therapist 

and to Laurienz for these camera phone photos.

Foodie Critic - Chicharong Hito @ BAR_KO

In a street where a line of food houses offering delicious barbecue to crave for, BAR_ko may look like one of the others. But wait! As we always say, DO NOT JUDGE THE BOOK BY ITS COVER. 

BAR_ko: Dine & Drink Restaurant is one of the food havens in Tiongson Arcade, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City. This unassuming place offers grilled chows like their delectable pork and chicken barbecue and seafoods.

the garlicky grilled panga

One of their best sellers is the Chicharong Hito which is to crave for. Even as I write this, I am salivating with just the thought of eating there again. The Chicharing Hito just got the right crisp on the outside and mouthwatering once you put it in your mouth. A special tasty vinegar sauce that comes with it gives an extra ooomph to the Chicharong Hito. Whether you are up for a drinking spree or food tip, Chicharong Hito is both good as "PULUTAN" or "ULAM".

the Chicharong Hito to die for

The next time you pass by Tiongson Arcade in Lagao, look for BAR_KO and have a taste of their CHICHARONG HITO! If your lucky enough, the proprietor himself ARVEIN JOHN LLIDO might be preparing it for you or his famous mom the City Councilor - Hon. Virgie Llido might be entertaining you.

the amiable Bar_Ko proprietor: Arvein John Llido