Released 26FEB, for sale until 15 March 2011
Travel to 31 October 2011
Return airfare from Sydney to Manila including tax
Validity – one year
Seasonality and Conditions apply
Cost per adult $938.00
Call Travelaccess on 96371388 for more information

Philippine Airlines have just advised that effective 28 February 2011 taxes will increase by $20 per flight coupon.
Basically for a return airfare to Manila the taxes are now $248.00. This is applicable for all passengers including children.

Qantas Special to Manila
Limited special
$839 including tax
Departure 1-31MAR2011
For sale until 24 February
Call Travelaccess on 96371388 for

Going on a holiday will never be complete without a massage for there is no other way to ease tired muscles after a long day of various physical activities than a nice and soothing massage. And a massage seals your quest for relaxation after months or years of hard work. You have seen it in resorts or hotels, they offer different types of massages and other treatments for guests to feel relaxed and tension-free. Foot or a whole body massage, it is one of the ways to pamper yourself even once in a while.

When you visit the Philippines, why not try something new? How about trying hilot, the indigenous Filipino massage? Skip those typical types of massages like Swedish, Thai or Shiatsu and go back to your roots.

What is hilot?

Hilot is a Filipino word for massage but this treatment is more than just using light strokes to relieve stressed muscles. If you are familiar with hilot, this is one of the most common alternatives to medicine in the Philippines. When someone gets sick or dislocated his/her joint, they will call a manghihilot ( a practitioner) rather than going to the doctor. Many Filipinos still use this method to treat some ailments like those persistent coughing, asthma or fever.

This indigenous massage therapy employs strokes to manipulate the energy within the body. It is said that illnesses are caused by energy imbalance and with hilot, a body with harmonious energy can be achieved. Before, many Filipinos frown upon this method but now, the local government is promoting this indigenous healing power even to Philippine tourism.

Hilot is now part of Philippine medical tourism. If you visit a spa or resort, do not be surprise if they offer hilot as one of their services. The local government is also offering many trainings for those who are interested to practice and learn about this type of massage. This is to ensure that guests and tourists will get genuine Filipino massage therapy courtesy of hilot.

When requesting for a hilot, you will be sure of a very relaxing experience. Oils used are the local coconut oil with that strong yet relaxing and entrancing effects. In just a few minutes, you will surely doze off and replenish those lost sleep. Coconut oil will also leave your skin moisturized and if you have been swimming or soaking under the sun, you will have an instant golden glow. Some resorts will let you enjoy a nice massage in front of the beach or in the middle of a nice garden to further boost its calming and healing effects.

Indulge in this unique and Filipino-style massage. You can only enjoy this massage/treatment during your stay in the Philippines. When in the Philippines, request for a hilot and see for yourself why this old tradition has been around for years.

Pristine beaches, warm locals, sumptuous meals and sunny weather..these are just some of the reasons why we love to travel to the Philippines. But do you know that this paradise also offers a different kind of tourism? The local government of the Philippines in cooperation with other sectors are now promoting Philippines as a top destination for medical tourism. Also known as medical travel and health tourism, the Philippines is perfect for individuals seeking a nice place to treat their medical concerns.

Now popular in other countries in Europe as well as in Thailand, Philippine medical tourism has a very bright future. Its medical practitioners are well-trained and truly world-class.They have been trained in prestigious medical institutions outside the country like in the US and Japan. Facilities of top Philippine hospitals can at par those found in other countries with world-class equipments. As an English-speaking country, language barrier will never be an issue for the patients. Filipino culture are extended to medical staff with genuine sincerity and compassion towards their patients. Most of all, the cost that you will incur for your treatments are lower compared to those found in other countries like the US. Patients can seek treatments in the Philippines at a lower price.

So what kind of medical treatments can a medical tourist get while visiting the Philippines? The most common are those related to cosmetics and plastic surgeries from rhinoplasty to liposuction. These cosmetic procedures are cheaper compared to other countries.  Aside from cosmetic, transplants and other intensive surgeries are offered in the Philippines.

There are many hospitals in the Philippines that offer these treatments. Top hospitals in the country are St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center and World Citi Center. Outside Manila,you can access these medical procedures in top hospitals from major cities like Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

Medical tourism in the Philippine doesn’t just end in the medical procedure and treatments. Part of the whole package is the recuperating period of the patients. With these, local tourism offers many spa retreats and other wellness packages for patients to heal with utmost ease and faster. Other than spa retreats, a trip to relaxing destinations with the freshest air is already good for recovering patients.