The excitement continues as Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club welcomes players and enthusiasts to the 2nd Pico de Loro Pickleball Open Invitational Tournament on June 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Open to both members and non-members, the tournament will bring together pickleball players for a day of friendly competition in one of the country’s premier seaside destinations. Participants can compete in three categories: Mixed Doubles, Men’s Doubles, and Women’s Doubles.
“Pickleball has become a wonderful way for people to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors,” said General Manager Kits Pinga. “We are excited to welcome players to Pico de Loro for a day of competition, camaraderie, and memorable experiences by the coast.”
Registration fees are Php 2,000 per participant for members and Php 2,300 per participant for non-members. All registered participants will receive an official tournament shirt, complimentary access to the Country Club facilities and Pico Beach through a guest fee waiver, tournament snacks, a Php 300 discount voucher at Rain, The Spa, a complimentary 30-minute extension on indoor sports activities (excluding bowling), access to the awarding ceremony, and one raffle draw entry.
Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club Infoor Courts.
Adding to the excitement, participants will have the chance to win raffle prizes, including overnight stays at Pico Sands Hotel, Taal Vista Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, and Park Inn by Radisson Clark, as well as spa and dining vouchers.
Tournament winners will be recognized with certificates, medals, and trophies. In total, participants and winners can look forward to over Php 75,000 worth of hotel accommodations, vouchers, prizes, and giveaways.
Over PHP 75,000 worth of hotel accommodations and giveaways.
With a growing community of players and a scenic coastal setting, the 2nd Pico de Loro Pickleball Open Invitational Tournament promises a memorable day of sport, camaraderie, and competition.
The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila has secured two major titles at the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC) Awards 2026, held on April 24 in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Sustainability Champion of the Year and Wellness Menu of the Year, the latter marking a third consecutive win since 2024, while also representing the spa’s fourth consecutive year of recognition at the APSWC Awards.
These latest wins place The Retreat Spa among a select group of repeat category winners in the region, underscoring its sustained leadership in both wellness innovation and responsible practices.
These latest wins place The Retreat Spa among a select group of repeat category winners in the region.
Launched in 2023, the APSWC Awards have quickly emerged as a benchmark for excellence in the Asia-Pacific spa and wellness industry. Winners are determined through a rigorous process combining expert panel evaluation and regional public voting, with this year’s judging panel comprising 27 industry professionals from 22 countries.
The Wellness Menu of the Year category recognizes innovative treatment programs that integrate traditional and modern approaches to holistic well-being, while Sustainability Champion of the Year honors initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact in environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and community engagement.
The Retreat Spa’s Executive Director for Wellness & Leisure, Ms. Vikki Aquino (middle left) with team members.
This recognition highlights The Retreat Spa’s ability to deliver elevated guest experiences while embedding sustainability into its operations, an approach aligned with Okada Manila’s broader commitment to responsible and meaningful hospitality. It also builds on the spa’s Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rating for the fourth consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a leading wellness destination in the region.
At the core of its offering is a thoughtfully curated menu of treatments designed to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Signature experiences such as Dance of Waves and Indayog ng Duyan, alongside the Wave Dream relaxation chamber, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, continue to distinguish the spa’s wellness approach.
Sustainability remains a key focus under Okada Manila’s Okada Green Heart program. The Retreat Spa has implemented initiatives such as hydro-efficient treatment protocols, the elimination of single-use plastics, the use of Nordaq water systems, and upcycling efforts that repurpose materials into functional spa accessories. It also supports sustainable sourcing through its Spa x Culinary Herb Garden Project.
Beyond operations, the spa contributes to the growth of wellness tourism in the Philippines through community engagement, skills development, and local partnerships.
“This recognition reflects the heart of what our team does every day,” said Vikki Aquino, Executive Director, Wellness and Leisure at Okada Manila. “We’ve always believed that wellness should feel meaningful, not just for our guests, but for the community and the environment as well.”
Located within Okada Manila, The Retreat Spa spans over 3,000 square meters of wellness space, offering private treatment suites, relaxation lounges, aqua therapy facilities, and an outdoor pool area complemented by the Co-Ed Spa. The spa experience is further enhanced by dedicated personal care facilities, including a Nail Art Studio, Beauty Salon, and Barbershop, creating a well-rounded environment for both wellness and grooming. With its continued recognition at the APSWC Awards, The Retreat Spa further strengthens its position as one of the region’s leading wellness destinations.
Vine Aesthetics Rockwell Ortigas—where modern medicine, holistic wellness, and thoughtful living converge.
Vine Aesthetics marks a new chapter in integrated healthcare with the opening of its newest clinic at Rockwell Ortigas, a location strategically positioned at the crossroads of business, lifestyle, and wellness. Designed to serve discerning clients who seek both medical excellence and a refined environment, the new space reflects Vine Aesthetic’s commitment to personalized, evidence-based care delivered with discretion and precision.
At the helm is Dra. Emehly Sevilla, who now serves as Medical Director. Known for her hands-on leadership and progressive approach, Dra. Sevilla oversees clinical operations while continuously training both locally and abroad. Her global exposure allows Vine Aesthetics to introduce new innovations, advanced protocols, and carefully selected products that align with international standards while remaining deeply rooted in patient safety and outcomes. This ongoing exchange of knowledge ensures that clients receive treatments informed by the latest developments in holistic and medical wellness.
The Rockwell Ortigas clinic was purposefully designed to be exclusive and client-centered, offering a calm, elegant atmosphere that supports healing and restoration. With in-house doctors and a highly trained medical team, Vine Aesthetics provides seamless care—from consultation to treatment—under one roof. Every service is thoughtfully curated, allowing patients to experience continuity, comfort, and confidence throughout their wellness journey.
What further elevates the Vine Aesthetics experience is its proximity to premium hotels within the area. Clients can conveniently book nearby accommodations and enjoy time to rest and recover after their treatments, transforming a clinic visit into a complete wellness escape. This thoughtful location choice underscores Vine Aesthetic’s understanding of modern lifestyles, where health, time, and convenience are equally valued.
More than a clinic, Vine Aesthetics Rockwell Ortigas represents a meeting point of global expertise and local care—where medical leadership, innovation, and environment work together to serve clients better. As Vine Aesthetics continues to grow, its Rockwell Ortigas location stands as a testament to its vision: delivering elevated, trusted wellness care that fits seamlessly into today’s professional and lifestyle-driven lives.
Vine Aesthetics Rockwell Ortigas—where modern medicine, holistic wellness, and thoughtful living converge. For more information, visit their website: https://vineaesthetics.com.
New signature therapies incorporate ISUN Skincare, debuting in the Philippines for the first time.
Conrad Manila introduces a new chapter in wellness with thoughtfully curated spa experiences now available at Conrad Spa Manila. As part of the hotel’s ongoing commitment to offer guests restorative, sustainable, and soulful journeys, the refreshed menu features exclusive massage and facial rituals enhanced with ISUN Skincare—marking the first time the conscious beauty brand is offered in the Philippines.
“At Conrad Spa Manila, wellness is not just a service but a philosophy. We continue to innovate our spa offerings to deliver experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirits. These new treatments represent our commitment to creating enriching moments that help guests reconnect with themselves and the world around them,” shares Fabio Berto, general manager of Conrad Manila.
[L-R] Tracey Annette Drabloes (Director of ISUN Skincare – joined virtually from Colorado, USA), Lucky Ou (Director of Operations, Conrad Manila), Amanda Teng (Hilton’s Director of Spa Operations for South East Asia and India), Nora Lim (Senior Trainer of Goldian Trading), Joanne Gomez (Commercial Director, Conrad Manila), Nian Rigor (AVP for Public Relations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation), Andrew Hu (Quality and Service Excellence Manager, Conrad Manila).Handcrafted in small batches and formulated with organic botanical ingredients, the new products complement Conrad Spa’s vision of blending luxury with conscious care. The treatments incorporate elements such as gemstone-infused aromatic oils and ancient techniques like gua sha and energy-balancing massage to create therapies that are both physically restorative and emotionally grounding.
ISUN gemstone-infused oils.
Highlights of the new treatment menu include:
Transcend (90 minutes)
This deeply relaxing massage harmonizes energy and restores balance. Calming aromatherapy blends, energy-balancing gemstones, and herb-infused oils work to dissolve stagnation and promote enhanced energy flow throughout the body. The treatment delivers profound relaxation, leaving guests feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Elevate Facial (90 minutes)
A therapeutic and restorative facial designed to target devitalized skin. Ancient gua shatechniques stimulate energy flow and circulation, contour facial angles, and aid in detoxification. An elevated facial massage tones facial muscles, resulting in firmer, smoother, and calmerskin.
Ormus Bath (30 minutes)
A luxurious soak featuring mineral-rich bath salts infused with delicate aromatics. This ritual offers a grounding and replenishing experience for both body and spirit.
Guests can book individual treatments or combine them into a bespoke wellness journey tailored to their needs. For the full list of spa treatments and rituals, visit Conrad Spa.
Conrad Spa Manila continues to set the standard for wellness in the city, combining serene design, personalized service, and carefully chosen products that reflect the brand’s global promise: to create purposeful and inspiring experiences.
For appointments or inquiries, contact Conrad Spa Manila at +632 8683 3920 or email MNLMB.Spa@ConradHotels.com
The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila has once again been recognized for its outstanding contribution to wellness excellence, securing the “Wellness Menu of the Year” award at the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC) Awards 2025. This back-to-back win reaffirms the spa’s position as a leader in crafting transformative, culturally rooted wellness journeys.
1.The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila has once again secured the “Wellness Menu of the Year” award at the APSWC Awards 2025.
The Asia Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) is a not-for-profit organization that connects and promotes the spa and wellness industry in the Asia Pacific region. The main criteria for “Wellness Menu of the Year” is a diverse range of spa and wellness services—delivered manually, mechanically, or technologically—that support physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing.
The Retreat Spa’s continued recognition reflects its steadfast dedication to blending traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic techniques to elevate guest experience. This latest accolade adds to the spa’s growing list of distinctions, including its prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rating, a global hallmark of exceptional service and world-class wellness experiences.
A 3,000-square-meter wellness sanctuary, The Retreat Spa offers a multi-sensory experience designed to rejuvenate the body and calm the mind. At its heart is the Wave Dream Meditation Chamber—the first of its kind in Southeast Asia—which uses chromotherapy and the soothing rhythms of water and light to induce deep relaxation and mental clarity.
4.At the heart of The Retreat Spa is the Wave Dream Meditation Chamber—the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Guests can also unwind at the Tonic Bar, which overlooks a lush spa garden and free-form pool. The bar features wellness-focused refreshments, each under 350 calories, complementing the spa’s holistic approach to health and well-being.
The spa’s ten luxurious indoor suites and four outdoor spa casitas provide serene spaces for customized treatments. These tranquil settings are ideal for signature therapies such as “Dance of Waves,” a graceful, flowing forearm massage that encourages full-body relaxation, and “Duyan,” a deep-tissue massage inspired by the Filipino art of hilot, designed to restore balance and release physical tension.
The Retreat Spa’s continued recognition reflects its dedication to blending traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic techniques.
“Earning the ‘Wellness Menu of the Year’ award for the second consecutive year is a powerful testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Vikki Aquino, Executive Director, Wellness and Leisure, at Okada Manila. “We are proud to offer a wellness experience that is not only indulgent but deeply meaningful for the mind, body, and soul.”
How a simple thing such as a scent can transport your mind to a happier, calmer state is something that this lady believer of aromatherapy tries to share with other people.
Indian-American author and alternative medicine advocate, Deepak Chopra once said that “Aromatherapy is extremely useful. If you want to go to sleep at night, and you have an aroma that calms your mind, it will help you sleep.”
In fact, it’s not only Chopra who believes in the efficacy of aromatherapy. Tina Marie Wise Gamutan, the owner and enterprising young lady behind Tia’s Aromatherapy & Specialty Girftshop has always been fascinated by it and has incorporated it into her life.
Inside Tia’s Aromatherapy & Specialty Giftshop
“Why to treat a trivial ailment with medicines and chemicals when it can be easily healed by something natural,” she rationalizes. “Don’t get me wrong though! Aromatherapy is not a replacement for mainstream medicine. Please don’t try healing a broken bone with frankincense. Whilst I am an advocate for the ‘natural way’ and I fully support modern medicine too!”
How a simple thing such as a scent can transport your mind to a happier calmer state is something that she tries to share with other people. “The use of aromatherapy oils for stress, skincare, sleep problems, cleaning have been around for thousands of years and it’s all offered to us by Mother Nature,” she quips.
Prior to opening her shop in 2012, she used to work in a corporate office. Together with her best friend, they would dabble in making room sprays to clear the negative aura that tends to linger in such a fast-paced environment.
“We would spend the afternoon eating Japanese food purchased that morning from Cartimar market then we would settle down with our crystals, sage, tarot cards, and our accumulated collection of essential oils,” shares Tina.
She admits that this practice has always been a place of healing for her which is why up to this day she’s still doing it. “We always talked about how my purpose is to help others and now that is exactly what I’m doing through the use of my essential oils,” she shares.
Two years ago she became pregnant and got conscious of the things she would put in her body. Luckily, she had a smooth pregnancy apart from the terrible acid reflux. She admits to being extremely wary about purchasing over-the-counter medicine so she turned to peppermint oil and used it in a diffuser.
“I literally can’t live without it now,” she quips. “During my pregnancy, I had a lot of spare time so I started making my sprays again and selling them among friends. The sprays soon turned into soap making, massage oils, beauty products, and candles.”
By this time, she was sitting at home heavily pregnant and every surface had some sort of aromatherapy product on it. This is when she decided to open her own wellness shop.
Aside from the products she made personally, her shop is also an official distributor of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy. The essential oils are imported from Alberta Canada and the range of products has been formulated by a pharmacist with over three decades of experience. These oils are 100 percent natural and organic and each one is sourced from their country of origin.
Below are the oils that Tina considers as her “go-to remedies”:
What is it? Peppermint oil
Benefits medicinally: This oil has been found to eliminate harmful bacteria, it can relieve muscle spasms and disinfect and soothe inflamed skin.
Benefits when used in Aromatherapy: It has natural expectorant properties which aid in clearing the nasal passage and receives congestion. It is also believed to soothe feelings of nervousness and enhances focus.
How to use:
-Dilute with virgin coconut oil and rub on soles of feet for a natural fever reducer or use it to relieve sunburn. You can also rub it behind the ear to reduce feelings of nausea
-Inhale to relieve the symptoms of headache
What is it? Lavender Oil
Benefits medicinally: Known for eliminating bacteria, soothe inflamed skin, relieves muscle spasms, soothes bug bites, and speeds up healing of irritated and scarred skin.
Benefits of Aromatherapy: It has mild sedative properties so it is known for reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels. High cortisol levels have a direct correlation to lower immunity therefore lavender essential oil supports the immune system by reducing feelings of stress.
Due to these calming properties, you can use lavender as a sleep aid especially if you suffer from insomnia. This super oil also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial & anti-microbial properties.
How to use:
Use in a diffuser so the particles can be inhaled more effectively
Dilute with a carrier oil and use topically. Can be used as a moisturizer or help to relieve insect bites.
Provides soothing relief to minor burns and cuts
Can be used to improve the condition and look of eczema, psoriasis.
Can be used in the hair to combat lice and fights dandruff
What is it? Tea Tree Oil
Benefits medicinally: This oil is a powerful antiseptic immune system stimulant that is beneficial in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can be used in cosmetics, household cleaning, aromatherapy. It is known to soothe topical allergic reactions, burns, dandruff, acne, and much more. Used topically Tea Tree oil can heal skin issues making it an excellent additive when making homemade beauty products such as soaps, toners, face washes, body washes.
Benefits in Aromatherapy: Tea Tree has natural expectorant properties so applying a few drops to a pillow can relieve congestion. You can also add a few drops of this oil to a steaming bowl of water and inhale deeply to aid the healing of a sinus infection.
How to use:
Dilute with a carrier oil of your choice and use topically. You can use it on burns, cuts, sores, rash
Tea tree has the potential to restore the skin’s complexion so dilute with aloe vera and distilled water and use a facial mist. You can also use it in your hair to fight dandruff or lice.
Dilute and use it as an air freshener. It is natural, anti-microbial, non-toxic. It can remove bacteria, viruses, and mold from the environment.
Best-selling products
“Sleep Easy” Sprays
Sleep Easy Spray
Tia’s Aromatherapy has a range of Essential Oil Room and Linen sprays which are really popular. These are non-toxic, natural, and have a myriad of uses.
The most popular spray is “Sleep Easy.” It combines the healing properties of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender to promote a feeling of well-being, ease, and restfulness.
This blended scent paves the way for a zen-like environment and state of mind. You can spray directly onto your bathroom tiles so the steam from the shower picks up the droplets and turns them to steam. Alternatively, you can spray on your countertops to keep the ants away.
Strengthen and restore leave-in hair conditioner with vitamin
Hair Conditioner
This all-natural hair miracle works wonders within ten days. You can see a visible change in the overall health and appearance of your hair. The combined ingredients moisturize, fights dandruff, promote hair growth, UV protection, and are overall designed to bring life back to those locks. It can be used as part of your daily hair routine. Just spritz 6-8 times on damp hair. Your hair will be left with the heavenly smell of lavender.
Tea Tree toner
Tea Tree toner
This unique herbal-based formula is ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The tea tree extract is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that fight acne and keeps it at bay. The aloe vera aids in soothing and moisturizing and the L- glutathione supports the skin’s natural antioxidants to heal the appearance of blemishes. This toner adds a layer of protection to the skin by closing pores and tightening cell gaps after cleansing which leaves your skin with a clean, matte, healthy-looking appearance.
“Although essential oils can be used to treat various ailments they should not be used as a replacement for modern medicine,” she says. “I advise you use aromatherapy products in a supportive role to the medicines prescribed by doctors.”
All throughout this pandemic, Tina has been using a synergy of aromatherapy oils to boost her immune system. “Thieves oil, tea tree, and eucalyptus to name a few – these can be placed in a diffuser for maximum inhalation effect,” she concludes.
Put 4 drops of Youth Serum on your face every night for 5 minutes. Ultimately, your inner beauty is your best makeup. You won’t depend on makeup to feel beautiful.
“Cleopatra’s Youth Serum with Argan Oil has given a fresh look to my skin and improved the texture,” shared Ms. Aditi Ahuja, Mrs. Universe Joy-Generosity 2018, a philanthropist, artist, entrepreneur, style icon, and event consultant. “A youthful skin compliments a youthful spirit, hence, supports me in all my endeavors in society. So, if you want to stay naturally beautiful, use Cleopatra oils! Stay fresh, stay young!”
(From right): Judith Barran, the owner and founder of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy; Ms. Aditi Ahuja, Mrs. Universe Joy-Generosity 2018, a philanthropist, artist, entrepreneur, style icon, and event consultant
Hundreds of happy moms, working women, stay-home-moms, women entrepreneurs, and daughters are satisfied users of this “miraculous serum” called Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy Youth Serum with Argan Oil.
Judith Barran, the owner, and founder of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy considered her essential oils as her “fountain of youth.” She’s grateful to share these amazing product lines created and formulated by her husband, Lloyd Barran, a pharmacist, chemist, and aromatherapist with over 20 years of experience.
Ms. Judith Barran with Tia Belle’s owner, Ms. Evelyn Dayao Wise, the newest distributor of Cleopatra Aromatherapy in Sta.Rosa area.
Put 4 drops of Youth Serum on your face every night for 5 minutes. Ultimately, your inner beauty is your best makeup. You won’t depend on makeup to feel beautiful.
