One of the highlights of our Antique Heritage and Media Familiarization Tour was our visit to the unique and much talked about Tibiao Fish Spa, opened in June 2009 by Flord Nicson Calawag, a 2008 Marine Fisheries graduate of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV), Miag-ao, Iloilo (he placed 8^th in the 2008 Fisheries Technologist licensure exam). One of a few of its kind in the country, it is considered as the most affordable fish spa in the world.  A form of ichthyotherapy (from the Greek word ichthy meaning “fish”), this fish spa has to be seen and experienced by young and old alike.

Tibiao Fish Spa

This fish spa, formerly located at Flord’s residence, was transferred to an 800 sq. m. lot about 1.5 kms. away from his residence after the November 9, 2013 Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) hit Tibiao, severely damaging his residence as well as the rest of the town.  We arrived a day before its formal reopening at its new location.  Before we indulged at this one-of-a-king experience, we had to wash your feet well before dipping it in the pool.

Jandy and I enjoying this one-of-a-kind experience

While most Asian fish spas use imported “doctor fish“ (Garra rufa) from Turkey, which are costly to acquire and difficult to maintain, Tibiao Fish Spa uses and indigenous and locally-bred fish species called Therafish from Antique.  The unique feature of the fish is its sand-paper texture teeth. In this way, it can effectively exfoliate our dead skin. Aside from fish therapy, they also offer reflexology and massage.There have been studies wherein interactions with animals have been found to have therapeutic benefits on children with autism and the calming effects of fish nibbling on Jandy’s toes in the Tibiao Fish Spa seem to justify that study (just look at his happy face above to find out).

TerraFish feasting on my dead skin

The fish spa offers three different tanks that houses levels 1, 2 and 3 therapy fishes.  As the stage goes higher, the fishes get bigger.  Stage 1 does micro-massage, Stage 2 removes the dead skin cells while Stage 3 does the heavy-duty work of removing the soft calluses and thicker patches of skin.

Stage 1 Tank: micro-massage

The water, which is slightly chlorinated, is changed once to three times daily, plus a recirculating system continuously subjects the water to sediment and activated carbon filters as well as UV sterilization.

Stage 2 Tank: removing dead skin cells

At first, I was quite scared and uncomfortable having my feet pecked, nibbled or tickled by hundreds of these little fish.  But, after a few minutes, I soon found it to my liking and got the hang of it, learning to just relax, lie down on a pillow and have a nice nap while listening to music and letting the little sea creatures do their work “eating up” the dead skin cells, calluses and cuticles of my feet. At the same time, they stimulate pressure points to relax the body and release stress. Truly, an exciting, exfoliating and soothing sensation that’s worth a try as it is safe and totally pain-free.

Stage 3 Tank: removing soft calluses and thicker patches of skin

Other branches are found in SM City Iloilo (opened October 20, 2010) and SM City in Pampanga. A branch will open soon in General Santos City (South Cotabato).

Tibiao Fish Spa: Purok 12, Brgy. Malabor, Tibiao, Antique. Cost: PhP100 for 30 minutes. Students are charged a discounted rate.  Mobile numbers: (0919) 813-9893 and (0917) 631-5777. E-mail: flord@tibiaofishspa.com.  Website: www.tibiaofishspa.com.

Tibiao Fish Spa: Lower Ground Floor, SM City Iloilo (beside Baron Barber Shop and in front of Iloilo Bingo), Benigno Aquino Drive, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo. Tel: (033) 302 9897.

Rates: Classic Fish Spa (30 mins. PhP120), VIP Fish Spa (45 mins., PhP250), Full body massage (1 hr., PhP350), Half body massage (40 mins., PhP250) and Foot reflexology (20 mins., PhP100).

Tibiao Fish Spa: 2/F, Cinema and Food Court Area (beside David’s Salon and in front of Chowking), SM City Pampanga, NLEX cor. Jose Abad Santos Ave., San Fernando City, Pampanga.  Tel: (045) 437-2574.