Kuya Jonathon and atte Jean are special artists preserving traditional Filipino style. My hand…read moretapped piece came out beyond expectations. They were very responsive and receptive to my wishes about the artwork, making multiple revisions.

It was very easy to reach out and set up an appointment ahead of time. They followed up a few days…read morebefore and once I got there they were very welcoming. The whole process was smooth and everything was clean and sterile. It was great being able to learn more about the culture and my heritage. We decided on the patterns and they worked on it right away. The line work was really good and I'm really happy with how it turned out

I got my first tattoo three months ago…read more It was a dare. Really. I mean, I've always wanted to have a tattoo, but I was always afraid of the pain. And the needles. And the blood. My friend and I first went to the place on a Saturday morning. We knocked and waited for someone to open the door. Some guy then told us that we would have to set an appointment if we wanted our tattoos done in the morning. It was Monday and our appointment was set. I was panicking and needed to calm my nerves. The tattoo artist, Marlon Capuno, was still on his way to the shop. So while my friend was busy talking to some guy who was drawing our tattoos, I went out to have a smoke. Thirty minutes later, my friend told me it was time to get inked. I noticed right away that the place was clean. Marlon wore gloves and showed me the new needles he was going to use. He was very professional and confident,but didn't brag about those he inked before. Getting the tattoo wasn't that painful. I only got a small star. Marlon reminded me to keep breathing and not to panic. My friend got her tattoo and almost passed out from the pain. Marlon had her lie down for a few minutes. I guess there's nothing these tattoo artists can do to ease the pain. You just gotta toughen up. Am I going back for more? Of course. And I'm getting a bigger one. And yes, I'll still have Marlon ink me.

I got my tattoo done at Vice Tattoo on Jan/20/18. A little background, I got a tattoo of a cobra…read morewith "SWIFT*DEADLY" above it when I was young and in the US Marines, seemed like a good idea at the time. 5 years later I am thinking that I don't want that on my arm anymore, 15 years after that I had a red line put through it and had "SLOW*SARCASTIC" tattooed about it. Funny change but looked stupid so started thinking about a cover up tattoo. I spoke to artists over the years but while here in Philippines I decided it was time to go for it. I looked at on-line reviews of artists in the Manila area and saw that Marlon at Vice Tattoo was listed in the top 5 of most of them. I sent him an email with my current tattoo and a picture of an image that I liked. Marlon asked me to come in for measurements. I went to his shop and he told me that he could do it but it would be larger than I described in my email. I asked Marlon to prepare a drawing that would be the actual size. Marlon asked for a p2000 deposit but I was not convinced that I wanted to do it and offered p700 which he accepted. My cover tattoo would be a US Marine Corps image (EGA) with American flag background which I knew he was not familiar with so I was very clear on my instructions. The first couple images that he emailed me were not correct which was partially my fault. The US flag was the wrong direction for the right arm and North and South America were inverted on the globe. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable about him understanding my request due to his less than perfect English skills. Hey this is the Philippines and Tagalog is the national language so I really cannot complain. My sweetie is Filipina who translated my instructions and we got the image banged out in no time. It is a good idea to take someone that speaks Tagalog with you. Marlon may understand just fine but don't just expect him to understand precise details in English. Marlon asked that I bring my lady with me when I got the tattoo so he could speak with her and make sure that it is perfect for me. I got the big dark colored tattoo on my arm now and it is healing. I am anxious to see it once it is healed so that I can make a 100% observation and opinion but for now I am happy with it. Looking over other reviews I see there are mixed opinions. One person said that he uses a heavy hand and fast strokes. This is true, he had the gun cranked up and it was painful. Not enough pain that I wanted to quit but it was uncomfortable. Big tattoos are going to require some patience and tolerance. Also he was about an hour late for the appointment but during that time his apprentice worked hard at creating the overlay of the image and even had to redraw a couple times to get it to my requirements. When Marlon arrived the overlay had been transferred to my arm. I could see in the mirror the size and layout of the tattoo. We discussed the cost of the tattoo and he quoted me p10,000 and did not increase the price after I asked to add on some letters under the tattoo. I feel that the price was reasonable but keep in mind too that I had my lady with me discussing all of this so was not just a foreigner in the shop. Although I saw it in another review, I cannot even speculate whether or not he charges foreigners extra but I will guess that he does not do that. Now he did charge me p900 for three small packages of lotion. That was way overpriced but I paid it. Not going to argue over $18.00. Take a tube of triple antibiotic ointment with you from your country if you plan to get a tattoo in the Philippines, it is like $4.00 USD and you are not going to find it in a Manila pharmacy. At least I did not see it here. I was impressed with Marlon's awards, achievements and also the appreciation letters for being at judge a various tattoo competitions. Marlon has several books with pictures of his past work. These are good for determining his skills. A tattoo is going to be on your body forever (unless you get a cover tattoo like me) so do your research and don't make a fast decisions. I am happy with the work Marlon did. He did most of the work free hand from the drawing and was able to change the overall look so that I was not stealing someone else's tattoo. I would recommend Vice Tattoo to anyone and will honestly say that it was a good experience and I am happy with my tattoo.

Hua Spa is great! Very relaxing atmosphere. I had several treatments done and they were…read moreoutstanding. I was completely relaxed when I left. I would highly recommend!

Top notch facilities and excellent service! Will come back for more most definitely. :)read more

I live in the U.S. but go back to the Philippines 2X a year. I went to different salons but felt…read morethat my hair was abused with strong colorant and treatment only lasted a week. I found Kiyosa at the Palisades Makati and ever since I never wanted to go anywhere. Jon was exceptional from advising what was right for me, offering his services not only professionally, but with compassion and care. I always leave the salon happy and contented. The company should be proud of having a talented and superb employee. Kudos to Jon!!

This is a real Japanese salon in Philippines!! One of my…read moresurprising point is MANY japanese staff are there. They have 3kinds of service - japanese Nail - japanese Eyelash extention - japanese Hair I think around 5 japanese staff is there. And They trained philipino staff. Since some philippino staff work for long, closer to japanese technique. When you go to french restaurant, there is french chef, right? This salon is same situation. Japanese licenced technician are there at salon. Real Japanese salon in philippines! And, there are many japanese customers. It's proof that it's Real japanese salon. If imitation japanese salon, japanese customer don't come. Their service is really japanese technique and hospitality, that's why japanese customer like it. Their technique is so high! They can make any offer! Not only technique, their hospitality is so nice!!! Better to go there!!

I've been coming to John Barbers Groomers at Ascott Makati since 2024, and I always make it a point…read moreto book with Ariel whenever I'm back in the Philippines. Ariel consistently does an excellent job. He takes his time, pays attention to detail, and remembers how I like my haircut, which makes every visit easy and stress-free. The results are always clean, professional, and exactly what I ask for. The shop itself is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Being located inside Ascott Makati also makes it very convenient, especially if you're staying at the hotel or spending time around Glorietta. Consistency is what keeps me coming back. Even though I live in the U.S., getting a haircut from Ariel has become part of my routine every time I visit the Philippines. Highly recommended if you're looking for a skilled barber and great service in Makati.

I recommend their Awakening spa treatment, which helps target tired muscles and encourages blood…read morecirculation. Whilst that was happening, I also had the Manos Classic and got myself a daring yellow nail gel. The ladies were great in delivering the service, relaxing, professional and my nails were clean! Read: purplecuriosity.wordpress.com/2019/12/29/manos-nail-lounge/

I've been looking for a quality nail salon for a while and I think I just found my favorite!…read more I had trouble finding the entrance at first since you have to make your way up to the second floor of the building through a random stairway. I got the classic Mani + Pedi plus Gel on my fingers for 970 php. I had Glo doing my fingers and Lyn doing my toes and both did fabulous! Definitely opt for the seats facing the windows. They are so relaxing and so by the time the get to your arm/leg massage you could almost fall asleep! (I think the woman next to me did)

Came in for mani/pedi and received the best service at this salon. Visiting Manila from U.S. and…read morehave visites countless salons over the years. The attention to detail that Janice gave was immaculate. She really took her time and did a very good job. My friend that came for a manicure with designs that she showed off her phone and they were very well done too. 1200 pesos for manicure with designs ($24 USD). Would absolutely come back here again. Because of all the attention to detail make sure you aren't in a rush to get somewhere and embrace the "Philippino time".

I really like the salon and the staff was very nice. They did a great job! Just expect to pay US…read moreprices for your gel mani. I got my nails done with no design and it was 1300 pesos, which was 24.73 usd. I live in San Francisco and pay 55 dollars for a mani pedi. I did not expect to pay US prices in Manila. The published price was 885, however they also charge you to remove gel if you have it on. C'est la vi!

My sister and I recently went to the Regent Spa at SM Jazz in Makati and we were very satisfied…read morewith our experience! I am conservatively giving them a 4/5 rating at this time as we have yet to try other similar spas. The air conditioning wasn't working well at the time we visited so it was rather warm downstairs, but the private rooms upstairs are a little cooler. Still, it was a bit warm, so the therapists had to bring in a fan in the room and leave the door partially open to allow cool air to come in, so we lost a little bit on the "privacy" aspect but since at the time, there weren't a lot of people around, it was okay. The massage therapists were good - they always checked if the pressure was right or if the hot towel was the right temperature. They also gave me a heads-up when they have to move a limb or change positions (I had a Swedish Massage). The hot towels were a nice touch and allowed for a more relaxing experience. They also provided robes (top and shorts), so if you are a bit shy, then, you can be rest assured that you won't feel completely exposed. They were also on time and the Receptionists were very courteous and knowledgeable. They only have female massage therapists, we were told, and all are TESDA- and DoH- accredited. They offered us a cup of ginger tea after the massage (tasted great that we decided to buy ginger tea after the massage). Another nice touch! The Swedish and Combination Massage (my sister had this), each cost P600. They are double the price what we pay for when we request for home service massage, but between the better quality massage, the nice ambiance (even with weak air conditioning), the professional attitude of the Receptionists and Therapists, the added client care with the use of hot towels to wipe off the oils and the ginger tea in the end -- it's worth it! We will definitely come here again!

Located at the newly opened Jazz Mall, Regent Spa is one of the new players in the business, and…read moreright now, my current favorite. My sister and I would always walk down to Nuat Thai on HV Dela Costa to get some pampering done, but with the opening of Regent Spa, I'm very glad we no longer have to walk. (Laziness, thy name is Mo.) It's sandwiched between Azta Urban Salon and the building's very own laundromat, which is just next to the Tower D Jazz Residences entrance. Believe me when I say this place is pricey! A basic, 1 hour massage will cost you around 600 PHP, no frills included. And believe me too, when I say that every cent is absolutely worth it! I went inside Regent Spa, tired, haggard and with recurring back pains, and went out of it feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world! They've got an amazing massage bed that's very comfortable and can recline any which way. (Nothing like those basic massage beds that's just flat with a whole for your face.) They also cove ryou with hot towels while you're being massaged, and if that doesn't instantly relax you, then I don't know what will.