Whats On & Expat Features Magarao Parahilot

More than Massage

Next to Naga City is the town of Magarao, where a similarly impressive church built in 1750 stands.

But what I find more amusing are the signboards “Parahilot” found in almost every alternating home throughout the town. Intent to find out what it means, I stopped to get a word with the “Anfamosong Felizardo B. Villamer alyas Legid” (The famous Felizardo B. Villamer also known as Legid) whose house has a parked ambulance outside. He wouldn’t budge, saying he has a very ill patient.

Parahilot is a Bicolano vernacular meaning a masseuse employing the traditional Filipino massage called hilot. If the signage says Babaeng Parahilot that means it’s a lady masseuse. There are more men who practice this art of healing massage that goes beyond the mere physical kneading of knotted muscles, says Novie Rosalinas, a babaeng parahilot. The hilot here promises to cure, if not alleviate, medical conditions from skin diseases and arthritis to goiter and other internal sicknesses with the use of a mix of secret oils and of course, prayers.

Featured 11/25/2007 - 12/01/2007