Massage, the Donsol Way

The CRC Team at the Tourist Center (me on the rightmost)

A team of 7 from the Covenant Renewal Church and I, were in Donsol for a week of ministry at the Iam Redeemer and Master Evengelical Church (IRM). Ptr. Noel Belo, a relative of Dr. Vicky Belo, is the Pastor of IRM invited us.

Donsol's town center. Very Colorful.

Donsol is located in the Province of Sorsogon, in the Bicol region. The town's population is about 50,000 and is traditionally engaged in fishing and agriculture.

But Donsol is better known for its BUTANDING, a whale shark is the world's largest fish. The Butanding appear in Donsol's waters in considerable numbers between December and May of each year, taking advantage of dense food concentration. Tourists arrive in throngs because of these whale sharks.

The whale sharks arrival prompted the local community with interaction tours, and visitors now have the chance to swim alongside these majestic creatures. Unfortunately, we missed them when we were there.

But, we got a better deal. Ptr. Noel gave us the best hospitality and booked us at the Santiago Lodging house. The lodge is an old spanish house converted to a lodging house. Our stay there was relaxing and homy.

The entrance to the Santiago Lodging House (Gina Mae, Wawel and Jossie)

The best thing he did was when he gave us a relaxing massage, Donsol style. Ptr. Noel is an accredited Physical Therapist. He also imparted these art to his followers and they all gave us massage. Jomar, one of his disciples, treated me to a muscle wrenching, bone cracking yet relaxing massage. I was so relieved that he took out the "hangin" (air pockets) on my back. I felt relieved after that massage.

Ptr. Noel doing a reflexology on Ptr. Gene Romero

I also took photos of the other Spa shops around town.

I look forward to going back in time for the whale shark's arrival in January, 2012.

Here's to Ptr. Noel and to Donsol: thank you so much for the experience.

Me (left) and Ptr. Ralph Magalit taken at the tourist center

Jimmy