Thesis...

LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY CAVITE

AWARENESS OF DASMARINENOS ON THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPA

AND SAFETY MEASURES OF ESTABLISHMENT

A Thesis

Submitted to the Faculty of the

College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management

Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in International Management

Alegre, Mark Rossmond

Garcia, Lovely Shayne

Sendin, Shiela Marie

COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

1


CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not

merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable

standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without

distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition (World Health

Organization Constitution, 2006). On the other hand, Department of Health of the

Philippines defines health as a state of optimal physical, mental and social well being and

ability to function at the individual level. Health is a fundamental to well being, whilst

work is an integral part of modern life (Waddell & Burton, 2006). A healthy individual is

capable of performing better in his duties to himself or herself and to others regardless of

his race and his belief and can solely contribute to the well being of a nation.

On the other hand, “Wellness” is generally used to mean a healthy balance of the

mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being. Wellness can also be

described as a state that combines health and happiness. Thus, those factors that

contribute to being healthy and happy will also likely contribute to being well. Factors

that contribute to health and happiness have long been recognized (Retrieved from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellness_%28alternative_medicine%29). “Wellness” can be

described as a way of life, that an individual create to achieve his/her highest potential for

well-being, consists of actions that the individual able to control, such as how they

exercise, eat, manage stress, and perceive the environment, and achieving a high-level

wellness involves continual striving for a more healthful way of living (Nahrstedt, 2004


2


as cited in Azman & Chan, 2010). Therefore, the researcher had assessed that health

pertains to a sound mind and body of an individual whereas wellness is pertinent to a way

of living and getting the most perfect balance in all dimensions of life as a call for a

healthy life.

Background of the Study

Health and wellness tourism refers to the activities of persons traveling to and

staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year

for health and wellness purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated

from within the place visited. One of the establishment engaged in this sector was

wellness and spa centers consist of enterprises that provide physical and well-being

services including, but are not limited to, slendering and body-building services,

massage, reflexology, facials, nail care, waxing, and body treatments, etc. (National

Statistical Coordination Board [NSCB], 2007).

According to study, 93% of the Filipino perceived being healthy as a meant to

protect themselves with the unforgiving living conditions of the city and having the vigor

to keep up with all the changes that are coming their way. In addition, health and

wellness is not just physiological but holistic – eating right, sufficient exercise and having

a positive disposition are the marks of a health individual. Nowadays, Filipinos have a

more sophisticated thinking on health and wellness than most were led to believe. They

have conscious preference for healthier choices. Although meager resources limit what

they can do for their health, they make the most of what’s available, affordable and easy.


3


Their minds are very fertile, they are informed, curious and open to new concepts and

new ways on how to better their health (The Philippine Star, 2011)

Over the past centuries, health and wellness-oriented activities have been

recognized around the world, with existing of different health practices of the people in

different regions for staying healthy, and for healing/curing remedies as well. The

development of health tourism can be resonated with the echoes of the great economic

growth and major demographic shift, occurring in most countries across the globe

(Azman & Chan, n.d).

This study was inspired by the past literature stated and at a irreducible way, this

intend to contribute facts to the magnificent world of wellness. This paper focused on

determining the awareness of the people of Dasmarinas, Cavite regarding the health

benefits they can attain in visiting a spa as well as the safety measures in terms of

facilities provided by the establishments.

Statement of the Problem

This study will examine the awareness of the citizens of Dasmarinas, Cavite about

the benefits and facilities of spa establishment. More importantly, this research sought to

answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. Age

b. Gender

2. What is the frequency of spa visits among respondents?


4


3. What is the level of awareness of respondents on the health benefits of spa in

terms of:

a. Mental Health

b. Physical Condition

4. What is the level of awareness of respondents on the safety measures of spa in

terms of facilities?

Significance of the Study

The researchers had aimed to find out the awareness of the people of Dasmarinas

City in Cavite about the health benefits they can attain as they visit a spa establishment

and their safety measures as observed in their facilities. The study had helped the

participants shift their beliefs about spa services as an option for a healthier life not as

part of a luxurious lifestyle. Lastly, this study benefited specifically to the following:

The Community. This will help the community to improve their standard of living

specifically on the healthiness side of their life.

The Local Government. This will benefit them in conducting training among locals so

they can be part and exploit this vast and timed opportunity in order to create a healthier

and wealthier community.

The Health Sector of Cavite. This study can help the sector to create programs that will

elevate the local’s understanding about spa services and encourage them to consider spa


5


services to have a healthy body, mind and oul and not as a leisure activity. They can also

provide trainings that will help other locals increase their competencies and position

themselves in the wellness revolution.

Students and Faculty. This would also help learning institutions, specifically students

and faculty to be knowledgeable of the booming industry of wellness and so to increase

their competencies to take part of this phenomenon. In regards with this, they were able

to identify opportunities that will help to increase employment rate and generate income.

Future Researchers. Through this study, future researchers would acquire and discover

new things that will be beneficial in their research endeavours.

Conceptual Framework

The study was guided by a conceptual framework which is summarized in the

diagram in Figure 1. The framework included inputs which are the demographic profile

of the participants, the frequency of visiting a spa establishments and the level of

awareness. The demographic profile of the participants pertains to age and gender. The

frequency of spa visits pertains to how often the participants go to spa establishment. The

level of awareness includes the health benefits of spa and safety measures of the spa

facilities.

The researchers conducted a survey along Dasmarinas town proper. The feedback

from the participants, that is the data gathered from the survey, was assessed and


6


analyzed to determine the awareness of participants regarding the health benefits of spa

and their facility for safety measures.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework on the Awareness of Dasmarinenos about the benefits of spa services

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The participants of this study were those people residing in Zone 1 to 4 of the city

proper of Dasmarinas, Cavite. This study focuses mainly on the level of frequency visits

of participants, their level of awareness about the health benefits of spa services

specifically, mental health and physical condition and lastly on their awareness about the

safety measures of the establishments in their facilities. Data were gathered via surveys


7

OUTPUT

- Level of Awareness of Dasmarinenos about health benefits and safety measures of spa services and establishment

INPUT1. Demographic Profile of Respondents2. Frequency of Spa visits3. Level of Awareness on Health benefits

-Mental Health-Physical Condition and;

4. Level of Awareness on Safety of Spa Facilities

PROCESS

- Collection of Data- Analysis of Data- Interpretation of Results


with the target participants with the use of a prepared questionnaire. The duration of the

study was on November 2014 to March 2015.

Definition of Terms

Health. A state of person’s mental and physical condition and a condition of being free

from illness and injury

Wellness. A condition of being good inn mental and physical health as a result of

deliberate effort

Spa. An establishment that offers wellness oriented services specifically to improve one’s

health and physical appearance.

Mental Health. This pertains to the psychological and emotional condition of an

individual towards coping up with normal stress of life.

Physical Condition. This pertains to the well being of an individual’s body and being

free from injury and illnesses

Massage. It is an act of body treatment through rubbing, kneading and tapping in order to

remove or reduce tensions and pains.


8


Health Tourism. It is a practice in which individual travels for the purpose of receiving a

therapeutic treatment in body and mind.

Department of Tourism. It is a part of the government sector that provides regulation

concerning tourism management promotion of the country and industry development.

Department of Health. It is a department responsible for programs and regulation

concerning health care and ensures that every citizens have the right access to quality

health care.

CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW


9


This chapter will discuss in detail the concept the awareness and spa services as

well as related aspects to fully understand the subject matter to be studied

Awareness

Awareness is the ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects,

thoughts, emotions, or sensory patterns. In this level of consciousness, sense data can be

confirmed by an observer without necessarily implying understanding. More broadly, it is

the state or quality of being aware of something. In biological psychology, awareness is

defined as a human's or an animal's perception and cognitive reaction to a condition or

event (“Wikipedia Awareness,” n.d). On the other hand, self awareness is having a clear

perception of your personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs,

motivation, and emotions. Self awareness allows you to understand other people, how

they perceive you, your attitude and your responses to them in the moment. Self

awareness is the first step in creating what you want and mastering your. Where you

focus your attention, your emotions, reactions, personality and behavior determine

where you go in life (“Pathway to happiness,” n.d).

Wellness


10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_psychology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understanding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_(philosophy)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscious


Wellness can be described as a way of life that an individual create to achieve

his/her highest potential for well-being, consists of actions that the individual able to

control, such as how they exercise, eat, manage stress, and perceive the environment, and

achieving a high-level wellness involves continual striving for a more healthful way of

living (Nahrstedt, 2004 cited in Azman & Chan, n.d). The wellness industry is rapidly

growing worldwide. The first results of research amongst wellness tourists have been

documented, but not much, or hardly anything, is known about the wellness needs and

expectations of city dwellers who would like to fulfill their aim of striving for a holistic

lifestyle in their own urban environment (Gerritsma, 2010). In historical terms, health and

wellness practices have been very much embedded in regional and local traditions and

cultures, with available natural resources also determining the forms of wellness that

were developed (Smith and Puczko, 2009).

According to Philippine Medical Tourism Inc. [PMTI] (2015), wellness is the

integration of mind, body and spirit. It is a state of the best possible well-being that

allows us to achieve our goals and find meaning and purpose in our lives. Wellness

involves continually learning and making changes to enhance your state of wellness. It

also combines seven dimensions of well-being into a quality way of living. When we

balance the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, occupational, spiritual, and

environmental aspects of life, or quite simply put, mind and body, we achieve true health

and therefore, true wellness.

Wellness Industry


11


In the fields of economics and business, there is no clearly defined wellness

industry, although there is an emerging sense that such an industry does exist and is

growing rapidly. One of the first – and only – people to talk and write specifically about

wellness as an industry, rather than a concept, is economist and entrepreneur Paul Zane

Pilzer, who in 2002 published the first edition of his book, The Wellness Revolution.

Pilzer presents a simple and easy way to understand what the wellness industry is and to

differentiate it from the conventional healthcare sector (which he calls the ―sickness

industry‖):

- The wellness industry is proactive. It provides products and services to

healthy people, with the goal of making them feel even healthier and look better,

slowing the effects of aging, and/or preventing sickness from developing. People

voluntarily become customers of the wellness industry.

- The sickness industry (conventional medicine) is reactive. It provides

products and services to people with an existing disease, to either treat the

symptoms or eliminate the disease. People become customers of the sickness

industry by necessity, not choice.

The Stanford Research International (SRI) commissioned by the Global Spa Summit

(GSS) Committee analyzed that the global wellness market conservatively estimates that

the current wellness industry represents a global market of nearly US$2 trillion (GSS

Report 2010b). The SRI also reports that such rapid growth of the wellness industry is

attributed to three key trends:


12


a. an increasingly older, segment of unhealthy people (aging population,

spread of death and disability – causing chronic diseases, obesity, stress.);

b. failing medical systems (due to expensive ‘hospital-centrism’,

fragmented/ specialized care and commercialization); and,

c. globalization and connection (e.g. the migration of people to urban

areas leads to change of lifestyle hence higher consumption of processed food,

lack of exercise, media influence, the abundance of self-help information on the

internet).

Likewise, subsectors of the industry that contributes to the emergence of wellness

sector were defined as follows.

Spa: Includes all parts of the core spa industry, as defined in the Global Spa

Economy 2007 report – i.e., all types of spa operations, as well as spa-related

education; spa-branded products; spa consulting; spa media, associations, and

events; and spa capital investment.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): Encompasses diverse medical,

health care, holistic, and mentally or spiritually-based systems, practices, and

products that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine or

the dominant health care system (e.g., homeopathic, naturopathic, chiropractic,

traditional Chinese medicine, ayurveda, energy healing, meditation, herbal

remedies, etc.).


13


Preventive/personalized health: Includes medical services that focus on treating

well‖ people, preventing disease, or detecting risk factors – for example, routine

physical exams, diagnostic/screening tests, and so on.

Medical tourism: Refers to persons traveling to another country (or another

city/region within their country) in order to receive medical, surgical, or dental

care, including invasive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures – primarily

because the care is more affordable, of higher quality, or more accessible. The

medical tourism sector includes any providers of services to medical tourists

during their trips – such as the hospital/clinic/doctor, the hotel or place where they

stay during the trip, food, shopping, and so on.

Wellness tourism: Comprises healthy persons traveling to another country (or

another city/region within their country) to pursue holistic, preventive, or lifestyle

based services that enhance their personal well-being. This sector includes

providers of a wide range of services to wellness tourists – essentially, anything

included in the definition of the wellness cluster, but specifically targeting

wellness tourists, along with the lodging, food, shopping, and other services

supporting these tourists.

Healthy eating/nutrition and weight loss: Includes vitamins and supplements;

functional foods/ nutraceuticals; health foods; natural and organic foods;

weightloss and diet service providers and advisory services; diet and weight-loss

foods and meal services; and anti-obesity prescription and over-the-counter drugs.


14


Fitness and mind-body exercise: Includes gyms/health clubs; personal training;

yoga, pilates, tai chi, and other mind-body practices; fitness and exercise clothing;

fitness and exercise equipment.

Beauty and anti-aging: Includes beauty/salon services; skin/hair/nail care services

and products; cosmetics, toiletries, and other personal care products; dermatology;

prescription pharmaceuticals for skin care; as well as products and services that

specifically address age-related health and appearance issues, such cosmetics/

cosmeceuticals for skin/face/body care, hair care/growth, and

pharmaceuticals/supplements that treat age-related health conditions.

Workplace wellness: Includes programs offered by companies and businesses

aimed at improving the health and wellness of employees, in order to reduce costs

and enhance productivity and performance.

Public health and health education could easily be considered part of the wellness

cluster. However, they are not included here because they are primarily public

sector-funded and managed activities. While they may not provide traditional

marketing opportunities for the spa industry, they may be of increasing interest to

the industry in terms of philanthropic endeavors.

The massive wellness industry is fragmented by various global sectors. The highest

generating sector is beauty and anti ageing ($679.1 million). Mind and body fitn as ess

($390.1 million), nutrition and weight loss ($276.5 million) and preventive health ($243

million) are also identified as huge profit- generating sectors of the wellness industry. COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

MANAGEMENT15


The estimated global magnitude of the wellness industry by the SRI which was based on

consumer spending and industry size data from other secondary sources as represented by

about 289 million wellness consumers in the world’s 30 most industrialized and

wealthiest countries (GSS Report, 2010b cited in Panchal, 2012).

The Philippine government had recognized the potential of health and wellness

tourism industry in job creation and in spurring economic growth. The DOT (2007) has

therefore targeted to position the country as the health and wellness destination in Asia.

Indeed, the Republic of the Philippines (2007) has recognized that health and wellness is

one of the major sectors for economic growth and has formulated a private sector-driven

master plan for the development of this service industry.3 The Medium Term Philippine

Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004 – 2010 also seeks to enhance and promote health

tourism, together with other tourism products. Revenues of health and wellness tourism

industries rose faster after Executive Order 372. Prior to 2004, revenues grew at slower

rates than either Gross Value Added (GVA) of Total Private Services or Gross Domestic

Product (GDP). Revenues however, remain at about 1.3% of GDP, close to the

contribution of the smallest economic sector, Mining and Quarrying. On the other hand,

the share of revenues of health and wellness tourism to the GVA of total private services,

while increasing slightly between 2003 and 2005, is still below 10 percent (Virola et. al.,

2007). According to the Health and Wellness Tourism Summit (2008), Philippines’s

health and wellness sector is estimated to gain about P68.5 million or equivalent to 1.26

percent of the country’s gross domestic product. In the study of Castillo and Balane

(2011), the health and wellness service sector had been posting average annual growth


16


rates that are greater than the Philippine GDP and GNP, “the share of the sub-sector to

the Philippine national income has steadily gone up from 1.06% of GDP in 1991 to 1995

to 1.27% of GDP in 2001 to 2005. GNP shares followed the same trend with a 1.04% in

1991 to 1995 to 1.17% in 2001 to 2005. The slight decline in shares in GDP, an average

of 1.26% and in GNP, an average of 1.13% in 2006 to 2009, is attributed to the sub-

sector’s slower annual average rates of growth from 2006 to 2009 (except for GDP

growth in 2009) because of the global financial crisis, which reduced travels for medical

purposes to the Philippines”. Nowadays, wellness revolution had been very evident in the

country’s society. The presence of health and wellness related advertisement from radio,

television and the web which started from someone’s home elevates his awareness and

knowledge of the resounding industry. The existence of wellness products in the form of

supplements as part of preventive measures for sickness were already showcased in major

stores and merchandising outlet nationwide. Aside with that, wellness program

implemented by sponsoring body whether private or not were also in pledged in this

phenomena such as fun run, group exercise, zumba etc. and more firms were getting

involved.

Spa

Spa is an establishment that has a holistic approach to health and wellness, rest

and relaxation that aims to treat the body, mind and spirit by integrating a range of

professionally administered health, wellness, fitness and beauty, water treatment and

services (DOT, 2006). Spas have become a pertinent cultural force, influencing not only


17


how consumers manage their health, appearance, and stress, but also how consumers

socialize, spiritualize, travel, and work. Rising levels of income, education, and

sophistication among travellers and consumers worldwide have dramatically elevated the

consciousness and desirability of spa treatments (Mandal, 2009, as cited in Atienza et. al,

2014).

Globally, the International Spa Association [ISPA] (2010) as cited in Kirapova

(n.d). defines spas as places devoted to overall well-being through a variety of

professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

History of spa

There are a couple of different explanations of the origin of the word and concept

of SPA. The most popular refers to the times of the Roman Empire when the legionnaires

sought for a way to recover from their ailments and wounds received in the battles. They

discovered thermal water to be a relief to their aches, and built baths at the springs areas,

naming them “aquae”. The hot water treatments undertaken there were referred to as

“Sanus Per Aquam” (SPA), which means health by/through water. However, popular

though this explanation may be, there is little in the way of evidence for it being the

origin, and most people accept that the word “spa” comes from the Belgian town of Spa,

which reached the peak of its fame in the 14th century as a water treatment place and

existing until today.

In the following years the culture of Spa spread out all over Europe and developed

from the original use of the mineral water to a wide range of other therapies, such as


18


Thalassotherapy (including seawater and marine substances). In the 19th century many

great spas were created in Europe and became destinations for the wealthy, who went

there on spa vacations, for their health. Even today, the spa concept has kept

hydrotherapy as a core feature together with the pampering procedures.

The first period: classical age

Wherever the term “spa” came from, examples of water treatments have been

famously found in at least two ancient cultures. Thus, the first period in spa history is

actually 500 BC, when the ancient Greeks used social baths, as well as hot air baths,

known as laconica. 475 years later, under the rule of Emperor Agrippa, the first Roman

"thermae" (a large-scale spa) was created, and in the following periods there was a

remarkable development in the features of the thermae. Through the years, such spas

were built in the whole Roman Empire, including areas from Africa to England. Besides

the healing services and various types of baths, the complexes included also sport centres

and restaurants. Thus, after exercising in the fitness room, the ritual could have included

passing through progressively warmer rooms, where the body was bathed, then anointed

with oils, massaged and exfoliated. The procedure would end with a refreshing dip in the

"frigidarium", and followed by relaxation in specially appointed rooms.

Second period: spa culture going around the world

Besides the Roman spa traditions such as combining hot with cold baths, or sport

activities with massages and relaxation, other cultures from all over the world formed

their own spa traditions. Spa has been popular in Japan since 737 A.D., when the first


19


"onsen" (hot spring) area near Izumo became public thermal area, but it was centuries

later that the Japanese built the first "ryokan" (inns), where people could find

accommodation and fine food, Zen gardens, outdoor and indoor baths. Approximately

300 years later, the now widely used sauna appeared in Finland, including combinative

rituals such as sweating in the sauna and plunging in icy lakes, complemented by plenty

of beer or vodka. The Ottomans have been always famous for their hammams which are

beautifully constructed with mosaic, the most famous of which is possibly the Baths of

Roxelana in 16th century, arranged with massive towering steam rooms, private washing

quarters, and massaging platforms. Besides a health centre, Roxelana became an

important place for socializing, particularly for Muslim women.

Third period: spa traditions in Europe

The main characteristic of a spa is being located around natural hot springs. In the

Renaissance era, there were many resorts that became popular baths and healing places

built around thermal springs, such as Charlemagne's Aachen and Bonaventura's Poretta in

Western Europe, Paracelsus' mountain mineral springs at Paeffers (Switzerland), Baden-

Baden (Germany) and towns like Spa (Belgium). In the 16th century, the first scientific

book (based on the Czech Karlovy Vary health treatments) was published, recommending

the usage of thermal baths and tonics. In the 1890s, the village of Bad Worishofen

became famous by the holistic herbal and water therapy, developed by Sebastian Kneipp,

the father of the renowned “Kneipp therapy”. Approximately in the same period, the spa

went through a downside when public baths across Europe were closed because of the


20


spread of plague, and in France baths were destroyed in an effort to prevent a syphilis

epidemic.

Germany boasts specific development in its spa traditions – a comparatively new

trend combining climatology, balneology and promoting the use of natural therapies

before the medical drugs, known as the German Cure System. It is supported by the

National Health System and is used by doctors to prescribe a natural treatment when the

other medical methods do not work effectively. In fact, the person with ailments is sent to

a spa village with appropriate climate where the spa treatments (e.g. hydrotherapy,

physiotherapy, hot packs and inhalation therapy) aim at bringing the patient a long-term

physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium. The result of this system appeared to be very

significant, since the amount of sick days in Germany dropped by 60% and the drug

consumption decreased with more than 60%. This led the health insurance companies to

pay for the “Kur” system for the last 40 years. (Anonymous, 2004 as cited on Yusoff,

2010).

Types of Spa and its services

According to Canadian Tourism Commission (2006), Spa industry

segments are defined as follows:

Club Spa. A facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a

variety of professionally administered spa services on a “day use”

basis.


21


Cruise Ship Spa. A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally

administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa

cuisine menu choices.

Day Spa. A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa

services to clients ona “day use” basis.

Destination Spa. A spa whose sole purpose is to provide guests with

lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally

administered spa services, physical fitness, education programming

and on-site accommodations. Spa cuisine is served exclusively.

Medical Spa. Individuals, solo practices, groups and institutions

comprising medical and spa professionals whose primary purpose is to

provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment

which integrates spa services, as well as conventional and

complementary therapies and treatments.

Mineral Springs Spa. A spa offering an on-site source of natural

mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.


22


Resort/Hotel Spa. A spa located within a resort or hotel providing

professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness

components and spa cuisine menu choices.

In the Philippines, DOT (2006) had defined the following types of spa:

Day Spa. It is a spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services

to clients on a day use basis including hair and beauty salons and wellness clinics

that shall offer at least one water treatment.

Destination/Resort Spa. a spa which has for its sole purpose to provide clients

with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally

administered spa services, physical fitness, education programming and on-site

accommodations where spa cuisine or healthy food is offered.

Hotel Spa. A spa located within a hotel/urban/out of town providing

professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components.

Cruise Spa. A spa aboard a cruise ship that provides professionally

administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu

choices.

Club Spa. A facility whose primary purpose is fitness, offering a variety of


23


professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis to both club members

and non-members.

Medical Spa” – is an individual, solo practice, group and institution comprised of

medical and spa professionals whose primary purpose is to provide

comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment which integrates spa

services, as well as conventional and complementary therapies and treatments.

Wellness Center. A spa which provides services and an environment wherein

the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, exercise, relaxation and rejuvenation

must exist in order to bring about the balance.

Rehabilitation Center. A spa which primarily focuses on rehabilitation therapy for

various accident or health induced incapacity (strokes, heart, etc.) incorporating

mainstream and alternative modalities in order to bring the patients to its

maximum level of well being.

Hospital Spa. A hospital facility with a spa, wherein it integrates mainstream

medicine and other alternative approach to promote healing and balance of mind

body and soul.

Spa benefits


24


Spas are already providing wellness, even if they don’t recognize it or claim it. The

tradition of spa as a place for healing, renewal, relaxation, and feeling well, positions the spa

industry as one of the most logical sectors to take advantage of the wellness movement (Atienza

et. al, 2014)

Mental Health

The study revolves around the three pillars of timeless wisdom: meditation,

Ayurveda and yoga. Spa treatments can ease also the mind, not only the body. The

heavenly head massage involves continuous pouring of warm herbal oil over the

forehead, which is then massaged into the scalp and head. This brings a state of deep

relaxation and inner peace and also helps address anxiety and depression. Stress typically

accumulates in the head, neck and shoulders. Using spa treatments these areas are gently,

firmly and rhythmically massaged until the tension melts away (Alave, 2008).

Physical Condition

Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include

pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure,

heart rate and state of anxiety (Evans, 2006). Spa treatments stimulate circulation and rid

the body of impurities. It dramatically improves the functions of the five senses (Alave,

2008). Some studies cited that relief, soothing sore joints and muscles, and simply feeling

better about oneself lead a healthy lifestyle. Massage and therapies help you to relax,

rejuvenate and rest. Some therapies help you boost your immune system and some like COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

MANAGEMENT25


ocean-side yoga, medically supervised detox, and more retreats to choose from to find the

path you want to take to lose weight.

Spa establishmen’ts standards

DOT had set minimum standards for the requirement and for the purpose of

accreditation of establishing a spa. The following are the minimum standard requirements

for the operation and maintenance of spa establishment.

a. Location and Environment. The spa shall be situated in a safe and reputable

location with clean, calm and relaxing environment;

b. Lounge and Reception Counter. There shall be a reception counter attended by

qualified and trained staff and a reasonably furnished lounge with seating facilities

commensurate with the size of the spa;

c. Washrooms There shall be separate clean and adequate public washrooms for

male and female provided with running water and adequate toiletries;

d. Locker Rooms. There shall be secured separate male and female public rooms

for guests;

e. Shower Rooms. There shall be separate male and female public shower and

changing rooms;

f. Treatment Rooms. There shall be separate unlocked public treatment rooms for

male and female;


26


g. Services. The spa shall provide the following services in addition to other spa-

related amenities which it may offer:

1. Massages – Swedish, Shiatsu, reflexology or tui-na, Thai,

aromatherapy/Filipino healing modalities and/or other acceptable massage

treatments

2. Steam, sauna and/or water baths

3. Spa treatments – one or more of the following body packs and wraps,

exfoliation, body toning/contouring, waxing, hand, foot/face care and hair

h. Staff. The staff shall be appropriately trained by the internationally

recognized training institutions and/or associations duly recognized by the

Department. Likewise, they shall be properly attired, clean and well-groomed at

all times;

i. Steam, Sauna and Water Baths. The steam, sauna and water baths shall

bemaintained in a level of temperature which shall not cause adverse reactions to user.

Safety signages shall be provided to include information on allowable maximum

temperature, duration of stay and guide in operating temperature regulator;

j. Linen. There shall be adequate supply of clean linen, towels and appropriate

garments such as robes or sarongs of good quality;

k. Administrative Facilities. There shall be sufficient and adequate space for

backroom operations.


27


l. Employees’ Facilities. There shall be adequate and well-maintained employees’

lounge and rest area equipped with bathrooms and dining room for male and female

employees;

m. Emergency Generator. There shall be a high-powered generator capable of

providing full power in all areas of the establishment.

n. Parking. There shall be adequate and secured parking space provided for

customers/guests;

o. First Aid. A well-stocked first aid cabinet and staff trained in first aid shall be

available at all times; and

p. Facilities for Disabled There shall be facilities and provisions for the disabled

in accordance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 promulgated on May 1985, otherwise

known as an “Act Enhancing the Mobility of Disabled Persons”.

According to World Health Organization

Rules and Regulations to govern the accreditation of Spa establishments includes the

following:

Treatment rooms. There shall be separate unlocked public treatment rooms for

male and female.

The staff shall be appropriately trained by the internationally recognized training

institutions and/or associations duly recognized by the Department. Likewise, they shall

be properly attired, clean and well-groomed at all times

The entire spa facility shall be a no smoking facility.


28


The spa industry

Europe is the largest regional spa market in the world. It had an estimated 22,607

spas in 2007 earning USD18.4 billion in revenues and employing 441,727 people. The total

number of spa in North America s estimated 20,662 spas had approximately USD13.5 billion

in revenues and 307,229 employees in 2007 (Global Spa Economy, 2007 as cited in Yusoff,

2010).

The Asian spa is a rapidly growing segment in tourism, which has received much

attention from various sectors. Spa and wellness tourism in Asia is recognized as a

booming industry (Laing & Weiler, 2008; Global Spa Summit (GSS) Report, 2008).

While enthusiastic promotional statements about rapidly growing tourism sectors often

exaggerate the rising importance of a special area, the basic numbers of properties and

participants support a claim that in this instance, spa tourism is of considerable

importance (Panchal, n.d).

In the recent report of Global Spa Summit (2010b), spas are already providing

wellness, even if they don’t recognize it or claim it. The tradition of spa as a place for

healing, renewal, relaxation, and ―feeling well,‖ positions the spa industry as one of the most

logical sectors to take advantage of (and help lead) the wellness movement. There are a

number of business opportunities for the spa industry to pursue along the wellness

continuum. While some opportunities will require long-term effort and investment, others

simply require spa owners and investors to make small adjustments to their service offerings

and reexamine their marketing approaches and customers with a new, wellness-oriented

viewpoint.


29


Anecdotal evidence – from leading stakeholders and thinkers in the spa industry

and the broader wellness cluster – suggests that the ―Baby Boomer‖ generation has been

and is currently the core consumer group driving the growth of the wellness industry.

Starting in the 1960s and 1970s, the Baby Boomers were the first generation to become

more open to alternative, complementary, and non-Western modalities of health,

wellness, energy, mind-body systems, and so on, and it was during this time that practices

such as yoga and traditional Chinese medicine were introduced into the mainstream

culture in the United States and Europe. The birth and growth of the modern wellness

movement also dates from this era. During the growth of the wellness industry over the

last ten years or so, Baby Boomers have continued to be among the largest purchasers of

health- and wellness-related products and services, and this trend is expected to continue

to increase. As this generation grows older and seeks to mitigate the effects of aging, they

are also driving the exponential growth of the beauty and anti-aging markets, in such

areas as cosmetic surgery and dentistry, dermatology, and voluntary eye surgery. This

same demographic has traditionally represented – and will continue to represent – a

major customer base for the spa industry, the health club industry, and other similar

sectors.

The market potential of spa development is being captured by global and premium-brand

spas that have expanded their service menus. At the same time, establishments that offer

traditional bathing, healing, herbal, and therapeutic treatments derived from centuries-old

practices also recognized the potential of branding themselves as spas, and some are investing in

new services, equipment, facilities, as well as modifying their ambience. European bath houses


30


and saunas, Japanese onsens, Turkish-style hammams, Indian ayurveda centers, and Thai

massage establishments do not necessarily fit the traditional Western concept or business model

of spas, but a certain portion of these have begun and will continue to cross over to the spa

market as they evolve and adapt to the needs of its consumers (Gupta, 2013). . In the US 2007

National Health Interview Survey indicates that women were one of the most prevalent

groups who used Complementary and Alternative Medicine which includes spa. In

addition, Canadian Tourism Commission and the International SPA Association (2006)

had identified that there were more female spa goers and spa travelers in US and

Canadian settings. It is also reported most spa goers and spa travelers in the US and

Canadian setting were ages 35 years old and above because they are capable of availing

the service and they need such treatment to relieve stress from their daily lives, however

most reasons spa goers do not go to spa more often is that they have no time to do so and

the service is expensive. On the other hand, they see spending money on a spa

occasionally and it will be expensive to purchase it regularly. Likewise, Mak and Wong

(2007) revealed that most Hongkong spa goers perceived spa as a place for relaxation,

pampering and overall health henceforth relaxation and relief are the most important

factors that motivates them. In Portugal, the main motive of individuals going to spa is

directly connected in relaxation and relieving stress (Gustavo, n.d). In the case of Atienza

et. al. (2014), aside from relaxation different spas are promoting variety of wellness

programs and treatments including healthy lifestyle, weight loss treatments and detox diet

in order to attract more people.


31


In the Philippines, as of end-2006, there were an estimated 87 spas operating in

Metro Manila alone, a figure 74% higher since 2003; and with those offering spa services

varying, as hotels and resorts jumped on the bandwagon, with 20% spas located in hotels

and resorts, and 76% of spas stand-alone day spas. This according to Intelligent Spas

(IntelligentSpas.com), which released the Spa Industry Profile Philippines 2003-2007 that

also noted the growing size of spa facilities (averaging 609 square metres), with an

average of 10.9 treatment rooms, making them the largest across the Asia-Pacific region

(Dela Cruz, 2015).

In the study of Atienza et. al. (2014) about the impacts of massage spa therapy on

the tourism industry of Batangas City, Philippines showed that most spa establishments

was a sole proprietorship type of ownership and most of the spa business exist for four to

six years. Majority of the spa business were Spa Town. With regards to different spa

services, majority offers peat pulp bath and the least is sauna and steam bath. It was also

observed that all items were assessed as agree and it enhances the awareness of the

tourists about the beauty of Batangas City. It was followed by provide taxes for the

government, became a tourist attraction and improves socio-economic of local residents

and improvement on the lifestyle both of the local residents and tourists.

Synthesis

Paul Zane Pilzer said that wellness industry is a trillion dollar industry as stated in

his book “The Wellness Revolution”. Baby boomers generation want to stay fit, healthy


32


and they don’t want to get old fast. According to Azman and Chan, wellness can be

described as a way of life that an individual create to achieve his/her highest potential for

well-being, consists of actions that the individual able to control, such as how they

exercise, eat, manage stress, and perceive the environment, and achieving a high-level

wellness involves continual striving for a more healthful way of living. On the other hand

the Philipine Medical Tourism Inc. states that wellness is the integration of mind, body

and spirit. It is a state of the best possible well-being that allows us to achieve our goals

and find meaning and purpose in our lives. Hence, wellness can be associated with the

activity of someone and their behaviors in order to maintain a good state of well being,

both mentally and physically.

Wellness industry is growing rapidly. The industry had created a great impact in

many economies, from employment creation to business opportunities and elevating

one’s perception toward health leading to a healthier and wealthier community. The rapid

growth was attributed into three trends: 1. an increasingly older, segment of unhealthy

people, 2. Failing medical systems and 3. globalization and connection.

Spa was considered a subsector of the industry which contributes to the

emergence of wellness revolution. Spa is an establishment that has a holistic approach to

health and wellness, rest and relaxation that aims to treat the body, mind and spirit by

integrating a range of professionally administered health, wellness, fitness and beauty,

water treatment and services (DOT, 2006). The start of this sector popularly refers to the

times of the Roman Empire when the legionnaires sought for a way to recover from their


33


ailments and wounds received in the battles. They discovered thermal water to be a relief

to their aches, and built baths at the springs areas, naming them “aquae”. As time goes

by, different countries with different cultures had traditionally evolved this concept of

wellness service. Today, innovators around the globe had come up with their own unique

service as pertain to spa treatments. Segments of spa were manifested from day spa, club

spa, cruise ship spa, destination spa, medical spa, mineral springs spa and resort hotel spa

to a more upheaval service of this magnificent industry.

The most benefits associated with availing spa service were to relax and relieve

stress in our daily lives. However, some studies had proved that aside with relaxation and

calming one’s mind and soul. Spa services have some benefits such as soothing sore

joints and muscles, boost immune system and weight loss. Nowadays, because of the

increase awareness of people regarding benefits of spa, many were getting involved to be

part of the revolution both local and private sector. People exploit opportunities in this

industry and turn it into their advantage like creating spa business and developing

competencies necessary in this field. In order to have a genuine and quality service in the

spa establishments, the government give assistance with this opportunity through the

provision of regulation and that serve as a minimum standard requirements for

establishing spa.


34


CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains discussion of the Research design, the sources of data, the

sampling design technique, participants of the study, research instrument and validation,

data gathering procedure, data analysis and statistical treatment of data.

Research Design


35


The researchers used the descriptive analytical method of research for this the

most appropriate means of evaluating the awareness on the benefits of spa services and

establishments.

According to Calderon et. al. (1993), descriptive analytical method of research as

certain to prevailing conditions affecting a given group hence, this study calls for this

methods. It is a study component to serve a direction in a reaching a goal. They pointed

out that the descriptive methods tell “what is” that which leads to a scientific

information.” Calderon further described it as a fact-finding with adequate interpretation

usually beyond fact-finding. The descriptive method of research involves as a certain data

gathering process on prevailing conditions and practice or descriptions of objects, process

or person as they exist for about a certain educational phenomenon, predicting for

identifying relationships among and

between the available described.

The researchers made a quantitative analysis in identifying the current status of

the participants regarding their level of awareness about spa establishments and services.

Sources of Data

The researchers had obtained data directly from the authentic sources for

accuracy. The total population of people living in Dasmarinas Cavite was obtained from

the National Statistics Office web address retrieved on March 1, 2015 on

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/municipality.asp?


36


muncode=042106000&regcode=04&provcode=21. The researcher also utilized

secondary sources of data such as books, journals and the world wide web.

Sampling Design Technique

The method was used in this study was Stratified random sampling. A method of

sampling was involves the division of population into smaller groups known as “Strata”.

In Stratified random sampling, the strata are formed based on members shared attributes

or characteristics. A random sample from each stratum is taken in a number proportional

to the stratum’s size when compared to the population. These subsets of the strata are

then pooled to form a random sample.

The number of participants that serve as the representatives of the population is

276 which is the 1/8 of the total population = 2,208 was equally divided to the 4

barangays located in the City center of Dasmarinas namely from Zone 1 to Zone 4.

Participants of the Study

The participants of the study were the individuals residing in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

The proponents aimed to determine their awareness with regards to the benefits of spa

establishments and services.

Data Gathering Procedure

The survey procedures were done in the city center of Dasmarinas, Cavite

specifically on the areas that covers the vicinities of Zone 1 to 4 of the city. The proponents


37


were divided into two groups for an efficient and faster movement of questionnaires among

respondents.

Research Instrument and Validation

The research instrument used in the study was in the form of questionnaires. The

proponents used questionnaire to evaluate the existing and proposed application. It will

help to determine if the features on the proposed study is useful and effective. Also, it

will be a source of data in terms of comparing the features of the existing and proposed

application.

The research instrument includes the important description about the profile of the

participants, such as their name, gender, age, yearly income and the frequency of going to

spa. The other part was composed of health benefits of spa in terms of mental health,

physical condition and safety measures of spa establishments

For validation purposes, the researcher initially presented a sample of the set of

questionnaires for the survey to the research adviser for the confirmation and approval.

Afterwards, the questionnaires were introduced to the panel members to administer

suggestions and necessary corrections to ensure further improvement and reliability of

the instrument. And last, researchers then excluded irrelevant questions, completed all the

inadequate information and rephrased the words that would apparently be difficult to

understand by participants into much simple terms.

Data Analysis


38


The data gathered from the survey were tallied and organized into frequency

tables and analyzed descriptively. These procedures allowed easy interpretation of

findings.

In the survey questionnaire, participants will be asked about their level of

awareness on the health benefits of spa in terms of mental health and physical condition

as well as their awareness about the safety measures of spa establishments. The indicators

to be used in assessing their level of competencies would be as follows:

Interpretation

Strongly aware. The participant strongly agreed that they have a very high level

of awareness

Aware. The participant agreed that they have a high level of awareness

Neutral. The participant have average level of awareness

Not aware. The participant have low level of awareness

Statistical TreatmentCOLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

MANAGEMENT39

Score Interpretation Scale

4 Strongly aware 3.25 – 4.00

3Aware 2.50 – 3.24

2 Neutral 1.75 – 2.49

1 Not aware 1.00 – 1.74


The proponents had come up with a statistical treatment with the approval of the

research statistician in order to answer the objectives of the study. The treatment that was

used is frequency counts, percentage and weighted mean. Frequency counts and

percentage were used for the first part of the questionnaire which is the demographic

profile and frequency of visits whereas weighted mean was used for level of awareness.

The formulas used were as follows:

1. Frequency counts and percentage (%) were utilized to present the partici-

pants’ socio-demographic profile.

The formula for percentage is:

% = f / n x 100

where: f = class frequency

n = sample size

2. Weighted mean and standard deviation were used to assess the participant’s

level of entrepreneurial competencies and level of confidence. Mean is the sum of

the observations divided by the number of observations. It identifies the central

location of the data.

The Mean is calculated using this formula:

M = ∑ (X) / N

Where: ∑ = Summation

X = Total Number of Items

N = Sample size (Number of Data Points)


40


Standard deviation is the most common measure of variability, measuring the

spread of the data set and the relationship of the mean to the rest of the data.

The Standard deviation is calculated using the following formula:

S2 = ∑ (X – M) / n – 1

Where: ∑ = Summation

X = Individual Score

M = Mean of all scores

n = Sample size (number of

scores)


41


CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter present the result, analysis and interpretation of data obtained from

the results of the survey which includes the participant’s profile, awareness on the health

benefits of spa in terms of mental health, physical condition and safety of the citizens of

Dasmarinas. Based on the analysed and interpreted data, the following are the results of

the study.

Demographic Profile of the Participants

The profile of the participants considered in this study includes gender, age,

yearly Income and the frequency going to a spa.

Table 1

Demographic Profile of the Participants according to Gender

Gender Frequency PercentageMale 103 37.3

Female 173 62.7


42


Total 276 100

The Table 1 shows the frequency and percentage of the participants according to

gender. There were 103 males which comprises of 37.3 % and there were 173 females

comprised of 62.7% of the total population. There is a difference of 25.4% between two

genders hence most of the participants are females. In the US 2007 National Health

Interview Survey indicates that women were one of the most prevalent groups who used

Complementary and Alternative Medicine which includes spa. In addition, Canadian

Tourism Commission and the International SPA Association (2006) had identified that

there were more female spa goers and spa travelers in US and Canadian settings. It

denotes that more female individuals were engaged in availing and consuming spa

services.

Table 2

Demographic Profile of the Participants according to Age

Age (in years) Frequency Percentage

Below 20 19 6.9

21 – 30 50 18.1

31 – 40 78 28.3

41 – 50 92 33.3

51 – 60 30 10.9

61 and above 7 2.5

Total 276 100.0


43


The Table 3 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of the participants

according to age. Most of the participants come from ages 41 to 50 years old, which

comprises of 92 or 33.3% of the total number of participants. The least number

participants which comprise of 7 or 2.5% of the total comes from ages 61 years old and

above followed by 20 years old and below composed of 19 or 6.9% of the participants. 50

or 18.1% of the participants were aged 21 to 30 years old; 78 or 28.3 % were aged from

31 to 40 years old and 30 or 10.9% comes from 51 to 60 year old respondents. Similarly,

the Canadian Tourism Commission and the International SPA Association (2006), had

determined that most spa goers and spa travelers in the US and Canadian setting were

ages 35 years old and above because they are capable of availing the service and they

need such treatment to relieve stress from their daily lives.

Table 3

Demographic Profile of the Participants according to Frequency

How often you’ve visit to SPA

Frequency Percentage

Daily basis 11 4.0

Weekly 24 8.7

Monthly 112 40.6

Yearly 129 46.7

Total 276 100.0


44


The Table 5 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of the participants

according on how often they visit Spa. Out of 276 random citizens of Dasmarinas, the

highest frequency belongs to yearly visit of 129 or 46.7% respondents followed by

monthly with 112 or 40.6%, next is weekly with 24 or 8.7% and lastly daily visits of 11

or 4.0% respondents. Only a few respondents manage to visit a spa on a daily basis for

two distinctive reasons which is they have time to do so and money to avail the service.

As per the Canadian Tourism Commission and International SPA Association (2006),

most reasons spa goers do not go to spa more often is that they have no time to do so and

the service is expensive. On the other hand, they see spending money on a spa

occasionally and it will be expensive to purchase it regularly.

Table 6

Awareness on the health benefits of spa in terms of mental health

Mental Health Mean Remarks

1. Spa treatments can ease also the mind not only the body 3.39Strongly

aware

2. Spa treatment can bring a state of deep relaxation 3.5Strongly

aware

Grad Mean 3.44Strongly Aware

As shown in table 3, the overall rating had attained a mean of 3.44 which is

strongly aware. Spa treatments can ease also the mind not only the body has a mean of

3.39 which is the least among the two and spa treatment can bring a state of deep

relaxation with 3.5 mean. Mak and Wong, (2007) had examined the underlying factors


45


that motivate Hongkong travellers in visiting spa and it reveals that most Hongkong spa

goers perceived spa as a place for relaxation, pampering and overall health henceforth

relaxation and relief are the most important factors that motivates them. In Portugal, the

main motive of individuals going to spa is directly connected in relaxation and relieving

stress (Gustavo, n.d)

Table 7

Awareness on the health benefits of spa in terms of physical condition

Physical Condition Mean Remarks

3. Spa treatments improve the function of the five senses. 3.26Strongly Aware

4. You lead a healthy life style. 3.26Strongly Aware

5. Massage/Therapies help you to relax, rejuvenate and rest.

3.45Strongly Aware

6. Spa could also guarantee for weight loss. 2.83 Aware

7. Help you boost your immune system. 3.16 Aware

Grad Mean 3.19 Aware

Table 7 shows the awareness of locals on the health benefits of spa in terms of

physical condition. The overall rating shows that the respondents are aware of the health

benefits. Spa could also guarantee for weight loss has the least rating of all with a mean

of 2.83 followed by spa can help boost immune system with a mean of 3.16 and Spa


46


treatments improve the function of the five senses as well as it leads a healthy life style

with 3.26 mean. A mean of 3.45 got the highest mean which is massage therapies help

you to relax rejuvenate and rest. In this case, most of the spa goers were presumptuous

that spa establishments are a place for relaxation and relieving stress. In the US and

Canadian setting, most of spa goers and travellers visit a spa establishment for them to

relieve and reduce stress (Canadian Tourism Commission and International SPA

Association, 2006). However, to attract more people, different spas are promoting variety

of wellness programs and treatments including healthy lifestyle, weight loss treatments

and detox diet (Atienza et. al., 2014)

TABLE 6

Awareness about the Spa facilities

Safety Mean Remarks

8. Rooms shall be separate and unlock for male and female

3.54Strongly Aware

9. Staffs should be appropriately trained by recognized institutions and/or recognized departments

3.62Strongly Aware

10. The entire facility shall be a no smoking facility. 3.7Strongly Aware

Grad Mean 3.62Strongly Aware

As shown in Table 6, the overall rating has a mean of 3.62 which simply denotes

that the respondents are strongly aware of the facilities and quality of staff that the spa

was operating. According DOT standards , there should be separate unlocked public


47


treatment rooms for male and female, staffs should be appropriately trained by the

internationally recognized training institution and associations duly recognized by the

department and the facility should be entirely a non smoking facility (Revised rules and

regulations to govern the accreditation of spa establishments, approved :2006). Spa

establishments had complied with the DOT standards for spa operation since respondents

who had been to spa had observed such proper treatment from the staff and facilities of

the establishments.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter includes the summary of the results and conclusion aligned with the

statement of the problem and further recommendations for improvement.

Summary

This study was conducted and carefully executed to observe the Awareness of

Dasmarinenos on the Health Benefits and safety measures of spa services and

establishments. The respondents were the 276 citizens of Dasmarinas City and obtained

through stratified random sampling. In addition, the proponents aimed to determine the

demographic profile of the respondents and their frequency of visits in spa


48


establishments. To observe the level of awareness of Dasmarinenos, the researchers

prepare a questionnaire to get the needed data to analyze and interpret the results

The result shows that most of the respondents were female which comprises of

62.7% of the total sample population and most of the respondents were aged from 31

years old and above.With regards to the frequency visits, 46.7% of the participants visit a

spa in yearly basis. The participants were strongly aware about the health benefits of spa

in terms of mental health with an overall mean of 3.44 whereas they were aware about

the physical condition they can gained for the spa services with an overall mean of 3.19.

Likewise, the participants were strongly aware about the safety measures of the spa

establishments with an overall mean of 3.62.

Conclusions

The result of the study revealed that most of the respondents had gone in a spa in

a yearly basis in view of the fact that their capability to allocate their resources for a more

frequent visits and time to avail spa treatment is insufficient. The respondents were

strongly aware with regards to the mental health benefits that the spa provide since spa

visits commonly distinguished as place for relaxation, rejuvenation and to rest one’s mind

and free it from his or her stressful life even for a moment. On the other hand,

participants show awareness with regards to the physical benefits it can provide. Despite

of the many physical benefits they can obtain in availing spa services, many were still

attached to the idea of relaxation when it is attached to spa services. Lastly, the

participants were strongly aware about the safety measures that a spa establishment


49


should provide since most of them had visited a spa already, hence they were very

observant with the safety procedures and measures that the establishment provided. After

all, most of the spa establishments need to comply with the standards of the local

government (DOT) about the spa services’ security both in the facilities and people

before they will be allowed to operate their business.

Recommendations

The researcher would like to bestow to the readers the following

recommendations:

1. As part of the emerging industry in the country, it is recommended that the

government at a national level should provide a more vigorous promotion about the

wellness industry among the neighboring countries and be included in the advertisements

solely focusing on wellness treatment and services aside from the different wonderful

places of the Philippines

2. It is recommended for the local government to come up with programs that will

help enhance the locals understanding about spa benefits as a major contribution for a

healthy community. They should also encourage the business sector in their community

to invest and establish a wellness services within the community as to help strengthen the

economic status of the place.


50


3. It is significant that the learning institution will create learning programs about

developing competencies among individuals that will comply to the needs of the wellness

industry.

4. It is important for the students and other individuals to enhance their

competencies in this subject and identify opportunities that will give them a significant

part in this phenomenal industry

5. Lastly, further studies about the benefits and different types of service of the

wellness sector are highly recommended.

REFERENCE

Alave, K.L. (2010). The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists. 1st Ed. Cengage Learning. p. 400.

Atienza, K., Evangelista, C., Evangelista, L., Ibre, R., Macalalad, K., Felicen, S. & Dinglasan, K. (2014). Impact to tourism industry of massage spa theraphy in Batangas City, Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Volume 2 (5), October 2014

Azman, I. & Chan, J. K. L. (2010a). Health and Spa Tourism Business: Tourists’ profiles and motivational factors. Unpublished Manuscript. School of Business and Economics, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Azman, I. & Chan, J. K. L. (2010b). International and Spa Tourists’ Motivational Factors in Sabah Malaysia: The push and pull factors. Unpublished Manuscript. School of Business and Economics, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Calderon, Jose F. and Expectacion C. Gonzales. (1993). Methods of Research and Thesis Writing. Manila: National Book Store.


51


Canadian Tourism Commission. (2006). Canadian Spa Sector Profile 2006. Retrieved March 22, 2015 from http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/research/studies/2006_Canadian_Spa_Sector_Profile_eng%20final.pdf

Castillo, P. and Balane, M. (2011). Career Guide: Health and Wellness Services. A research project commissioned by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Angelo King Institute.

Department of Health. (2010). Philippine National Health Research System Act of 2010. Retrieved from http://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/HB00564.pdf

Department of Tourism [DOT]. (2006). Revised Rules and Regulations to Govern the Accreditation of Spa Establishment. Republic of the Philippines: Manila

Dela Cruz, M. (n.d). Philippine Spa Industry: The pampered path. Retrieved March 23, 2015 on http://zestmag.com/online/philippine-spa-industry-the-pampered-path/

Evans, R. (2006). "What Does the Research Say?". Regents of the University of Minnesota: Minnesota, USA.

Gerritsma, R. (2010). Urban Zen – and how to explore this phenomenon. Unpublished Manuscript. University of InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Global Spa Summit [GSS]. (2010a). New Priorities of Today’s Spa Consumer. Instabul, Turkey : Stanford Research International

Global Spa Summit [GSS]. (2010b). Spa’s and the Global Wellness Market: Synergies and Opportunities. Istanbul, Turkey: Stanford Research International

Gupta, A. S. (2013). “Medical Tourism, Spa and Public Health”, People's Democracy, (Weekly Organ of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), 28(19).

Inquirer.net. (2008). Health and Wellness Tourism Summit. Retrieved March 22, 2015 from

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/announcements/announcements/view/20081007-165038/Health-and-Wellness-Tourism-Summit

Kirapova, A. (n.d). Health Spa and Wellness – Competition or Supplement?: The Czech Republic Case. University of Business in Prague, Prague: Czech Republic


52


Laing, J., & Weiler, B. (2008). Mind, Body and Spirit: Health and Wellness Tourism in Asia. In J. Cochrane (Ed.), Asian Tourism: Growth and Change (pp. 379-389). Oxford: Elsevier Ltd.

National Statistical Coordination Board [NSCB] (2007). Study on the Measurement and Generation of Statistics on International Trade in Services (Focus on Healthcare and Wellness/Medical Tourism Services) for Use in Trade Negotiations and as Data Support in the Formulation of National Positions. First Draft.

National Statistics Office [NSO]. (2010). Cavite’s Population had Increased by One Million :Results from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing. Retrieved March 1, 2015 on http://web0.psa.gov.ph/content/cavite%E2%80%99s-population-had-increased-one-million-results-2010-census-population-and-housing

Panchal, J. (2012). The Asian Spa: s study of tourist motivations, “flow” and the benefits of spa experiences. Available from http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/26967/

Panchal, J. (n.d). “Tourists’ ‘Me Time’ in Asian Spas”: Benefits and contributions of spa experiences. School of Business, JCU: Singapore

Pathway to happiness. (n.d). Self Awareness. Retrieved from http://www.pathwaytohappiness.com/self-awareness.htm

Philippine Medical Tourism Inc. [PMTI]. (2015). Wellness Program. Retrieved March 22, 2015 from http://www.philmedtourism.com/default/services/wellness-programs

Smith, M., & Puczkó, L. (2009). Health and Wellness Tourism. United Kingdom: Butterworth-Heinemann.

The Philippine Star. (2011). Health, wellness and the Filipino masses: Study reveals new truths for marketers. Retrieved on February 14, 2015 from http://www.philstar.com/business-usual/732886/health-wellness-and-filipino-masses-study-reveals-new-truths-marketers

Virola, R. & Polistico, F. (2007). Measuring health and wellness tourism in Philippines. Retrieved March 22, 2015 from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ncs/10thNCS/papers/contributed%20papers/cps-07/cps07-01.pdf


53


Waddell G. & Burton A. K.(2006). Is work good for your health and well being?. London : The Stationery Office.

Wikipedia Awareness. (n.d). Retrieved from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awareness

World Health Organization. (2006). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Basic Documents, Forty fifth edition, Supplement

Yusoff, Y. (2010). Service Innovation: Case study on spa and med beauty at the Saujana. University Sains : Malaysia


54


APPENDIX 1

Request Letter for Survey


55


APPENDIX 2

Assignment for English Critic Form


56


Assignment of English Critic

This is to inform that the research manuscript entitled AWARENESS OF DASMARINENOS ON

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPA AND SAFETY MEASURES OF ESTABLISHMENT.

Submitted by:

Alegre, Mark Rossmond Garcia, Lovely Shayne T.____ Proponent’s Signature over Printed Name Proponent’s Signature over Printed Name

Melendres, Julliane Joyce Sendin, Shiela Marie_____ Proponent’s Signature over Printed Name Proponent’s Signature over Printed Name

______Valderama, Jarried_____Proponent’s Signature over Printed Name

with the degree B.S.I.T.T.M under the College of C.I.T.H.M has/have been duly assigned under your faculty for proofreading and English editing with respect to the standards of proper grammar and composition.

Conforme:

________________________________ Date Signed: ___________ English Critic’s Signature over Printed Name (mm/dd/yyyy)

Approved by:


57


_____________________________________ Date Signed: ___________Language Coordinator’s Signature over Printed Name (mm/dd/yyyy)

APPENDIX 3

Certificate of English Editing


58


Certificate of English Editing

This is to certify that the research manuscript entitled:

submitted by:




for the degree B.S.I.T.T.M, under the College of C.I.T.H.M has been read and found it thorough and acceptable with respect to grammar and composition by the undersigned English critic.

_____________________________ Date of Completion: ___________English Critic’s Signature over printed name (mm/dd/yyyy)


59

AWARENESS OF DASMARINENOS ON THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPA AND SAFETY

MEASURES OF ESTABLISHMENT.


Contact # :_____________________

APPENDIX 4

Assignment for Statistician Form


60


Assignment of Statistician

This is to inform that the research manuscript entitled AWARENESS OF DASMARINENOS ON THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPA AND SAFETY MEASURES OF ESTABLISHMENT .




with the degree Bachelor of Science in International Travel and Tourism Management under the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management has/have been duly assigned under your faculty for statistical analysis with respect to appropriate measurement tools and techniques.

Conforme:

________________________________ Date Signed:_________Statistician’s Signature over Printed Name (mm/dd/yyyy)

Approved by:

________________________________ Date Signed: ___________Chairperson’s Signature over Printed Name (mm/dd/yyyy)


61


APPENDIX 5

Certificate of Statistical Analysis


62


Certificate of Statistical Analysis


submitted by:




for the degree B.S.I.T.T.M, under the College of C.I.T.H.M has been tabulated and analyzed by the undersigned statistician with respect to appropriate measurement tools and techniques.

________________________________ Date of Completion: ___________Statistician’s Signature over printed name (mm/dd/yyyy)

Affiliation:_____________________

Contact # :_____________________


63

AWARENESS OF DASMARINENOS ON THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPA AND SAFETY MEASURES OF ESTABLISHMENT .


APPENDIX 6

Assignment for Technical Critic Form


64


Assignment of Technical Critic

This is to inform that the research manuscript entitled AWARENESS OF DASMARINENOS ON THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPA AND SAFETY MEASURES OF ESTABLISHMENT .

submitted by:




with the degree Bachelor of Science in International Travel and Tourism Management under the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management has/have been duly assigned under your faculty for technical editing and review with respect to form, styles, systems and standards adhered by the institution and the discipline.

Conforme:

________________________________ Date Signed: __________Technical Critic’s Signature over Printed Name (mm/dd/yyyy)

Approved by:

________________________________ Date Signed: _________ Area Coordinator’s Signature over Printed Name (mm/dd/yyyy)


65


APPENDIX 7

Certificate of Technical Editing


66


Certificate of Technical Editing


submitted by:




for the degree Bachelor of Science in International Travel and Tourism Management under the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management has been reviewed and found it thorough and acceptable with respect to form, styles and standards adhered by the institution by the undersigned Technical critic.

______________________________ Date of Completion: ___________Technical Critic’s Signature over printed name (mm/dd/yyyy)

Contact # :_____________________


67

AWARENESS OF DASMARINENOS ON THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPA AND SAFETY MEASURES OF ESTABLISHMENT .


APPENDIX8

Survey Questionnaire


68


APPENDIX 9

Raw Tabulated Data


69


1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. Age;

b. Gender;

c. Yearly income?


70


AgeAge, in years Frequency Relative frequency

Below 20 19 6.921 – 30 50 18.131 – 40 78 28.341 – 50 92 33.351 – 60 30 10.9

61 and above 7 2.5Total 276 100.0

GenderGender Frequency Relative frequency

Male 103 37.3Female 173 62.7Total 276 100.0

Yearly IncomeYearly Income Frequency Relative frequencyBelow P20,000 45 16.3

P20,001 – 30,000 23 8.3P30,001 – 40,000 33 12.0P40,001 – 50,000 57 20.7P50,001 – 60,000 32 11.6

Over P60,001 86 31.2Total 276 100.0

2. Level of frequency of locals going to SPA

How often you’ve visit to SPAHow often you’ve visit to

SPA Frequency Relative frequencyDaily basis 11 4.0

Weekly 24 8.7Monthly 112 40.6

Yearly 129 46.7Total 276 100.0

3. Awareness of DAsmarinenos on the health benefits of spa in terms of:


71


Mental Health Mean1. Mental Health 1 3.392. Mental Health 1 3.05

Grand Mean3.22

Physical Condition Mean3. Physical Condition 3 3.264. 3.265. 3.456. 2.837. 3.16

Grand Mean3.19

Safety Mean8. Safety 8 3.549. 3.6210. 3.70

Grand Mean3.62

Legend/Interpretation

3.25 – 5.00 - Strongly aware2.50 – 3.24 - Aware1.75 – 2.49 - Neutral1.00 – 1.74 - Not Aware


72


APPENDIX 10

Timetable for Research


73


Timetable of Research(Gantt Chart)

Title of Research/Project:


74


Research Writing for One Semester

Activity Nov Dec Jan Feb March

Title Proposal

Title Approval

Survey of Literature (RRL)

Writing of Proposal (Ch 1-3)Proposal Defense and RevisionConduct, Data Collection & AnalysisFinal Manuscript

Oral DefenseRevision, Binding and Distribution


75

Preservation of Selected Historical Sites in the Province of Cavite.


APPENDIX 11

Budget Proposal


76


Budgetary Estimate

Title of Research/Project:

Particulars Cost Quantity AmountThesis problem proposalSupplies & Materials PrintingProposal DefenseThesis/Research Defense FeePrinting and Reproduction Soft-BindingConduct and Data CollectionPrinting & Reproduction of QuestionnaireTransportation Data AnalysisStatistician’s feeOral DefensePrinting and ReproductionSoft-BindingRevision and BindingPrinting and ReproductionHard-Binding

TOTAL


77

Preservation of Selected Historical Sites in the Province of Cavite.


APPENDIX 12

Curriculum Vitae


78


A P P R O V A L S H E E T

This thesis entitledTRACER STUDY AND EMPLOYABILITY OF LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY CAVITE TOURISM MANAGEMENT PIONEER GRADUTES BATCH 2012 prepared and submitted by SHARMAINE S. DIZON, CRYSTALYN I. ELISEO, RUBIE ANN MAE B. MANANSALA, FRANCES ANN P. SAN MATEO, CHRISTIAN JOSEPH D. TOLENTINO has been reviewed and recommended as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in International Travel and Tourism Management.

MIRIAM M. ABAYAN, MSHRMResearch Adviser

Accepted and approved by the panel of examiners following a successful Oral Defense on October 18, 2013 with a grade of _____________.

IVAN BRIAN L. INDUCTIVO, MA GILBERT WESLEY GALLARDO, MBAPanelist Panelist

JOCELYN Y. CAMALIG, MSFSAAssociate Dean

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in International Travel and Tourism Management.

RAMON C. MANIAGO, PhDExecutive Dean


79


Date:__________________

Certificate of Originality

We hereby declare that the research paper entitled:

is our own work and that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material to which to a substantial extent has been accepted for award of any other degree or diploma of a university or other institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgement is made in the text.

We also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of our work, even though we may have received assistance from others on style, presentation and language expression.

SHARMAINE S. DIZON CRYSTALYN I. ELISEOProponent’s Signature Proponent’s Signature

RUBIE ANN MAE B. MANANSALA FRANCES ANN P. SAN MATEO Proponent’s Signature Proponent’s Signature

CHRISTIAN JOSEPH D. TOLENTINOProponent’s Signature

Date of Completion: ___________(mm/dd/yyyy)

Attested by:

MIRIAM M. ABAYAN, MSHRM Date of Completion: ___________ Research Adviser’s Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)


80



81

Thesis...

Documents

Transcript of Thesis...