Since its inception two years ago, the Tibiao Fish Spa, the latest and most sought-after destination in Antique province, has already served more than 10,000 foreign and local tourists. The Fish Spa is located in Tibiao town.
A new branch located at SM City, Iloilo was officially started in October 2010. It already served some 20,000 guests, according to its general manager Flord Nicson J. Calawag.
With the increasing clients, the company is now preparing for its first franchise offering in Cebu and Davao cities just after making a grand opening in Boracay Island Resort, Malay, Aklan in April.
To diversify its promotion, a Fish Spa Restaurant will be opened in Roxas City, Capiz to allow clients to experience the fish spa as they wait for their orders, Calawag disclosed.
"Apart from relaxation and exfoliation of dead skin and callus, a trip to Tibiao Fish Spa is actually one good form of family bonding", Calawag explained.
Fishes in the spa help exfoliate dead skin and callous with a tickling effect as they nibble on one’s legs or hands. The fishes have teeth similar to a very fine sand paper which aid in the exfoliation.
"Customers now realized that fish is not only for healthy eating but can also clean their feet and hands after around 30 minutes", said Calawag.
Calawag claims their fish spa is scientifically run and together with two other partners, they developed a technology from breeding, feeding of fishes, and water sanitation.
In terms of breeding, they follow a certain ratio for male and female to have a good match. Already they have cross-bred seven species from the lone species they used to have, said Calawag.
"We are targeting to have 10 or more. We are looking for species for brackish water, salt water and warm water fish spa," he added.
"Filipinos are great imitators and we don’t have the monopoly of knowledge so we really have to make some strategy that will make it difficult for them to copy," he said.
A formulated feed was developed as too much feed can pollute water and consequently kill fishes. Moreover, they have also established a UV filter to kill bacteria, bio-filtration to clean wastes and carbon filter for the odor.
"UV filtration is a re-circulating system that passes through the filter and kills the bacteria". High end clients are very particular of sanitation because they are not immune from environmental bacteria", Calawag pointed out.
Based on their studies, fishes secrete anti-microbial enzyme, their natural way of defending themselves against bacteria or impurities. Calawag believes they are now the country’s pioneer in the fish spa industry.
A visit to the fish spa is part of the package being offered by the Katahum Tours for tourists who may want to visit Tibiao, Antique. In addition, the package also includes kayaking, Lambaklad Fishing which is a fishing experience with local fisherfolk on board a large raft that can accommodate a hundred persons in one time, trip to the seven-layered Bugtong Bato Falls, and the "kawa" hot bath, almost similar to a sauna bath. (PNA) /MP
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