At the end of a long day, there is really nothing quite like some well-deserved pampering for a lady. I mean let’s face it, isn’t waltzing into a  parlor salon just one of the most relaxing things you can do? Despite the buzz of blow dryers, the sometimes putrid scent of hair chemicals and the sight of chopped hair on the floor, salons still have a way of melting the stress away. Perhaps its knowing that you’re surrounded by beauty experts all set to make you look gorgeous while giving you a back massage at that.

Yeah, that’s probably it. 

Now imagine having your hair styled, your nails done and your feet scrubbed while holding a cold cocktail in your hand. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?? Now we just need a bunch of hotties (like I dont know, Ian Somerhalder and Zach Efron??) prancing around topless and we’ve got ourselves a sweet version of heaven on Earth. 

Okay minus the American heartthrobs, such a place in Manila really does exist! When my friend Kathy told me to drop by her latest business venture—a “glambar”—I was totally excited! “We’ll fix your hair and have your nails done! And I’ll give you wine!”, Kathy promised. Ooooh. You had me at hair and nails, dear! Or was it free wine? 

What the hell is a glambar anyway, I thought, while driving over to the Strata 100 building in Ortigas.

“It’s actually a nail and blow dry bar..and a spa!” Kathy explains when I arrive, “We do different kinds of blow-outs depending on how you want your hair styled. We also offer hair spa treatments but we don’t do cuts. In addition to that, we also do nail services, foot scrubs and all sorts of massages!”

“And we serve alcohol and chips to customers”, she adds with a knowing smile.

Kathy is actually one of the 5 owners of Spaholics Nail and Blow Dry Bar. You can just imagine how much fun these ladies had putting up this place (and all the services they’ve had since then I bet! ).

Upon entering, you’ll find yourself greeted by this bar which is actually where you can perch on a stool and have your nails done. So don’t bother discreetly looking for bottles of booze because they ain’t here! 

The next room is where you go to have your nails done—and your feet scrubbed! This is also the larger space where you can hold “sparties”. I love how the entire room is decorated in Old Hollywood Art-Deco style. Glossy black chandeliers hang from the walls while dark couches surround the room, accented by throw pillows in retro prints! 

On one side, you’ll see some of their nail polish on display. These are for sale! The second time I went, they added a whole bunch of UK branded make-up to this wall. 

The massage room. The classic Spaholic massage is amazing!! 

Here’s Kathy!!

And here I am with two ladies working on me-one for each hand. Yehesss, donyang donya ang dating. 

For my nails, they used this gel polish from the Shellac series that promises to stay put (no chipping and fading!) for about two weeks. Oh and it dries up COMPLETELY in only 3 minutes using this UV lamp thingamajig. 

I feel like I’m having my hand toasted. 

Ze result?? Indeedy do, completely dry nails in 3 minutes!! I was able to fish for my keys and pull out money from my wallet immediately. Quite amazing and perfect for those on the go (or simply too impatient to wait for nails to dry). 

The only downside, ironically, is that it works a little too well. I have no doubt that the polish won’t come off quickly because wiping it with nail polish remover is simply not good enough! My manicurist had to leave a soaked cotton ball on top of each finger before she had to lightly scrape off the nail polish from my nails. Nevertheless, this is still pretty cool especially if you go on a trip (like to the beach—we all know how easily polish chips off then!)

If solid nail colors are too boring for you, why not try their funky nail designs?? Some of these are actually painted on by the manicurists. The others are stick on nails. Check out the LV and Burberry prints! Para sa mga sosyal! Haha! 

And here are some of the various blow outs you can get! 

I’m really looking forward to bringing my girl friends here for a sparty or simply to hang out. This place is such a fun and girly venue for beauty sessions, catching up and well, drinking. That’s killing 3 birds with one stone! Hehe! 

Thanks for a fun afternoon, Kathy! Till the next one! :)