Understanding “Extra Service” in the Massage Industry: Legal, Cultural, and Safety Perspectives

Massage has long been considered a legitimate service in the Philippines, offering relaxation, healing, and relief from stress. But over the years, the phrase “extra service” (often abbreviated as ES) has emerged as a buzzword within the massage industry. For many, it stirs curiosity, while for others it raises legal and moral concerns. To understand what extra service really means, it is important to look at its definitions, its legality, its connection to prostitution, and how it is practiced in both physical spas and outcall massage services.

In this article, we will explore the different meanings of extra service, highlight its legal boundaries in the Philippines, and provide practical insights based on real experiences, including an interview with a practicing masseuse.

What is ES or Extra Service?

At its most basic level, extra service refers to an add-on service that a client may request on top of a regular massage. The nature of this add-on can vary significantly, which is why the term has gained mixed interpretations.

• Non-sexual extra services – These are legitimate add-ons that enhance the massage experience. Examples include body scrubs, aromatherapy treatments, hot stone therapy, or foot spa. Such services are widely accepted, legally allowed, and often included in official spa menus.
• Sexual extra services – In other cases, the term is used to describe services of a sexual nature, such as lingam massage, yoni massage, or sensual massage. These are explicitly prohibited by Philippine law. Offering sexual services under the guise of massage falls under prostitution, making both the provider and the client vulnerable to legal consequences.

This distinction is critical. Not all “extra services” are illicit, but when they cross into the realm of sexual activity, they become illegal and socially controversial.

Are Extra Services Legal in the Philippines?

The legality of extra services depends entirely on their nature.

Legal and Allowed Extra Services:

• Body scrub
• Aromatherapy massage
• Hot stone therapy
• Cupping therapy
• Herbal ball massage

Illegal and Prohibited Extra Services:

• Lingam massage
• Yoni massage
• Sensual massage
• Oral sex, intercourse, or any sexual act offered after a massage

Philippine law is clear: any sexual service offered for money falls under prostitution. Even if it happens in the context of a massage service, it is still illegal.

However, because the line between legal and illegal extra services is often blurred, misunderstandings and misinterpretations are common. Many people assume that “extra service” always refers to sexual favors, but as explained, some add-ons are completely legitimate.

Massage and Prostitution: When Legitimacy is Used as a Cover

Massage, when practiced professionally, is a healing art rooted in wellness and therapy. Yet, in some cases, legitimate massage services are used as a cover for prostitution activities.

In certain establishments, a spa may project itself as a legitimate business but offer extra services under the table. Clients seeking sexual gratification know how to discreetly ask, while therapists needing additional income may discreetly agree.

This dual identity creates several issues:

• It damages the reputation of legitimate massage therapists, many of whom are highly trained and ethical.
• It puts clients at legal risk, as availing sexual services is against the law.
• It blurs the line for the general public, making people suspicious of all massage establishments.

Alana’s Story: A Glimpse Into the Reality

To better understand why some therapists engage in illegal extra services, we interviewed Alana, a 32-year-old masseuse based in Pasay.

Alana shared:

“I am the only breadwinner in my family. I have three kids from different fathers who don’t provide support. With extra service, I can earn enough to cover our daily needs and send my children to school.”

When asked how she feels about her work, she added:

“I am grateful that I can bring food to the table and raise my kids. Using my body to make a living is no different from a construction worker who also toils in sweat to do their job. It’s a matter of perspective.”

Alana’s story highlights the economic realities behind extra services. For many women, it is not about glamour or desire, but about survival and responsibility.

Outcall Massage and Extra Service

Outcall massage refers to services where therapists visit the client’s home, hotel, or condominium. This setup provides convenience and privacy, but it also opens opportunities for extra services to be offered.

In outcall services, extra services are often:

• Pre-arranged – Some clients specifically request ES when booking the appointment.
• Negotiated on-site – The therapist may subtly offer, or the client may ask during the session.
• Riskier – Since there are no managers or supervisors, arrangements depend entirely on mutual consent. This lack of oversight makes both the therapist and client vulnerable to exploitation, misunderstandings, or even entrapment operations.

For clients, it is crucial to understand the risks. What might seem like a private arrangement could still carry legal consequences.

Extra Services in Physical Massage Spas

In physical spas, the situation varies depending on the establishment’s culture and policies:

1. Strictly Professional Spas – These establishments clearly prohibit any sexual services. They maintain professional standards, train their therapists, and often display official permits. Extra services in these spas are usually limited to non-sexual add-ons like scrubs and aromatherapy.
2. Spas with “Hidden” Services – These spas operate in a gray area. While projecting legitimacy, they may discreetly offer ES to select clients. This practice puts the business at risk of being raided or shut down if caught.
3. Notorious “Spakols” – A colloquial term in the Philippines for massage parlors known for offering sexual services. Here, ES is almost always understood as sexual in nature. While these establishments attract a steady clientele, they exist in constant conflict with the law.

Safety Measures for Clients Availing of Massage

For clients, safety and well-being should always be a priority when availing of massage services. Here are some guidelines:

1. Choose Reputable Spas – Look for licensed massage centers with clear menus of services.
2. Clarify What Extra Service Means – If a spa offers “extra service,” ask if it refers to body scrubs or other legitimate add-ons. Don’t assume.
3. Avoid Illegal Services – Remember that sexual services offered in spas or during outcall sessions are prohibited. Availing of them exposes you to risks, including legal consequences.
4. Protect Your Health – Ensure hygiene standards are followed. Use clean towels, sanitized rooms, and professional therapists.
5. Respect Boundaries – Professional massage therapists deserve respect. Do not pressure them into providing services outside their official offerings.

Conclusion

The concept of extra service in massage is layered with complexity. While some extra services are perfectly legitimate and enhance the relaxation experience, others cross into the realm of prostitution and are illegal in the Philippines.

The story of Alana reminds us that behind every massage therapist is a human being with personal struggles and motivations. While the law prohibits sexual extra services, the demand continues because of economic realities faced by many workers.

For clients, the responsibility lies in making informed, safe, and lawful choices. Massage should ultimately be appreciated for its true purpose—a therapeutic service that heals the body and relaxes the mind.