Discovering Japanese beauty tricks
Looking for a unique, indulgent beauty experience that’s surprisingly within reach? Techno Holdings Corporation has formally opened its Health and Beauty Hub at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, bringing together four Japanese beauty and wellness brands that embody the inimitable Japanese aesthetic and approach to wellness recovery, hair artistry and skincare.
The opening was marked by a ceremonial bonsai watering, symbolizing the company’s commitment to caring for Filipino clients with the same precision and attention as they nurture the bonsai plants on the premises. The vision is to achieve health and beauty through precision, world-class products, excellent service and meticulous attention to detail.
At the hub, each of the four brands blends technology and tradition, contributing a unique element to the overall experience. Take Nora Japanese Hair Salon, consistently included in the prestigious Kami Charisma Japanese Hair Salon Guide—Japan’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide for restaurants.
Hidekazu Ando (Ando-san), founder of Nora Japan and CEO of Nora Hair Salon Philippines, takes the art of hairstyling very seriously. A visit begins with a detailed analysis of the client’s hair and a discussion with the stylist to create a signature cut with precise layering. The Japanese hair care brand Milbon is used exclusively, with a wide range of products to address different hair concerns.
The same meticulous precision is offered at the neighboring Miss Esthe Salon and Skin Care. The facials are scientifically advanced, non-invasive, customized and age-defying, using radiance-enhancing products from a company that has studied women’s skin for three decades.
The treatments cater to various skin types and lifestyles. There are affordable options for young professionals, including a 30-minute “perk-me-up” massage ranging from whitening, acne treatment, sensitive skin treatment, glass facial, hydra facial or hydra peel. The all-inclusive anti-aging facial, contrary to expectation, is suitable not only for mature skin but also for Gen Z clients, as my two daughters discovered. Preventive skincare, after all, is never too early, keeping skin radiant and glowing for decades.
In the soothing, gently relaxing atmosphere of Miss Esthe, my daughters Hannah and Tatin began with a lemony cleansing treatment. This was followed by an hour-and-a-half of advanced Japanese skincare treatments using high-tech machines for a luxurious experience. With skillful application and gentle massages, both girls were completely relaxed—one even fell asleep. The result? Glowing, youthful skin. The cost: an affordable P3,100, with repeat sessions recommended every three weeks for mature clients.
Fresh from their facials, my daughters went to NORA for a styling session. After an analysis of their hair, a style suited to their face shape was selected, followed by one of the salon’s highlights—the hair spa. This 15-minute treatment includes a soothing shampoo while lying on a flat bed, combined with gentle hand and water-jet massages so relaxing it’s hard not to drift off!
Then, stylist Nixon—Filipino but could easily pass for Japanese—cut and layered their hair. Hannah received a volumizing layered cut, while Tatin’s cut reduced some of her thick locks. A shoulder massage and blow dry completed the session. My daughters left extremely satisfied with both their facials and hairstyles.
Next to Nora Hair Salon is Nora Lab, where future stylists undergo rigorous theoretical and practical training before being deployed to NORA branches in Uptown Mall, BGC; Glorietta 3; Newton Circle in Newport City; Westgate Hub in Alabang; and the Assembly Grounds at The Rise in San Antonio, Makati.
The fourth establishment in the hub is Phiten, founded in Kyoto, Japan, in 1983 by president Yoshihiro Hirata. Phiten carries a range of athletic gear and accessories designed to increase energy, enhance performance, speed recovery and improve sleep. This is made possible through the patented Aqua Titanium Technology, which integrates metals like titanium, gold, palladium and platinum into everyday products, including bracelets, necklaces, wristbands, tape, gel socks, joint supporters and braces. The improved focus and balance offered by these products makes them ideal for busy, high-pressure environments.
Phiten aims to support overall health and well-being by reducing muscle and joint pain, improving blood flow and easing tension. While I don’t fully understand the science, my husband wore a wristband for a day and confirmed it gave him more energy. Phiten has 150 branches in Japan and is available in 30 countries across North and Central America, Europe and Asia, a testament to its effectiveness.
Even more services are soon to be available at the Japanese Health and Beauty Hub. The Phiten IP Salon will feature a Hyperbaric Oxygen (O₂ Alpha) Chamber, Healthy Light Bathing Capsule, Aqua Titan Bathing Egg, Bathing Egg Beauty, and water wave massages. These cutting-edge Japanese facilities and wellness practices promise a one-of-a-kind experience for Filipino guests and another reason to visit the Techno Holdings Hub on the sixth floor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
