When writer/director Antoinette Jadaone wrote to us and said she was hoping that for Christmas, she wanted a 2012 commercial run for her film “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay,” we weren’t exactly sure how we could grant her wish.

Sure, “Six Degrees” is an awesome movie—it was a box-office success, basing on its week-long sold-out run at the Shang Cineplex, and this 2011 Cinema One Originals entry won six awards during awards night—but a commercial release sounds so big and ambitious. It would involve a lot of money, too.

“As much as we want to, our production team doesn’t have enough funding to release the film on our own,” said Antoinette in her letter. “Jadaone lang po ang apelyido ko, hindi Monteverde or Star Cinema. But the spirit is very willing, so sa inyo na lang po ang pocket!”

Fortunately for us, Antoinette had a second choice: a “bonggang sosyal na head-to-toe day of pampering at a luxurious spa” for her parents: Boy, who manages the family business (a construction supply company) and Aida, a housewife.

According to Antoinette, her parents have always been supportive of her and her siblings’ career decisions. “Ever since I showed even just a little desire to make films, they never discouraged me even for a second, even if they knew it doesn’t pay much or it will make me lose sleep.” And to show just how grateful she is for all their “hard work and patience at sakit ng katawan sa pagpapalaki sa aming tatlong magkakapatid,” Antoinette wanted to give her massage-loving parents a “sosyal at bonggang spa” because they can only afford the ones that aren’t very special.

So Super booked Boy and Aida for an early Christmas treat: a very special Aromatherapy Ultimate Body Massage at The Spa of Mandarin Oriental Manila, because we’re a big fan of their luxurious spa treatments.

When Antoinette told her mother about it, she asked, “Ay, pa’no yan, kakamasahe lang namin nung isang araw?” referring to the Ventosa massage they had, care of a discounted gift certificate from a group-buying site.

Replied Antoinette: “Mama, sosyal ‘to—sa Mandarin Oriental.”

As for Antoinette’s dad, he was so excited about the treatment that when she asked him when he’d like to have it, he said, “Bukas!”

On the special day of pampering, Boy and Aida said that despite regularly enjoying a massage, care of their children who love treating them, they were very excited about their first time at the Mandarin Oriental. Upon entering the hotel’s spa, Aida noted how beautiful the Thai-inspired design and interiors were and how soothing the soft music playing was. Boy, on the other hand, was impressed with the welcome ginger tea and cold towel that they were offered when they put on slippers.

Before the actual treatment, the couple started with a relaxing foot ritual that involved an individual analysis of their lifestyle (to determine the specific kind of treatment) while their feet were soaked in a tub of warm water with salt and rose petals.

After the calming experience, it was time for the 50-minute Aromatherapy Ultimate Body Massage in a room designed for couples who want to enjoy their treatment together.

Perfect for people who need to slow down or those who are feeling the effects of everyday physical stresses, the treatment makes use of both eastern and western massage techniques, plus lavender, grape seed, and ylang-ylang oils, and it incorporates regulated pressure to release knots and tensions in the body. As a result, tired, aching back and limbs are eased, and one feels calm, balanced, and comforted.

When we got back to the couple, they were undoubtedly satisfied with their spa experience.

“Class na class!” said a very impressed Aida. “Iba talaga dun sa karaniwan kasi ang bangu-bango. Iba yung bango doon! Naka-robe pa saka magandang slippers. Class talaga!”

As for Boy, it looks like the treatment worked because according to Antoinette, he fell asleep.

Added Aida: “Eh ako, ’di talaga ako natulog kasi sayang naman. Mahal pala talaga ‘yun, ’no?”

If you are a producer with a genuine love for Philippine cinema and would love to help Antoinette Jadaone give her movie, “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay,” a commercial run, you can e-mail her at [email protected]