Silent Operator Dan, who also has his own blog, pointed me to a recent (as in a few weeks ago) incident wherein a Mandaluyong spa—a spa wherein “extra service” is provided primarily through handjobs—was raided and its therapists accused of prostitution.
You can watch the video here:
In a probably effort to legitimize these spas—dubbed by many as “spakol,” a term blending the words “spa” and “jakol”—the owners are now using the term “lingam massage” as a euphemism of what we know really happens in those spas. It’s a facade, of course—the same way a “massage parlor” doesn’t really offer legitimate massage. We all know what happens inside those places.
A Cebu spa named Authentic Lingam Massage challenged the notion that “lingam massage” is indecent. It is offered in other countries like Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand, New York, California and London, said the owner. The word “lingam” is Sanskrit for the male organ. So essentially a “lingam massage” is masturbation. Of course, there will be others who claim that it is more than just masturbation. But lets assume that it is basically masturbation after we strip away all the mystical mumbo-jumbo, and if we go to a massage to be soothed and relaxed, then what’s wrong with the therapist stroking the rod to achieve the same end? Masturbation does have its health benefits.
And think about it. Who is the victim here? The therapists know what they are being asked to offer. The client is not coerced in any way. So who is hurting whom? I really don’t get it.