Filipino wellness may not yet be as well known internationally, but many of the things associated with it are already part of everyday Filipino life. We care for one another through touch, food, hospitality, and the simple act of making someone feel looked after.

Pili Ani co-founder Mary Jane Ong believes the way Filipinos care for one another can also define what makes wellness distinctly Filipino. This led to the opening of the Pili Ani Lifestyle Spa at Greenhills Mall in San Juan City, where the homegrown beauty brand combines local ingredients, touch, and Filipino hospitality through its philosophy, Philippine Wellness Rituals.

Founded in 2016 by mother-and-daughter team Rosalina Tan and Mary Jane, Pili Ani built its skincare and body-care lines around two ingredients from the same Philippine pili tree: pili oil and elemi oil.

“We want Filipinos to confidently claim our place in the global care and wellness space,” she tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Care is one of our country’s greatest strengths, and Philippine Wellness Rituals transform that strength into a distinctive beauty and wellness tradition we can proudly share with the world.”

Pili oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit and contains naturally occurring carotenoids, fatty acids, and antioxidant compounds. Elemi oil comes from the resin of the same tree and is used in both fragrance and skincare.

Pili Ani tests its formulations through Repeat Insult Patch Testing or RIPT, dermatological assessments, comedogenicity testing, consumer-perception studies, and matched photography to document changes over time, working with testing partners abroad as part of its ongoing research.

“The benefits I am most confident about are the moisturizing and nourishing properties of pili oil, together with its naturally occurring carotenoids and antioxidant compounds. For elemi, we are especially encouraged by its skin-conditioning properties and its potential to support firmer-looking skin.”

Pili Ani’s beginnings trace back to Bicol and a pili farmer named Noli, who remains one of the company’s suppliers today. Traditionally, the nut was the part of the pili fruit that could be sold. Pili Ani began using the pulp for oil, giving farmers another way to earn.

“For us, success is not only about creating beautiful products. It is also about finding more ways for Filipino ingredients to create jobs.”

Mary Jane recommends two treatments to first-time guests. The Hair Ritual focuses on the scalp and hair and uses Pili Ani’s Restore & Protect Hair Mask. Her other recommendation, and the treatment she feels best represents Philippine Wellness Rituals, is Face Fitness.

“Just as we exercise and tone the muscles of the body, Face Fitness uses intentional movements and massage techniques to stimulate and work the facial muscles while creating a deeply relaxing experience.”

There’s also Café 1197, a free-standing café that guests can visit even without booking a spa service. Its menu highlights Filipino ingredients and the communities behind them.

Mary Jane’s daughter, Kiara, and her best friend, Trixie, created Café 1197 together. The name 1197 comes from their shared birth month and year, November 1997.

Signature drinks include the Iced Pili Salted Cream Latte, made with Mt. Apo coffee, pili, and sea-salt cream; the Iced Salted Caramel Tibuok, inspired by Filipino artisanal salt-making; and the non-coffee Iced Ube Latte. The menu also includes an Iced Guava Sparkler.

Mary Jane hopes that, in time, Filipino wellness will also become more familiar to people outside the country.

“We want Filipino wellness to be remembered for its intentional care: thoughtfully produced local ingredients combined with genuine warmth, skilled touch, and heartfelt hospitality.”