Pulse March / April 2017 | Page 37

“ You have to be burning with an idea , or a problem , or a wrong that you want to right . If you ’ re not passionate enough from the start , you ’ ll never stick it out .”

— STEVE JOBS , Inventor and Co-Founder of Apple the health benefits of spa treatments , he wanted to broaden the client range by making his spa experience as affordable as possible .
“ Re-introducing and popularizing the Filipino traditional massage , Hilot , to every Filipino is by far the biggest accomplishment in my life ,” says Montalbo . “ I grew up with Hilot . Hilot has been a part of Filipino culture for thousands of years and it remains as an integral part of many communities in the Philippines today .”
Hilot is a concoction of bodywork , art , instruments , herbal medicine and even religion . Montalbo remembers that he was laughed at when he included Hilot in the menu of his very first spa . “ Swedish and Thai massages were the most popular spa services during that time and it was a struggle for me to study and maintain the integrity of Hilot while suiting it in the spa setting ,” he remembers . “ I really worked hard to unite traditional Hilot principles with spa standards . I merged my knowledge of Hilot and Western medicine . I fought hard to educate and convince clients that the ‘ supernatural ’ Hilot can be a professional spa service . And now , after 10 years , Hilot has been synonymous with the Mont Albo Massage Hut brand . And most important of all , almost every spa in the Philippines is now offering Hilot .”
Mont Albo Massage Hut has since grown from one small spa with only a few beds to one of the most successful spa franchises in the Philippines .
“ Starting an enterprise from scratch , without much capital and formal business education , was a huge challenge ,” says Montalbo . “ I really have to be diligent in researching , attending seminars , enrolling in massage schools , reading books and asking around just to learn everything in a very fast pace .”
At 37 , Montalbo is younger than most of his franchisees . He leads them through his extensive knowledge and reputation in the industry . “ I guess my reputation , years of experience and love for Hilot and the spa industry have permeated through them that before they sign the franchise agreement , they are fully aware of me as their leader . They have full trust and respect in every decision I make . My age doesn ’ t matter to them .”
He does , however , understand the challenges his generation faces in finding a purpose in a career . His advice for young people wishing to be leaders in their field ? “ Innovate but be sincere in your intentions . Be passionate in your industry because it will give you the thrill in life . Your passion will give you a sense of purpose and a never-ending reason to learn , improve and grow . Passion is like a rocket that will propel you forward and upward as a leader .”
Although Dr . Nol Montalbo is young , his leadership skills , dedication and enthusiasm have helped him go from humble beginnings to great success in the industry .
March / April 2017 ■ PULSE 35