Editorial Standards
Scoring Methodology
This page explains how we score each criterion in our spa comparison tables. All scores are based on in-person visits and direct data collection. We do not accept payment for scores or rankings.
What Each Criterion Measures
Affordability
Measures the price range of a 60-minute standard massage session relative to the Makati market median. A score of 5/5 means the establishment offers sessions at or below ₱350 for 60 minutes. A score of 1/5 means sessions start above ₱1,500.
Room Privacy
Measures whether treatment rooms have solid walls and a closing door (5/5), semi-partitions with curtains (3/5), or open shared spaces (1/5). Privacy is assessed for the standard booking tier, not premium upgrades.
Therapist Quality
Measures the consistency and technical competence of therapists across multiple visits. Factors include pressure calibration, session timing adherence, technique execution, and intake communication.
Atmosphere
Measures the sensory and spatial quality of the establishment — lighting, scent, sound, cleanliness, and interior design coherence. A score of 5/5 indicates a deliberately designed, immersive environment. A score of 1/5 indicates a purely functional space.
Hours / Access
Measures operating hours and booking accessibility. A score of 5/5 means 24-hour operation with walk-in access. A score of 1/5 means limited hours (e.g., 11am–9pm) with advance booking required.
Overall Value
A composite score reflecting the ratio of experience quality to price paid. This is an editorial judgment, not a formula. It accounts for all other criteria weighted by their relative importance to a typical Makati wellness visitor.
How We Collect the Data
Affordability
Price data is collected via in-person menu review and direct inquiry at each establishment. Prices are verified at least once per quarter. Menu screenshots are retained in our editorial archive.
Room Privacy
Assessed via in-person visit. Our editorial team books a standard session and documents the room configuration. Photographs are retained in our editorial archive.
Therapist Quality
Assessed across a minimum of three separate visits by different editorial team members. Scores are averaged. We do not accept complimentary sessions for scored reviews.
Atmosphere
Assessed via in-person visit. Scored by editorial team consensus across multiple visits.
Hours / Access
Verified via direct inquiry and cross-referenced with the establishment's published schedule. Hours are verified monthly.
Overall Value
Editorial consensus score, reviewed annually.
All editorial visits are paid for by Massage Makati. We do not accept complimentary sessions, advertising, or payment of any kind in exchange for scores or rankings. If you believe a score is inaccurate, please contact us via our Corrections page.
Revision Schedule
| Criterion | Revision Frequency |
|---|---|
| Affordability | Quarterly — January, April, July, October. |
| Room Privacy | Annually, or when a branch reports a renovation. |
| Therapist Quality | Annually, or when significant staff turnover is reported. |
| Atmosphere | Annually, or when a branch reports a renovation. |
| Hours / Access | Monthly. |
| Overall Value | Annually. |
Scores may be updated outside the regular schedule if a significant change is reported (e.g., ownership change, major renovation, or verified complaint). All updates are logged with a date stamp.