ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Angelyn Cabauatan

29/06/2009

As a freelance Mobile Massage Therapist travelling the world with her partner, Angelyn´s wonderful Work/Life balance is one that is sure to inspire

What first interested you about Massage?

Born and raised in Manila, I spent my early twenties working throughout Asia in various kinds of jobs for example bartending, bar manager and cook. Throughout my travels in 1999, I was introduced to a family friend who is the owner of one of the major five star massage businesses in Taiwan. He asked me if I wanted to join his massage company. At that very time I had no background or experience in massage, but because of the salary offered and the company’s three full months massage training I agreed to it!

"To be honest the first attraction I had to beginning a career in massage was because of the potentially high income."

After 3 months of training I worked as a Massage Therapist within the company. Time passed by and my ability developed with my experience and long hours of work (10 – 12 hrs per day). All of my devoted clients told me that I have a gift and encouraged me to continue to develop and explore my career. After a few years I started to understand deeply what massage truly is and exactly what massage can do for people. It was then I started to realise that massage had become my passion and I was keen to learn more about health and wellness.

In 2007, I resigned from my position and took some time out to relax with my partner who was travelling overseas with his job in “CATS” the Musical. Some of the members of the cast and crew were aware that I was trained in massage as they had been my clients in the past so I began taking massage bookings and offering a mobile massage service for them in their hotel rooms whilst on tour. It wasn’t long before I had my own thriving mobile massage business just from the cast and crew alone.

During the time that I started travelling with “CATS” I decided that I would use some of my time to explore the possibilities of obtaining a formal education that is recognized locally and internationally. My partner and I spent many hours researching to find the right massage College for me. We eventually decided to enrol me at the Australian College of Massage, which we’re sure is the best out of the many Colleges that we researched around Australia.

How long have you been massaging?

I’ve been massaging for about 8 years on and off with the Taiwan company’s massage training skills and without a formal Certificate or Diploma.

I have been massaging with formal certification and accredited training since I attained my Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice with ACM in April 2009.

"Currently I’m continuing my Diploma studies with ACM via Distance Education whilst I’m running my personal mobile massage therapy business “Intuitive Touch”, as I continue to travel around the globe with “CATS” the Musical."

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

There are three enjoyable aspects to my career:

1) I must say that I enjoy the feeling that I can help people by means of touch. I feel that my hard work is worthwhile every time my clients are satisfied and I can see their progress.

2) I’m lucky to earn money by means of my own abilities and talent. I believe that it is important to be successful and happy in your career and life.

3) I enjoy the flexibility of travelling and meeting different people in various countries and knowing them professionally.

What was your experience at ACM like?

I am currently enrolled at the Australian College of Massage as a Distance Education student. This really suits me because of my life style of travelling most of the time with my partner with his work. ACM have great course materials like DVDs, books and workbooks that are interesting and easy to follow – they help me to keep my study going and build my knowledge as much as possible. Also, I can review these materials whenever I like to deepen my understanding. I must say that the interaction I had with my assessor in April this year in Sydney was inspiring.

How have your studies at ACM assisted preparing you for working in the massage industry?

My studies at the Australian College of Massage have assisted me in many ways. The first time I opened my books to start the course I was so excited and surprised on what they could offer me. It helped me with my confidence in my decision to join ACM big time! ACM’s foundations of touch, draping protocol and format of strokes work really well. The set out of the study structure is clear and easy to follow.

When I first began studying I was really excited to combine my previous eight years practical experience with a proper education, as I’m doing now with my Diploma studies. Some of my favourite subjects so far are Health Care Business 1, Safe Practices and Massage Practice 1 (Subject 6, 7, and 8). These subjects were so new to me as I had never learnt the business side of massage from any previous massage training that I had received. This helped me a lot in preparing my own business practice with confidence. It indicates the step-by-step procedures and precautions that are essential to know before going into business. The College website, lecturers and administration staff are always dependable whenever I need assistance, whether I have a question about my study or my business.

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

If you feel that massage is your passion and you have a gift of touch, then there is no doubt - You should pursue it!

It is also important to have a formal education to assist you, guide you and help make the most of your abilities. Also once you’re in the massage business, you must continue to study and update your knowledge from time to time.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

"My career highlight so far is that I’ve been working with the dancers, singers and crew of “CATS” the Musical."

I work in conjunction with the teams physiotherapist taking referrals and discussing outcomes. The crew loves the fact that I am available to them and I’m getting great feedback from them as well! I feel a sense of satisfaction every time I see progress in their injuries, improved mobility and general health which is essential to perform their type of work. This is a perfect chance for me to save for my future career plans and to top it all I’m helping people towards good health by means of touch!

Being a freelance mobile massage therapist means that I can travel with my partner around Asia and Australia and I have the freedom to build my clients and career whilst I’m studying. It’s great to have your own time schedule and no hassles from an employer.

I am so thankful that I made the right decision to study at ACM. I can see more clearly and positively what I want to pursue with my career and what I need to prepare to build my future.