Once a staple in the early 2000s pop culture scene as a member of the sultry all-female group Viva Hot Babes, Ella Villanueva-Manalang — better known as Ella V. — has officially transitioned from showbiz stardom to successful entrepreneurship with the grand opening of Aura Wellness & Spa in Cainta, Rizal.
The spa’s launch also became a mini-reunion for the original members of Viva Hot Babes as Villanueva-Manalang welcomed long-time friends and former co-members Maui Taylor, Jaycee Parker, Katya Santos, Sheree Bautista, Andrea del Rosario, and Zara Lopez to celebrate this new chapter in her life.
She steps in as Executive Vice President of the spa while her sister, Paula Villanueva, serves as president and CEO.
“My friends, the Viva Hot Babes, really came to support me. I actually felt like crying earlier seeing them because it was surreal, like a dream. I’m so happy. Especially with people like Maui — it’s so hard to get a hold of her, and also Andrea and Katya,” Villanueva-Manalang said in an interview during the official opening of Aura Wellness & Spa.
The spa’s launch also became a mini-reunion for the original members of Viva Hot Babes (from left) Katya Santos, Jaycee Parker, Sheree Bautista, Maui Taylor, Maui Taylor and Zara Lopez
After leaving the limelight, she moved to the United States where she built a life far from the cameras. Now based in the US for over 17 years, she’s a full-time mom to four children, active in their sports and school activities. Professionally, she founded a home care agency, serving elderly clients and supporting Filipino caregivers — a business she grew from her own experience as a caregiver when she first migrated.
Back in the Philippines for a new endeavor, Villanueva-Manalang has teamed up with her sister, Paula Villanueva, to open the spa, a luxurious self-care sanctuary committed to personalized treatments and holistic wellness. Villanueva serves as president and CEO while Manalang steps in as Executive Vice President, heading branding, marketing, and expansion efforts.
Aura Wellness & Spa offers a curated list of services including massages and facials.
“This is our biggest project as sisters. We’re not just creating a spa, we’re creating opportunities. We’re planning to franchise in the future and launch an academy to train estheticians in advanced but non-invasive facial techniques. We’re not into laser because we want to invest in the labor. We want to give back to the community, give people a job rather than give machine a job. It’s more on empowering other women to be more successful,” Villanueva-Manalang said.
With tranquil interiors, expert staff, and a personal touch, the spa aims to be a premiere destination for beauty and wellness.
Aura Wellness & Spa offers a curated list of services including massages, facials, nail care, eyelash extensions, and eyebrow shaping and tinting. What sets the spa apart, she says, is its commitment to a cozy, relaxing experience and premium service quality, using Esthemax Professional products — a globally renowned skincare line, with Villanueva-Manalang’s spa serving as its exclusive distributor in the region.
One of the flagship offerings is the Hydrojelly facial, formulated with refined algae and organic active ingredients designed for deep hydration and rejuvenation.
With tranquil interiors, expert staff, and a personal touch, Aura Wellness & Spa aims to be the region’s leading destination for beauty and wellness — serving not just the local community, but also professionals and expatriates in search of quality self-care.
The spa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and is located at Pinnacle Plaza along Marikina-Infanta Highway, just a few meters from Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. Appointments can be made via 09171834142.
As for the future, Villanueva-Manalang says she’s still deeply rooted in her homeland.
“I can still see myself staying here — this is my homeland. What I miss the most here is my family. I’m very family-oriented, I’m close to my siblings, and I’m happy because I was able to petition my parents. I’m also a full-time mom, so it’s good that my sister is here too because I want to be with my kids — they’re growing up so fast,” she ended.
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