A Filipina in Sweden is bent on teaching Pinoys and Swedes the traditional Philippine massage called “hilot”.

Physical therapist Michelle Fontanilla-Quintela has brought the Pinoy-style massage she learned from her grandfather to Stockholm, Sweden.

"Gusto kong tinatawag pa din akong manghihilot kahit tapos ako ng physical therapy,” said Quintela.

Quintela said that in practicing and teaching “hilot” in Sweden, she is not only helping others but also preserving one of the Philippines’ treasures.

“Gusto kong i-preserve yung mga living treasures natin kagaya ng paghihilot. Isa na 'yan sa mga nakakalimutan ng modernong kabataan,” she said.

Quintela’s Swedish clients admire her different massage which they described as soft and relaxing.

Her “hilot" course has become a hit not only among Filipinos but even Swedish nationals as well. Some of her students have already started their own “hilot” business.

"Wala akong takot na maging kakompetensiya ko 'yong mga tinuturuan ko, bagkus natutuwa pa ako kasi naikakalat natin. Wala itong kinaibahan sa pagkuwento ng istorya ng ating pinagmulan. Mamamatay ang kuwento kapag hindi natin ibinigay sa iba,” she explained. Report from Vangie Jorquia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau, Sweden