UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

AR-RES METH RESEARCH METHODS FOR ARCHITECTURE

FRI 3:30 PM-5:30 PM /SAT 3:30 PM-5:30 PM

Research Paper Title:

An Eco-Cultural Tourism-based Integrated Hill Spa

Resort: A Tourist Destination
in La Trinidad, Benguet

DATE DUE:
DATE SUBMITTED:

CARANTO, MARY JOYCE CAMILE L.

AR. JERICO BERNARDO, MSAr

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Table of Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………….pg. 3
Chapter I:…………………………………………………………………………..pg. 4
1.0 Background of the Study……………………………………………pg. 4
1.1 Goal and Objectives..……………………………………………....pg. 5
a. Main Objective…………………………………………….…pg. 5
b. Specific Objectives…………………………………….…....pg. 5
1.2. Significance of the Study…………………………………….……pg. 6
1.2. a. Architectural Significance……………………….…….pg. 6
1.2. b. Economic Significance………………………….……..pg. 6
1.2. c. Tourism Significance…………………………….……...pg. 6
1.2. d. Environmental Significance…………………….……..pg. 6
1.2. e. Researcher Significance……………………….………pg. 6
1.3. Scope and Limitation……………………………………...............pg. 6
1.4. Review of Related Literature………………………………..…….pg. 7
a. Local Literature………………………………….….….…..….pg. 7
b. Foreign Literature……………………………….…..……..….pg. 7
1.5. Conceptual Framework………………………………….…..……pg. 10
1.6. Definition of Terms………………………………………..……..…..pg. 11

Chapter II. …………………………………………………………..……………pg. 13

2.0 Design and Methodology………………………….…………..….pg. 13
2.0.a. Research Design…………………………………………pg. 13
2.0.b. Study Area and Target Population……….……..……pg. 14
2.0.c. Sampling Techniques and Size………………………..pg. 14
2.1. Data Gathering Procedure……………………………...………..pg. 14
2.2. Results……………………………………………………..….….…...pg. 15
2.3. Discussion…………………………………………………….…….. pg. 20
2.4. Conclusion…………………………………………………….……..pg. 21
Bibliography…………………………………………………..….…….…pg. 23
Legal Documents (TCT)………………………………………..…..……pg. 28

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 Abstract
This research study aimed to provide suitable design guidelines for the future spa resort
adapting the eco-cultural tourism design concept. The proposed hill spa resort is located in La
Trinidad and it has different indigenous people residing and the preservation of their cultures or
traditions is a concern. The logic of eco-cultural is an appropriate concept because it suggests
both the improvement of a sense of being native to a location and an obligation for ensuring
landscape and environments from the unsettling influence (Guy & Farmer, 2001). Also, the main
job of the residents is mostly gardening and some heavy work, a spa resort is ideal to ease the
effect of body aches or chronic pains (Phillips, 2014). This study utilized a descriptive research
design through an online survey questionnaire in google form to familiarize design solutions on
sloping terrains, and to identify ways for cultural preservation and qualities for a spa resort. The
results showed that cut and fill is the appropriate approach for sloping terrains, residents have
their ways to preserve the culture of the indigenous people, and residents or tourists have their
preferences in a spa resort. Most spas are encompassed by wonderful characteristic
environments, so these facilities contribute to feasible financial improvement and their visitors
are national and nearby visitors with a high normal remain (Aguilar, Anaya-Aguilar, & Gemar,
2021).

Chapter I

1.0 Background of the Study

The word ‘spa’ has different meanings from the beginning, it may be inferred from the
Walloon word “espa” meaning wellspring or fountain, it can also be from the Latin word
“spagere” meaning to diffuse, sprinkle, soak, and possibly an acronym of the Latin word “sanitas
per aquas” meaning wellbeing through water (Tubergen & Linden, 2002). In the early 5th

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century BCE, Hippocrates, a Greek medical practitioner, all over the Mediterranean, he treated
his patients by utilizing what we call these days as “thermal balneology‟ in his known Asclepian
Centre (Boekstein, 2014). He also concluded that the element water is one of the components to
be utilized in determining affliction and well-being and he proposed the theory that the cause of
all maladies lay in the imbalance of body liquids, and recapturing the balance in the change of
habits and the environment were prompted, which included bathing, sweat, walking, and
massages (Boekstein, 2014). During that period, people had a lot of time to pamper their bodies
and maintain their health, and the healing possessions of water are being used in treating various
health conditions (Jagyasi, 2022). Over a long time, Roman bathing culture ceaselessly changed
and moved towards utilizing the showers as places for loosening up and unwinding rather than
remedial medicines even though these were still given (Boekstein, 2014).

A recuperation started in the early 17th century and numerous European thermal springs
were created into advanced “spa‟ resorts (Boekstein, 2014). A spa resort is a hotel or building
that is working particularly with the reasoning and concept of well-being advertising particular
nourishment, refreshment, and spa items and administrations inside a maintainable scope
(Global, 2022). The site study or the lot has a sloping terrain, that’s why it’s a Hill Spa Resort
which provides various types of separate recreation with a cool atmosphere (Marpaung &
Hasibuan, 2018). Going to a spa resort with a mixture of relaxation exercises is the concept of
well-being tourism (Weaver & Lawton). It is ideal for hardworking people specifically the
gardeners and workers who reside in La Trinidad since it is well known to be the Salad Bowl of
our beloved country due to the huge production of different upland vegetables (Benguet, 2022),
as they always carry heavy things almost all day and non-stop work in deliveries and in selling
their goods. People also need to rest from work and one good example of relaxation is visiting a
Spa Resort, it is not just for rich people but for everyone especially the ones with chronic pain
due to heavy work, it offers therapies that can ease the aches like massage, acupuncture,
acupressure, and others (Phillips, 2014). It will help also improve your mental and emotional
well-being (Breaks, 2017) and it will also serve as a tourist destination that can help in economic
growth.

Concerning climate change, increasing gas emissions of greenhouse gas, and global
warming, businesses are effectively seeking out ways to oversee the effect on the environment
(Chawla, 2017). The concept of Eco-cultural Tourism is ideal because it is the combination of
both cultural perspectives and the environment of the land that results in a traveler’s paradise
(Cajee, 2004). Inhabitants or the local residents and tourists alike visit spas as clients and hence
spa facilities are in the concept of working within the setting of both spa segments and tourism.
In the tourism industry, Resort spas are a recognized component (Ell & Pavelka, 2020). The
natural endowments and different cultures of the natives are the most likely the main attractions
that are considered to have the potential strategy in the preservation of the ecosystem together
with financial supportability, especially for the indigenous people (Cajee, 2004).

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 This research paper will propose a hill spa resort that will provide services suitable for
individuals seeking relaxation, comfortability, and memorable experiences embracing the eco-
cultural tourism concept.

1.1. Goal and Objectives

The goal and objectives will help in the development of the study and overall concept for a
hill spa resort. This will serve as a basis that the researcher aims to meet in the process of this
research.
a. Main Objective

In this study, the researcher aimed to provide a suitable design guideline for the future spa
resort by adapting the eco-cultural tourism design concept with a sloping terrain design solution.

b. Specific Objectives

For the main purpose of the study is to embrace the Eco-Cultural Tourism concept in the Hill
Spa Resort. The other included purpose are the following:

1. Determining the applicable design solutions for the sloping terrains of the site and using them
as a unique characteristic of the building spaces that can attract tourism specifically, the
Swimming Pools, Restaurants, and other amenities.

2. To identify the expressions and traditional cultural identifiers of the different indigenous
communities and ethnolinguistic groups that can be adopted in the design of the building.

3. To propose a building that provides appropriate services for individuals or people seeking life
comfortability, relaxation, and an unforgettable experience in terms of the tourism industry and
hospitality of the place.

1.2. Significance of the Study

This study was conducted to find out if it’s possible to have a spa resort embracing an Eco-
Cultural Tourism concept and the researcher believed that the findings of this study will help
people.

a. Architectural Significance. This study will give ideas and design considerations on how
to adapt Eco-Cultural Tourism to a building and information regarding t spa resort.
b. Cultural Significance. The idea of this study will help in the preservation of culture for
the indigenous people, as well as, the conservation of the environment.
c. Tourism Significance. The tourists will be aware of the different cultures of the
indigenous people that must be preserved.
d. Environmental Significance. This study will be most beneficial in conserving the
environment because the concept is about culture and ecosystem preservation.

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 e. Researcher Significance. Through this study, the researcher or future researchers will be
given additional pieces of information and knowledge that are related to the topic.

1.3. Scope and Limitation

This study will be focusing on the design solutions of the sloping terrain, cultural
preservation, and qualities of a spa resort. Published and unpublished related research studies,
journals, and websites will be used as a guide and reference in seeking the said objectives.
Also, it will not extend to other concepts of sustainable architecture, such as eco-medical,
eco-technic, eco-centric, etc. However, a brief history of the spa resort will be covered. It'll
moreover appear the connection of the variables with one another.

1.4. Review of Related Literature

This part of the study will present the related literature in both local and foreign. Also, it presents
the different variables related to the study.

a. Local Literature

Most sustainability-minded wellness and spa businesses used sustainability principles to

guide their values and actions by leading by example and through sustainability campaigns
(Imbong & Imbong, 2021). Six Senses Zil Pasyon Spa introduced stainless steel straws as a villa
amenity to campaign for a plastic-free future (eHotelier, 2019), with each straw offered in a
hand-made pouch made by local women supporting a local community. The Philippine’s
Amuma spa popularized the “hie lot so kawayan” (bamboo massage) by providing a stimulating
massage using oiled bamboo sticks alternately with the firm and soft massage sensations to
normalize blood circulation and boost immunity (Yu, 2015). Also, there are other services
accessible to its clients, such as the ventosa or cupping therapy, which is an old frame of
conventional treatment that employs mugs with suction to fortify the qi or the stream of vitality
within the distinctive body parts (Imbong & Imbong, 2021). The hot stone massage treatment
consolidates putting warmed basalt stones into the body and this treatment hone in such a way
that the therapist may hold the warmed stone, apply massage oil as a lubricant, and after that
utilize them to manage rub treatment (Ghavami, Shamsi, Abdollahpoor, Radfar, & Khalkhali,
2019). The spa is known to be one of the earliest types of tourism (Smith & Jenner,2000 as cited
in (Imbong & Imbong, 2021).

Also, Grihault (as cited in (Tawil, 2011), “Along with greater health awareness, uptake of
alternative therapies, and more environmental and psychological awareness, that drives demand
for spa holidays, it also addresses the requirements for time out, restoration, and more
understanding”. Everyone needs a time-out to rest, rejuvenate, and renew with a memorable
experience.

b. Foreign Literature

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 In spite of the fact, that spas may be a cutting-edge moment from the West, the mending
qualities of water particularly springs in Asian societies have long been recognized (Barendregt,
2022). The basic level of water assets in spa tourism depends (Navarrete & Shaw, 2021). The
tourism framework and wellness of spas are progressively being combined with each travel
category conceivable (Chawla, 2017). A possible category that can be paired is the Eco-cultural
tourism concept, which recognizes the significance of protecting and ensuring biodiversity and
characteristic ranges, and of utilizing them in an economical way (Quintana, 2020). In a next
future, the “eco” will have to be transversal to all these developments (Alho & Pina, 2013), the
modern form of tourism which is known to be the eco-cultural tourism and the objective of it
isn't to dispossess land, misuse the assets of occupants and create riches, and the complete
populace of the normal and social zone is included in the financial and social maintainable
improvement and can get work, fabric, the social prosperity and salary, and nations to take
advantage of enormous companies (Quintana, 2020). It guarantees natural, environmental,
social, and financial inviting tourism that exercises being controlled by neighborhood
communities of any individual area and social legacy subsequently expanding visitors’
appreciation and for financial strengthening and improvement of inborn communities that keeps
conventions lively. (Cajee, 2004). According to (Harsono, 2019), The joining together of the
communities, preservation, and feasible travel play down behavioral, social, mental impacts and
physical ; to accumulate respect, normal and social centers, permit high-quality experiences for
each visitor, and has; create cash-related central focuses for each inhabitant’s private division; to
arrange, assemble and work insignificant influence workplaces; to recognize the rights and non-
secular feelings of the inborn; to work in an organization with human animals in your
neighborhood and to make fortifying is called ecotourism; to furnish arrange cash related
benefits for conservation; to communicate imperative interpretative experiences to action that
offer help bring up affectability to have countries' social climates, characteristic, and political.

Also, considering the characteristic of the lot, a sloping terrain presents challenges to
planners or architects and has the advantage of all-encompassing vistas (Bartolacci, 2022). The
soak edge, chasm, precipitous edge, and other situations on sloping terrain increment the trouble
of basic plan investigation of scene plan and spatial format (Li, Zhang, Shen, & Wang, 2019). A
great design ought to continuously take advantage of the location and deliver it a more
significant part within the design instead of leveling off the grade and thudding the house down
(Design, 2022). Due to the presence of height contrasts, within the plan of sloping land, we ought
to completely combine the shady side and the sunny side, and carefully design the recreational
space that embraces the daylight and avoid the cold breeze in the actual landscape of the land,
also, it is simple to produce airflow on sloping terrain and make nearby weight contrasts (Li,
Zhang, Shen, & Wang, 2019). The siting and plan are the preeminent basic issue in deciding the
level of effectiveness of the hotel will relate to choices on (IUCN, 2012). Inside the plan, we
have to combine the characteristics of a slanting slope and grasp the scene, which can’t save the
resources, but as well as, improve the relationship between virtual substance and light-shade,
improve the environment and decorate the exterior (Li, Zhang, Shen, & Wang, 2019).

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 Each spa resort provided the following: activity association, visitor office, d adjoining
normal a portrayal of social values, c (Metodijeski, et al., 2019). The reason of visitors to travel
in other cities is to encounter the 'way of life of other communities (Elfrida & Nuryani, 2019).
According to the Global Wellness Institute, they characterize the industry of spa resorts (warm
mineral springs) as the recreative and helpful utilization of waters that have specific curing
properties and aggregate of foundations making income from wellness (Metodijeski, et al.,
2019). The town separated from the healing capacities to advertise its guests' cooperation in a
thriving social life within the alluring view of the spa resort design and the social occasions that
are regularly still organized nowadays have contributed to the social assortment of these places,
notable occasions, particular advancement sort, and the nearness of celebrities as well as
aesthetic (Wdowiarz-Bilska, 2014).

(Diana Dryglas & Paweł Różycki, 2016) claims that the tourism item of a spa resort could be a
combination of five levels, which they call in supporting item, center item, arrange center
advantage, increased item, and encouraging item, and for the creation of center advantage, the
premise is the center product development sort, noteworthy occasions, the nearness of celebrities
as well as creative and social occasions that are frequently still organized nowadays have
contributed to the social assortment of these places. From a point of view, we can recognize spa
resorts’ normal assets (bottled mineral water, therapeutic water, characteristic environment),
built environment assets (foundation and services of the spa), socio-cultural assets (invitingness,
peace, ethnic attractions, tidiness, human environment, security) (Davidson & Maitland, 1997, as
cited in (Diana Dryglas & Paweł Różycki, 2016). The spa resorts accessibility from the side of
the tourism framework (amusement and social services, warm showers, modern spa gear,
traveler rental gear, eateries, spa lodging, bioenergy specialist, divination), natural (water and
vitality sparing gadgets, spa stop services, natural nourishment, sewage treatment plant, trash
baskets) and specialized (internet connection, capacity to pay by credit card, cash machine,
bundle visitor card, modern types of equipments) also the deliverance of spa services that is
being conveyed (Grönroose, 1983 as cited in (Diana Dryglas & Paweł Różycki, 2016). To assess
the centrality of the spas, it isn't just about their spatial spread but in addition, the overnight
remains, appraisal of their bed capacity, and the number of visitors, In expansion, the geological
structure of their guests, and the length of their remain are too critical (Vystoupil, Šauer, &
Bobková, 2017). Also, according to (Apostoli, 2022), When planning a spa space, one must do a
decided, exact, and precise examination of the area, Prosperity is subjective, not objective, and
so the environment must be caught on from a regional and climatic point of see, also, each spa
gets to be an investigated for the uncommon concept of success that a locale can allow.
Considering moreover maintainability: the techniques, strategies, and components that can make
an economical spa and the administration angle: how the spa will be overseen, how clients will
move, how the staff will move, support, clean, and others.

The recently presented mechanical work may rule the spa work and ended up the most
motor for the town and territorial economy (Wdowiarz-Bilska, 2014). Making a spa is like

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portraying a work of craftsmanship; you would like to get it where the artwork will be set, where
it'll be displayed, the subject, and how the client will watch the picture (Apostoli, 2022).

1.5. Conceptual Framework

La Trinidad is under the region of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and CAR is
known to be mountainous and that’s why most of the land is downhill or has a sloping terrain
and it is very challenging when constructing a house or building, it requires innovative thinking
for the design solutions. Also, different indigenous groups are residing in La Trinidad and the
preservation of their cultures is important, most of them are farmers, they are known to be hard-
working people with non-stop work every day and they also need time for relaxation.

The researcher considered the introduction of a Spa Resort adapting the Eco-Cultural
Tourism concept as a possible solution to help minimize the problem concerning culture
preservation and relaxation.

Input Process Output

1. Natural Features and  Application of the site data

conditions of the site
a. Site Location
 Accessibility
 Site Conditions
 Natural Physical Features
 Man-made Features
gathering and site
observation
 Draft a site analysis to
identify strategies or
solutions for the slope of the
site
 Identify the cultures found
in the locality through
statistics from the local
government unit.

2. Cultures in the Locality
A proposed
 Conduct research about the “An Eco-Cultural Tourism-
cultures found. based Integrated Hill Spa
 Gather information through Resort: A Tourist Destination
readings and research about in La Trinidad, Benguet”.
the applicable planning
design solutions.
 Formulate a plan layout and
circulation that is culturally
related.

3. Architectural Inspired Gather information through

concept applying
Sustainable
Architecture
specifically the Eco-
cultural approach
 Tourism Industry
 Services
thorough research on how to
apply Eco-cultural as the main
concept effectively through:
a. Journals
b. Articles
c. Web

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 Figure 1: Research Paradigm

1.6. Definition of Terms

To guide the readers in understanding the research study, the important terms are defined
herein.

Eco-Cultural Tourism.

The idea based on both environmental and social perspectives of a scene is combined making a
visitor’s paradise (Cajee, 2004).
Ethnolinguistic.

the ponder of dialect as a viewpoint or portion of the culture, particularly the consideration of the
impact of dialect on culture and culture on dialect (Dictionary.com, 2022).

Indigenous.

coming from a particular place and having lived there for a long time before other people came
there (Learner's, 2022).

Integrate.

Combination of two or more things so that they can work together; to mix with something else in
this way (Dictionary, Integrate, 2022).

Resort.

a place where a lot of people go on holiday (Dictionary, Resort, 2022).

Spa Resort.

a facility inside the boundary of a resort building that gives professionally managed individual
care medicines such as, but not constrained to, kneads, facials, hair care, and nail care (Resort
spa definition, 2022).

Terrain.
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utilized to allude to a zone of arrival after you are specifying its characteristic highlights, for
case, on the off chance that it is harsh, level, etc (Dictionary, Terrain, 2022).

Tourism.
the trade movement that is associated with giving settlement, administrations, and excitement for
individuals who are going by a put for delight (Dictionary, Tourism, 2022).

Chapter II:

2.0. Design and Methodology

Introduction

The chapter is about the methodology used and the process of research design will be
discussed. Also, the chapter covers the study area, target population, and sampling techniques
and size that were used.

a. Research Design

The research design is a course of action of conditions for the collection and examination
of information in a way that points to combining the significance of investigation reasons with
the economy in the procedure (Kothari, 2004). A descriptive research design is utilized in this
research study. According to Manuel and Medel (2022), as cited in (Calderon & Gonzales,
2006), Using a descriptive research design to provide a description, recording, analysis, and
translation of the display nature, composition, or forms of phenomena. Descriptive research is
used as a pioneer in qualitative research design as it provides a general outline giving some
valuable pointers as to what variables are worth testing qualitatively.

The types of survey questionnaires used are open-ended questions and multiple-choice
questions. The questionnaire is according to the objectives, for the first objective, the type of
survey questionnaires used is open-ended questions, which requires the target respondents to just
type their answers or opinions in a comment box, and for the second and third objectives, the
multiple-choice questions are used, they just have to check their chosen answers from the
choices given.

Also, the researcher applied the cross-sectional survey which includes looking at
information from a populace at one particular point in time. The respondents for the type of
survey are chosen according to their specific factors of concern (Cherry, 2019). The researcher
chose this study because it is relatively cheap and less time-consuming.

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 b. Study Area and Target Population

The study will carry out in La Trinidad, Benguet specifically in Wangal, Motorpool
Extension. The selection of the study site was purposive because the opinion of the residents
must be considered. The target population of the study will be 100 respondents who reside in the
area, some tourists, and people who are knowledgeable in design solutions for sloping terrain.

c. Sampling Techniques and Size

The sampling techniques have two types which are probability and non-probability sampling
(McCombes, 2022). The researcher uses probability sampling techniques which the researcher
used simple random sampling. The reason for choosing this technique is because it’s a
dependable strategy for getting data where every single part of a populace is chosen arbitrarily,
simply by chance (QuestionPro, 2022). So that we can find out the results on behalf of the
available population sample. A sample size of 100 was taken for conducting the study; it
represents the number of elements to be included in the study, either tourists, students, or
residents. Due to the limited time given, a small sample size was chosen.

2.1. Data Gathering Procedure

The study was conducted during the second and third weeks of July, and the planning on
the context and procedure of the study was done. Included within the arrangement, was the
planning of the source of information for surveying respondents that are included in the research.
The survey question about the research was formulated online in a google form and the
researcher sent it to the respondents through messenger or e-mail, they can also share it with
others for more respondents. The researcher also describes the importance of their response to
the study and requested honest and accurate answers. The researcher assured that all information
obtained will be solely for the study. This study uses probability sampling techniques and the
method chosen is just right in choosing a sample for the research study. After the random
respondents answered the survey questionnaire, the researcher will collect and tally the data and
information gained for interpretation, Lastly, the researcher will be able to construct a conclusion
and recommendations for the study, based on the result of the survey questionnaire.

2.2. Results
Objective 1 Survey

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Age of the respondents.

All the respondents are in the category of 20-30 years old.

Statistic profile of the respondents in terms of residency.

The majority of 83 percent of the respondents were residents and 20 percent are tourists or from
Baguio.

Determine the most applicable approach to a downhill slope.

Mostly answered Cut and Fill.

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 This is the summary of the results of the given survey questionnaire in the google form.

Different Ages of the respondents

The majority of 63.3 percent of the respondents are from ages 20-34 yrs. old, 26.7 % were 35-54
years old and 10 % were 55 and above yrs. old.

Profile of the respondents in terms of residency

The majority of 73.3 percent of the respondents are from La Trinidad and 26.7 percent are from
Baguio or Tourists.

Determine the ways how to preserve culture in La Trinidad.

Figure 1. It shows that, out of 90 respondents, there is 81.1 percent of the respondents are
familiar with the cultures of the indigenous people, both residents, and outsiders.

Figure 2. Most of the respondents choose Language as the most cultural element conveyed in
their area. Since indigenous people have their native languages, they must be taught to the
younger generation to preserve.

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Figure 3. Out of 90 respondents, the majority, or 62.2 percent answered Yes and 37.8 percent
answered No.

Figure 4. For the follow-up question, most of the respondents answered Learning Language or
using their native language and participating in activities that can promote their cultures.

Figure 5. The majority of 57.8 percent of the respondents answered Yes and 41.1 percent
answered Maybe.

Determine the quality of services for a spa resort

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Figure 1. The majority of 56.7 percent of the respondents are familiar with a spa resort and 43.3
percent are not familiar.

Figure 2. All the respondents or 100 percent are interested in visiting a spa resort.

Figure 3. The majority of 52.2 percent of the respondents are willing to drive half an hour to an
hour going to a spa resort, 42.2 percent answered within a half hour and the rest answered 1-2
hours driving time.

Figure 4. Most of the respondents 50 answered Fun, and 49 respondents answered Cleansed.

Figure 5. The majority of 76 respondents answered Reduce/Relieve tensions, and stress in their
motivation to visit a spa resort. The second is Mental/Emotional Health since it might be the
effect of the pandemic we are all dealing with.

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Figure 6. Most of the respondents answered Amenities as the most important factor in deciding
which spa to visit. Maybe because some of the spa resorts lack the amenities that they need.

Figure 7. The majority of 86 respondents answered spa treatments in choosing what activities
they will enjoy.

2.3. Discussion
a. The Site

The target location of the site is Motorpool, Wangal, La Trinidad, and Benguet.

Source: Google Map

Coordinate : 16.4545226, 120.5693749

The angle or slant of the land is the inclination of the land (DeYoung, 2019). There
are different ways or strategies for constructing a building or structure on a sloping site and the

17
common design solution is Cut and Fill. The elective approach is to set by leveling the lot and
the common incline of the territory is by managing with a diverse sort of dissent of the slant
since indeed spite even though the house is closer to the ground (Nicoleta-Maria & Moldovan,
2014).

b. Culture Preservation

La Trinidad is a city that is cultivated with gabi, sugar cane, potatoes, and sweet
potatoes of the native habitant and the actual settlers of La Trinidad were actually Ibaloys from
the heirloom of the Kalanguya Tribe, which is known as the woodland individuals. They are just
trying to survive and looking for an environment with fewer threats and they always have to
relocate, from the mountain ranges and rivers, just to find a reasonable place to live, they settled
in different places which are the Atok, Tuba, Itogon, Kabayan, Kafagway or known as Baguio
and La Trinidad. (La Trinidad HISTORY, 2018). From the start and until now there are still
indigenous people residing in La Trinidad and the preservation of their culture is an important
treasure to keep for the younger generation. Based on the survey, The most conveyed culture in
La Trinidad is Language, one of the foremost vital parts of any culture, as dialect started to
create, diverse social communities put together collective understandings through sounds (Club,
2022). Also, there are still people who agree that buildings can contribute to one’s learning of
culture. Cultural legacy is a vital thing around the presence of society. Culture has a strong part
in our economic and social life although its share remains casual, without open assurance and
unequivocal administration as they are the institutions that interface history, domain, and society,
characterizing the social setting of social life (Nilson & Thorell, 2018).

c. Spa Resort

Some people are not familiar with a spa resort, that’s why providing some definition
or explanation is necessary. Knowing that every person is interested in visiting a spa resort, well,
who doesn’t and they are willing unless they will travel within a half hour. They expected to
have fun and relieve tensions or stress, because too much work and problems may be, one of the
effects of this pandemic. The four segments of well-being tourists are outdoor types, nature
enthusiasts, sight seekers, and culture that people tried to divide according to the benefits they
seek from local well-being products and concluded in (Trihas & Konstantarou, 2016). Spas can
provide you with numerous benefits like reducing stress levels, detoxifying your body from
toxins, improving self-esteem, enhancing health, and many more (Azure, 2020). Nowadays,
people will choose spa resorts for their amenities, well not every spa resort has complete
amenities, and spa treatments are the most enjoyable activity to do. The additional attractions are
from the opinion of people according to what makes them satisfied and benefit, also, the
infrastructure deficiencies and the stay of the tourists depend on their financial budget (Diana
Dryglas & Paweł Różycki, 2016).

2.4. Conclusion

As a researcher, I, therefore, conclude that a sloping terrain is a gradient or slant of

the land. A sharp incline is a steep slope and a slight incline is a gentle slope (DeYoung, 2019).

18
The site has a sloping terrain that can be treated as an advantage, the building on an inclined lot
along the side of the hill can improve the characteristic ventilation, whereas a source of natural
ventilation, moreover helps in diminishing the vitality bills of the domestic houses by getting to
be less dependent on mechanical cooling and being at a higher height permits all, encompassing
vista of the environment, whether it’s of the grand mountains, moreover, building on inclined
land strengths the expansion extra floor levels to maximize space and amplify vertically instead
of on a level plane (Joseph, 2018). A creative and innovative planning and an experienced,
degreed architect go a long way toward maximizing the potential of an inclined parcel.

Preserving the culture is crucial, it gives importance to the sense of solidarity and
having a place among individuals of a particular community (Doctors, 2021). The familiarity of
cultures depends on the place where people live or grow up, and Language is the first thing
people will learn because it is used for communication in indigenous communities and it is the
most common way to promote, encourage and strengthen their cultures. Also, conservation of
culture incorporates recording and examining dialects; protecting and reestablishing notable
relics critical to a culture or legacy; and empowering the conservation and utilization of inborn or
tribal dialects and customs (Team, 2017). The esteem of the common and cultural environment
and the appealing services impact the quality of living – they offer compared to that of a huge
city, but without the burdens constantly associated with living in one (Wdowiarz-Bilska, 2014).

Spa administrations are a necessary component of the tourism framework and

wellness is progressively being combined with each travel category conceivable (Chawla, 2017).
Wellness is framed as a way of life choice, but the picture is changing due to the taken toll of
aging, sickness, and healthcare. The spa industry and sustainability share a special relationship, a
concept of eco-cultural tourism that can help in preserving culture as well as conserving the
environment. This kind of tourism has more sound than the customary form because it is
profoundly action based. It brings almost a learning preparation especially for the more youthful
era to inherit one’s culture and convention and preserves both the environment and shows culture
within the best shape through the country way of life bringing approximately supportability and
best known as dependable tourism (Cajee, 2004).

Overall, these answers are very useful in designing a spa resort, this research will
serve as design considerations and a guide for constructing a spa resort that everyone will enjoy.
To achieve the goal that ecotourism becomes a real, economic sustainable alternative, it must be
based on a new political significance, ideological, and moral development, that takes to a new
relocation of power and decision-making. The success of ecotourism depends on the position the
community takes (Kadt, 1989 as cited in (Gil, 2009).

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24
Legal Documents (TCT)
Location: Motorpool, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet
Total Lot Area: 3871 sq. m

Updated Blueprint of the lot.

Source: Google Map

TCT of LOT

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TCT of Road

26