Vicki Belo goes above and beyond, promoting the Philippines as a world class center for medical and aesthetic tourism
As a forerunner in the skincare, laser, and liposuction industry in the Philippines, VICKI BELO continues to make leaps and bounds by promoting the Philippines as a world class medical tourism hotspot
Several years ago, when the benefits o f aesthetic medicine were but topics of social conversations, Vicki Belo dared to establish herself as a leading specialist in the industry. Having been educated in many respected institutions abroad, she took it upon herself to set up a clinic here in the Philippines, without a care to the initial criticism of high-browed conservatives. Three decades after, Vicki has made it known—not just in the country, but in other parts of the world as well—that her skill, talent, and relentless pursuit to bring innovative procedures to Philippine shores has given her a comfortable place at the pinnacle of aesthetic tourism.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Vicki continues her advocacy at present to spread the great benefits of aesthetic medicine, inviting patrons from all over the world to experience her exemplary work and in turn, promoting the country as a reliable and trusted center for excellence in the field of mention. The recent international accreditation of Belo Medical Group with NABH (National Accreditation Board of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) was a testament to the vision that Vicki started. She shares, “We were really happy about it because our thrust in Belo Medical Group has always been to be a worldrenowned destination for beauty. And that’s why I go around the world because my concept is, ‘What would make Belo special or different? Why would they come there?’ So we’ve been gearing up.”
Cognizant of the strengths and values of the Filipino hospitality industry, she decided to highlight all these in the process of developing a concept that would eventually prove successful. Excellent command of the English language, a genuine heart for service, and a more personal take in ensuring client satisfaction were essential elements in getting her business to where it is now. Now having gained international acclaim, the name Vicki Belo stands out as a name known for her medical work that is of superior quality, for her highlycoveted list of elite clientele, and for her undeniable skill and genius in using the latest innovations and technologies.
Aside from all these enviable qualities, Vicki knew her target market, “I decided our positioning would be—experts of treating colored skin. Why specialize in this? Because they don’t react to machines the same way as Caucasians do. White people have hardly any melanin or pigment in their skin. With us, a mosquito bite or a pinch on the skin might cause a dark mark. So a lot of foreign doctors are afraid to treat Asian skin.” This expertise put her clinics on the world map of her medical tourism.
Working with Department of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, she shares the conversation that paved way for the fruitful partnership, “She said, ‘I can only work with you because you’re the only accredited beauty clinic in this world that’s internationally accredited. Nobody else has been able to do it.’ Many other people applied when we applied. But honestly, nobody else has passed. There are 483 criteria that you have to pass. It took us about a year and a half. Then we passed. Every three years you have to go through the whole thing again. I’m so grateful. All that work that nobody cared about because it wouldn’t catch on. But Berna was like, ‘How can I sell you? How can I sell anybody abroad when there’s no international body that says this clinic is level with any other clinic in The States or in Australia? There has to be accreditation.’ So since we’re the only ones here [with the accreditation] she goes, ‘ I can only work with you.’ It’s not a bias. It’s just because when they all get accredited, and I’m sure they’re trying to be accredited. But we have a headstart. We have been accredited for 6 years.”
The well-deserved honor comes from her holistic approach in conducting skincare, laser, and liposuction procedures. Vicki pioneered the beautification of aesthetic clinics, making it a welcoming home for those in need of their services. Evident in the recently opened branch in Bonifacio Global City, the tropical flora, the muted neutral tones, the interior fragrance, and the exquisite furniture not only exude a feeling of sophistication and expensive elegance, but also a unique luxurious sense of ease and comfort. It was a thoughtful decision that she made, employing only the best Filipino interior designers from BUDJI+ROYAL, the best furniture designers (Kenneth Cobonpue personally designed pieces for her, husband Hayden, and daughter Scarlet Snow), and the best staff and personnel to deliver their world-class services.
“We’re 30 years now, but let’s not announce that because it sounds so old,” Vicki quips. “But now, I’ve had a paradigm shift because they were all telling me, ‘No, you should be proud because of the 30 years of a good reputation. Thirty years, of people trusting your years of experience. That’s something nobody can brag. I mean, there are so many people who have the same machines. You have the same machines as we do, but do you really know how to use it as well as we do?” Having democratized the beauty industry, and making it an accepted part of our culture, Vicki, in many ways, has created a universe—one where one’s selfesteem has improved dramatically with a touch of a laser and her sincere devotion to her craft. And as the world turns, with her many works of art walking the streets of Manila and beyond, Vicki continues to push her limits, bringing glory not only for herself but for the Philippines as well.
“Our thrust in Belo Medical Group has always been to be a worldrenowned destination for beauty.”