With life breezing by so quickly, we need to focus on what really matters to us, and if we can truly make a difference in our own little world. Having to literally and figuratively wear many hats, I choose to focus on life experiences that promote family bonding and good health.
Health is indeed wealth. After many months of Ironman training, I permanently have the fitness bug and, now, most mornings are devoted to swimming, biking or running. Last weekend, my husband Dennis and I joined a family health activity at the Manila Polo Club.
The fun aquathlon race was quite enjoyable with the short distance of 300 m swim and 3K run. The superb Manila Polo Club team and marshals ably assisted me in my transition segment.
Dennis and the rest of the Philippine Underwater Hockey Team are all set for the World Cup in Hungary. They looked strong and ready at the photo session in their team uniforms at the Speedo Shop at BGC.
Passionate for yoga
If Dennis is so passionate about his underwater hockey, I have my own passion for yoga. It has been my constant practice of several years now with various forms of yoga from Ashtanga to Bikram, and Vinyasa to Kundalini.
Offering a variety of styles of yoga, Yoga+, the hottest and hippest yoga studio in town recently opened its third studio in Makati CBD. Located at the 3/F, Cambridge Center, Tordesillas cor. Gallardo Sts. Salcedo Village, it’s the biggest branch so far with two yoga rooms that can accommodate a total of 100 students.
Both rooms are equipped with the special yoga flooring that is unique to Yoga+.
The heated room makes use of infrared heaters that give gentle and radiant heat for hot yoga classes. The New York loft-themed studio, conceptualized by CRI8 Design, was done with the students’ needs in mind. Once you set foot in the studio, you may not want to leave! Their opening promo of 50-percent discount on class cards and unlimited packages has been extended to Aug. 15.
(For questions, call tel. 8470697, or visit their website at www.yogaplus.ph for more information.)
Dinah Salonga, the driving force behind Yoga+, arranged for Acroyoga and Kirtan at the opening. Kirtan Yoga was performed by the band from Iskcon led by Pio Baquiran, one of the teachers of Yoga+.
At the opening, Acroyoga teacher Chris Ekelund and his partner Lisa Nilsson delighted the guests with an amazing stunt performance. In my bejeweled gown, I was lifted by Chris to demonstrate the fun aspect of this new yoga.
There will be an Acroyoga Beginner’s Workshop on Aug. 17, 24 and 31 at Yoga+ Makati. Call the center for early bird rates.
New studio
If you happen to be around the Nuvali area, check out another yoga studio called Breathe. Aside from the different yoga classes, Breathe also offers Core Strengthening Exercise and Trigger Point Therapy. (Call +63917-888-YOGA (9642) or log on to www.breathe.ph for class schedules and other details.)
The studio is at Solenad 1, Lakeside, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa.
To create balance, Breathe also includes the practice of Yin Yoga in its roster of classes. Gentle yoga and Meditative Vinyasa are offered, too.
Regular dance classes such as Zumba and NIA are on the schedule as well.
The teachers at Breathe are all carefully selected and professionally trained.
The Earth Juice Bar utilizes organic and biodynamic ingredients in their recipes that are specially designed by their in-house nutritionist.
As a hub for alternative healing modalities, Breathe has Trigger Point therapy with Alex Bautista, the Alexander Technique and integrative medicine. These treatment modalities aim to help ease discomfort in the body, improve posture, and offer holistic and natural or homeopathic treatment options for everyone.
Breathe owner Oudine Santos had me try the painful yet rejuvenating Trigger Point therapy of Alex who released all the muscle tension throughout my body.
I truly believe that fitness should be an integral part of one’s lifestyle. It’s best to maintain a healthy diet and reduce stress from life. I also believe in art therapy.
Art therapy
Art has invaded the Cancer Center at the Makati Medical Center where the “Healing through Art” exhibit was launched. MMC thru PCEP and art teacher Lysa Tionson-San Agustin introduced art therapy as part of the patient’s pain management. The creative process of art has helped improve the patient’s well-being and provides an outlet for self-expression that helps physically as well as emotionally. Studies show a significant change through art since it provides distraction for people in severe pain and promotes relaxation.
My running buddy Lara Parpan was there to support her mother Charry Larpan who exhibited two art pieces. She joined the art classes that have helped her tremendously.
Together with me at the ribbon-cutting were Kris Aquino, sisters Gloria and Georgina Diaz, Councilor Ichi Yabut, Mons Romulo, Jean Marie Tan and Brian Goldbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy.
Keeping a balanced lifestyle is equally important so I believe in enjoying some nightlife as well. For the newest night spot, head to the newly renovated New World Makati Hotel and party at Clubbing TV Ultra Lounge.
The new lounge club in Manila is the second franchise of Clubbing TV Europe to open and the first in Asia. Clubbing TV Ultra Lounge first opened this year in Paris and will soon open in Tel Aviv and Ibiza.
The Manila soft opening had French DJ Dim Chris hitting the decks. Its owners include Oliver Yulo, Anthony Garcia, Ralph Roy, CK Chua, Steef Uy, Pepper Teehankee and Cacay Moras.
All of Manila’s party celebrities enjoyed an all-night clubbing experience with the cool vibe of this new hot spot. Partying hard were Maurice Arcache, Tim Yap, GP Reyes, Louie Ysmael, Erik Cua, Dondi Teehankee, Manolet Dario, Jon Herrera, Anna Angara and many more.
Flowing Asahi beer and Moet Hennessey were served as the event’s sponsors.
The club will open from Tuesday to Saturday, 8 p.m. onwards.
Clubbing TV Ultra Lounge is at the LG/F, New World Makati Hotel, Esperanza cor. Makati Ave. For reservations, e-mail [email protected].
