tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66235279679298855512024-02-19T06:42:06.186-08:00 Health Buff Mom of SevenA mother' s journey towards health & fitness
Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-53300796183039215932016-06-12T01:06:00.000-07:002016-06-13T08:20:10.106-07:00GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Exactly a week after my first 32K race in Run United 2 2016 at SM MOA, I was invited by blogger friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joy.mendiola.35">Joy Mendiola</a> of <a href="http://www.occasionsofjoy.com/">occasionsofjoy.com</a> to join an event in celebrating the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlobalWellnessDayPhilippines/?fref=ts">Global Wellness Day</a>. Joy and I have been blogger friends for almost four years but never got the chance to meet because of our busy schedules. I did not think twice in accepting her invitation because that would mean we will finally get to meet in person plus we get to blog about the event which is a well known one that is celebrated every year around the world. I am referring to none other than the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlobalWellnessDayPhilippines/?fref=ts">Global Wellness Day</a>.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWByN4QYQh0i6TEAMKJG3_Av_IxHB2vFS5kZ1ROJFWsLFXy23pBMUF_2Jg3LHz8bAtgUDZpvI6VAGqRvVaSnWj164rI14Bus5xxHrAorrV_JoBae_ymkhhYbWJvJfPU6MFmUTez_qkIW1p/s1600/GWD+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWByN4QYQh0i6TEAMKJG3_Av_IxHB2vFS5kZ1ROJFWsLFXy23pBMUF_2Jg3LHz8bAtgUDZpvI6VAGqRvVaSnWj164rI14Bus5xxHrAorrV_JoBae_ymkhhYbWJvJfPU6MFmUTez_qkIW1p/s640/GWD+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">At FTX- Fitness Exchange Gym </span></span></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5xA91EzxkyqEF72ykwUhmOzok6NJvSX3x5t4BKYcRBFSgWKaZesIjdpqHlNtl6znHCASc80mU4Gbz8rFRTVpTbLdJmNUP7nfhs2WjHOE8etLYq1Zb2kwltJ4xVRRq9iBc6VSbsbPRjAP/s1600/GWD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5xA91EzxkyqEF72ykwUhmOzok6NJvSX3x5t4BKYcRBFSgWKaZesIjdpqHlNtl6znHCASc80mU4Gbz8rFRTVpTbLdJmNUP7nfhs2WjHOE8etLYq1Zb2kwltJ4xVRRq9iBc6VSbsbPRjAP/s640/GWD2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Proud member of Global Wellness Day Community</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">Headed by Ms. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vikki.aquino?fref=ts&ref=br_tf&qsefr=1">Vikki Aquino</a>, the GWD Ambassador of the Philippines,</span> the day's events were held at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gymftx/?fref=ts">The FTX- Fitness Exchange Gym</a> where a series of talks were made on finding time for wellness instead of thinking of excuses every time we exercise, engaging in short and easy exercises to start a healthy lifestyle plus accepting one's flaws and imperfections, one day at a time. <span style="color: purple;"> </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItGSPoPFm3ToRlwllj_xqRH5HLm_ANTPJgZ13OloEJ0zacNatwLZIOc6Yb5CYPgi-pTyd9kLhAYF7LzyinKEmYj0VOj26i2oizfGYrebGoVUElFzsIE9tF6e4hXGR-Eruk844RA5tWO7v/s1600/GWD+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItGSPoPFm3ToRlwllj_xqRH5HLm_ANTPJgZ13OloEJ0zacNatwLZIOc6Yb5CYPgi-pTyd9kLhAYF7LzyinKEmYj0VOj26i2oizfGYrebGoVUElFzsIE9tF6e4hXGR-Eruk844RA5tWO7v/s640/GWD+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>With Vikki Aquino</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGadlo68ZjD6PndRa6JPYa9H04DhzQnko17mqwGwudapgAi0icPVizftlPl-Gqx1rzqW5_toLtQ1HjmklyDbvvOYgnXCSK2k_UbRMTPgO_AWmRkF7rpxMNPohu3kOspHDqnqiAZ_IqtcWt/s1600/GWD+with+Juana+Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGadlo68ZjD6PndRa6JPYa9H04DhzQnko17mqwGwudapgAi0icPVizftlPl-Gqx1rzqW5_toLtQ1HjmklyDbvvOYgnXCSK2k_UbRMTPgO_AWmRkF7rpxMNPohu3kOspHDqnqiAZ_IqtcWt/s640/GWD+with+Juana+Change.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple;">With the very inspiring Juana Change</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH40dAjyRhuVbV0RRnJnfc8c1vwx6YyFb7qf4beKMlVFbr01XaW7crqOx6cTjOnIsKbowVL2B1UG9Lzkitx9nlyV-bc1WoXKXvSO9q9TIUA9M7JbgGG4FY4CVD1bIvMb03hOn-ydqk8u5B/s1600/With+Joy+Mendiola+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH40dAjyRhuVbV0RRnJnfc8c1vwx6YyFb7qf4beKMlVFbr01XaW7crqOx6cTjOnIsKbowVL2B1UG9Lzkitx9nlyV-bc1WoXKXvSO9q9TIUA9M7JbgGG4FY4CVD1bIvMb03hOn-ydqk8u5B/s640/With+Joy+Mendiola+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple;">With Joy Mendiola</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL_Vy1mBediFyU9KQes_Z0gdTNL8xUi0RlozYPkkGGk9WiS4hpeG-LddUDNre0Y-bkq2xwvp_oYR24AQEM5OMukqFjQkhjVf97IZHXDARrJFvfxgJiXapw1DY48ItP_yvpIh6-Iik98MF/s1600/GWD+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL_Vy1mBediFyU9KQes_Z0gdTNL8xUi0RlozYPkkGGk9WiS4hpeG-LddUDNre0Y-bkq2xwvp_oYR24AQEM5OMukqFjQkhjVf97IZHXDARrJFvfxgJiXapw1DY48ItP_yvpIh6-Iik98MF/s640/GWD+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>With bloggers and members of the Global Wellness Community</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">The Global Wellness Day is celebrated every second Saturday of June each year around the world where it is internationally dedicated to a day of living well. It also aims to share its Seven Manifesto on how to start one's journey to fitness. They are as follows</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">1) Walk for an hour.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">2) Drink more water.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">3) Do not use plastic bottles.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">4) Eat organic food.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">5) Do a good deed.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">6) Have a family dinner.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">7) Sleep at 10PM.</span></b><br />
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<b>In between talks, there was also a Yoga and a Zumba class plus complimentary personalized consultations on weight loss/gain, skin
analysis, muscle imbalance & fitness assessment. There were also raffle
prizes and giveaways given to lucky participants where I was lucky enough to win.</b><br />
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<b>It was a Saturday filled with so much learning, grooving and feeling good about oneself. Now that I learned that this is a yearly celebration where its activities and events are free to the public, I am already looking forward to its next celebration.</b><br />
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<b>One day can change your whole life indeed. </b><br />
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<b>For updates on upcoming wellness activities & events, you can visit their website @ </b></div>
<b><a href="http://globalwellnessday.org/en#home">globalwellnessday.org</a>. You can also join the Global Wellness Day Philippines community @ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlobalWellnessDayPhilippines/?fref=ts">facebook.com/GlobalWellnessDayPhilippines.</a></b><br />
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<b>(Credits to Joy Mendiola for sharing her photos with the bloggers who attended the event). </b><br />
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-57659417642255686972016-06-04T03:52:00.004-07:002016-06-13T08:30:35.514-07:00Fiber Up to Beat Hypertension<span style="font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;"></span>
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<b>I first heard the word hypertension from a friend four years ago who has it and was taking maintenance meds . When she learned that she was two years older than I am, she got curious and asked me what maintenance I was taking. Since hypertension and maintenance medicine were alien words to me at that time, I told her that I only took Ferrous Sulfate. I felt a bit stupid when she corrected me that Multi Vitamins & Ferrous Sulfate were not considered maintenance medication at all but I was thankful that she did. A little bit of enlightenment goes a long way no matter what your age is.</b></div>
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<b>I thought before that people with hypertension are those who get agitated or nervous easily, the ones who are quick to anger and in dire need of anger management. After a lot of reading and stories learned from people who had it, it never came across that such behavior are symptoms of hypertension and possibly something else. It was also then that I understood the condition when I looked back on those years that I witnessed them from my Dad, Mom and even my older brother who was born with a congenital heart condition.</b><br />
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<b> WHAT IS HYPERTENSION? </b><br />
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<b>According to the </b><a href="http://www.psh.org.ph/?page=lay-info"><b>Philippine Spciety of Hypertension, </b><span style="color: purple;">" Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure.
It is that condition when the pressure inside of your large arteries
is too high. Because it does not usually produce any symptoms, the
only way to detect hypertension is to have your blood pressure measured.
Hypertension affects about 8 million
FIlipinos & the most common cardiovascular condition
in the world</span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: purple;">.</span> </span>"</span></a><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">More than 9 of every 10 people who have hypertension
do not have a cause for it that can be identified. One can inherit
hypertension from one's parents. If one or both parents have hypertension, one may likely to develop it. However, one can aslo acquire hypertension even
if both parents have normal blood pressure. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Lifestyle plays a vital role in handling hypertension. You have a chance to avoid hypertension by keeping your weight under control, keeping physically fit, eating a healthy diet, limiting
your alcohol intake (no more than one mixed drink or one 12 oz. can of
beer or one 6 oz. glass of wine daily), and avoiding smoking and medications
that might increase your blood pressure.</span><br />
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<b>HOW TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE NATURALLY </b><br />
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<b>According to <a href="http://karenlangston.com/2011/05/how-to-lower-high-blood-pressure-naturally-fiber-water-and-salt/">Karen Langston</a>, an Internationally,Certified,Holistic Nutritionist & specializing in Nutrition Education, once can lower down his blood pressure by changing the following:</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">Reduce salt intake. </span></b><br />
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<b>Refined foods, processed foods, canned foods, fast foods are all packed up with hidden sodium same thing with Deli meats, luncheon meats and hot dogs. Frozen, packaged, convenient foods have also high sodium intake where as whole foods prepared and cooked at home have low sodium content. We all have the power to control our salt intake with a bit of work and consistency on our part.</b><br />
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Reduce
sodium. You hear this all the time, and you are saying right now “but I
don’t use a salt shaker.” It is not the salt shaker (it does play a
role however, ) it is the refined foods, canned foods, processed foods,
fast foods that are high in hidden sodium with these types of foods
providing 75 to 80 percent of your daily intake. Deli meats, luncheon
meats and hot dogs are high in sodium. Most frozen packaged convenient
foods are also high in sodium. Whole foods that you prepare and cook at
home are lower in sodium. You have the power to reduce your sodium
intake; it will take a little work on your part, but is well worth the
effort. - See more at:
You can lower your blood pressure by changing the following:</div>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Adding more Fiber in our Diet </b></span><br />
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<b>The “Big F” is FIBER. It is derived from
plants and scores huge in keeping the heart and colon healthy, for better
blood circulation and detoxification.
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<b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "arial"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good blood circulation prevents hypertension.
Sapping bad cholesterol and toxins out of the body by consuming fibrous
food, such as oatmeal, also promotes digestive health and prevents colon
cancer… aside from boosting good blood circulation.</span> </span></b></div>
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<b>WebMD.com, an esteemed medical online publication
revealed that "adding fiber to the diet was associated with a significant
reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with
high blood pressure." </b></div>
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<b>WebMD.com also pointed out other lifestyle and dietary
improvements which help keep blood pressure levels under control. These
include "weight loss, reduced sodium intake, moderation in alcohol
use, increased potassium intake, increased physical activity, and following
the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet." </b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Fiber-packed Food</span></span></div>
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<b>Basically, anyone who wishes to gain the benefits of fiber simply has to eat more fruits and vegetables. Fiber may also be sourced from cer<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "arial";">eals such as oatmeal. There are many variants of <span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "arial";">oatmeal---instant, quick cooking, whole grain rolled oats and oat bran. Jus<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "arial";">t find the kind that suits your taste and lifestyle most.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQHZQnzpE1T5TkH2qV_9kFQgEf92qd663SDjDAwR3AUCwzYDQtS4orKVAEdLce34QDXwv2P2kLFd8tzt-glySwJYkcH6AzrEebZCU2iQ9N-keCN3VNN4oorcE1qcqa4ddItvvCiIbNtCz/s1600/Australian+Oats+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQHZQnzpE1T5TkH2qV_9kFQgEf92qd663SDjDAwR3AUCwzYDQtS4orKVAEdLce34QDXwv2P2kLFd8tzt-glySwJYkcH6AzrEebZCU2iQ9N-keCN3VNN4oorcE1qcqa4ddItvvCiIbNtCz/s400/Australian+Oats+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>One brand, <span style="color: purple;"><i>Australia Harvest Oatmeal</i></span>, boasts of best quality as it prides itself in coming form the world's best oats-growing region, West Australia. Perhaps it is the best source & superior quality assurance that made the <span style="color: purple;"><i>Philippine Volcanoes</i></span> which is the country's official rugby team sent to battle in international rugby competitions choose Australia</b>
<b>Harvest Oatmeal as their Official Fiber Partner. And for good
reasons. The Philippine Volcanoes just won their bronze medal in the
recently concluded Asian Rugby Competition.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4EABApBA0zDguJi5mTK8dnnUVE3pPTN_ukHfdhMQYJcBVOIuUjvvcmG2qCPZSeQ4p3oe9ppb5QxcNIGn8QHT5ipPrWiSl2MHRM-zwG_31ahggY9VaWU86kCPBcBFvwEVofa-iwhlBPyD/s1600/Phil+Volcanoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4EABApBA0zDguJi5mTK8dnnUVE3pPTN_ukHfdhMQYJcBVOIuUjvvcmG2qCPZSeQ4p3oe9ppb5QxcNIGn8QHT5ipPrWiSl2MHRM-zwG_31ahggY9VaWU86kCPBcBFvwEVofa-iwhlBPyD/s640/Phil+Volcanoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>So stay healthy and spread the fitness word.</b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "arial"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
Fiber up for life !</b><br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-78313996039922760032016-05-07T12:55:00.000-07:002016-05-07T13:15:36.086-07:00SIDENY RAIN AND HER ROADS LESS TRAVELLED BY MANY<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>"If your daughter always leave the
house and prefer to live outdoors for days, it might help her stay at home
if you let her join marathons."</b></div>
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<b>This
was told to me by an old man on the upper most floor at the MMDA's
office way back 2007 after I went to GMA 7 and asked help from the staff
of Jessica Soho's show "Reunions." I could not recall what department I
was at that time and completely forgotten the man's name. I just knew
that his men found my daughter, Sidney Rain who was then 8 years old at
the overpass bridge in Buendia when she left our house and was gone for
more than two months. At that time I was still separated and could
hardly pay for the room that my kids and I were renting. </b></div>
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<b>For
those who will read this story in full with understanding and an open
heart, I thank you in advance. For those who are quick to judge and come
up with a lot of know it all questions, then with all due respect, I
ask you to stop reading right now and browse or click your mouse
elsewhere.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGVrpf0sypGvr65-PSbRrQmq1SF8kJ9hupm2-qj4nuNZ44CGkYeg6DAp5AOfg69sHku8TNeXTCOhyphenhyphenZjz0lSBhElr7sX_Aqi1WAuNPcEenBur_aGJlRfYpBs_Ib6vCv6by4fTh65ZargL6/s1600/Sidney+at+RU+1+2015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGVrpf0sypGvr65-PSbRrQmq1SF8kJ9hupm2-qj4nuNZ44CGkYeg6DAp5AOfg69sHku8TNeXTCOhyphenhyphenZjz0lSBhElr7sX_Aqi1WAuNPcEenBur_aGJlRfYpBs_Ib6vCv6by4fTh65ZargL6/s1600/Sidney+at+RU+1+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter with the free spirit, Sidney Rain</td></tr>
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<b>Her full name is Sidney Rain
Bucu and was diagnosed with Autism in PGH when she was about four years
old At that time I was just a stay at home Mom, unemployed and taking
care of my 7 children where we lived at our old house in the province
and their dad visited us every two weeks. Out of those seven kids, three
have special needs. Two having autism and one having learning
disabilities. They all look normal, even good looking as what other kind
people would comment until you look at them closely. Some noticed it
instantly and understood where as for others silently judge them with
their eyes. You can see them stare at my children for long minutes,
whisper or talk about people they knew who act queerly, branding them
"autistic" and sadly, some openly, annoyingly display their discomfort
at my children. But my children including my Mom had gotten used to it.
Autism or any disability is still questioned and misunderstood by many,
until you or a member of your family gets hit with it.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicethCdtwkyxcEa2GwGpQfUNSOn7V_5D4znZsSCJGZz9m4Nmd5icGoqjFZ4yMEUBUOS8LgzJnXC4PRo9nYnrZJTxT9RIuo7T1MCg8hLzjnvIoCANFGb-XQDpNqJV6SDpUWrwyEJusdaqjj/s1600/Sidney+and+Red+at+Pasay+City+Sped+2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicethCdtwkyxcEa2GwGpQfUNSOn7V_5D4znZsSCJGZz9m4Nmd5icGoqjFZ4yMEUBUOS8LgzJnXC4PRo9nYnrZJTxT9RIuo7T1MCg8hLzjnvIoCANFGb-XQDpNqJV6SDpUWrwyEJusdaqjj/s1600/Sidney+and+Red+at+Pasay+City+Sped+2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidney and Red both have autism. Photo taken at Pasay City Sped Center 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><b>Most
of my kids are advanced for their age. I have known this even before
they started school. Aside from the fact that they all learned to eat
veggies with no qualms even the ones with special needs since they
learned how to eat solid food, they are the kids who had learned to
write their names by just looking at the letters and get a perfect score
even if they have been absent for a week due to flu. There are some who
fall asleep during classroom discussions and even exams yet still get
to pass it. I also have a daughter who can create a swing with an old
sack and a rope when she was only four years old and most of them know
were the story is heading for most local telenovela whose story lines
are quite often predictable. My youngest son, Red who had learned how to
hum before he could even talk is very good with roads, just like
Sidney.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>With Sidney it was much
different. She had learned to read and speak in English at the age of
three. Her comprehension is way too fast and advanced even with kids
beyond her age. She is very good with computers and online games. She
also gets bored inside the classroom. She did study in Pasay City Sped,
even learned how to bake carrot cakes and brownies but because her mind
works so fast she lost interest with the regular classroom setting and
does not want to go back.</b><br />
<br />
<b>At times I blame
myself for those days that Sidney had left the house and spent her days
outdoors, whether there was a typhoon or not and sadly even during
holiday seasons. Not that I do not look for her. Despite the challenge
of working in a call center and leaving my kids in the evenings so that
all seven of them could go to school and all of them could eat three
times a day, I found out that the more I look for her, the more she
refuses to go home. At times, owners of internet cafe and resorts send me
messages even to my friends that they have found my daughter and these
are places as far as Sta Rosa Laguna and Bulacan. Sometimes I get to
find and take my daughter home after a lot of questioning like the third
degree. At times she get to leave again even before I arrive to pick
her up. There were also days when people from different DSWD units,
police officers and even total strangers were kind enough to bring
Sidney home. Lately because she literally grew up on the streets, she
returns home on her own and when she is asked where she had been, she
will just answer, " Mom, I am already here."</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Some of you may ask if I had sought help from foundations and the big networks ?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I
sure did. I wrote countless letters, called and personally looked for
foundations who could help me with therapy sessions, even for my kids'
schooling. Unfortunately we were not that lucky. There was even one who
told me that there were more people whose situations were worst than
mine. That even though I have seven kids and three have special needs, I
could still afford to send them all to school no matter what.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>That
was when I stopped asking for help and threw all caution to the wind.
Perhaps one day all my prayers will be answered in God's time.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Now where does running come into place ?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>A
lot of people I have talked to while I was in search for my daughter
had told me that she walks and runs too fast for a girl of her age.
There was even a time that a security guard was called because Sidney
just appeared out of nowhere and ran at a bowling alley in SM MOA. With
the help of other security guards, they tried to catch her but failed.
They were about four security guards and they could not help but laugh
at themselves while trying to catch Sidney. I was not into running then
because I was more focused on keeping myself awake in the evenings
though I have to admit I could hardly catch up with my kids who were all
brisk walkers. I also knew that my small salary was still not enough to
engage in sports activities so I did my best to keep healthy no matter
how hard it was.</b><br />
<br />
<b>It was on
December of 2010 when my whole family was devastated by a great
tragedy. We lost my eldest brother due to a heart attack. He was only 48
years old. We were all affected especially my children because my
brother was like a second father to all his nieces and nephews who all
call him "Daddy Sonny." It was a turning point in my life to find time
for fitness and to always look at the brighter side of life if I want to
live longer and see all my seven children grow up to become productive
members of the society. That was also the reason why instead of
wallowing in tears and worry, my kids and I continue with our lives
despite of Sidney's constant absence, choosing to be discreet with it
and to the people who we share our stories, knowing that we were all be
judged on how we handle it and relying more on faith that one day all
this will come to an end.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Three years
ago, I joined my first Fun Run. The company where I used to work was one
of
the sponsors and a Team Leader on the floor had announced that the first
one hundred registrants get to register for free. I signed up for a 3K
run and it was a decision I will never regret because it had paved the
way
for my fitness journey.That was when the old man's voice from MMDA keep
haunting me back, thinking that there might be a possibility that he may
have been right all along. And after seven years, I have finally
listened and followed what he told me. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It
was February of 2014 when I finally asked Sidney if she wanted to join a
fun run. Being her Mom I knew the answer before I even asked. The
reason why it took so long for me to realize that that old man from MMDA
who is now just a memory was right was because just like me, I knew
once my daughter decided on something, there will be no turning back.
Aside from that, words can break or make a person's world who has
autism. If I do not keep my promise, that would mean for sure she will
leave the house again and will come back home when she wants to.</b><br />
<br />
<b>We
all know that joining Fun Runs cost money. Now that the two of us will
be joining races, that will be an additional expense to the family's
already tight budget.Though two of my kids already finished schooling,
two are still in college. Good thing Sidney chooses the race that she
joins. She usually visits pinoyfitness.com for updates to check if the
in store registration already started for the specific race that she
wants to run.</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>When she ran her
first race which was a 5K run at Run United 1 2014, I made sure she was
well aware of what she was into. Since I was running for the 10K
category, Sidney was all by herself. It was our first time to join a Run
United race. Since 2012 I had only joined one race where I ran 5K and
most of my runs were weekend ones, from our place to BGC where I also
join the Zumba group exercise at the park. We did not even know how to
use the D tags. I did not put mine whereas Sidney was informed and
assisted by a kind Marshall to put her D tag who may have noticed that
my daughter looked "different" among the 5K runners on the first lane.
It may have been risky letting my daughter run by herself but before we
parted I told her the rules of the game. "To always stay on the right
side, to watch out for the plastic cups, banana peels and throw her
trash inside the trash bin, to walk if she is already too tired to run
and most importantly, never, ever cheat on her run and finish what she
had started."</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37DzUa7uFoYTNxmWXSKWJ6-HW8_CQ2tVdUTqNfdEbnd9UgBYdFzX9mgN9CD7nrU0pnwI5isN5aHHWb4kaPNrU6eHoCABqlKAREACgBJbKeRQWvxCGM74_mf7CtbQksDbn6U-vqRwS9eoy/s1600/My+5K+runner+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37DzUa7uFoYTNxmWXSKWJ6-HW8_CQ2tVdUTqNfdEbnd9UgBYdFzX9mgN9CD7nrU0pnwI5isN5aHHWb4kaPNrU6eHoCABqlKAREACgBJbKeRQWvxCGM74_mf7CtbQksDbn6U-vqRwS9eoy/s640/My+5K+runner+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidney effortlessly finished her first 5K run at 32 minutes and 40 seconds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>After more than a year of
running and joining races, Sidney had gotten comfortable with running
10K categories by herself while I now have advanced with joining half
marathons. At times, when money was tight, I register her first while I
wait for those runners who changed their minds the last minute and sell
their kits online. At first I had second thoughts meeting a total
stranger just to buy a race kit but I took the risk. That stranger now
has become a running friend and who already met Sidney in person. At
times when money is really tight, it is only her who gets registered
while I ran from the outer lanes, shouting words of encouragement,
unmindful of the runners' curious eyes and befriending the Marshalls who
were kind enough to allow me after telling them about my daughter who
has autism and that I just wanted to run with her. Sometimes, after the
race when we can't seem to find each other, I have her name announced so
that she will know where to find me. It seems that the two of us are
becoming popular without us trying too hard in every race that we join.</b><br />
<br />
<b>I have never
instilled the word "fear" on my children. They are aware that words like
trauma and phobia exist but to them every fear can be conquered and
that would mean we have to face each and every one of them. I also did
not pressure them in school. Every parent I believe wants what is best
for their children but at times we parents get surprised to know that
our children are more adventurous and free spirited than we expect them
to be.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVsLkEi4kwirw2XbHa_d_UbQUmavajr2CG3sWInhYDl7pBAM3dTPP1PJYY9djOSg4h-vEsbzKWH_oaZ4GFzWKm2XaXDhm55c4BR0LxOOV-aNg7FzmEn7CkXDaRZZc62rThqWgznnSprmC/s1600/Sidney's+first+clime+at+Pico+de+Loro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVsLkEi4kwirw2XbHa_d_UbQUmavajr2CG3sWInhYDl7pBAM3dTPP1PJYY9djOSg4h-vEsbzKWH_oaZ4GFzWKm2XaXDhm55c4BR0LxOOV-aNg7FzmEn7CkXDaRZZc62rThqWgznnSprmC/s1600/Sidney's%2Bfirst%2Bclime%2Bat%2BPico%2Bde%2BLoro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the help of my friends, Sidney had enjoyed her first climb at PICO DE LORO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Every one of us is capable of
achieving our dreams no matter how impossible they are. My daughter
Sidney still leaves the house but now comes home because she wants to
join a race. She may get impatient when it comes to training but still
participates even if that would mean a short run at the park or do
warm up exercises. When she joins a race, she wakes up very early on the
day of the event aware of the assembly time and the start time of her
run. She also makes sure everything is okay from her shoes, race bib, D
tag, her music from an MP player and her bottled water. The camera is
the least of her worries but being her Mom, it would be great to have
her pictures taken while she is on the road running with other runners,
just like a normal person. And for that I am grateful for the
photographers who take time to capture those priceless moments on the
road.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ShQFGbsuF7y3t2FQC8HbBdqwq8UYT-l4vMyfD2x0bFeDZR7D15Ma4qblNVS0MDa4fFLRXcSz0DPW8SWk50Gjpfq8qASw3qYqh3iEvwxc8BKpUdmP_85lh1ZhzpmRxEYqre5vGZpJp9Ab/s1600/Sidney's+Photo+by+Running+Photographers+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ShQFGbsuF7y3t2FQC8HbBdqwq8UYT-l4vMyfD2x0bFeDZR7D15Ma4qblNVS0MDa4fFLRXcSz0DPW8SWk50Gjpfq8qASw3qYqh3iEvwxc8BKpUdmP_85lh1ZhzpmRxEYqre5vGZpJp9Ab/s640/Sidney's%2BPhoto%2Bby%2BRunning%2BPhotographers%2B.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Running Photographers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>The last time she ran was when
she accepted the Sub1 10K PinoyFitness Challenge where she was fully
aware that if she did not finish her run in one hour or less, she will
not get a medal but still gets a finisher shirt.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>For now she was glad and proud she got a finisher shirt. There is still next year to get that deserved medal.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n195_d0R3b_8MZNGYIXiD7kh69M9eS_Gl3TFt9QUhV_WAmgl9SQWW-L6wekQW-j8GP0kR6m0O2oAQntJ8xsRNrB4qjWpHT9HXSv8BdVnbR9Oc9CcXjgp_bLF6UUkBw3qKHDVD-k1tXfW/s1600/Looking+Bored+and+Tired+after+the+Race.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n195_d0R3b_8MZNGYIXiD7kh69M9eS_Gl3TFt9QUhV_WAmgl9SQWW-L6wekQW-j8GP0kR6m0O2oAQntJ8xsRNrB4qjWpHT9HXSv8BdVnbR9Oc9CcXjgp_bLF6UUkBw3qKHDVD-k1tXfW/s640/Looking+Bored+and+Tired+after+the+Race.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired and hungry after finishing the race<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>And I,
being her Mom will be her pacer then. Autistic or not, nothing is
impossible as long as you put your heart and soul to it.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">(This post was originally written and shared <a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2015/05/sidney-rain-and-her-road-less-travelled-by-many/">@pinoyfitness.com</a> last year and was published on Mother's Day. Photo credits to Running Photographers, Samantha Anne Bucu and Arla Encanto ) </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-79396713847442413212016-05-06T09:11:00.003-07:002016-05-07T07:03:12.754-07:00A THANK YOU POST FROM A PRODIGAL DAUGHTER THIS MOTHER'S DAY<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ever heard of that biblical story about the prodigal son who left his father's kingdom and went back home after wasting all his money? Did you also know that the father welcomed back this son with open arms and even held a feast to celebrate his return? </b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>You may have watched, read or heard a similar story, finding it familiar & predictable since biblical stories are never far fetched when it came to real life. I believe that all stories whether biblical or fiction are reflections of what happened in the real world. They can never be far from the truth. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I was not really close to my Mom when I was a kid. I was more of a Daddy's girl, the first princess in the family and my Mom's biggest disappointment. I was the daughter who received early morning sermons because I did not wake up early & was required to take care of my siblings' needs so we will not be late for school. I was the girl who sold ice candies while my classmates happily ran on the school grounds, even during Recognition Days so we could earn extra money to augment my Mom's small income as a teacher. I was the aloof, cold, person who had bad dreams about my mom being a vampire, sucking my blood where I woke up crying, grateful that it was only a dream. And I was the only one in the family who did not finish college, got married unprepared, had kids almost every year, who was unemployed for a long time, financially incapable & whose marriage hit rock bottom, finally resulting in a separation from my husband.</b><br />
<br />
<b>It was hard living with my mom. We had daily fights on almost everything from her traditional and backward ways of thinking too much of what other people would say, of sticking with that old school mindset when it came to education, of being too closed minded on almost everything. There were days when the shouting matches became frequent, unreasonable and too personal. It became unhealthy until one day I prayed that the daily fights would stop because my kids have witnessed it everyday.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The heavens did hear all my prayers especially when I learned that the fights came from small talk among my relatives whose favorite past time was to watch families fight everyday. It was a huge turnaround in our lives especially when I decided to work in the city and leave some of my kids to my Mom. She understood my decision, fully supported me in my chosen career, made me go through life even if that meant learning my lessons the hard way. But most importantly, she made me remember that there is always a home that I could return to & that she will welcome me and my children back no matter what happens. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Always.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Such was my Mom's love that made me see life differently, loving my children more and appreciating every blessing and blessings in disguise that came my way everyday. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>This Mother' Day, Century Mall has an ongoing promo for all Mothers by simply writing her a thank you note.</b> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ9U46T0rhU5xoA-Z0F1mYn1fYyGsLKFCrlGqTa-3-RoAbJVJFtJ75QFmlnFk3zijKSLYQVB-LP_JVUlkEE-ZZJZd9jTSdLaj1LMKSvuHJzmVQs7BEWDpQ_ukEaJR1CIDkvCqRj95V544/s1600/Thank+A+Mom+Movement.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ9U46T0rhU5xoA-Z0F1mYn1fYyGsLKFCrlGqTa-3-RoAbJVJFtJ75QFmlnFk3zijKSLYQVB-LP_JVUlkEE-ZZJZd9jTSdLaj1LMKSvuHJzmVQs7BEWDpQ_ukEaJR1CIDkvCqRj95V544/s1600/Thank+A+Mom+Movement.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CenturyCityMall/?fref=nf">Source</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The mechanics can be found on their facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CenturyCityMall/?fref=nf">@ facebook.com/CenturyCityMall.</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>They are very easy to follow and I encourage you to join not just because of the awesome prizes in store to be given away but because Mothers appreciate what ever little thing you give them, whatever occasion it maybe. I know that for sure because I am also a Mom.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Lastly, show your Mom how you love her everyday as much as you can. She will not be here forever. We are such lucky beings knowing that our Moms are still with us, that they will always be there to welcome us back every time we search for ourselves and decide to go back home. </b></div>
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-36985630471719068622016-04-25T17:04:00.000-07:002016-04-25T18:45:45.310-07:00HUNT & GATHER'S STRONG MOMS MOTHER'S DAY FESTIVAL<b>With Mother's Day just around the corner, lots of events, promos and giveaways can be seen, read and heard almost anywhere. And being a Mom, I am one of those who look forward in taking advantage of each one of them, hoping that I may be lucky enough to be chosen as one of the winners. And one of those that I look forward to attend is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/986630744717599/">HUNT & GATHER'S STRONG MOMS MOTHER'S DAY FESTIVAL.</a></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhLuaxVYu_8_k2rpBUvBq67vCn7S1kc0mPtWRG1WwkmUDG46jjfcFYHJo0DRuYodcaaihqdaz0XTdt0zka1TBo3qm8io5e0oGXghtlVZCIGIH78qI_zdV-2wRIDteWJu9xj06oCS8uTWp/s1600/HG-IG-MothersDay-04Mar2016-IllusStudy1-1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhLuaxVYu_8_k2rpBUvBq67vCn7S1kc0mPtWRG1WwkmUDG46jjfcFYHJo0DRuYodcaaihqdaz0XTdt0zka1TBo3qm8io5e0oGXghtlVZCIGIH78qI_zdV-2wRIDteWJu9xj06oCS8uTWp/s640/HG-IG-MothersDay-04Mar2016-IllusStudy1-1024x1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://huntandgather.ph/2016/02/04/hello-world/">SOURCE</a></td></tr>
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<br />
<b>The STRONG MOMS MOTHER'S DAY FESTIVAL is a NUTRITION & FITNESS BAZAAR which will be held at GLORIETTA 3 ACTIVITY CENTER on May 7 & 8 from 10AM to 10PM.Registration is free so you can tag along your family & friends.There will be nutrition talks and open workouts plus nutritious goodies and wellness services from the different booths in the bazaar. There will also be lots of freebies and giveaways to be given away. In fact, one lucky Mom has the chance of winning 5000Php worth of Strong Moms Goodies.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t5VQu86ca2kEZ2FCGXyUgAc2JIauK7aFEly7_xKYdDkgWGGG4y8TPYH12p8dU1NRDLeQiVBYANyCyyqeHcVBXOP3iF9gRAcU103umS3E5RlLADhg4j5s-EiyHq4TG5JwZ9h5_8sm7b16/s1600/STRONG+MOM%2527S+MOTHER%2527S+DAY+EVENTn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t5VQu86ca2kEZ2FCGXyUgAc2JIauK7aFEly7_xKYdDkgWGGG4y8TPYH12p8dU1NRDLeQiVBYANyCyyqeHcVBXOP3iF9gRAcU103umS3E5RlLADhg4j5s-EiyHq4TG5JwZ9h5_8sm7b16/s640/STRONG+MOM%2527S+MOTHER%2527S+DAY+EVENTn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/huntandgatherph/photos/a.1743769875844885.1073741828.1736784893210050/1769351283286744/?type=3&theater">SOURCE</a></td></tr>
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<b>Below are the mechanics:</b><br />
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<b>1. Attend at least two (2) nutrition talks and one (1) open workout on May 7 and/or 8<br /> 2. Take a picture of yourself with the facilitator and post it on Instagram.<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 3. Follow and tag @iloveayalamalls, @iloveglorietta, and @huntandgatherph on Instagram.<br /> 4. First 100 moms to fulfill the requirements and approach the registration table will receive a bag of healthy goodies!</span></b><br />
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<b>Slots are limited as each talk can only accommodate 20 seats.
Pre-register by sending them a message in their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/huntandgatherph/">facebook page</a>. </b><br />
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<b>So Mommies, if you are free this first weekend of May, head on to Glorietta 3 Activiy Center and join the STRONG MOMS MOTHER'S DAY FESTIVAL by Hunt & Gather. Bring your kids and the rest of your family at the bazaar. Not only will you get to learn how to live more fully by eating healthy but you also get to share that experience while spending Mother's Day with your loved ones.</b><br />
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<b>For more updates, please visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/huntandgatherph/">Hunt & Gather in facebook </a>or you can also follow them <a href="https://www.instagram.com/huntandgatherph/">@instagram.com/huntandgatherph</a><a href="https://twitter.com/huntandgatherph"> & @twitter.com/huntandgatherph.</a> </b><br />
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-88989304469822442312016-04-23T04:32:00.000-07:002016-05-22T03:54:08.563-07:00How To Nail That Sub1 10K Race In Your Forties (My PinoyFitness Sub1 10K Story)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When was the last time you have accepted a challenge knowing the odds were against you? What prompted you that made you stick to your decision and push through with it?</b></div>
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<b>To some of us who excelled in academics, the arts, journalism, sports or even in beauty contests, a lot of preparation and practice is done just to make sure we get that had earned medal or trophy even. It will be an added bonus if we get some cash prizes or additional freebies.</b><br />
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<b>Now what if you registered for a 10K race and you accepted the challenge of finishing it in an hour or less (SUB 1) with little or no training at all, a week before the run? What are the chances that you will get that hard earned medal once you cross the finish line especially if you are already in your late forties just like me ? Isn't it risky putting yourself in a spot knowing that you might even get injured?</b><br />
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<b>To those who are slowly getting to know me through my blog, some of you may already know that I have been running since 2012. It all started when I ran at a free race where the company I used to work for was one of the sponsors.I have joined a 3K race where everything I did was all wrong since I was a beginner. I wore the running shoes I just bought the day before the race, wore a wireless bra and denim shorts plus I did not have any training AT ALL. In short, I was heading for a disaster that fateful Sunday. I could not even remember the last time I had run. Though I was able to cross the finish line in an hour which was already an achievement for me at that time, I did feel some minor leg pains because my pacing was all wrong which was to sprint and then abruptly stop, at times almost bumping at other runners. I was like a tire that gets inflated which was what most newbie runners do when they get all excited running in their first race.</b></div>
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<b>As I started reading running articles, watched videos and continuously spent my weekends running very early in the morning, I have learned to control my pace, developed endurance and improved on my speed. I seldom join races as they too add to my family expenses so it was enough that I finished three to four races in a year. I may have started slow and needed a lot of training and improvement but I was sure glad that I have met coaches and seasoned runners, even ultra marathoners who gave me tips on how to improve my running.</b></div>
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<b>I usually run at BGC. It is a place filled with good memories because it was where I ran my first race & where I joined my first group exercise at the park. There was even a time that I was one of the lone runners along McKinley Road at about 4AM because jeepneys were rare and I did not want to be late for the 5:30AM Zumba class at the park. I considered it as my training field and my turf. What I love about BGC are its uphills and downhills which are good training grounds for a beginner. It also has lots of trees and parks and I pray that it remain that way. Thus when I learned that PinoyFitness Sub1 10K Challenge will be held there, I did not think twice in signing up for it. </b></div>
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<b>However a week before the race, my monthly period arrived. That was a Wednesday, just three days before the race. I told my self there was no way I am going to back out. I have waited so long for it and I wanted to know if I could really finish a 10K race in an hour at least. So instead of thinking of what might go wrong on race day, I focused on what I could do to prepare myself for that coming Sunday. And here are the things that I did.</b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> <b>I Practiced Yoga </b></span></div>
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<b>Since I was not able to train and practice on my speed due to my period, I resorted to the next best thing which was to practice Yoga. Some runners still could not understand how Yoga and running go together. Runners World already featured articles and videos on how Yoga can improve one's running. Since Yoga was low impact, I practiced it everyday where the routines lasted for an hour, sometimes more. I focused on the calves, hamstrings, legs & arms. I continuously told myself that I will be okay come race day.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">I Made Sure I Got Enough Sleep, Ate The Right Food & Drank Plenty of Water </span></b></div>
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<b>Sleep is very important not only when you register for a race, but once you decide to get serious in running. Same thing in eating the right food & keeping hydrated. One needs to learn how to shy away from junk food, food high in sugar & salt. One also need to eat more veggies and fruits, drink plenty of water instead of soda or carbonated drinks.</b><br />
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<b>I never really had any challenge from avoiding junk food and drinking soda. I could bear not to visit any fast food chain even in a month or three months without any problem. I maybe into sweets like fruit salads and ice cream but I eat them in moderation. I am also lessening my intake of rice to half a cup in every meal. I love veggies and fruits plus I make sure to drink 8 glasses of water, sometimes more especially during summer.</b><br />
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<b>To those who still smoke and drink yet chose to run and join races to keep fit, it would be better if you can quit because as you continue to increase your mileage and join longer races, your body will need all the rest and nutrition there is for you to endure the challenge until you cross the finish line. It would be best to totally quit such vices than suffer the repercussions later.</b><br />
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<b>Although most runners find it hard to sleep the night before Race day, it would still help if the body got enough sleep the day before. NEVER, EVER risk going out for a short drink or attend a party the night before the race. Same thing if you have the flu or are not feeling well. Some runners collapse while on the road and sadly are not able to finish the race. Some are lucky to have friends who will do the extra mile to support them, making sure they are still okay even if it is just a 10K race.</b><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>I Used My Old Set of Running Gear, From My Sports Bra to My Running Shoes</b></span><br />
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<b>Nothing new was worn on race day. Even the race kit that I got when I registered had been worn the Sunday before the race just to check if it fits comfortably despite the hot weather.</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-Z3Uku1LZZff8zKzlueKE1nyERAJijak8SF4F-R_iZs191l_NX8Mn2-ZkIwsACFP4Cm1kOCZLo5-OZVbyYlIF9zHJeQltGjwRfVWpWYkuB3GwbnaI0crnuR_1uZYQpdIf_QTaHWhFnrs/s1600/SUB+1-+10K+PINOYFITNESS+CHALLENGE+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-Z3Uku1LZZff8zKzlueKE1nyERAJijak8SF4F-R_iZs191l_NX8Mn2-ZkIwsACFP4Cm1kOCZLo5-OZVbyYlIF9zHJeQltGjwRfVWpWYkuB3GwbnaI0crnuR_1uZYQpdIf_QTaHWhFnrs/s640/SUB+1-+10K+PINOYFITNESS+CHALLENGE+2016.jpg" width="635" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just roughly 2KM away from the finish line</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">I Kept Saying " Sub1, Sub1" Until It became A Mantra </span></b><br />
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<b>I was not the only one who registered for the race. My daughter, Sidney who has autism also ran in the same category with me. We registered for the second wave which started at 5:15AM. When we heard the gunshot, my daughter and I got separated. It was hard not to think of her when she went out on her way but I was confident that she will finish the race in one piece just like she did in the past. So, instead of again thinking what could possibly happen to my daughter on the road, I focused on my run as I only have one hour or less to cross the finish line.</b></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE4xWLImBuCMeyTCPFLydY_Rv6QdlwTLY9-Et5MA_xVV1Fs8U2_6dApHpQlIAYeNWNmeBroJdMyezCQtupPaIrw6AXmwNm9X_Fjy8Spr8hez2zKVH0AkyYeLkcLR1PbimQd7mot_2Kqsn/s1600/1929380_1716846328553914_6971812075659378834_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE4xWLImBuCMeyTCPFLydY_Rv6QdlwTLY9-Et5MA_xVV1Fs8U2_6dApHpQlIAYeNWNmeBroJdMyezCQtupPaIrw6AXmwNm9X_Fjy8Spr8hez2zKVH0AkyYeLkcLR1PbimQd7mot_2Kqsn/s640/1929380_1716846328553914_6971812075659378834_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was hard not to think of my daughter when we got separated </td></tr>
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<b>The race route was not at all easy. Runners have to pass by the Buendia Flyover to Kalayaan Avenue and back. There was a point when we were running down the flyover that the pull of gravity was so fast that one has to check his speed not to tumble and hit the other runners in the process. There was also the challenge of staying hydrated and keeping your focus on the road. Not that there were limited water stations. On the contrary, there was enough supply of water and Gatorade but the thing is, stopping to have a drink will affect the remaining time left for you to finish the race which was an hour or less for you to get that medal. In my case, I did stop twice but made sure I made up for that lost time by quickening my pace to catch up on the required finish time. It was a good thing that I also brought my ever reliable bottled water as I needed to splash some of it on my face and my arms which were getting hotter due to continuous running.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">I Never Gave Up Until I Reached The Finish Line</span></b><br />
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<b>There was a point when I wanted to slow down and just give in to the fact that I will not be able to make it. I was trying to console myself that I was not really prepared for the race plus the fact that I was already in my late forties, that age was already catching up on me and that I was not really a fast runner to begin with. However, there was this stubborn, nagging voice at the back of my head that said I can still finish the race with a faster PR (personal record) although not necessarily a Sub1. With that in mind, I continued to run and when I saw the marker that I was just 500 meters away from the finish line, my strides became longer and my pace became faster. </b><br />
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<b>When I finally stopped running, I was surprised when I learned I made it to the cut off time.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSw-2t4VueizcUz2GIFOGCIYHSFmQnOv18TxZyO8a8gmaMdE81x7xcPf-EnOwwY1r0S9bUZh3IADtR3IdhJhnBMTECQlzoj1luQCv4oohXOB6bT4n06AxfnBqR0kaKjD9PvT9_MbisjlE/s1600/600728_1759169110982736_5274229216090382381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSw-2t4VueizcUz2GIFOGCIYHSFmQnOv18TxZyO8a8gmaMdE81x7xcPf-EnOwwY1r0S9bUZh3IADtR3IdhJhnBMTECQlzoj1luQCv4oohXOB6bT4n06AxfnBqR0kaKjD9PvT9_MbisjlE/s640/600728_1759169110982736_5274229216090382381_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard earned medal</td></tr>
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<b>Meanwhile, my mind drifted immediately to my daughter who was still on the road. </b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzFODky67Khuwog0xqhJKjsEtcapyYxVBkwmR-qCsJHB3VmW1ndfCIWYRdIesWjZ9yvU5G_XKL2Ccn-qXwapIUAUi3PlShBUkQ-80xwklzTs9DzEThk54drvzeEKyx4n9G6X18lVx93gZ/s1600/Sidney+at++the+Sub+1+10K+PinoyFitness+Challenge+2016n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzFODky67Khuwog0xqhJKjsEtcapyYxVBkwmR-qCsJHB3VmW1ndfCIWYRdIesWjZ9yvU5G_XKL2Ccn-qXwapIUAUi3PlShBUkQ-80xwklzTs9DzEThk54drvzeEKyx4n9G6X18lVx93gZ/s640/Sidney+at++the+Sub+1+10K+PinoyFitness+Challenge+2016n.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always knew she would do well on her own.</td></tr>
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<b>After almost half an hour from the time I crossed the finish line, we finally got to see each other amid the thousands of runners.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBC4lumG9Tpez_LN768Uc3DGXcdr7F9Gucg2CJx0S-KbJudSqgHmQpyCLSXKwGokiSM39q2K3Be8yYLyQflo0XoHnv8WD5dfP7D7SYLQ06XquSy56PNl_G1LkxoDE1MX486kqt9p7hPme/s1600/1934651_1759169080982739_8813055165403269571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBC4lumG9Tpez_LN768Uc3DGXcdr7F9Gucg2CJx0S-KbJudSqgHmQpyCLSXKwGokiSM39q2K3Be8yYLyQflo0XoHnv8WD5dfP7D7SYLQ06XquSy56PNl_G1LkxoDE1MX486kqt9p7hPme/s640/1934651_1759169080982739_8813055165403269571_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite her autism, she never gave up until she finished her 10K race</td></tr>
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<b>Despite the lack of training, I was able to prove that age is not a deterrent in exceeding yourself and in nailing that elusive Sub1 10K race. And as an added bonus, I was included in the Pinoy Fitness Sub1 10K Challenge Video. Go check for yourself. </b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpinoyfitness%2Fvideos%2Fvb.121666723362%2F10154022095703363%2F%3Ftype%3D3&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>
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<b>Will I do it again next year ? </b><br />
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<b>You bet. </b><br />
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<b>Especially now that I am officially, a Sub1 10K, gray haired Momma.</b> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;">(photo credits to pinoyfitness.com, Active Pinas and Sidney Rain Bucu)</span><br />
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-4123393005428441372016-04-21T11:45:00.001-07:002016-04-22T02:25:02.843-07:00SWEATING IT OUT AT THE COSMO MOVE IT EVENT IN BGC <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I went for a short run to Bonifacio Global City last night. My original plan was to join the Nike Running Club where I registered. It usually take me 30 minutes to run from St. John Bosco Church to BGC, however last night my pace was a bit slower because some commuters prefered to walk due to the traffic. Since I was not familiar where the Nike Running Club was held, I arrived late and when I found out where they were training, the first lapse already started. So I decided to walk around until I heard some loud music at the BGC Amphitheater. And that was where I found out about the COSMO MOVE IT event. </b><br />
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<b>I went asked around to confirm if it was a free registration event. When they said yes, they immediately asked me to sign up then gave me my loot which was a bag of<a href="https://www.facebook.com/beloessentials/"> Belo Essentials</a> & a shirt that I could wear for the evening's activities. I gladly thanked them and went to the nearest restroom to change in a hurry so I could still join the free Body Jam exercise that already started.</b></div>
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<b>For the next thirty minutes, I danced like nobody was watching. It had been months since the last time I had danced and I am glad that I still have the endurance for it. There were two dance instructors on stage and after the Body Jam workout, it was followed by a Hip Hop class. Talked about hardcore workout for an hour. </b></div>
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<b>I had enjoyed every minute of the workout for the whole hour. I almost forgot that I live in Pasay which was roughly 6KM away. Since I only ate two servings of veggies before I left, I decided to reserve the remaining energy I had & just walk along McKinley Road on my home. So before the next set of activities started, I excused myself and made a short visit to the different booths on the venue. I also made sure that I have my photo taken as a souvenir.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUGC30c140LBt-jCa6ncwCCwjxPaYe0znd0BwXMVwcxFDzl86PqDyvZimlHO7D6SKqwi1DhNdOHv21vcuOq_bRKZCwJX9k_B4xyJ7nwWhAsQSL5hGtPUpAFsbr8U9DMZtJbUJXjPWqzZO/s1600/11416403_10153576071445949_983065730297788169_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUGC30c140LBt-jCa6ncwCCwjxPaYe0znd0BwXMVwcxFDzl86PqDyvZimlHO7D6SKqwi1DhNdOHv21vcuOq_bRKZCwJX9k_B4xyJ7nwWhAsQSL5hGtPUpAFsbr8U9DMZtJbUJXjPWqzZO/s640/11416403_10153576071445949_983065730297788169_o.jpg" width="418" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beloessentials/photos/a.10153575800055949.1073741839.124975665948/10153576071445949/?type=3&theater">Source</a></td></tr>
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<b>I know that my face was devoid of makeup and somewhat glistened with sweat. But what to do you expect from someone who run 5KM, danced the Body Jam & joined the Hip hop class afterwards? I am not the type of person who apologize because I sweat after a good run or great workout. Sweating is the body's way to eliminate the toxins that needed to be flushed that is why one feels very light after a good exercise. Besides, I am grateful that I still find time for fitness, have the endurance to move fast and sweat it all out in the process. Which made me realize that I made the right decision in going out last evening and run in BGC. Despite the hot weather, an ordinary evening turned memorable because I was able to join the COSMO MOVE IT event.</b><br />
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<b>To Summit Media, Belo Essentials and the sponsors of the COSMO After Office Hours Work Out Party, congratulations for a job well done !</b></div>
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-58815381395815675522016-04-20T13:04:00.001-07:002016-04-20T13:34:39.561-07:00List of Swimming Schools for Special Needs Kids in the Philippines <b>I have three kids with special needs. They are already in their teens but to me, they will always be kids at heart. They are active, stubborn & unconventional. All three of them love to eat veggies and fruits. They also love the water, not necessarily swimming but they love tho take baths and the calming sound they hear from running water. Though not one of them learned how to swim, I do plan on having them take swimming lessons in the future. I believe that the ability to swim is an important thing that we all need to learn as it could be used in times of emergency or catastrophe. </b><br />
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<b>When I checked on Google to search for swimming schools for special needs kids in the country, I was kind of sad that we only have very few ones who offered classes but somehow I could understand why. It takes a lot of passion & discipline for a teacher to teach swimming lessons to students of all ages. What more, that dedication is challenged and tested once they do the extra mile of coaching and teaching persons with special needs. </b><br />
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<b>Nonetheless, I hope that in time, more swimming schools will open to cater for people with special needs. With this knowledge, I decided to create a post as a point of reference for parents, teachers and anybody who will be interested in enrolling a special needs person in swimming lessons.</b><br />
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<b>Below are the known swimming schools which cater for special needs kids & kids at heart in the Philippines:</b><br />
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<b>(<span style="color: purple;">1) <span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488">AQUALOGIC SWIM COMPANY - the <a href="http://aqualogicswimco.com/">Aqualogic Swim Company</a> comprised a group of Aquatic educators from various swimming backgrounds dedicated to </span></span></b><b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"><b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488">high quality & </span></span></b>personalized instruction using the latest & most effective teaching method. </span></span></b><b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488">Founded in 2006 by Ria Mackay who is also the Head Instructor, Ria was a competetive swimmer in her younger years & has been teaching swimming for over 20 years both hear and abroad. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFSvIRokUQLRtq0jRMFH8cd5AiCBhBSeZw0x8fBPUZhX8H7jke6TQgr5-nIM6PTKGpCeWHkRoJggERDGiq6b8kd8jgWiryGRRnlRDHaVb8wBnAHzdiIGx6-SA2jLgQpAMPBIKQdDSpe59/s1600/Aqualogic+Swim+Co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFSvIRokUQLRtq0jRMFH8cd5AiCBhBSeZw0x8fBPUZhX8H7jke6TQgr5-nIM6PTKGpCeWHkRoJggERDGiq6b8kd8jgWiryGRRnlRDHaVb8wBnAHzdiIGx6-SA2jLgQpAMPBIKQdDSpe59/s1600/Aqualogic+Swim+Co.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Aqualogic-Swim-Co-293750640635488/?fref=nf">Source</a></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"> To know more about their swimming classes schedules and rates, visit their website @</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"> <a href="http://aqualogicswimco.com/">aqualogicswimco.com </a>or you can drop by at their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Aqualogic-Swim-Co-293750640635488/?fref=nf">facebook page.</a> </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> (2) POWERSWIM - is a team of dedicated coaches whose motivation is to teach every child to respect the water while having tons of fun. They also encourage a healthy & interactive, aquatic environment which help in making sure the kids become comfortable and confident swimmers. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhBe4A8Dn7iymHqeRXQMqlfwv66YstEQAi_yD6kIUvbFeYk0yBedSFo79ugC3kYNH6VsiQlbQJnoVKGccRXd1Z5C5B0FsJUWmY4pZBL6q7MIKWKMprNBn-y_WdId5WskuHo6kVR2kveAM/s1600/POWER+SWIM+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhBe4A8Dn7iymHqeRXQMqlfwv66YstEQAi_yD6kIUvbFeYk0yBedSFo79ugC3kYNH6VsiQlbQJnoVKGccRXd1Z5C5B0FsJUWmY4pZBL6q7MIKWKMprNBn-y_WdId5WskuHo6kVR2kveAM/s400/POWER+SWIM+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/powerswim/?fref=ts">Source</a></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> The team of coaches include: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> * Coach Norman Pascua</span></b><b><span style="color: purple;"> *</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> ITU Certified Triathlon Coach </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: purple;">Head Coach for Shangrila Makati Trikids Program</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: purple;">Certified PLS Level 7 Swim and Survive Swim Course</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"> * Coach Annie de Jesus *</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"> </span>Certified PLS Level 7 Swim and Survive Swim Course</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b> Swim Coach for kids </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b> Certified Mom</b></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><b><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-is-local="false" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Aqualogic Swim Co." data-type="ent:page" data-uid="293750640635488"></span></b></span><span style="color: purple;"><b> * Coach Jepthe Subagan *</b></span>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Certified PLS Level 7 Swim and Survive Swim Course</b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b> Swim Coach for kids</b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b> Swim Teacher for Babies and Toddlers</b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b> MAED Special Education Candidate</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>For more information on their venues, schedules and rates, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/powerswim/?fref=ts">Powerswim Pilipinas</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>which is their facebook page or you can drop by at <a href="http://www.powerswim.net/home">powerswim.net.</a></b></span> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>(3) CHITO RIVERA SWIMMING SCHOOL - The <a href="http://www.chitorivera.com/">Chito Rivera's Learning and Aquatic Skills Incorporated</a> was founded by Coach Chito Rivera who is well known both in the Philippine Swimming & Teaching Community. He started teaching swimming lessons as early as 1980 and it is his passion for teaching that gave him the opportunity to work with different groups and attend seminars which further developed his skills which included but not limited to coaching swim clubs & school teams. Below are some of the highlights of Coach Chito Rivera's career :</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>2002 - Joined the leadership of Philippine Amateur
Swimming Association & was elected Secretary General until 2004. In
his stint as Secretary General of the country’s National Sports
Association, he was able to put in place programs that helped the
country win the Championship in the Southeast Asian Age-Group in 2003
which was held in the country. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>2003 - Appointed as the head of the
Philippine Delegation in the 2003 Southeast Asian Games (SEA GAMES)
held in Vietnam </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>2004 - Appointed as the head of the Philippine Delegation in the 2004 Athens Olympics in Greece. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>It was after the Athens Olympics in Greece that Coach Chito Rivera pursued his passion further by way of teaching and developing
swimming in the grassroots, organizing competitions hoping that one day
more patriotic Filipino swimmers will take part in this dream event and
be able to win the elusive gold for the country.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chito.rivera.92">Source</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><a href="http://www.chitorivera.com/">The Chito Rivera's Learning Aquatic Skills & Services Inc </a>mission is not only to help individuals overcome their fear of the
water but also to train swimmers whose desire to share their aquatic
skills and passion for swimming are inherent in them. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>For updates on their swimming lessons schedules, venues & rates,visit <a href="http://www.chitorivera.com/">chitorivera.com</a> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>or their facebook page @ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chito.rivera.92">facebook.com/chito.rivera.92</a> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>One more thing, If you have the passion to teach and share it by teaching swimming lessons, you can send your resume @ </b><b><a href="mailto:class_aquatics@yahoo.com">class_aquatics@yahoo.com</a> or call/text 0917-8930723, 0922-8554358; 531-8081 loc. 1066 and 571-9262 to schedule for an interview. </b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">(4) BERT LOZADA SWIM SCHOOL - </span> <span style="color: purple;">The Bert Lozada Swim School started as a single venue in 1956 at YMCA & was founded by Remberto C. Lozada or " Tito Bert " who was introduced to swimming in 1953 by the age of 12. A</span></b><span style="color: purple;"><b>ccording to him, ever since he started swimming, he discovered that teaching others to swim especially young children has become his passion. As early as 1986, he formulated & implemented his own style of swimming which was a compilation of what he learned from his travel and from his travels during swimming competitions either as a competitor or as a coach. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>The highlight of his coaching career came when he was head coach of the Philippine Team at the 1991 Southeast Asean Games (SEAGAMES) where the Philippines was able to achieve its best performance. But even before then, his swimmers were already qualifying for the Olympics, Asian Games and SEA Games. Most notable among his swimmers were Ryan Papa, Eric Buhain, and Roselle Papa. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Needless to say, BLSS has been touching lives since 1956. Today, </b></span><b><span style="color: purple;">it is now the biggest
& well managed swim school in the country with an average of 150
employees comprising of teachers, coaches & staff. It now has 56
venues all over the country and has produced 7 Olympians, several
national swimmers & record holders.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvFC66TJ7ezC-0fq8-MC4Gin8ncFajfcSVXLf8eyx7lhhRwXRWWlZCG6JQ_U2oay4j0F9feN5m6dAIMM_gJ4hPvUDNlEve238SnK04tk2hM5cvbJ1NpxeRbPCKSDsG79-TPMjtYgpSRUa/s1600/Bert+Lozada+Swim+School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvFC66TJ7ezC-0fq8-MC4Gin8ncFajfcSVXLf8eyx7lhhRwXRWWlZCG6JQ_U2oay4j0F9feN5m6dAIMM_gJ4hPvUDNlEve238SnK04tk2hM5cvbJ1NpxeRbPCKSDsG79-TPMjtYgpSRUa/s640/Bert+Lozada+Swim+School.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://sportsmanila.wikispaces.com/file/view/jobstreetblss.jpg/518582960/618x288/jobstreetblss.jpg">Source</a></b></td></tr>
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<b>For more information regarding their class schedules, venues and rates, you can visit their website at <a href="http://www.bertlozadaswimschool.com/">bertlozadaswimschool.com.</a> You can also get your swimming updates at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BertLozadaSwimSchool/">www.facebook.com/BertLozadaSwimSchool.</a></b><br />
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<b>So far these are just a few of the known swimming schools who cater to special needs kids and kids at heart in the Philippines. Nevertheless, we are still fortunate that they have open their doors & shared their passion by doing the extra mile in believing that all of us have the capacity to learn & to swim, even those who have special needs. </b><br />
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<b>If you know of other schools that are not in the list, feel free to get in touch with me via email or by sharing it in the comment section of this post. As they always say, sharing is caring. </b><br />
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-20321753005198391452016-04-17T00:46:00.002-07:002016-04-17T18:17:26.218-07:00Tips For Staying Cool In Surviving The Hot Summer<b>I am so freaking HOT & I know I am stating the obvious.</b><br />
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<b>I did not mean that figuratively though, but at times I could be HOT without me knowing it.</b><br />
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<b>I have my moments too.</b></div>
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<b>But to say that it is so hot is such an understatement, not only during summer but even in those months when we expect the weather to be a bit cold, at least. </b><br />
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<b>The weather had become so fickle and we have no choice but learn to survive. With that being said, let me share my survival tips in staying cool and survive the summer heat. </b><br />
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<b>(1) Drink water as often as you can. </b><br />
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<b>Summer is not the time that we should slack on drinking water. And when I say drink as often as you can, that means from the time you wake up to that time you retire for the day. It would also be best to always bring bottled water whenever or wherever you are, whether you are on your way for work, school, the mall or even going to the wet market. Whenever my kids leave for school I always remind them to always have a bottled water in their bag. </b><br />
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<b>At work, whether at home or in the office, make sure to have your mug or bottle container filled with water within your reach. At times we are guilty of not even drinking due to the work load and we have deadlines to beat. We think that drinking often will stop or lessen our productivity especially if that would include short trips to the restroom. But sitting for two to three hours straight is also not healthy that is why it is okay to stand every now and then and stretch your legs by taking a short walk to the restroom to relieve ourselves. </b><br />
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<b>Take note that I did not suggest to drink juice or carbonated soda. I am not sure if you noticed that when you drink water often, it lessens not just your thirst or your hunger pangs (except if you are diabetic or has signs of prediabetes ) whereas if you prefer carbonated sodas or juices, you feel thirsty still after drinking them. It is because carbonated drinks have loads of sugar which is not good for our bodies. Coco water can be a best substitute for water but if you are saving on money, water therapy is the best. It lessens your risks of urinary tract infection,constipation and save you from being prone to coughs and colds which are very prevalent especially during summer. </b><br />
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<b>(2) Get used to taking showers twice in a day.</b><br />
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<b>Some may not agree to this, especially Moms with young babies but that is okay. When my kids were still babies, an old family doctor told me that we can actually bathe our babies as long as we do it quick (sponge bath). He even cautioned me not to wash the baby's back often because it is unnecessary and that if I followed his advice, I would save a lot of money and will have less frequent trips to the doctor. So as early as 6 months old, as long as I feel that my kids do not have the flu, if I feel that they are hot, sticky & irritable due to the weather, I do not think twice of giving them a a quick shower.</b><br />
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<b>Now what if you have skin allergies that prevent you from taking showers often or your skin is exceptionally dry? </b><br />
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<b>It is always best to seek the doctor's advice in such cases. But you may want to try applying virgin coconut oil to your skin immediately after showering. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has multi purpose uses and my Mom & kids had tried and tested it for a long time. </b><br />
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<b>(3) Eat more veggies & fruits, avoid meals with soup or broth as much as possible.</b><br />
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<b> I am not sure if you have noticed that some of us still like to eat "sinigang," "nilaga," "tinola" even on a hot, summer day. Same thing for those folks who love drinking hot coffee even in the middle of the afternoon. ( guilty sometimes?)</b><br />
<b><br />Perhaps we all have our quirks and what have you, thing is as long as the hot meal you just had will not aggravate your temper & blood pressure due to the summer heat, then that is just fine. With my kids, I have noticed that if the food is still hot because it was just recently cooked, they do not want to touch it. Sadly, this hot weather also affect some of our appetites. So I started adding more fruits in their meals. I also added easy to make salads if we have fried fish for lunch or dinner. Say sliced ripe Indian mangoes with tomatoes and Camote tops. At times, I try boiled ampalaya, sliced into strips with sliced mangoes or diced pineapple and garnished it with sliced tomatoes.</b><br />
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<b>Now for desserts or merienda you could eat fruits on their raw form or create your own smoothie with it. You could also make your own fruit salad or " halo-halo." My Mom used to make " halo-halo " when my siblings and I were still kids. When our neighbors learned that we are eating halo halo prepared by my Mom, they encouraged her to try selling it which she did. We helped her prepare for the ingredients, assisted her in serving our customers and earned a small profit in the process.</b><br />
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<b>If you are saving on money, you could buy buko (coconut) in the market, have it cleaned but do not forget that delicious & nutritious "sabaw ng buko," (coconut water) where you could actually drink it on your way home. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rN9evOzAvjQHUWC2WvG45olVx74W9A8SgNlq737cXVB_cs00oatjVtfmWX1K3ottOaHq5_q3lNBljt1ZVyn9rm4yIUl2sh33oD9jsHWG5WVoIN6u4iYisyGITl2dJdHHJB8agEuFTjsX/s1600/halo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rN9evOzAvjQHUWC2WvG45olVx74W9A8SgNlq737cXVB_cs00oatjVtfmWX1K3ottOaHq5_q3lNBljt1ZVyn9rm4yIUl2sh33oD9jsHWG5WVoIN6u4iYisyGITl2dJdHHJB8agEuFTjsX/s400/halo.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=544264&page=7">The ever delicious Halo-Halo</a></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Coconuts are always available in any local wet market </b></span></td></tr>
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<b>Ugh. I should stop this, it is making me hungry.</b><br />
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<b>(4) For clothing, use light and absorbent ones whether at home or if you are going out. For fashion conscious people, just choose the appropriate ones for the events that you will be attending & places that you will be going. If you really cannot bear the heat, then show some skin by wearing sleeveless blouses, skimpy shorts or dresses that are above the knees. </b><br />
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<b>For fashion statements people, if you prefer wearing a sweater, a sweatshirt or a jacket under that scorching sun and in this hot weather, please do so at your own risk. Basically, as long you are comfortable with what you wear, then that is just okay.</b></div>
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<b>You can lie stark naked if you want to, as long as you are the only one in an island, you live alone or your room is secured lock from your children or other family members. There is no harm in sleeping in the raw especially if the summer heat added to your sleep deprivation.</b><br />
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<b>To each his own.</b><br />
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<b>(5) Always bring an umbrella, a pair of shades & a fan to keep you cool. Applying sunblock also does not hurt in protecting you from the rays of the sun.</b><br />
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<b>Nowadays, an umbrella, a small fan and a pair of shades are essentials to survive every summer. Walking under the scorching sun with an umbrella does wonders as it protects our head from getting headaches or migraines. Wearing a pair of shades help us protect our eyes especially if our work entails us to be in front of the computer for long periods of time. A small fan also lessens the heat especially if you are cramped inside a jeepney or any public transportation. </b></div>
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<b>Applying sunblock to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays will not hurt as well though some do not believe in such a thing. </b></div>
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<b> (6) Accept the fact that your power and water bills will go up. That traffic will be more agonizing due to the summer heat and that your blood pressure will not stabilize if you continue to get affected with all these.</b><br />
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<b>We have often complained about the high rates on our water and electric bills, the summer heat and the horrible traffic. We have seen and felt them for a long time. If people posting how terrible it is with so much exclamation points in social media think they are doing us a favor or helping us realize it, then they are wrong. </b><br />
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<b>We all have a choice.</b><br />
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<b>We could leave this place which others consider as a forsaken country, live somewhere colder, with higher cost of living, where everything is taxed, where we could start a new life away from our family, our friends and everything that remind us of where we came from. And never come back.</b><br />
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<b>Or we could learn to suck it all up, accept that what we are experiencing was a product of our unmindful and uncaring ways to protect the environment . That after this heated summer, it will be followed by heavy rains, terrible floods, catastrophes, lost lives.</b><br />
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<b>Yet most of us are still here. We choose to take life one day at a time and learn to live with the endless cycle of climate change.</b><br />
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<b>If we continue to get affected what had been happening every summer, then my suggestion is better get used to it. If we feel terrible and sick due to the summer heat yet do not like drinking water often, prefer food and drinks rich in sugar, junk and fatty foods plus refrain from eating vegges and fruits, then expect to have recurring migraines, urinary tract infections, constipation, coughs and colds.</b><br />
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<b>I do hope that the tips I have suggested will help you survive not just this summer heat but the next coming ones as well.</b><br />
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<b>So, what are some of the survival tips you have learned in getting through the hot summer?</b><br />
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<b>I would love to hear your thoughts.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-91494820237020524152016-04-14T12:30:00.000-07:002016-04-14T12:47:17.991-07:00How Can We Prevent Diabates<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To those who have been following my posts about Diabetes, I do hope you are still with me and not starting to get overwhelmed with too much information. Part of the reason why I shy away with these kind of posts is the fact that there are certain information that I honestly am not familiar and at times conflicting. There are also instances that boredom strikes especially if I find the explanation too medical. That is why I allotted ample time to research on articles that will help us understand such global issue as diabetes.</b></div>
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<b>I always believed in continuing education as we age. The thirst for knowledge & information is something I find important to be abreast with the times - times which are constantly changing. In this final installment on diabetes information, I will share the different causes and ways on how we can still prevent diabetes.</b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">CAUSES OF DIABETES</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Diabetes causes vary depending on your genetic makeup, family history, ethnicity, health and environmental factors. There is no common diabetes cause that fits every type of diabetes for the reason that diabetes vary depending on the individual and the type.</a></b><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"> In other words, the causes of type 1 diabetes vary considerably from the causes of type 2 diabetes. </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"><b> TYPE 1 & TYPE 2 DIABETES CAUSES</b></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system destroying the cells
in the pancreas that make insulin. This causes diabetes by leaving the
body without enough insulin to function normally. There is no specific diabetes causes, but the following triggers may be involved:
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Viral or bacterial infection</a></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Chemical toxins within food</a></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Unidentified component causing autoimmune reaction</a></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">
</a></b></span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Underlying genetic disposition may also be a type 1 diabetes cause. </a></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"><b>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"><b>Type 2 diabetes causes are usually multifactorial where more than one diabetes cause is involved.<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span>This is the most likely type 2 diabetes cause. There are a variety of risk factors for type 2 diabetes, any or all of which increase the chances of developing the condition.
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"><b> These include: </b></a></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"><b>Obesity</b></a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"><b>Living a sedentary lifestyle </b></a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html"><b>Increasing age </b></a></span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Bad diet</a></span></b> </li>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html">Other type 2 diabetes causes such as pregnancy or illness can be type 2 diabetes risk factors.</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>HOW CAN WE PREVENT DIABETES</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b> Below is an easy to understand infographic on how we can prevent diabetes.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.gobyme.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Steps-to-prevent-diabetes-Infographic.png">Infographic Source</a></b></td></tr>
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<b>Out of the 8 steps mentioned in the infographic, I was guilty of not getting the right amount of sleep, having irregular eating habits and not being able to manage stress. My Mom was guilty as well especially during those days when Dad had been ill with cancer and after his death. She became more workaholic though that somehow helped ease the pain of loosing my Dad. We were not a family who was into junk food, buffet and eat outs because we lived in the province where malls and groceries were rare, where we usually walk to save on fare and get to the nearest store or market. However My Mom suffered the repercussions big time. She did not have any vices ever since however due to her small salary she always took care of our needs first before her own.</b><br />
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<b>When I started working in the evenings, it was my Mom who constantly reminded me not to skip meals just to catch up on my sleep. When stress was already taking its toll on my health & sanity, she suggested that I consider working in a day shift even if it would mean getting myself a lesser pay. She explained that I will feel the repercussions of not sleeping in the evenings for a decade once I age. </b></div>
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<b>It was hard.</b><br />
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<b>After a lot of reading, reflecting and long conversations with my Mom over the phone, I followed what she told me. I left my work before the year ended and looked for a day job with less pay, as what to be expected. I have been enjoying sleeping in the evenings and catching up lost time with my kids. Lastly, I now can find more time to run, walk, practice Yoga, catch up on my reading and blogging which was put on hold when I was busy working in the evenings.</b><br />
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<b>As early as now, I am glad with the decision I made. This may just be the start of my journey in preventing diabetes.The challenge of eating the right food, handling stress and not getting confused with too many and conflicting information will always be there. But being aware is better than living in the dark. Learning is a continuous process but I will always be up to the challenge of getting informed & choosing to live the remaining years of my life filled with good health and wellness. </b><br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-75649622218330684672016-04-12T17:41:00.004-07:002016-04-12T17:43:54.155-07:00A BIRTHDAY POST TO AN AWESOME GOLD'S GYM INSTRUCTOR, CARLO GALVEZ<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Three
years ago, I met a Zumba instructor who visited CONVERGYS as part of
Gold's Gym marketing promotion. It was also the company's way <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of</span> introduc<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing</span> Zumba and encourag<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing</span>
the employees to find time for fitness. My colleague, Malou and I were
active weekend Zumba members then at the BGC park so when we learned and
saw the event's poster at the hallway walls, we did not think twice in
signing up even if that meant joining the Zumba after shift (aka no
sleep at all).</span></span></span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Carlo arrived & entered the game room, he exuded the presence of someone who was in charge. In fact<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>my
colleague who almost became a gym class instructor could sense that we
will be handled by a pro. Not that Carlo was intimidating. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">E</span>ven if the class has not started yet<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> h</span></span>e was well aware of the ones who will not actively participate<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span>He
even pointed out that he enjoys teaching those who prefer to stay at
the back near the door. In fact he could already sense those who plan on
walking out of his class if they feel they could not handle the steps
or the routine anymore. So he jokingly requested to have the door closed
so no one would leave until the class <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wa</span>s done, which elicited some laughter from the group.</span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRExLDqGWsa5T3bh61jCH7FcW31kBhBpnIJqMPe-Y9TQZSRr2JFSderqPowi3auOIM37umnsf4FfvYbmzhUp531SEtJvr6ODNcv5joZ3tmJTbuXIvLsHB42AL3REIdhmuU4zM_iqOvqkmJ/s1600/Carlo%2527s++Thursday+Group+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRExLDqGWsa5T3bh61jCH7FcW31kBhBpnIJqMPe-Y9TQZSRr2JFSderqPowi3auOIM37umnsf4FfvYbmzhUp531SEtJvr6ODNcv5joZ3tmJTbuXIvLsHB42AL3REIdhmuU4zM_iqOvqkmJ/s640/Carlo%2527s++Thursday+Group+class.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thursday morning class at Gold's Gym Glorietta, with Carlo Galvez</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3ZJcIbHdHM_dBLN_59sDFm7dtLqkrZCHBHoj-LzlLvDHrBk5I5Pox5TcVNRuWYpYAjy04l3y8Oa3_Mv1z735P1cvhkDJU89ybln6FjWjGLMqBSaj70NmBcUGstKG3h2vWy5QrIeOFJRl/s1600/10799367_820375277982687_2000681612_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3ZJcIbHdHM_dBLN_59sDFm7dtLqkrZCHBHoj-LzlLvDHrBk5I5Pox5TcVNRuWYpYAjy04l3y8Oa3_Mv1z735P1cvhkDJU89ybln6FjWjGLMqBSaj70NmBcUGstKG3h2vWy5QrIeOFJRl/s640/10799367_820375277982687_2000681612_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Carlo loves to take pictures of his class even after a hyper energetic workout</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">When we started dancing, I found out and understood why he wanted to have the door closed. If one attended his class due to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">curiosity</span>, the<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n that person was</span> in for a big surprise. Carlo was one hyper group instructor who will teach you how to dance that will make you wonder if your</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> hips were still there. I could recall how my legs and hips hurt after dancing Christina Aguilera's ,"<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Burlesque</span>."
They hurt so much until I got home that I asked my K-POP dancer
daughter what I did wrong. She smartly answered, "Mom, the routine was
all new so your body will adjust. But if you continue doing it, the pain
lessens until you will no longer feel it. It just takes time getting
used to it." </span></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Okay.
So I told myself, if I continue attending Carlo's class, I will no
longer complain about the aches and pains. Or so I thought.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">So that's what i did.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">When I moved to a different company and found out that it offer<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d</span></span>
a low gym membership fee at Gold's Gym, I took advantage of it
especially that Gold's Gym Glorietta was just 5 minutes away from where I
worked. The first time I went there, I immediately asked for the class'
schedule & checked if Carlo has a class on that same day. It turned
out that he had a back to back class <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in the</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> late afternoon. However that turned out to be a beginner's mistake because I found out that his class was <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">jam packed</span>. Since I prefer to dance in front so I could easily follow<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>his
movements, I had a challenging time because I could hardly stretch my
arms or do the steps without bumping into another student. As what to be
expected, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the</span> class was so energetic and filled with adrenaline rush<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>especially after dancing the hardcore routines which <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Carlo was </span>known for. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">As
the days went on, I became a regular in Carlo's class. And just like
anything that you do on a regular basis I have gotten used to his
routine. I also learned that he was adored by his students because he
has the gift of teaching routines that were easy to follow. He made his
students laugh which helped lighten the mood especially if we come to
his class after work or with no sleep at all. I also found out that he
organize Zumba events for a worthy cause like that one time when he
needed to fund for his Mom's surgery which was quite admirable
especially when his Mom was at the event watching us dance with his
loving son on the stage.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">It
had been months since I last joined Carlo's class. I have to admit I
miss the adrenaline rush each time we work out & dance the routines
that I have gotten familiar with. Not only that, I miss the short talks
we shared once the class was over and those moments when he took our
class picture after a tiring and energetic day at the gym. But more than
the dancing, the body aches and the pains, I am a bit sad that I have
not really gotten to thank him for inspiring us to move our butts and
love those hours spent at the gym. He made us forget our problems, made
us feel light and young even if that meant being sweaty after a tiring
workout. </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">To
one of my favorite group instructors at Gold's Gym, happy, happy
birthday. I sure hope that one day, I could join your class again. Enjoy
your special day and keep inspiring.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Carlo Galvez is a Certified Zumba Instructor. For those interested to join his classes at Gold's Gym, please visit <a href="https://www.zumba.com/en-US/class/carlo-galvez/50194a44-0744-4305-aa6b-4e2f0ac22b90">zumba.com</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Y</span>ou can also get to know him <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">more and his advocacies</span> on his facebook page @<a href="https://www.facebook.com/carlo.galvez3?fref=ts">facebook.com/carlo.galvez.</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Below is the video link in that was shot by Carlo in one <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">his </span>classes at Gold's gym. I was <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lucky e<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nough to be included in the video<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span></span></span>Just click on the link and enjoy watching.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/carlo.galvez3/videos/812964288723786/">https://www.facebook.com/carlo.galvez3/videos/812964288723786/</a></span></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>(photos & video credits to Zin Carlo Galvez)</b></div>
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-91420480497330421162016-04-07T02:38:00.002-07:002016-04-16T23:37:35.622-07:00What We Need To Know About Diabetes (Part 2) <b>In my previous post, I have shared about my Mom's battle with diabetes and how my family, hopefully learned from it. We are continuously learning as my Mom continue with her fight. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Based on research and on numerous readings about the illness, I have learned that all of us are not immune to it, even young children. Since prevention is better than cure, it is best to be well informed so as not to experience its repercussions later on.</b><br />
<br />
<b>In this post, let me share some simple and easy to understand explanation on the definition & types of diabetes plus an info graphic regarding its signs. Another valuable information regarding prediabetes was also explained plus a short quiz if you and I might be possible candidates. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Definition of Diabetes</b><br />
<br />
<b>According to <a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/type1.html">kidshealth.org</a>, "Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses </b><br />
<b><a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/word-glucose.html">glucose</a> , a sugar that is the body's main source of fuel. Just
as an iPod needs a battery, your body needs glucose to keep running.
Here's how it should work :</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ol class="kh_longline_list">
<li><b>You eat.</b></li>
<b>
</b>
<li><b>Glucose from the food gets into your bloodstream.</b></li>
<b>
</b>
<li><b>Your pancreas makes a <a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/word-hormones.html">hormone</a> called <a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/word-insulin.html">insulin</a></b> </li>
<b>
</b>
<li><b>Insulin helps the glucose get into the body's cells.</b></li>
<b>
</b>
<li><b>Your body gets the energy it needs.</b></li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>The <a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/word-pancreas.html">pancreas</a>
is a long, flat gland in your belly that helps your body digest food.
It also makes insulin. Insulin is kind of like a key that opens the
doors to the cells of the body. It lets the glucose in so it
can move out of the blood and into the cells.</b><br />
<br />
<b>But if someone has diabetes, the body either can't make insulin or
the insulin doesn't work in the body like it should. The glucose can't
get into the cells normally, so the blood sugar level gets too high.
Lots of sugar in the blood makes people sick if they don't get
treatment.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What Is Type1 Diabetes ?</b><br />
<br />
<b>According to <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/basics/definition/con-20019573">mayoclinic.org</a>, Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent
diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little
or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells
to produce energy.</b> <b>Various factors may contribute to type 1 diabetes, including genetics
and exposure to certain viruses. Although type 1 diabetes usually
appears during childhood or adolescence, it also can begin in adults.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. But it can be
managed. With proper treatment, people with type 1 diabetes can expect
to live longer, healthier lives than did people with type 1 diabetes in
the past. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What is Type 2 Diabetes?</b><br />
<br />
<b>Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or
noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the
way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's important source
of fuel.</b><br />
<div>
<br />
<b>With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin
— a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or
doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.</b><br />
<br />
<b>More common in adults, type 2 diabetes increasingly affects children
as childhood obesity increases. There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but
you may be able to manage the condition by eating well, exercising and
maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren't enough to
manage your blood sugar well, you also may need diabetes medications or
insulin therapy.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="visually_embed">
<img alt="How to Detect Signs of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes" class="visually_embed_infographic" src="http://visual.ly/node/image/185875?_w=540" /><br />
<div class="visually_embed_cycle">
</div>
<script class="visually_embed_script" id="visually_embed_script_185875" src="http://a.visual.ly/api/embed/185875?width=540" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<a href="http://visual.ly/?utm_source=content-embed&utm_medium=embed">Source : Visually</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>What Is PREDIABETES ? </b></span><br />
<div class="row">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Based on an article from <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html">Centers For Disease Control and Prevention </a>, "a person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal,
but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. He or she is at higher
risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems,
including heart disease, and stroke. Without lifestyle changes to
improve their health, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop
type 2 diabetes within five years.
</b></span><br />
<div class="span14">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;"><b>A person with certain risk factors is more likely to develop
prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. These risk factors include: </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>* Age,
especially after 45 years of age </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>* Being overweight or obese </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>* A family
history of diabetes </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>* Having an African American, Hispanic/Latino,
American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander racial or ethnic
background </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>* A history of diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes)
or having given birth to a baby weighing nine pounds or more and </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b>* Lastly being
physically active less than three times a week."</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="rx-row hidden-one hidden-two">
<b><br /></b>
<b> </b><br />
<b>Could you have Prediabetes? </b><br />
<br />
<b>Take the quiz and find out if you
are at risk. Click on the prediabetes test widget on the right side of this page. (For mobile users, the widget is on the bottom page of the web version of this site) and answer the seven questions to get your prediabetes
score.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>If you do have prediabetes, research shows that doing just two things
can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes: Lose 5% to 7% of your
body weight, which would be10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person; and
get at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity, such as brisk
walking.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Up Next: <a href="http://healthbuffmomofseven.blogspot.com/2016/04/how-can-we-prevent-diabates.html">Causes & Prevention of Diabetes (Part 3) </a></b><br />
<br />
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</div>
<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-66339436762537217172016-04-05T23:47:00.000-07:002016-04-08T06:12:38.417-07:00What We Need To Know About Diabetes (Part 1)<b>Most of us have the misconception that diabetes is the result of eating too much sweets. Sadly I used to be one of those who thought it was. I usually stop when I read articles about it because of too much information like glucose, insulin and Type 1 & 2 Diabetes. I am one of those typical people who loose interest because I felt it is too medical and that there is someone who could explain it better for me. That had changed when we found out that my Mom was diabetic and suffered the repercussions of it.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My Mom has a history of diabetes. In fact, she had an Aunt whose leg was amputated because of it. Since information during the early days were very limited, people were not aware of the signs of such illness and how it could have been prevented. Coupled with complications and limited finances, my Grand Aunt suffered which ultimately caused her death.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>With my Mom it was different. She was a Type A personality who accepted every work and task given to her without questions. To her it was a responsibility that challenged her capability and she did not know when & how to say "No." She became one of the outstanding teachers in the whole province which was a first in the school where my siblings and I spent our first six years of education. She retired on her 60th birthday but she insisted to teach for the remaining three months left of the school year for free. Such was her love for her profession and the school which became her second home.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>A few months after she retired, my Mom was hospitalized. She had a major stroke and went into a coma. We were all unprepared for what happened. Miraculously she was able to survive it. However that first stroke was followed by numerous ones that I have lost count. Ones were minor but the others lasted for a month, the last major one was when we needed to transfer her to a private hospital with an ICU where she was under observation for a week and needed blood transfusion because her hemoglobin went drastically low due to pneumonia. She was tied in a hospital bed, all in tubes and monitors. We were only allowed to see her for two or three hours everyday on that first week which was painful for all of us. We were prepared for the worst but then again, she surprised all of us including her doctors when she miraculously survived.</b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_tyiSXl-CDpHim7iuVXxqxYW29mmWimTOxLGEYlHApbSMJlSkjpwaFhmhMZNepB-NWqQVWw2YEGt3W1ewZIpfP336HOC8G0GdujV0CDsejJT1FO77IYKCfNsYiUFry3hML0hZTRizzNa/s1600/Nanay+at+81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_tyiSXl-CDpHim7iuVXxqxYW29mmWimTOxLGEYlHApbSMJlSkjpwaFhmhMZNepB-NWqQVWw2YEGt3W1ewZIpfP336HOC8G0GdujV0CDsejJT1FO77IYKCfNsYiUFry3hML0hZTRizzNa/s400/Nanay+at+81.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom on her 81st birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>It took many years for me to learn and accept that medications and confinement are going to be a part of my Mom's life. We all learn the hard way. Though my Mom is now back to her old self, doing the things she love most and spending time with her senior citizen friends, my kids and I know that it maybe a bit late for us to reverse the repercussions with my Mom's diabetes . Sadly a few members in our family may just be likely candidates to such illness but we believe it can still be prevented by being informed and choosing to live healthy .</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Up Next : <a href="http://healthbuffmomofseven.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-we-need-to-know-about-diabetes_7.html">What We Need To Know About Diabetes (Part 2)</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-63931470677954392202016-04-02T07:15:00.003-07:002016-04-03T10:48:58.438-07:00ZUMBATHON FOR A CAUSEThe summer months are always associated with beaches and vacations spent out of town or out of the country. Some of us plan on it months before it take place because it is a time when one get to unwind for days, sometimes for months and when one yearn for those unhurried and quiet moments spent alone or with family and friends. It is also the best time to attend family gatherings and reunions, where we reconnect ourselves to the people who have been a part of our lives and where we reminisce those good old days, when life was simple and less complicated.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple of months ago, a friend from the running community posted an event in facebook where I immediately became interested. It was a Zumba Event organized by the Malate Catholic School of Class 1978 and they are inviting not just the students or alumni of the said school but anybody who love and enjoy dancing the Zumba. When I learned that the event was to raise funds for the construction of the Malate Catholic School's Centennial Gymnasium, I told my friend that I might join them on April 30th which will be the date when the Zumbathon will be held.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/12800404_1053529318041444_3856004775157948596_n.jpg?oh=06d6bfe961a2f7776c68f4016654ab1d&oe=579004A4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="384" src="https://scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/12800404_1053529318041444_3856004775157948596_n.jpg?oh=06d6bfe961a2f7776c68f4016654ab1d&oe=579004A4" style="height: 450px; width: 750px;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1119943421371002/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
There are two ways on how to register.<br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/12832584_1063427687051607_8527527295515740568_n.jpg?oh=bedca60f0564c56d43265a5eb9d67ea4&oe=5785C5DB" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="380" src="https://scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/12832584_1063427687051607_8527527295515740568_n.jpg?oh=bedca60f0564c56d43265a5eb9d67ea4&oe=5785C5DB" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1119943421371002/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Don't you think the shirts are cool to the eyes?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/417_1062919143769128_2354527969628453510_n.jpg?oh=a46b04539f52ec565aac1890eea871a4&oe=578B5868" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1119943421371002/?active_tab=posts">Source</a> </td></tr>
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So if you have nothing to do on April 30th, come and join the ZUMBATHON For A Cause. Not only do you get to dance and exercise but you will end your day with a smile knowing you were able to help while getting fit at the same time.<br />
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For inquiries, you can email mcszumbathon2016@gmail.com or visit their event page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1119943421371002/">facebook.com</a>.<br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-76359052677233980302016-03-24T20:29:00.002-07:002016-03-24T20:36:28.610-07:00FREE ZUMBA & METAFIT BY THE BAY with COACH TONI SARET <br />
Want to burn up to 1000 calories in an hour by doing METAFIT & ZUMBA at the Bay for Free ?<br />
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Then head on to SM MOA by the Bay this March 30th, Wednesday at 6 PM. Join Coach Toni Saret of the Biggest Looser Philippines together with your favorite Zumba Instructors of Dance Station G1. Registration is free.<br />
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Call <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">556 0364 for more information. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="625" src="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12814437_986993648060743_6879253864097751396_n.jpg?oh=6237401920e4eb140661fe374c4f0a2c&oe=574FA370" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/smmallofasia/photos/a.299261520167296.67619.126585560768227/986993648060743/?type=3&theater">Source</a></td></tr>
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-88442625364286371602016-03-16T08:08:00.001-07:002016-05-22T09:44:25.888-07:00My First Yoga Class at the ParkHow often do we defy the norm and try something different in our lives? To not care of what other people think and become oblivious from other people's stares and questioning glances ? Can you just imagine how liberating it is to just follow your heart, do the thing that you always wanted and feel alive like a child once again?<br />
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Ever since I started my journey to fitness, I have found a world that I thought I will never be able to live again. Being workaholic, I rarely had time to exercise. Brisk walking especially during heavy traffic heading for work or on my way home was the next best thing I did to keep fit. I am quite thankful for the previous company I was with when they organized events like sports fests where we get to enjoy free hip hop classes,wall climbs, fun runs and the like. It took a lot of effort to allot just one day for those free outdoor activities in a year and I was sure glad I took the risk of joining because since that day I had joined my first 3K race, a door has been opened where I discovered a side of me that I thought never existed.<br />
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Thus the days of joining aerobic classes in BGC started. The early morning runs every Sunday simply because jeepneys were rare at 4AM in the morning that instead of being late, I chose to run so I could get to the park on time. When I started to get bored with the weekly routine, I decided to enroll in a gym membership where the group classes became more challenging be it Zumba, Core & Definition Classes. Until one day I decided to try Yoga.<br />
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My first Yoga instructor at Gold's Gym was a kind lady whose instruction was in Tagalog. For a beginner, I felt so at ease even if there were poses that were hard to achieve. She encouraged us to explore what movements will be best to achieve the pose, to check our alignment and that there will be other days that some poses will be attainable if we were not able to do it on that current day. Since most of the activities I had been doing were more of cardio, Yoga became a balance from them all especially when I found out that Yoga and running went hand in hand.<br />
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Thus I became more interested with the practice. On days that I am free, I try to include Yoga for at least 15 minutes in my morning warm ups especially before my weekday runs and training. I also find time to do it before I retire to bed especially when I read and found out that it could help me sleep well. <br />
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It was in the middle of last year that I have started doing Yoga at the 30th Track Park in BGC. Oblivious to other people's stares, I take off my shoes and do my practice which at times last for half an hour. Since I do not have a Yoga mat, I make sure that the pavement where I am at is free of pebbles & stones. At times young kids would stop and stare at me for a while where as others take out their phones and video me discreetly in which I have gotten used to. I am also glad that people had gotten used to it as well which means they are starting to accept the fact the practicing Yoga can also be done at the park just like running, biking and dancing. </div>
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Almost a month ago, I discovered a community who gather every last Sunday of the month and practice Yoga at the Burgos Circle Park in BGC. A day before the event, I was inspired to write a post about it to inform people who were interested to join. Since next day was a Sunday, I went to BGC for my weekend run and waited for the community event to start at 9:30 AM.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12798826_1019937431412087_146613209104477099_n.jpg?oh=4db059d9380dcd968d8274c53edc1cb1&oe=575C0CC2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="426" src="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12798826_1019937431412087_146613209104477099_n.jpg?oh=4db059d9380dcd968d8274c53edc1cb1&oe=575C0CC2" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiFEyogafoodmusic/photos/a.974286492643848.1073741839.835904169815415/1019937431412087/?type=3&theater">Source</a></td></tr>
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Initiated by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiFEyogafoodmusic/">LiFE Yoga</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Life-at-The-Park-815933368513141/">Life at The-Park</a> is a monthly event held at Burgos Circle in BGC which starts at 9:30 AM and is open not only to those who practice Yoga but also to those who are interested to learn more about it. It is a free class so anybody can join. No need to bring a Yoga mat because they are available at the venue plus you also get to taste the refreshing goodness of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vitacocoph/?fref=ts">Vita Coco Coconut Water</a> which is one of the sponsors for the event.<br />
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<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="426" src="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12794328_818675101572301_7256177092118396771_n.jpg?oh=80a39a5216661da86556cfef3866621d&oe=575BB71E" style="height: 559px; width: 838px;" width="640" /><br />
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For 90 minutes, I immersed myself in the class . With the aid of Teacher Enzo's guidance, I learned to let go of my worries and just focused on what I was doing. As always, every pose has its purpose and meaning in our lives that we all too often take for granted. Our breathing, our surroundings, even the people we see everyday. It is very easy to forget all these because our lives are always in a hurry that even a day or two intended for a quiet time alone or for wellness even for an hour had been such a challenge. It is only when we start to feel the recurring stress in our bodies that we start to listen and yearn for such peace not just outside of ourselves but inside as well. And once that inner peace is discovered, you learn how to nurture it and share it with others.<br />
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For those who are interested to join the community Yoga, the next class at Life at the Park will be on March 20 which is this coming Sunday at Burgos Circle in BGC. You can register at the Life Yoga studio or email them @ <a href="http://www.lifeyogacenter.com/">www.lifeyogacenter.com</a>.The class starts at 9:30 AM and you can bring a friend or colleague since it is a free event. Sharing is caring and the more the merrier. <br />
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For updates on promos and upcoming community events, like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Life-at-The-Park-815933368513141/">Life at The Park </a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiFEyogafoodmusic/">LiFE Yoga in facebook.</a></div>
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You can also sign up for a free class by visiting their website at <a href="http://www.lifeyogacenter.com/">lifeyogacenter.com.</a> </div>
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<span style="color: purple;">( Photo credits to the beautiful people of<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Life-at-The-Park-815933368513141/"> Life at The Park Community )</a></span><br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-34757677303470038312016-02-27T02:49:00.002-08:002016-02-27T07:55:39.186-08:00A FREE YOGA CLASS AT LIFE AT THE PARKI have been practicing Yoga for more than a year now. It all started with plain curiosity. Of thinking how such challenging poses were done and what does one get from doing them. I spent time reading about it especially when artists like Sting and Sherilyn Crow got featured in a magazine with those twisted pretzel like poses. I wondered how they find time for it no matter how hectic their schedule were. Little by little I tried doing them. I experimented with the tree pose while waiting for the kettle to whistle or while eating my meals at the kitchen counter standing on one leg. It was quite queer but that never bothered me.<br />
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When I started joining race events, I accidentally found out that running and Yoga go together. I remember that day so clearly because I decided not to join our out of town team building as I needed to train for the race which was just a week away. Other than that, I needed to familiarize myself with the route as the starting line was at Kilometer Zero in Luneta. And so I went there and ran up until SM Mall of Asia which was roughly 7 kilometers or more. Along the way, I did not just focus my eyes on the road but found time to appreciate every little thing that I passed by. For the first time, I started to appreciate the trees with their twigs and leaves, the US Embassy which I only have learned its location not until that day including the people who ran, biked and sold food along Roxas Boulevard. I got busy admiring the view on my way there that I did not notice I already reached SM MOA. Looking back, I asked myself what happened or what I did differently on that day. Though it helped that it was an early morning run, I realized that before I left home, I did some very simple Yoga poses to warm up my legs and muscles. It turned out that it helped lightened my mood and that affected my run which turned out to be very enjoyable that come race day I had a great time finishing that 10K race.</div>
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From then on, I became interested in Yoga. I joined Yoga classes at the nearest gym where I used to work and practiced them at home at least three times a week. Lately I found out that I could memorize the sequence of Yoga poses taught in class, making my own routine which I modify when I practice Yoga before I go to bed or after my early morning Sunday runs. I also make sure that I practice Yoga everyday as much as possible a week before a long distance race or a mountain day climb. <br />
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Needless to say, Yoga has become a part of my life. For me it was not just a way of getting fit but a way of finding time for peace and reflection. Though I could also do that when I run which is high impacting, Yoga acts as a balance especially when it is done after my long runs. It serves as a cool down exercise as it stretches those tired muscles especially those at the back of the legs,shins & gluts. It helps a great deal in strengthening the core which is important if you are a runner.<br />
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It also strengthens one's concentration as it focuses on one's breathing, how it should be done properly and how one should appreciate it in any day of our lives whether you are a runner or not. The stress one experiences at home, in school or at work at times can be overwhelming and it is very easy to give in, affecting our bodies and ultimately our health. We often neglect that our tired muscles also deserve a break and that they need to be stretched so they could continuously do their job well.<br />
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We all know that not everybody have the time to go to a gym, visit a Yoga Studio or have the finances to enroll even. Thankfully, there are people who do the extra mile to introduce Yoga in our lives without having to spend a single centavo. I was lucky enough to learn about such community event a day before it will be held. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="640" src="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/12670921_1016447668427730_8996994688557424557_n.png?oh=c63bed0bfa597efea7dcc8f33b8ab3f3&oe=57700839" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiFEyogafoodmusic/photos/gm.553180961530783/1016447668427730/?type=3&theater">Source</a></td></tr>
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Brought to you by Life Yoga, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/553180938197452/">LIFE AT THE PARK </a>is a free Yoga Class which will be held tomorrow, February 28 at Burgos Circle in Bonifacio Global City. It will start at 9:30AM up until 11AM. You may want to come early to reserve on Yoga mats. You can also bring your friends and family members as all levels are welcome, whether you are beginners or not. What more LIFE YOGA will offer 20% discount on all packages if one wishes to enroll on that day.<br />
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So if you want to experience Yoga at the park, surrounded by trees and occasionally by birds, bees and butterflies, with some cool music to accompany you, try visiting Burgos Circle in BGC tomorrow. You do not only get to experience Yoga outdoors, you may even meet people who enjoy some peace and quiet while getting fit at the same time. <br />
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For inquiries, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiFEyogafoodmusic/">LiFE YOGA </a>in facebook or you can also go to their website at <a href="http://www.lifeyogacenter.com/">lifeyogacenter.com</a> for updates.<br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-61322786951394205462016-02-20T08:48:00.001-08:002016-03-24T18:02:32.724-07:00FREE ZUMBA FITNESS CLASSES AT AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENSEver tried joining a Zumba Fitness Class at the park ?<br />
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I had.<br />
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Way back 2012 when I was new to running, my colleague Malou invited me one Sunday to join the Group Classes at the BGC park which usually starts at 5:30 AM daily. It was a year when we had the same schedules where our shift started at 8:00 PM and ends at 5AM with weekends off. We were considered lucky with that kind of schedule and since BGC is roughly 2Kms away from where we work, we would leave in a hurry so as not to be late. Fridays were dress down days. We would come to work in our workout gear so both of us will not bother to change especially when it was already time to clock out.There was even a time that our team leader asked us to stay after shift due to a post team meeting but we creatively made an excuse to escape and ran in a hurry.<br />
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That was how my colleague and I spent our early morning Saturdays then.</div>
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On Sundays, I woke up at 4AM, do some warm ups and take a very light breakfast. I leave the house at 4:30AM, take a short walk and since there were very few jeepneys on the road because it was very early, I run my way to BGC, making sure I arrive at the park 10 minutes early before the Group Exercise. </div>
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That was how my fitness journey started.<br />
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When I moved to a different company where its benefits included a gym membership, I signed up immediately and took advantage of it. At Gold's Gym Glorietta which was a five minute walk away from work, I not only joined Zumba classes. I joined Definition and Yoga Classes as well. And even if the gym can be crowded especially during evenings and weekends, I enjoyed the various classes with their respective challenges. I also got to know such inspiring instructors who were mostly featured on local TV.<br />
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However despite the fact that I am mostly into running and Yoga these past months. I still kind of miss working out at the park where there is ample space enough for you not to collide with other fitness enthusiasts and where the trees and the sky replace the four corners of a gym studio. Thus when I have learned that there will be free Zumba Fitness classes at Ayala Triangle Gardens, I immediately became interested and got inspired to share the news by writing about it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="200" src="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12806026_895701120547277_5503121859436850514_n.jpg?oh=2155628fad8375efaee21fcb60805e16&oe=574ED28E" style="height: 720px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 536px;" width="148" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-nrt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12806026_895701120547277_5503121859436850514_n.jpg?oh=2155628fad8375efaee21fcb60805e16&oe=574ED28E">Source</a></td></tr>
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Staring March 1 until March 24, fitness enthusiasts are in for a one hour treat every Tuesdays & Thursdays for a free Zumba fitness class at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Organized by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livelovepartyph/">LIVE LOVE PARTY</a>, the series of events promises a live fitness experience that will surely make one feel energized for the rest of the day. <br />
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For those who work and reside in Ayala Makati, nobody can miss the Ayala Triangle Gardens. It is located near the Philippine Stock Exchange whose landmarks are near the Insular Building and The Enterprise Building.The Ayala Triangle Gardens is one of the favorite training fields for a lot of runners and had been the venue for some Yoga and Zumba Fitness Classes in the past. Food stalls and restaurants can be found in the area making it a great place to unwind by taking a stroll in the park after a very tiring day.</div>
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So mark your calendars and remember the dates.Invite your friends and colleagues. Find time for fitness no matter how busy you are and discover how to be truly alive. Make it happen and experience the free Zumba Fitness Classes at the Ayala Triangle Gardens this March. </div>
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See you there!<br />
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For more updates, visit the LIVE LOVE PARTY page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livelovepartyph/">facebook.com</a>.<br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-68032472893697922992016-02-10T00:13:00.000-08:002016-05-22T09:43:26.742-07:00What To Expect When You Run Your First Full Marathon (My Condura Skyway Marathon 2016 Journey)<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been running for almost four years, joining races ranging from 3Km to 21 Km. It is a costly sport coupled with injuries associated with training or lack of it during races. And even if I had my share of running events, I am still not considered a seasoned runner. I have not joined any trail or mountain runs outside of Manila and BGC where the usual road races are held. I am not a member of any Running Group or trained in any Running Clinic so basically what little information I have on the sport was based on reading or stories heard along the road. However when you have been running for quite awhile, you eventually meet people who share their experiences & knowledge simply because they want to pay things forward. Such kindness make it easy for one to come out of his shell and learn that the Running Community is not just all about running. <i>It is about camaraderie, humility, honesty from all walks of life because they understand too well how it was when they were just starting.</i></div>
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But despite the encouragements and confidence one receives to join and run a full marathon, the final decision to do it still should come from yourself. In my case, a lot of things had to be considered before I took the plunge. While others, especially those who are young, single and have a stable job, decide too quickly, it took a lot of planning and preparation before I finally decided to say yes. Information and tips that I have learned from videos, reading and from other runners helped that I was able to apply these basic guidelines step by step.<br />
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Allow me to share them one by one:<br />
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<b>Be prepared financially.</b><br />
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When one decides to run for a full marathon for the first time, one has to allot enough money not just for the registration but for the correct running gear, nutrition for training and other expenses on the race day itself. Though it is strictly advised not to wear anything new on race day to prevent injuries, I sort of deviated a little bit on that one because it was imperative that I buy a new pair of running shoes. My old Merrill trail shoes had been worn out due to the many weekend runs and races I had worn it since October 2014. In fact when I ran my last race which was <b>RUN FOR THE ASPINS</b> on December 2015. I could feel it loosening up. Being the over practical, spendthrift person that I am, I thought of using it again but that would also mean risking myself of injuries that I had no plan of getting. Thus the decision to buy a new pair. I have to admit it was not easy for me to let go of my hard earned money just for the registration and the new pair of shoes but when I learned from a fellow runner that <b>ASICS</b> which was one of the major sponsors for the <b>CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON </b>gives free 42K & 21K registrations once you buy a pair of <b>ASICS</b> shoes, I immediately went to their Greenbelt 3 Store and signed up.<br />
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Talk about hitting two birds with one stone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL87XDhkNRGYZKf3IBarO1b-ULfT6wNAIsKGwzG1gIDQdAP8G4b7JO3L__IXIl_cA-0vS1_lYprIh2wAEQZ8AfG-0nA1XTQf3nDemoPGxi05zAtXrUgPbwcbT5CtvVf-dIJvRc82q0EbO/s1600/Caught+on+Candid+Camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL87XDhkNRGYZKf3IBarO1b-ULfT6wNAIsKGwzG1gIDQdAP8G4b7JO3L__IXIl_cA-0vS1_lYprIh2wAEQZ8AfG-0nA1XTQf3nDemoPGxi05zAtXrUgPbwcbT5CtvVf-dIJvRc82q0EbO/s1600/Caught+on+Candid+Camera.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Caught on Candid Camera while on Long Slow Distance training</b></td></tr>
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<b>Train Properly.</b><br />
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A lot of seasoned runners join Marathons with limited training and still get to maintain their Personal Record (PR) and finish the race injury free . These are the ones who started running in their early twenties,even in their thirties. The ones who never missed a run three to four times a week, sometimes more, who get enough amount of rest and sleep days before race day. There are those who have the endurance of joining races every Sunday be it a trail run, a half marathon road race, a mountain run or even an ultra marathon. These people are called <b>Mamaws</b>, short for <b>Halimaw </b>or <b>Beasts</b> in the Running Commuity. Obviously, running is a way of life to them, a sort of addiction that they long for despite the pain, the possibility of injury not to mention the money they spent in every race.<br />
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But for someone who never run a 42K race before, it is imperative to train four to six months before the said running event.That means one has to run at least three times a week, with long runs that last two or three hours done on Sundays or join races whether it be a short 10K race or a half marathon. In my case that was what I did. Since I have started, <b>I had finished 6 half marathons, a couple of 15K races, and countless 10K & weekend runs</b>. I also had <b>a couple of day climbs</b> way back in April 2015 (<b>Mount Batulao and Pico De Loro</b>), joined <b>Zumba, Definition and Yoga classes at Gold's Gym.</b> I also never missed the chance to brisk walk from home to work and vice versa especially during traffic hours and rainy days. As far as endurance is concerned, it would appear that my body was fit enough to finish a full Marathon.</div>
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But despite the number of miles or kilometers I had ran, there was still the mandatory 32K that needed to be done each and every time one will join a full marathon. Since I never ran a 32K race ever, I was lucky enough to have met a seasoned runner who coached and guided me on that one Sunday when we have trained at <b>UP Oval in Diliman</b>. A separate post will be written all about that Training Day.<br />
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<b>Never under estimate the value of Nutrition, Sleep and Conditioning.</b><br />
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Months before the race, the right amount of food, sleep and mindset is very important when one finally decides to run a full Marathon. Runners must never slack on veggies and fruits especially bananas. Drink plenty of water and avoid junk food at all cost. Take multivitamins for added energy and stamina.<br />
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A lot of free spirited runners both young & old find it hard to shy away from eating junk food especially if they are stressed from work or they work in the evenings.The toxic environment plus the lack of sleep at work actually pushes the body to eat at unholy hours or skip meals so it can catch up on sleep. I know this from experience because I used to work in the evenings. Sad to say, lack of sleep and running does not go together. Some runners may not agree with that because they are still young or believe that they are healthy because they have an active lifestyle. Sadly, even runners and Olympic athletes are not immune from illness. Being active does not mean you are healthy. The effects may not yet be felt by some, others may even choose to ignore them but time will come that bad eating habits and irregular sleep cycles will affect our bodies when we least expect it.<br />
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The right mindset is also very important when it comes to running your first full Marathon. Training your body is just half of the preparation. Your mind should follow suit as well because no matter how well trained you are, your mind will also be tested come race day. Finishing many half Marathons or a couple of 32K races do not guarantee that everything will be okay because once you hit the 32 kilometer mark,that is when the body starts feeling the pain of non stop running and when the negative thoughts start to creep in. You will question why you joined the race in the first place where as some want to go home and leave the race unfinished. It is at this point that your mind must never give in to the pain your body is feeling and to focus on finishing what you have started.<br />
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I may have just ran one full Marathon but the wisdom I have gained from that decision is tenfold. Based on what I shared, coming to that final decision took years of conditioning and preparation. Impulsive decisions are no longer my cup of tea and gone are the days when I would do a thing due to peer pressure or prodding. Those years of running have taught me that our bodies are capable of endurance if it is taken cared of properly, that no task is too difficult as long as one finds enjoyment and fulfillment doing it.Needless to say, I have learned to respect not just the distance but the sport of running the same thing with the people who have chosen to take care of their health,find meaning in their lives and make a difference because of it.<br />
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(Photo Credits by FAB Running PH & shoes by ASICS ) <br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-19189089430520107552016-01-14T10:09:00.003-08:002016-01-15T17:41:36.034-08:00A Very Special Run <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever wondered why a lot of people are running nowadays?<br />
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I do. And mind you it is not because it is the fad. I have been running since 2012 and even if I did not join that many races then as I do now, I know by heart that running is not a passing fancy kind of thing. It is one sport or exercise that can be done by ANYBODY. Whether young or old, fat or underweight, in the pink of health or with medical conditions and as long as the doctors said it is okay to do so, then ANYBODY has the capability to run.<br />
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Including people and children with disabilities and special needs.<br />
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Personally I could attest to that because I have a teen age daughter with autism and who had been joining 10K races since 2014. I even shared Sidney's story at <a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2015/05/sidney-rain-and-her-road-less-travelled-by-many/">pinoyfitness.com.</a><br />
It only goes to show that nothing is really impossible in this world if you put you mind and soul to it. And it was not really a surprise when I found out that <a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2015/11/speed-unlimited-january-31-2016/">A Very Special Run </a> was organized for the benefit of special children which will be held at the CCP Complex this January 31,2016.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/speed-unlimited-2016-poster-540x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="speed-unlimited-2016-poster" border="0" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-47714" src="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/speed-unlimited-2016-poster-540x720.jpg" height="720" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2015/11/speed-unlimited-january-31-2016/">Source</a></td></tr>
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Spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PINOYASPIRINGRUNNER/">PINOY ASPIRING RUNNERS</a> and partnered with The Child's World- A Growing Center, a school for special children,this very special run aims not just to encourage healthy living for runners both old and new but to spread awareness that children with disabilities also have a place in the running community. Runners and running enthusiasts can choose from 16Km, 10Km, 5Km & 1Km which is the special category wherein a special child participant can get the same race kit for free for his or her companion by showing a Person's Disability ID or school ID. Also if you have a kid who wants to join and has special needs or knows of anybody who has one, the special child participant get a discounted registration plus a bib by simply showing the said required IDs. All you need to do is go directly to The Child's World-A Growing Center which is located in Quezon City. Proceeds from this event will be used for the school's scholarship funding
as well as other cultural arts & sports
programs.</div>
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I also heard that a number of teachers and parents from Pasay City Sped Center will join together with their kids. This center has been my youngest son's second home since he was four years old as he also has autism. It would be great to join and bond with him in this event especially now that he is growing up too fast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-hkg3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12523136_10203948384110039_5408781677059927061_n.jpg?oh=e45216feb497fa6f6696eaa33b49c205&oe=57047C87" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="480" src="https://scontent-hkg3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12523136_10203948384110039_5408781677059927061_n.jpg?oh=e45216feb497fa6f6696eaa33b49c205&oe=57047C87" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my son, Red</td></tr>
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So if you are one running enthusiast who want to continue having a healthy lifestyle or simply want to bond with your family, spend your early morning at the CCP Complex on January 31st and welcome the new inspiring members of the running community on that very special run.<br />
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See you there.<br />
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For inquiries, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SpeEdunLIMITed1/?fref=ts">SpeEd unLIMITed facebook page</a> & <a href="http://www.thechildsworld.net/">The Child's World website</a>. You can also visit <a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2015/11/speed-unlimited-january-31-2016/">pinoyfitness.com</a> for updates. </div>
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-69367403235369528512015-05-10T23:40:00.005-07:002016-03-24T18:20:28.696-07:00My Autistic Daughter's Story Gets Published At Pinoyfitness.com<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When my daughter, Sidney and I met Jeff Lo at one of his running events last March, he told me to share my daughter's story at pinoyfitness.com. For those who are not aware yet, Jeff Lo is not just a marathoner, a triathlete and a race organizer but he is also the man behind the well known sports website "pinoyfitness.com." At that time I was thrilled. </span>It was not everyday that your story gets published and read by a lot of people not just in the running community but in other parts of the world as well. But while I was in the process of writing it, I had second thoughts if it was safe for other people to learn about the real story why my daughter started running in the first place. Not that it will be the first time.I already shared Sidney's story once at my other blog where I took the effort of editing the whole story three times because there was a point that I became a bit emotional while writing it. But to have her story read by the running community was quite different. I had doubts if the people who get to read it will truly understand what my whole family had gone through. Still I took the risk. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When her story was published a few days before Mother's Day, I was teary eyed while reading it. Jeff Lo even sent me an email saying, " It was a long story but inspiring." </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYDvSon2JGvIaTAC2I0G_h-SjolRLg1LwPPhWa7zDgrmNJ1wxjpGo1lYFRrSWsTVrACyg9f5T3_wC9rdgxVz0tadS6fplmsTAP2nnvLhKB7t6k47XTfKBvxKJYOSkYlMOx2ahnRC35xyz/s1600/Sidney-runner-cover-540x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYDvSon2JGvIaTAC2I0G_h-SjolRLg1LwPPhWa7zDgrmNJ1wxjpGo1lYFRrSWsTVrACyg9f5T3_wC9rdgxVz0tadS6fplmsTAP2nnvLhKB7t6k47XTfKBvxKJYOSkYlMOx2ahnRC35xyz/s640/Sidney-runner-cover-540x350.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2015/05/sidney-rain-and-her-road-less-travelled-by-many/">Source</a></td></tr>
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To all those who took time to read my daughter's story especially to those who have sent me messages after reading it, thank you so much. As what my cousin told me, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Some people run away from their problems.You chose running to face them."</span></i></div>
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For more inspiring stories and running updates, visit <a href="http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2015/05/sidney-rain-and-her-road-less-travelled-by-many/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">http://www.pinoyfitness.com/</span></a>. You can also drop them a line or two at their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pinoyfitness"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">facebook page</span></a> for upcoming outdoor sports activities and events. </div>
</span>Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-57188878912153947972015-05-10T22:56:00.001-07:002015-05-10T22:56:36.806-07:00A Case of Humble Pie & Realistic Expectations<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is a very delayed post.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had not have time blogging again due to the slowness of our old Mac desktop where a lot of files need to be deleted, including photos saved and downloaded by my daughters. Add to that my preference to share short posts on facebook after sharing the pictures of my outdoor activities. Sometimes I ask myself why my interest in blogging had been lessened. I can still write posts in an instant. Inspiration is very much present especially with the things I have discovered about myself. Reading health articles and lives of inspiring people still interest me especially those who chose to live life to the fullest despite their age or current health condition.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Perhaps it is the feeling that I do not have to conform or be at par with other bloggers success in such a short time. It is so liberating to know that you do not have to sponsor giveaways or write a review for products or causes that you believed in to get noticed by known companies or events. That you do not have to follow bloggers and comment in their blogs hoping they will do the same. In a span of three years, I have had my share of joining blogging communities, following blogs, joining memes, posting comments only for me to learn that it will not be reciprocated. Even being active in twitter or instagram to gain followers does not bother me anymore. At the age of 47, I have realized that there are writers who can really write and there are bloggers who are good in posting pictures not only in their blogs but in other in social media yet lack such authenticity in their posts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Do not get me wrong. This delayed post is not about venting my experience as a blogger. Far from it. In fact, I still plan on blogging at least once a week & even revamping this blog. I just need to be more disciplined not only to improve on my writing but to share the good things of living a life of wellness and health.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But then how come some bloggers who also have active lifestyles still find the time to blog?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Probably because they feel a sense of responsibility in informing their audience about what they do and what they have learned in the process. Perhaps these people are no longer bothered if they have their own domain, have tons of twitter and facebook followers and most importantly, these bloggers are content enough in sharing their experiences and inspiring others by their stories and where earning from their blogs will be the last in their lists.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWJuCG2r3NaYSyMcmJ5m1GBFujK6e3Zj4PbSaAKu6Wq0ytpTLVS-TzpVF9jYMkHSA9OtFfRDb3UkCIfvvd5PwuvB5BLKGq-1f1HUI-cbY-1n3SQMfJebrGTi0dvE9Y0ZeDNVFVHxc-Jr7/s1600/faith-with-humility-quotes-from-bible-others-on-pinterest-pi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWJuCG2r3NaYSyMcmJ5m1GBFujK6e3Zj4PbSaAKu6Wq0ytpTLVS-TzpVF9jYMkHSA9OtFfRDb3UkCIfvvd5PwuvB5BLKGq-1f1HUI-cbY-1n3SQMfJebrGTi0dvE9Y0ZeDNVFVHxc-Jr7/s400/faith-with-humility-quotes-from-bible-others-on-pinterest-pi.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ww.itimes.com/photo/faith-with-humility-quotes-from-bible-others-on-pinterest-pi"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Source</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Honestly, it is hard to find the time to blog yet if it was a medium where you have learned from other people's writing and stories, then you will never get tired of reading and writing your own stories over and over again. I guess that is the reason why I try to find time to it, no matter how busy I am.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Which only goes to show that blogging has taught me to be humble and accept certain realistic expectations about myself.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And for now I am glad.</span><br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-57574463428859972382015-03-23T00:52:00.004-07:002016-03-18T07:47:06.735-07:00Finding the Time To BlogIt had almost been a year from the time I have blogged. A new company, new schedule and a lot of learning and small achievements had happened <br />
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I just finished my second Half marathon last March 8th. I did not have a new PR, finishing it in 3hours and 5 minutes but there was so much to thank for like running non stop until the finish line with no injuries, meeting a 64 year old marathoner who I exchanged stories and encouraged me to continue running, even inviting me for future trail runs that I will look forward to and lastly enjoying my membership at Gold's Gym where I met new and inspirational group instructors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/10422493_10203685655437155_7435382908558564399_n.jpg?oh=5551800948130e85365d3b5847010e2e&oe=5789043B&__gda__=1468742245_3b0a81c287429c19ac9bbeb906e9493c" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished strong & injury free</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There will be more medals to come</td></tr>
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Doors have been opened as well as far as my
well being is concerned. I am now more into Yoga, doing it three times a
week and use it as a cool down exercise after my runs. I also started
to do meet up runs with an old friend where we get to catch up like we
used to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finally found Kilometer Zero </td></tr>
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I also have plans on revamping this blog and even contributing for a
fitness website. They may just be plans but who knows, they might get
fulfilled sooner than I expect them to be.<br />
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Indeed there
is so much to life than to complain and find fault in all that is
negative which is such a waste of energy.There is nothing to gain but
stress and illnesses lurking inside ready to overwhelm us once that
happens.<br />
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That is not going to happen to me and I will make sure of that.<br />
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Until then.<br />
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<br />Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-47505311731444947732014-09-22T02:03:00.000-07:002014-09-22T02:13:03.483-07:00WOMENS HEALTH PHILIPPINES' ARE YOU GAME 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Remember that Women's Health Philippines' "Are You Game" event last year? Well it is back but this time it is different because it will not just allow us to join the hottest workouts for free but will also let us try Women's Health-approved food, fashion and beauty treats. Isn't that awesome?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now before you get more exited, do bear in mind that it would be best to pre register at <a href="http://www.femalenetwork.com/whareyougame2014/">http://www.femalenetwork.com/whareyougame2014/</a>. Once you register, you will get an email confirmation which needs to be printed so you can show it on the event itself together with the Women's Health copy for the month of October. You can also bring a friend, colleague, or a family relative. Please hurry because some classes already have been filled up as early as Sept19th. In fact I was not able to sign up for the Zumba Classes because it was already full. Now for t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">hose who were not able to pre-register on femalenetwork.com you may still attend the event. Just be sure to be there before 10am on October 11,2014 at SM MOA Music Hall where this year's "Are You Game" will be held. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I already have missed two "Are You Game " events for the past years but this time that will not happen. I do not have work during weekends plus I already pre registered. So my daughter and I just need to show up early and enjoy ourselves that day because for sure it will be one event that will be worth attending and blogging about as well.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">See you there!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For more updates, visit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenshealthphilippines">facebook.com/womenshealthphilippines</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> or follow them at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/WomensHealthPH">twitter.com/WomensHealthPH</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623527967929885551.post-23634106558099354402014-08-31T08:54:00.009-07:002014-08-31T09:09:52.494-07:00Overcoming the Challenge of Matwork Pilates<div style="text-align: justify;">
Weekends.Those two days which I consider precious since I started working for a BPO company because not all agents have the benefit of getting weekends as their rest days. Before I was tempted to give an arm and a leg just to have a sense of normalcy in my life and when I felt that it may take a long time for me to have the weekends for myself again, I decided to leave and look for a company who understands its associates' and employees' need to have a life outside of the office.Thank God for weekends! And so I started running on weekends again. Since I still have two Sundays scheduled for my Eats Right Motivational Meet Ups, I hurriedly showered and ate my breakfast after finishing my long run. Good thing I was able to make it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theonelifestudio">at Onelife Studio</a> before our session on Matwork Pilates started.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Onelife Sutdio</td></tr>
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Despite the few attendees, our instructor, Teacher Ched started right on time for our session. She explained that for that morning, the exercises will be modified since some of us were first timers. However if she sees to it that most of us can comply, then the exercises will progress as well. Personally, I do practice Pilates if I am not too busy which was ages ago. Most of its exercises are challenging and you need to have a lot of focus to achieve them. At first, I was able to follow but when the steps started to become a bit difficult, I was tempted to ask Ginger who was lying near me on why I decided to sign up in the first place. Kidding aside, there were times that we could hear each other's breathing, especially when our bodies are rolled like a ball and our tailbones almost touching the Yoga Mat. (I think that is called Child's Pose).<br />
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For almost an hour, our legs, arms, hips and muscles did the talking because it was hard to even talk at all. And when our instructor told us to do the Plank, I thought that I will not be able to do it. Thank goodness for Baby Planks. <br />
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Needless to say, we were able to overcome the challenge for our Matwork Pilates. It was not easy but somehow we were able to sweat even a little of those unwanted pounds.<br />
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Are we up to the next and final challenge next Sunday? We sure are because for our next meet up, we will be joining a Zumba class which is a great way to start your weekend right. So join us next Sunday for another Motivational Meet Up only at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theonelifestudio">Onelife Studio</a>.<br />
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(photo credits to Ginger Arboleda of <a href="http://manilafitness.com/">Manila Fitness</a>)<br />
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Sarah Bucuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08572344555891488020noreply@blogger.com0