WOMENS HEALTH PHILIPPINES' ARE YOU GAME 2014

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?

Now before you get more exited, do bear in mind that it would be best to pre register at http://www.femalenetwork.com/whareyougame2014/. 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 those 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. 

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.


See you there!

For more updates, visit facebook.com/womenshealthphilippines or follow them at twitter.com/WomensHealthPH.

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Overcoming the Challenge of Matwork Pilates

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 at Onelife Studio before our session on Matwork Pilates  started.

At Onelife Sutdio

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).

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.

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.

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 Onelife Studio.










(photo credits to Ginger Arboleda of Manila Fitness)

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Feeling Renewed with Restorative Yoga

This is a very delayed post and I would like to apologize for not blogging for more than three weeks. The whole month of August has been a busy one due to the fact that I have changed companies and some adjustments needed to be made specifically with my work schedule. Though my training started on Aug 18th and will last for 5 weeks, I did have some difficulty blogging and even waking up very early over the past weekends. I am sure glad I already have adjusted and hopefully be back on blogging mode again.

Now to update you once again on the Motivational Meet Ups that I have joined which consist of Five Meet Ups, our second meet up was held again at The Onelife Studio where we had our session on Restorative Yoga.

With teacher Tanya (center) and the rest of the Second Batch of Eats Right Motivational Meet Ups

From the word itself, Restorative Yoga is a relaxed way of renewing oneself by performing yoga poses that are doable even at home. It was very easy to give in and feel relaxed with Teacher Tanya's calmed voice. All tensed muscles will be relieved because some poses were meant to massage especially the tight muscles at one's neck and back while lying down. At one point I even heard myself saying "hmm," which was the sound I make when I go to the spa and have a massage. Perhaps Teacher Tanya heard me so she massaged my forehead with some essential oil and that really felt so good. It was very tempting to just fall asleep especially when we heard some light rain in the background which added more to that heady feeling that you are again back in your own home.

Sharing my experience on how Yoga affected my life

When the session had ended, we had a short talk with Teacher Tanya and Mr Ferdinand Aguila who was the owner of the studio. We learned the importance of Restorative Yoga and how we can apply it with our daily lives.Teacher Tanya mentioned how hurried our lives were and how focused we are on things like traffic that easily get in our nerves without appreciating the mundane things that you have, like having your own car, being home with your family and just by simply being alive. It was then that I shared my story on how I started practicing basic Yoga poses at home before I joined a running event last June 1st. I told them that the week before the marathon, I visited the venue which was Luneta and ran from KM Zero to SM MOA. It was a good and easy run considering it was my first time to run from Luneta because I enjoyed the view by looking at the bay, the trees and the change of scenery. I never even knew then that the simple Yoga poses I have been doing at home already affected me, making me enjoy not just my run but my day as well until Teacher Tanya pointed it out.

We all have our ways of getting renewed when life's demands become too much for us to handle. Some of us go the spa and have a massage where as others go out of town to unwind. At times we feel that such relaxation is fleeting and short lived. Since not all of us have the means to relax and pamper ourselves even for a massage, a short walk at the park or just watch the sunset at the bay may help because more often than not, it is the small things that we must learn to appreciate in our lives which is enough to make us through the day.

This I have learned from my session on Restorative Yoga.







(photo credits to Ginger Arboleda of Manila Fitness)

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My First YOGA Date at ONELIFE STUDIO

When Women's Health Philippines posted on their facebook page about the series of WHPOPUP Studio classes for the month of August, I immediately sent them an email and signed up for the Pilates-Infused Yoga class at ONELIFE STUDIO. I even wrote a post  about it so other health enthusiasts especially bloggers will get to know about this yearly event. I was thankful that I got included with my chosen class where the slots got filled in no time which only goes to show that YOGA is indeed one holistic approach that has become well known in the country.

Last night after getting lost almost twice, I finally got to ONELIFE STUDIO. Upon arriving I  immediately registered, signed the waiver form and afterwards, I was handed my free shirt and my bag of freebies. Good thing I came just in time because there were ladies who where already wearing the limited edition of WHPOPUP dri fit shirt courtesy of CARB TRIM which was one of the sponsors for the class. Since I was also given a key in exchange for my ID so that I could keep my things in my locker, I then went to the restroom and changed clothes. A few minutes later I joined the other girls where the class was about to start. Looking at the group, I knew for a fact that I was the most senior in age but that did not come as a surprise anymore. Ever since I started my journey through fitness, I have met and encountered people of different ages in all walks of life where I get to learn and socialize even for a short time. As I was getting the feel of my YOGA mat, our teacher, Joanne Ignacio introduced herself and  welcomed us at ONELIFE STUDIO. With her was fellow Yoga teacher Chiara who was there to guide us as well and to make sure the poses were done right. Teacher Joanne gave some basic guidelines since majority in the group were beginners, even added that she wanted us to enjoy the experience and not to be ambitious with the poses since it will be our first time. She  also acknowledged CARB TRIM as one of the sponsors and of course the staff of SUMMIT MEDIA including the gorgeous Lara Parpan, editor-in-chief of Women's Health Magazine who gave a short talk about healthy competition and listening to our bodies need for wellness. Shortly after that, the Yoga class officially began.

With Women's Health Philippines's chief, Lara Parpan

With Teacher Joanne's soothing voice and guidance, each pose was done with ease.Not only that, she made it a point to tell us how to execute them properly so as not to hurt ourselves and the reasons behind each pose. Funny but I felt that her voice became even soother as the poses became a bit challenging to fulfill.It was really something new for me where I have gotten used to fitness instructors during aerobics and Zumba classes where one has to shout,  "Hah!" to get energized so one could follow the fast tempo and steps. With Yoga, it was the exact opposite. There is no need to raise one's voice that one may find it even intrusive to create such noise because of the serene atmosphere and the constant need to focus, concentrate and just go with the flow. I have to admit that even in the last minute, when we were lying down and sort of massaging our backs pressed gently on the Yoga mats, I almost fell asleep. I almost forgot I was not at home although it almost felt like I was. In fact  when Teacher Joanne bowed her head which signaled that the class has ended, I somehow felt that my Yoga experience was short lived. Good thing that I will be a constant visitor at their gyms for four consecutive Sundays starting August 17,2014 due to Manila Fitness Eats Right Motivational Meet Ups where I signed up as well.That also means I get to join three more Yoga classes, learn and enjoy the experiences over again.

Teacher Joanne giving us guidelines with her soothing voice

Teacher Chiara was also there to make sure the poses were done right

I am sure glad I chose to spend my rest day at Onelife Studio. It was a new learning experience and one that I will look forward for more. To the friendly staff at the studio, Carb Trim for our drinks and of course Women's Health Philippines, thanks for your WHPOPUP Studio classes and for continuously sharing your events for free to everybody. 
More power!


Visit ONELIFE STUDIO'S facebook page for more updates. 

(photo credits to facebook.com)

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The Eats Right Motivational Meet Ups (BATCH 2)

A popular blogger once written that the minute you become a Mom , the last thing that you will think of is fitness. More often than not, mothers always make it a point to think of their families' needs first before their own. Honestly I was one of those Moms who used to think that way. Enrolling in a gym membership or even joining regular Fun Runs or Marathons will really hurt your budget especially if you have a big family with kids in college. And even if you are starting to feel the signs of stress taking its toll on your body, you become deaf to it especially if you think of the endless chores, responsibilities and bills that needed to get taken cared of. Until one day, your body finally give in to the stress that you chose to ignore and that is the only time you listen.

I had not only been deaf but blind in the past when it came to my health because I wanted to save on money. It is true that my kids and I have medical benefits but being absent even for a day will greatly affect not just my scorecard but my pay as well. And though we have sick leaves at work which are all convertible to cash, I chose not to be sick so that once these available sick leaves get converted, I still get to earn them. Besides, when there are days that when one feels so down, one would rather be productive and leave all the problems at home. 

But since I only have one body, the years of hard work coupled with stress is slowly taking its toll and if I continue not to listen, my body will definitely pay big time. That is the harsh reality that I need to face and accept. That was also the main reason why I slowly started to find time for fitness no matter how hard and challenging that can be. 

Motivation. Such a challenging and evasive word especially in one's journey to health and fitness. You search for it within yourself or look for fitness buddies hoping and praying that such motivation will last as long as your commitment to stay fit. Being human, we all have the tendency to slack, to have cheat days once a week until surprisingly all seven days become cheat days.Then we realize we have to start all over again. Nobody ever said that it was going to be easy and that there will be no pain. What matters is your constant drive, focus and determination to get fit. That is why motivational meet ups or groups will really help a lot when one is starting to backslide to old ways of unhealthy eating and lifestyle.

Just recently I got an email from Manila Workshops about one of their upcoming events  which is the Eats Right Motivational Meet Ups (Batch 2) . 

Headed by Ginger and Rona of Manilafitness.com, The Eat Right Motivational Meet Ups is a motivational group for women that run for five weeks, held every Sunday where they get to do different fitness activities while learning about proper nutrition. With this second batch, all activities will be held at Onelife Studio which is one of the sponsors for the meet ups. Now I know that the registration fee of Php2500 is still not that cheap for such budget conscious Mama like me that is why Manila Workshops will be giving a discounted rate of Php1500 if you sign up within the month of July. Don't you think that is such a great deal ? 

It sure is .

For more updates, please visit Manila Fitness & Manila Workshops facebook pages or you can subscribe to their newsletters for tips and updates.

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Get Fit and Have Fun at the WOMEN'S HEALTH POPUP STUDIO FITNESS PARTY SERIES

Hello guys ! I know it has been more than a month since I have written a post. There had been a lot of things that had eaten my already busy schedule which I will share at the right time. Nevertheless, I did find time for fitness and was able to run my old route which was from St John Bosco Makati to BGC and joined the aero at the park for the past two consecutive Sundays . I am also glad that my endurance is improving , thanks for the constant brisk walking and some thirty minute basic yoga moves that I do at home. 

Since I am still on a budget and I am not sure if I will be able to join at least a couple of 10 K runs before October, I am thankful that free events will be held next month sponsored by CarbTrim and WOMEN'S HEALTH PHILIPPINES. 

This is in connection with #WHPOPSTUDIO classes which consist of CrossFit class, High-Intense Interval Training class and Pilates + FlowYoga class. You can sign up for a maximum of two classes by sending an email to womenshealthpopup@gmail.com with your full name, mobile phone number and the name of gym for the classes that you want to join. Now the first 50 people who sign up for each class will be the only ones accommodated. 

As of this writing,the Pilates+Flow Yoga class where I have joined and luckily was included is already closed but there are still available slots for the CrossFit and High Intense interval Training classes. So if you want to take advantage of these free events for the whole month of August , head on to Women's Health Philippines facebook page for more details. 

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The People Behind the Lense at RUN UNITED 2 2014

Luneta Grandstand. That historical place whose old name was Bagumbayan where Jose Rizal had been shot by a firing squad and would later become the country's national hero, the same location where his monument would be built to commemorate such historical event many years after his death. Straight across Rizal Monument is Kilometer Zero which serves as a  reference point to all kilometer markers found in any roads , from Manila to any province in the country. It was also the starting point for RUN UNITED 2 held last June 1, 2014 where the race started as early as 3 AM  and where it would end as well. 

My 15 year old daughter who has autism and I were there, together with thousands of runners on the second leg of RUN UNITED. Because we both enjoyed our first experience last March 16th at RUN UNITED 1, we decided to run again and plan on finishing it by running on its third leg this coming October 5th. Like the rest of the runners, we woke up early even before 3 AM just in time to do some short warm ups and eat a light breakfast. Our run starts at 5AM as we both registered for the 10K category but because we live in Pasay City, we left the house before 4Am and took the cab so that we will not be late.

As always the main roads have been closed because the 32K and 21K runners already have started. My daughter and I were able to see the colorful Buendia Flyover for the first time because we do not usually pass by that route as it  is out of our way. While looking at its rainbowed lights, I suddenly miss my eldest daughter who loves to take pictures and who unfortunately was not with us on that day. I also accepted the sad fact that we will only have be very few pictures, if none at all of the said event. We will be very lucky if the photographers will be able to catch a glimpse on us, among the thousands of runners  who have joined in the race. 

The colorful Buendia Flyover 

" Never under estimate the power of the human mind. "

To those who prefer to run at dawn, the peace and tranquility of the road plus the early rays of sunshine help the runner a great deal to be in a reflective mood. It also aids the runner to focus on his run, achieve his desired distance and improve on his speed. In any running event, it is not just the distance or the challenge of the route that adds color to the race. When thousands of enthusiasts from all walks of life join you, that changes the whole picture.

Police troupers making sure that the route is ready along  Roxas Blvd 

The first batch of 21K runners

The rest of the 21K runners starting to get into the zone

It becomes more colorful, more vivid and high defined. 

Runners from all walks of life and who came  even from nearby provinces joined the RU 2

Strange as it may seem, you get inspired by looking at old people running, at a sexy runner in a tight fitting running gear, at  a kid running with a parent or a runner who runs barefoot.

Age is nothing but a number

In my case, I also get inspired by runners who have very good strides like they have been running since they were kids, focused runners who get lost listening to the music in their phones or ipods, unmindful of the distance, the pain and the soaring heat. Such respect also goes to those who ran despite their disabilities  and that includes my daughter who has autism. 

My autistic daughter , Sidney, Race Bib #8392

She has always attracted attention by simply being her

The volunteer photographers who were scattered from the start until the end of the race to capture the whole event had gained my admiration as well including those runner photographers who still have the energy to take pictures after finishing their run. I just can't imagine how one can still take photos after finishing a 10K run when  all you want to do is drink, hydrate, do some cool down exercises or look for your companions. 

Volunteer photographers doing what they love most

I am not much into photography. Heck I can't even take a decent picture even in my younger days until now. There is something about the camera that I find intimidating. I know it is weird because I love looking at pictures even if they are in black and white especially the old ones because of the stories I get to learn from them.

A couple of years ago I have learned that I could create a post, even write a story by just looking at a picture. Perhaps I have always been a story teller or a writer. There is something mesmerizing about a simple photo taken at a spontaneous moment without one knowing it. Some may call it candid. For me it is just darn perfect .

I was on a fighting mode

I was lucky enough to be caught in camera by the volunteer photographers four times but this one was my favorite. What I loved about this photo was the fact that the photographer was able to catch something raw and vibrant. My face flushed and both arms glistened with sweat due to continuous running, my right hand positioned in a hand shake manner to gain momentum on my speed while the other hand holding the bottled water in a controlled grasp. The muscles in my neck, throbbing with excitement as shown by my opened mouth while my legs ran with a purposeful stride. With eyes looking straight ahead, there was no denying that this shot was taken without my knowledge because my focus was to get to the finish line which was just less than 2 kilometers away. 

In my entire life nobody was able to capture me in film with so much passion and force, things that I knew I always had but never, ever had seen until a photographer who was a complete stranger chose to take that shot. I felt like I was a tigress waiting to catch my prized prey or a dog who just gave birth and was awakened by a stranger who growled  in warning, ready to bite thinking they will get my puppies. Funny how a photograph taken in a running event can bring out that animalistic rawness, that certain glow in one's eyes and probably that vitality that all too often have been forgotten while living and dealing with the adult world. 

A person once said that all of us knew how to run but somewhere along the way we have forgotten how to do it right. Sadly, we also have forgotten to set aside some time not just to run but in taking care of our health by walking, dancing, gardening or by simply thinking happy thoughts, just like that of a child. Posting these awesome pictures with permission taken by these volunteer photographers not only inspired me to create a story out of it but has helped me see myself in a different light, at a different angle where no digital enhancements or photoshop is needed to bring out that beautiful person that has always been there. And I have to admit it will be one photo that I will always long to look at as I grow old gracefully, just like the rest of the photos taken randomly at that eventful run at Kilometer ZERO. 


photo credits to :
We Run For Good Health, Tara TriP Tayo, Flat Ironman, Running Photographers &

pinoyfitness.com.

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Free Zumba Party Events In SM SUPERMALLS

A lot of people may be wondering how I get to spend the time and learn about the upcoming Zumba events especially the ones that are free. Resourcefulness, creativity and  discipline all played a big part in doing so simply because once you are passionate in a certain idea, a sport or what ever you believed in, you will always find ways to do it and even take the next step by inspiring others on how it all started and share what can be gained from it all.

Way back May 2007, I had handled a gym membership account which was the first of its kind in the Philippines. I was part of the Retention Team whose task was mainly retaining customers before they finally decide to terminate their contracts. That was when I first heard of ZUMBA which was already gaining recognition not only in the US but in other parts of the world as well. I was not really interested because my life was not that toxic then and perhaps because when our company had a sports fest in BGC, I had joined a hip hop class and wall climbed which I had finished with no difficulty and took that as a hint that I was still fit and healthy. It was when I decided to move to a financial account that things started to become different. I had learned the hard way that it was not just the account per se that was challenging but the metrics and schedules as well.That was also the time I started to blog which became a creative outlet until I joined my first fun run and met a team mate who used to be a gym buff and was slowly starting to spend time again getting fit. That was when we started heading for BGC after our shift and even agreed to meet during weekends. Needless to say, this team mate of mine became my fitness buddy.

When a free Zumba Class had been held at our company's Game Room two years ago, my buddy and I both joined even if that would mean we have to wait for another hour after our shift. That was officially my first Zumba class and there I had learned that the steps were not really challenging and because I had started to have an active lifestyle, I had the stamina to finish it still wanting for more. Not only that, during rainy days where I could not run and joined the aero class at the park I get to do the Zumba at home instead. Since I wanted to know more about it so I could share it with others, that prompted me to write a post about how it all started and even added a video where the Colombian dancer,choreographer and fitness instructor Alberto"Beto"Perez who discovered Zumba was in it. 

Since then, I have looked for ways on how I could dance the Zumba and grab the chance each time my schedule permits. I have browsed social networking sites such as facebook which have helped a lot in getting updated about the upcoming events that are accessible and more importantly, ones that are free and will not cost you a hefty amount to join. So far I had been very lucky and met a few ZINs or Zumba instructors along the way and I feel it is about time to share this great chance of getting fit by just simply going to the nearest SM Supermall near you. It may be just less than a month before school starts but we all are in a lucky treat because some of the events will extend until June.

So for all Zumba enthusiasts or those who are simply curious what the fuss is all about, click your mouse and visit Sharmaine Templado's website who is a Licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor. Head on the Events Section  and brace yourself for all the free Zumba parties that you can join. Below are just a sample of them. 

 ZIN  Shari with her ZIN sister Lal will be at the SM MOA events 

These are just some of the awesome events heading your way which are available almost every day until the second week of June. So why don't you do yourself a favor and meet your friends, bring your families or if you want simply observe but do not hesitate to join in and do some dancing and grooving as you start your way to heath and fitness by getting a taste of Zumba , all the way. 

It pays to get updated so every now and then , visit  facebook or twitter to learn about upcoming free Zumba Events in SM Supermalls near you.  

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Celebrating Mother's Day At SM Aura Premier's MOMS LIVE.LOVE.PARTY

More than a week ago, my two daughters, Selena & Sidney have joined me  at SM Aura Premier in celebrating Mother's Day at the MOMS LIVE.LOVE.PARTY  which was a Zumba Fitness Party event dedicated not just for moms but for the other members of the family as well. We arrived at the SAMSUNG HALL before 10 am and the very pretty Zin Krisitie Bonifacio immediately met us before we got registered. Since she was busy talking with the other Zumba enthusiasts, I only got to introduce my daughters and sadly we did not have the chance to grab a picture with her. My autistic daughter Sidney was so excited to register and get inside because it will be her first time to attend a Zumba party. So when we  got our tickets together with our loot bags, I immediately reminded her to thank and greet the kind woman "A Happy Mother's Day" which was reciprocated by a warm smile and the same Mother's Day greeting as well.

before the party started

Once we were inside the Samsung Hall, a gift giving to some kids from Quezon City coming from Mrs. Globe Philippines and Solane which were some of the sponsors for the event was being made. There was also a short game where the contestants of Mrs Globe Philippines also joined. I thought then that they were just there for the gift giving but when Zin Madelle Paltu-Ob, the party's host acknowledge their presence and mentioned that they will be joining the Zumba Party, that explained why they were dressed in comfy clothes and rubber shoes. What more, their respective husbands and kids were there to join the party which was going to be a 90 minute work out. So when the stage was all set, the dancing and the grooving had begun.

With my daughters, Sidney and Selena

There were five pairs of Mother/daughter team and one Mother/son team on the stage who served as instructors for the whole 90 minute party.The audience also got to know Mrs. Florian Enriquez who was the sexy and fit mom to both Madelle and Kristie. We also learned that it was Florian's birthday the day before and even sang her a short Happy birthday before the party ended. It was great seeing all the Moms dance together with their kids. Of course, my kids got to join me as well on the dance floor that is why we only had very few pictures to share from the event. Besides it was not really easy catching one's breath in a non stop Zumba party just to grab some pictures. 

On the Dance Floor 

Into the Groove

Just enough time to wipe one's sweat before the next routine

Did I stop and take a short break in between the dancing and the grooving? Of course not. When I am dancing or even while running I do not bring a towel. A bottle of water or energy drink is enough to keep me going. Besides I find it hard to catch up with the dance steps once I stop. Good thing SM Aura provided extra bottles of water and another giant fan to cool up the place because we could no longer feel that we were in an air conditioned auditorium. We just got lost with all the dancing, that even some of the dads joined us as well and we did not even notice that the 90 minute party was nearing its end. 

To say that I had enjoyed myself was an understatement and I have a feeling such event will have a repeat performance next year. Heck, it would be great if it is going to be a yearly thing. Every body especially Moms deserve  some dancing and grooving each time they get a chance. It is a great way to de stress and get fit as well. Moreover, it is one creative way where you can bond with your families and spend Mother's differently, just what like I did.

The LIVE LOVE PARTY is visiting other parts of the country to share the love and promote the benefits of Zumba, making it accessible and affordable for  everybody. For updates please visit their facebook page or follow them at twitter.com. You might be surprised that the next town or city that they will visit happens to be yours. So what are you waiting for? Join us as we LIVE. LOVE. PARTY !

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MOMS LIVE.LOVE.PARTY at SM AURA PREMIER this MOTHER ' S DAY

Mom, Mama, Mother. Inay, Nanay, Inang. Mudra, Mujay, Mader. 

We all call them differently yet the meaning is but one and the same. It was one of the first words that we had been taught to say out loud, where the mere sound of it was rewarded by her kiss, her embrace that was not too tight to suffocate but just enough to comfort and forget one's pain and where the memories of childhood all come back again the minute we call her name.

When I was a kid I thought Mother's day was but an ordinary one. I could still recall when such day started to matter and that was the first Mother's day that my family had without my Dad.Though we were not a family of grand celebrations and lavish meals, a simple token like a card or a book with a dedication on it was enough for my Mom to make her day. 

When I started having kids, motherhood and it's meaning had changed  accordingly and as my kids had gotten older, my life's purpose too became clearer. And now as a Mom for 21 years and whose own Mom had more health issues, complications and confinements compared to others, I realized that I owe it to my kids to take care of myself and well being. Though some people may say that health is the last thing that one should think of once you become a parent, the knowledge that we should listen to our bodies' need for rest and recreation can never be denied because the minute we become deaf to such signs will eventually lead to unproductive days of stress and health problems.Thus it is very important especially for mothers to channel such negativity by creatively looking for practical ways to exercise that is not too strenuous and where the routines are easy to follow. Good thing there is Zumba where you not only get to dance but exercise those tired muscles while having a good time. And since Mother's Day is just a week away, an upcoming event specifically dedicated for mothers will again be held at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier. I am referring to LIVE.LOVE.PARTY MOM WOW which is a Zumba fitness party this coming Mother's Day.

Presented by KARL EDWARD INTERNATIONAL in cooperation with Mrs. Philippines Globe, this Mother's Day special event will be held on May 11th, at SAMSUNG HALL in SM AURA PREMIER, the same venue where the successful LIVE.LOVE.PARTY.TROPICAL STYLE was held last April 27th. And even if it will be a day dedicated for mothers,  other members of the family are also encourage to join. What more you have until May 10th to take advantage of the Early Bird Rate of Php400  and for those who are not able to make it on the cut off date, can still register for Php 500 on May 11th which is the event day itself, at the front door of Samsung Hall in SM AURA PREMIER. 

We all have our unique ways in celebrating Mother's Day with our families. It can be a grand get together at home, a sumptuous meal at a fancy restaurant or even an out of town or out of the country travel. This Mother's Day, I will be one of those mothers who will spend the morning, doing the Zumba, dancing and grooving like the others. What more I will have one my daughters join me at the party and if I am lucky , another daughter to document the event. I chose to celebrate and start that day differently because I want my kids  to witness and understand that the reasons why I dance and exercise is because I want to live longer for them. I want them to remember that each time I clap, step and wave is an added hope of a healthier life which I want them to cherish and look back as one of the fondest memories when I am already old and gray. 

For ticket inquiries, please visit livelovepartyinternational.com. You could also visit and like their facebook page  for updates or follow them @ twitter.com/weliveloveparty.

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MILO APEX Running School Season 8

Question. In your opinion is there a proper way on how to run ? Isn't running one of the basic things we have learned since childhood, like walking or standing, even sitting properly ? Fact of the matter is not everybody will agree or perhaps even aware that at times we tend to forget how to do it the right way. Like standing or even sitting for instance, we tend to slouch maybe because we are tired, just plain lazy or bored. Same thing when we are walking. I can attest to that because I had the tendency to slouch when I was a kid, a habit that took years to break. I can also say the same thing when it came to running because a few days after I had joined my first fun run, I had felt the slight pain in my shins and when I asked about my colleagues who joined the run as well, they told me that perhaps I was doing it the wrong way.

Say that again ?

At first I could not believe that there is indeed a proper way to run. It maybe that I had not ran for a long time and was not just really prepared when I took the plunge. Nevertheless that slight pain on my shins which stayed for a couple of days still worried me. If I plan on running more in the future, then I should learn how to properly do it to avoid injuries. Good thing, running camps had started to become popular not only to prepare and educate beginners but also to help them avoid possible injuries in the future.

Now one of the well known Running Schools just recently announced its opening registration to the public. I am referring to the MILO APEX Running School Season 8.

Known for being the country's biggest and full program scientific running camp,its program now covers injury prevention, strength and conditioning workouts and running drills. Recently it also incorporated recovery and injury rehabilitation training needs of runners  all in preparation for the upcoming MILO MARATHON. 

Headed by no other than Coach Jim Saret and his team which composed of sports science trainers, running coaches and physical therapists, they offer full support for your training needs which will start on April 28 to July 27, 2014. That will be 36 sessions three times a week, every Tuesdays,Thursdays and Saturdays and where you only get to pay Php 2400. Running clinic venues will be held at SM MOA, Quezon City Circle and BGC 

Honestly if my schedule will allow it, I will not think twice in registering for this running clinic. So what do you think, Sidney ? 

So be ready to Run, Re Fuel and Re Energized this summer. Hurry and grab that chance to be trained by one of the best running schools in the country.

To register, please visit Coach Jim Saret's website at http://www.coachjimsaret.ph/. Please take time to like their page at  facebook.com/fitfil as well.You could also go to pinoy fitness.com for more updates. 

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