FLOW Negros: Luxe Yoga Weekend Escape

It's been over a week since we ended the last FLOW retreat and I have only fond memories of the experience, the people and the place! Punta Bulata Resort and Spa definitely exceeded our expectations.

I am so pleased with how Tom Zayco (manager and owner) helped us execute our retreat. He was up for yoga before breakfast, came to every single workshop, tour or activity and even socialized with the participants way past bedtime!

Thanks to Mae and Frank of When In Manila for some of the photos I used in this blog. Here's a photo recap on what went on during the retreat:

As soon as we arrived Punta Bulata, we were treated to Lemongrass juice or Tarragon Tea (my personal fave since I tried it many many years ago in Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay!) I was told that the herbs are freshly picked from their herb garden.

 We marveled at our wonderful home for the weekend. Presenting the Punta Bulata Ayu Spa rooms!

Lisa, Camille and Claudia with their Peace Love Yoga eco totebags with goods from our sponsors!

Shiny happy people at the Green Smoothie and Live Food workshop sponsored by Moringana, Breville and Superfood Grocer :) We learned how to make simple green smoothies and nutritious raw vegan snacks in a jiffy!

Superfood shot anyone? Our Watermelon cooler infused with Moringana was so refreshing!

Noelle and I surrounded with fresh fruits and veggies for the workshop!

Vinyasa and Yin Yoga in the native hut facing the sea with the salty breeze flowing and cleansing our lungs.

Being flexible enough to make do with the situation -getting stuck during the downpour of rain in Typhoon Beach! The FLOW-ers were game enough to do a yoga photo shoot for their Instagram accounts :)

 Gourmet meals awaited our taste buds at the buffet table. For the veg-heads, there were many vegetarian options during meal times. My favorite was our Japanese dinner and the Kebab lunch. 

Coconut juice abundance! Since we were surrounded by coconut trees, we have fresh supplies of the sweetest coconut juice. YUUUUM.

Massage in Paradise. Guests had the option to have their hour and a half long complimentary massage at the 3rd floor of the Ayu Spa or in the privacy of their own rooms. Heavenly!



On our final day, everyone got home with a prize from our sponsors. A premium item, the Lagu beach blanket was given away to the last person standing during the yoga showdown -- congratulations again to Nancio Gaston for performing his finale pose - Bakasana to Chaturanga! And thanks to Claudia for being such a sport, too!


After a whole weekend with the #FlowNegros crew, my concluding thought is- it'll be hard to top this one! For more information on what went down during the weekend, read Antoinette Lacson's blog here and Claudia's German blog (don't worry, use Google translate!) here. More photos from the retreat at the official FLOW facebook fanpage here.

Thank you to all those that joined and our generous sponsors: Moringana, Cutieverse, The Superfood Grocer, Belo Essentials Sun Expert, Lagu, Strip, Browhaus, Beyond Yoga, Breville, Rawlicious, The Juice Barista and our media partners Travel Magazine and When In Manila.

Bacolod: The City of Smiles

A few months back, friends from Bacolod invited FLOW to do a retreat in their sugar land. Of course we agreed, since we made a vow last year to visit as much of the Philippines as we can . It is in fact, our very own country! It would truly be a shame if we are not to travel the countless islands we were born to discover.

Sambista Denise couldn't make it this time since she just gave birth to her second son, Pax. So, while she was nursing her newborn day in and out, Noelle and I flew in Bacolod in Negros Occidental a day early to check out as much as we can of their famous city of smiles.

First stop- The Taj Mahal of Bacolod, The Ruins! 

Magnificent, right? I could only imagine how grandiose life was for the family that occupied this luxurious space. I'm drawn to this era, perhaps my last lifetime was in the early 1900's. Read a little history about this mansion here.

Our hosts for the day, Antoinette and Jet then took us to a quaint little cafe, Felicia's in the newly opened Ayala Mall which served desserts, coffee and tea. Who can resist sweets in the land of sugar? Not me! I ordered a chocolate praline mousse paired with peppermint tea which truly didn't disappoint.

The yogini-bones in me needed a good stretch so we decided to visit Arthika Kalma Yoga- a shop, cafe and yoga studio all under one creative hub!

Group shot after Lovely's Vinyasa class. Trina (a past FLOW-er), Nykha (my yoga classmate in teacher training!) and teacher Lovely with Noelle and I.

I really loved the vibe here. It's so nice to see all the student hang around after class and have a cafe to order fresh juices and healthy snacks. I didn't get to try anything listed on the menu but I know that I'll be back to try their lentil burger and calamansi muffins :) 

After class, we grabbed some grub with locals at Txacho, a tapas bar and restaurant also in the ar district next door to Arthika :)



Look at their menu for affordable but yummy eats! I enjoyed their vegetarian friendly tapas and the Pastel De Manzana dessert!

The most memorable apple cinamon crepe with vanilla ice cream! TDF!

Read the next post on what went on during our FLOW Luxe Yoga Getaway weekend retreat in Punta Bulata resort and spa :)

Victor Chng: Yin + Yang Yoga

Victor Chng giving out Yin Yoga Teacher Training handouts in 2012

Having completed my Yin Yoga teacher training under Victor Chng last December in Singapore, I was somewhat more prepared physically and mentally for the advanced series of workshops offered at Beyond Yoga last weekend.

Competed 100-hours Yin Yoga Teacher Training

His workshop topics were: The Fundamentals of Yin-Yang Balance & Longevity, The Key Instruments Working in Our Body (Yand Instruments of Separation, Yin Instruments of Unification), Tao of Yoga- The Path of Intergration, Arising the Yang in The Body.

I have so many notes but here are some key insights I'd like to share with you-

- I learned about preservation of life from the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, how we can enhance the capabilities of our body to extend our life forces, almost tap into immortality. Check out this article on a herbalist from China who died way past 100 years old!

- To look at the body at a wholistic perspective, that everything is connected within. In the East, when someone is ill, they support your whole immune system vs in the West, when someone is ill, they operate on just the organ which is malfunctioning.

- There is a time for everything! Timing is crucial. This is why we wake up at a certain time, eat at a certain time, sleep at a certain time. Respect your body's natural cycle and expect to live longer lives. Whenever we fight to stay awake (drinking caffeine, even) to work.. then we disrupt our natural cycle. See chart below and click on the website for interesting facts about each organ associated to emotions in the body.

To learn more visit http://www.astrodreamadvisor.com/Qi-Cycle.html

- Victor spoke a lot, too, on Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Chi. To summarize, here's an explanation below:

"It is said Chi applies to the human body in 2 ways; inherit Chi and acquired Chi. Inherit Chi is the energy we receive from our parents at the time of conception. Acquired Chi is the energy accumulated by the quality of life we choose to lead, the food we ingest, and the quality of air that we breathe. It is believed  the major cause of all disease stems from a blockage of Chi circulation. People become ill when either they cannot absorb enough Chi or the circulation in their body becomes blocked. Human beings cannot sustain a high quality of life by food and breathing alone. It is important to have a strong flow of Chi energy, as the most nutritious food would be of no use if our inner constitution were weak. In order to absorb and integrate the external universal energy we must learn to integrate and strengthen the fundamental life force within." -http://blog.universalhealingsystems.com/chi-energy/

- On trying to conceive (for couples who have fertility issues), ovulation happens when unification of body chi is strong. So, eating and sleeping on time is crucial for the body to pull in nutrients, hold energy within to sustain a seed and nourish a growing child within. IF, you persist...go to a fertility center and become successful on getting pregnant, make sure that you have changed your lifestyle or the quality of the seed will perish. Ex. the life span of the child will not be long or your child's health may not be as good.

- If an ill person is in a coma, NEVER ask that person to fight its natural state (for your own egoic reasons). Learn to respect the body's state of preservation.

I'll need to attend Dr. Kit's TCM classes to be able to explain further some of the concepts introduced and reminded during the workshops. For now, that's a lot to chew on!

Feijoada: The Ultimate Samba Experience

Either you join us for #FlowNegros this weekend or attend this Samba event by Imperatriz Filipinense!

Healing Salves and Balms

One thing that I collect (more like hoard, really) other than organic lip balms are all-natural healing balms and salves. 

I've been using the INDIGOBaby Jar of Love peppermint balm for my son since he was a baby and for myself too whenever we catch a cold, fever, flu. I'm a huge fan of peppermint pure essential oil because it helps me breathe deeply (good for pranayama) and perks me up whenever I need an energy boost. So, the Jar of Love is definitely one of my essentials in my natural apothecary at home.

Ingredients: Peppermint Pure Essential Oil, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba Oil, Pure Beeswax, Vitamin E, Triple Distilled Water 1.0 oz

To Use: Rub onto temples, chest or back body.

P415 for 1.0 oz pot, available at www.indigobabyshop.com

Not too long ago, I blogged about the Merry Hempsters muscle rubs here which I use almost on a daily basis now for body soreness. I am certain all my other colleagues and students at Beyond Yoga and FLOW will follow suit. Really, what's not to love? They got me at hemp!

Made from hemp with other natural and organic ingredients.

Ranges from P400-P500 available at www.cutieverse.com or Beyond Yoga Bonifacio High Street branch

These assorted mini pots from Sani Bear are cute, affordable and so handy! Only 5 grams each, they are lightweight and so easy to slip into your purse for travels. These are ideal for gift stuffers! Of course, I am drawn to the Peppermint Balm which reminds me of Giga's No Pain Peppermint-Ginger massage balm.

Herbal Rub ingredients: Eucalyptus essential oil in a beeswax base
Peppermint Balm ingredients: Peppermint essential oil in beeswax
Citrus All Around Salve: Lemon essential oil in beeswax

Only P65 each available at www.cutieverse.com

A friend recently sent me different glass pots of salves from MJ's Herbals to try out.

I am pleased to know that these are certified organic and handmade with love by the creator, MJ herself, a botanist/herbalist/healer from Brooklyn. And to me, that single fact makes all the difference because I know she has infused her energy into these products.

MJ is hands on! Photo from MJ's Herbal facebook page

Lavender E Salve: Since my family trip to Australia many years ago (where I was introduced to the Lavender plant by my aunt who keeps it in her home), I've been hooked on Lavender- it's aroma and healing benefits for the skin and nerves are enough to put it on top of my must have list! Because fresh lavender is not available in our country, I'll do with natural products infused with it instead. MJ's Herbal Lavender E Salve is used for healing burns and relieving headaches, stress and anxiety (very important for days when you feel like you are burning out! I use this for my restorative yoga practice). It also helps heal cuts, scrapes, rashes, irritations and blemishes while Vitamin E aids in tissue repair and helps reduce scarring.

Ingredients: Lavender flowers, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol), Lavender essential oil in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

To Use: Apply lavender E salve freely to affected area. For headaches, stress and anxiety massage into head and temples. 

Arnica is famous within the homeopathy circles. Santi's pediatrician, Dr. Cricket Palanca-Chen highly recommends Arnica in the home since children always get into mini accidents (eg. falling off the bed or bumping their head on counters). Arnica is considered a super herb for bruises, overworked, sore muscles, tendon injuries and sprains. MJ's Herbals Arnica Salve quickly brings relief, promotes circulation and hastens the disappearance of discoloration from bruising while the potent clove oil helps relieve pain. Good thing Santi is a gentle little one, or else I'd probably stock up on this! Best for me to keep this at the yoga studio for over exertion of muscles like during Beyond Sculpt by Pau or Flying Fitness class by Niknok!

To Use: Massage the salve gently into sore areas.  Caution: Do not use on broken skin.

Ingredients: Arnica Flowers and essential oil of clove in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

Calendula or Marigold flowers is something I used to grow in Palawan. Just outside my kitchen window, we scattered dried buds to grow for bug repellent purposes. I knew that you could make a healing salve out of the flowers but just never had the chance to. MJ's Herbals Calendula Salve is an effective remedy for inflamed skin, slow healing wounds, dry skin, and irritations. Safe to use for pregnant mamas or baby skin care needs. I love it's versatility: gentle moisturizer for the face, lips, under eye area, nails, etc. They say that a small dab on cotton is a non irritating, soothing and safe eye makeup remover which moisturizes the delicate under eye area and eyelids. Will do this when I travel or I run out of VCO (virgin coconut oil)

Ingredients: Calendula Blossoms, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

To Use: Apply calendula salve freely to affected area.

MJ’s Herbals First Aid Salve is a potent and powerful blend of antiseptic, antibacterial and wound healing herbs that help speed healing and prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, cuticles, cracked lips, cracked heels, blemishes and rashes, eczema and psoriasis. Been using this to combat all the bites I've been getting and yes, it seems to be working quite well!

Ingredients: Comfrey root, Oregon grape root, calendula blossoms, white oak bark, marshmallow root, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) and tea tree oil in a base of olive oil and unrefined propolis beeswax.

Directions: Apply freely to affected area. Clean wound first if possible. Caution: not for deep or puncture wounds.

MJ's Herbals Salves are P650 and available at Beyond Yoga Bonifacio High Street.