Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts

Get in shape during the Holiday season with Taiwan Excellence Premium-Grade Gym Gear

As Filipinos, the holiday season kicks off as early as September. It is a time of festivities, parties, and wonderful reunions with family and friends. In these times, keeping up a consistent gym schedule can be tough. Fortunately, the Taiwan Excellence is introducing its state-of-the-art exercise equipment to tone and buff up during this frenetic time.





Burn the unwanted calories from that leche flan with the Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd.'s Upright Bike-Matrix U50. It has a Comfort Arc Seat that is designed to provide comfort while regulating perspiration, improving calves and hamstrings, and strengthening abdominals.

This sophisticated stationary bicycle has an ergonomic design, and provides an easy step-through access. It also has an Exact Force feature to let fitness enthusiasts adjust the resistance of the pedal depending on his stamina.


If you would rather look for adventure outside, the Tern Taiwan Ltd.'s Verge X20 is worth checking out. This portable bike can be easily folded as it weighs only 9.9 kilograms. Moreover, the Verge X20 makes biking more exciting as it is equipped with Kinetic Pro X wheels. This rubber hoop can strengthen muscles and improve aerodynamics to make you go faster. It also helps condition your metabolic rate.


Fitness fanatics can couple these bicycles with Unite Creative Design Co., Ltd.'s Compression seamless bike sports pants. Compared to others, this innovative 

elastic apparel is made with environmental friendly materials. Aside from providing protection, it also helps on reducing blood pressure and improve heart rhythm.




Finish your look off with sports goggles. First Rank Co., Ltd. offers JET-S58, a stylish set that has a double-coating technology that enhances the durability of anti-fog performance. This helps users see when swimming, and guard eyes from water or chemicals. 

While it is great to celebrate Christmas, it also important to tone up and improve endurance. Say goodbye to holiday weight and take home these smart, functional, and stylish products for a stronger physical health. These innovations are carefully evaluated and sealed by TAITRA with the guidance from the Bureau of Foreign Trade to promote Taiwan's revolutionary products.

For more information about its accredited products, visit www.taiwanexcellence.org or like Taiwan Excellence on Facebook. 

Fit Filipino (FITFIL) Movement Brings Fitness Leaders To The Next Level Fitness Science Series.



Last week, I was invited to attend a Filipino (FITFIL) Movement in Whitespace Manila in Makati. The event brought fitness leaders and practitioners to the next level Fitness Science Series.

FitFil National Fitness Movement partners up with Del Monte Fit ‘n Right Active for “Fitness Science Series: National Fitness Leaders Certification Program”. The program aims to produce the new breed of science-based fitness practitioners and professionals.

FitFil’s National Fitness Leaders Certification Program is a training course designed to standardize the basic scientific and medical knowledge necessary for every health, fitness, and wellness practitioner in the Philippines. Gathering 200 trainers, enthusiasts, and professionals from different fitness discipline and practice, this certification program conducted by Coach Jim Saret is the country’s biggest assembly of fitness leaders we know today.



Given the large amount of attendees, we were divided into groups of four (4) and rotated around the venue per lecture - which made it easier for everyone to focus, to practice and to understand each topic.

Coming from a recent injury, it was a perfect time learning more about the importance of overall safety and performance. The topics that were discussed during the event were: The Effects of Exercise on the Heart, Musculoskeletal Injury Management, Hands-only CPR, Biomechanical Movement Assessment, and The Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Beverages in Fitness Performance.

The certification program offered topics that was led by the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM), the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP), and the Athletic Performance Enhancement Training, Inc. (APEX), all gathered together in one event with the goal of taking the fitness knowledge of these trainers to the next level.


About FitFil and Fit n Right ACTIVE partnership




Fit Filipino (FitFil) Movement, founded by Coach Jim and Toni Saret, is the Philippines’ biggest nationwide health, fitness, and wellness movement with a mission to be the primary driving force in helping the entire country fight lifestyle diseases by getting the whole country to become stronger, fitter and healthier.

Fit ‘n Right Active aims to help Filipino exercisers and fitness enthusiasts become fitter, faster. Rather than drinking other beverages during exercise, drinking Fit ‘n Right Active not only rehydrates, but also helps reduce fat. It is the first 2-in-1 sports drink that has electrolytes to rehydrate and 900mg of L-Carnitine to help reduce up to 2x more fat vs. the leading brand. It comes in four refreshing flavors: Mixed Berries, Blueberry Grape, Citrus, and Green Grape.

“Del Monte vision has always been Health and Wellness, and Fit ‘n Right in particular has the goal of helping Filipinos become fitter so that they can lead a fuller life.  This is what brought together our partnership with FitFil.” said Aldellyn Po, Group Product Manager of Del Monte Beverages. “Fit ‘n Right Active and FitFil share one goal for the fitness community - and that is to strengthen the knowledge and experience of the fitness leaders in the country, effectively helping all fitness enthusiasts and exercisers become their fittest selves in a safe way. At the core of Fit n Right Active is the science behind the drink that is proven to effectively rehydrate the body and while helping reduce body fat.”

Fit ‘n Right Active is set to build its community involving fitness leaders, influencers and communities. The brand will help these communities achieve their fitness goals. This community is grounded on the values that anywhere there is a solid ground, we move and be active.

Thank you Fit 'n Right for the insightful event! It felt really good being part of a group with a common goal - to get fit and stay fit.

My Fitness Essentials


Aiming for a fit lifestyle doesn't really require much, all you really need is to give it time. We tend to stall our workout, thinking that we will always have the time, the thing is, the time is NOW.

You may not see visible results right after your afternoon run, but with commitment and discipline, you will.
Just like the ever famous saying "You reap what you sow".

A few months ago, it finally dawned on me how weak I've gotten since I've been on hiatus on both Ultimate Frisbee and Ice Hockey. My endurance drastically changed, and I became uncomfortable in my own skin. That's when I decided it's time to get my sexy back. Haha!

Just in case you want a reference, here is my (almost) weekly routine and essentials:

Weekdays:
HIIT Cardio and strengthening:
- High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is perfect for people who have limited time and can't spend hours of workout. It increases your metabolism and endurance, while burning calories and strengthening your muscles. Even with a short amount of time, it is said to burn more calories. Progress is more achievable with a 15-20 minutes of Interval training, than spending an hour of steady pace run.

The best thing with HIIT, is the fact that you can do it anywhere! You don't need equipment!

Essentials:
1. Comfy workout clothes
2. Sports bra - A definite essential for women (but this is the first and last time I will mention it here, to avoid overusage of the word "bra" in one write up. Haha)
3. Full support socks
4. Trusty rubbershoes
5. Nalgene water bottle/any water bottle




Weekends:
Barre in PlanaForma
- More focused on areas, such as arms, abs, seat/buttocks and thighs using ones own bodyweight as the point of resistance. They work the muscles to the point of exhaustion then stretch them to create those long and lean muscles we all desire.
One thing I love with having an instructor, is that they really push you to your limit, and they do correct you when they see that something is wrong with your form and/or movement, that sometimes we are unaware of.

Essentials:
1. Comfy workout clothes
2. Non slip socks
3. Bottled water



Ultimate Frisbee:
This is more than just throwing discs to your dogs. To be highly effective, you need speed, endurance, agility and smart play. If you are interested to try the sport, I will surely support you on that!

Essentials:
1. Loose Dri-Fit jersey - I personally prefer loose jerseys, for maximum movement.
2. Frisbee shorts
3. Kinesiology tape - I've started using ankle support after I got sprained during one training, and since then my ankle got a little lose and it started hurting whenever I do sprints or jumps. My aunt gave me numerous boxes of kinesiology tape, just when I lost my ankle support (due to carelessness haha)
4. Cap - During daytime trainings/games
5. Socks
6. Cleats/Football shoes
7. Nalgene water bottle/any water bottle
8. Frisbee disc



As much as possible, resist drinking too much water DURING workouts, aside from the fact that it can possibly make you feel sick, it makes you feel heavier.

(Note: Do not drink ice-cold water right after an intense workout, as experts say that it can cause a shock to your internal organs and digestive system, since our body temperature is warmer at that time.)

Like other people, I like tracking my progress both through performance and physique. With performance, you will notice if your usual workout routine seems to be more bearable than before, that's when you add a level of difficulty to the workout. For example, you got used to planking for 1 minute, the next time you do it, make it harder by pushing it to 2 minutes.

When it comes to physique, it's easier to track your progress by compiling photos, because you can actually see the improvements. Just make sure to take photos exactly the same way, angle and position with your previous ones.  Along with this, make sure to use a decent camera that you can rely on, just like Oppo F3 #SelfieExpert. Since seeing is believing, what better way to inspire other people but by showing them? 😉

This photo was taken just a week ago. 
I may not have that "wow" bod yet, but after giving birth and gaining 25 lbs., I've already lost 14 lbs with determination, and eventually, I know I'll get there. 😉

#IAmUrbanBrave


If you know me, or have read my previous write-ups, you know that I am involved with team sports, specifically Ice Hockey and Ultimate Frisbee.

Being a full-time employee and mom, I do my best to squeeze everything (sports and friends) in my day or week.

With a lot on my plate, my schedule gets demanding and all I can do is practice time management and learn how to juggle everything at the same time. This might be your case as well.


No matter how crazy my schedule gets, I always make it a point to attend trainings or at least hit the gym three times a week. This is why I always encourage my family and friends to do the same, for them to know and appreciate the effect of exercise in their health. Now, as you read through this blog post, I am also encouraging you.

We need to remind ourselves, that above all the hustle and bustle, we need to take care of ourselves. If we get sick, all of the attributing factors in our lives will be highly affected, work, family and other activities.


Physical fitness is important in staying healthy, and being healthy has a lot of benefits. It helps prevent a lot of medical conditions, boosts your energy, relieves stress and so much more. I've proven that with as simple as walking, it instantly helps boost your mood and helps clear your mind.

We might take simple exercises for granted, but being healthy makes us appreciate and live our lives to the full extent. Being and staying fit doesn't really require hours in the gym or killing yourself with workouts that you searched through the net, it's about keeping your feet moving, heart pumping, joints intact and muscles working.



TRIVIA: Exercising releases Endorphins, a chemical that is commonly known as our Happy Hormone. Endorphins promote a positive feeling in our bodies that also causes an energizing outlook in life.

Having an active lifestyle, we need brands that can keep up with us. That's why I'm really glad that we have a one stop shop for all urban adventure needs, such as Urbanize. It's a store that offers a variety of products perfect for the modern Urbanites, the urban dwellers, the weekend warriors, the bus gymnasts, the railway athletes and the multitasking experts.


Switching from smart-casual to dri-fit clothes and sneakers or cleats, requires a bag that can go with my day-to-day outfit and can also fit all of my work and workout clothes. Most especially for someone like me who doesn't drive and doesn't have her own car to store her other stuff,  imagine traveling or attending a meeting with a corporate outfit and a bulky duffel bag. It sorts of ruin the whole look. I highly appreciate brands that can go with both.

Most especially that I play on the ice and on the field, I need my stuff to be as reliable as Hydrapak (Yes, I'm using it as word replacement for "Possible"). Visit any Urbanize PH branch and ask for a demo to know why I love Hydrapak.


Urbanize offers a variety of top brands perfect for the Urban Dwellers. You can choose from brands, namely Pacsafe, Elecom, STM, Urbanize, Cabinzero, Artiart, Swisstech, High Road, Loqi, Espro, Hydrapak, Aevor, Key Gear, Qliplet, UST, Pinq Ponq, Wenger, Jelt, National Geographic, Yay, Kiko, Dosh, Hellolulu, Fjallraven, Sherpani, Focused Space, Allet and Lewis N' Clark.

For more details, you can visit their stores in  Gateway, Shangri-La, U.P. Town Center, Solenad Nuvali, Glorietta 3, Uptown Mall BGC, Alabang Town Center, Serin - Tagaytay City, The District - Cavite and Kiss & Fly - NAIA Terminal 3.

You may also like and follow their website and social media accounts:

Celebrating Fitness in Adidas Women FitSquad Fit Fest


Last November 13, Adidas Philippines held it's first ever Adidas Women Fit Squad Fit Fest in the Globe Ampitheater, Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City.

It was an all-day, all in one fitness festival with a different array of workouts that you could sign up for. The activities were composed of Adidas Women FitSquad’s monthly workouts, celebrating female fitness and camaraderie, which started last January.

The next best thing to having an event that gathers women all over Metro Manila with a common goal is, having a FitSquad root for them, when they think they can no longer do that one last lift or one last push.



I was really excited to be part of the event, that I blocked off my schedule as soon as I got the invite. 
I'm not really a morning person, but I woke up early on a Sunday for this, and brought my sister along with me (Hello to my instant activity partner!)

When I got to the venue, there were different stations where you can get healthy powers snacks (if you're too tired to walk away from the venue or too concerned to eat healthy in between workouts), water station, Gatorade and of course, my personal favorite, a station where you can get your hair braided, to keep them intact as you move around. 



As early as 6am, a big group of women already started their day right preparing for an invigorating day of activities through a Morning Run with Adidas Boost Manila around BGC.  Followed by Rocket Yoga with Life Yoga and a quick session of Power Breakfast preparation.









There were also a Squad Huddle about Power, Mobility and Speed, 3 intense Sessions of Boot Camp with Primal Ape Crossfit, amazing performances by PoleCats and EBC Capoeira that left us all in awe, followed by Combat Training with Ida Paras, then a quick talk and launch of the Adidas SS17 Collection with Isabelle Daza-Semblat and the Adidas Ambassadors.

This collection is to watch out for. The pairings are perfect for your workouts, and at the same time fashionable. You would hate not to put them in good use. :) Plus, I doubt if you won't be motivated to sweat out if you're in one of these.












Last but not the least, my first time to try and new favorite workout NT Sweat by of course, Nikki Torres herself. It's a good combination of toning and dance cardio workout, which is a great way to stay pumped up. Who can say no to good lively beats during a workout, right?

The exercises may look simple and easy, but don't let that deceive you, going for the 2nd rep, you can already feel your muscles shaking.




Before the day ended, Adidas also held a FitSquad Awarding, which is a flattering appreciation of Adidas to the efforts made by the Women FitSquad. Because being active is definitely a win.
Just what Isabelle Daza - Semblat said, "You can never hear anyone complain after working out, because it makes you feel good."



It was a really fun experience, and I can't help but look forward to what's to come most especially this coming year, I know everyone is too! All of this won't be possible without Adidas, our companion and motivation to fitness.

Cheers to our growing and stronger than ever Adidas Women FitSquad and to a successful Adidas Fit Fest!



Other photos: © Adidas

Change The Way You See Friendship


Growing up, I was quite a reserved kid. It wasn't always easy being around people. That's when I started to prefer being alone most of the time. There were factors that not until I was mature enough to realize, were the reasons behind my indifference. For instance, my parents didn't allow me to go out of the house alone until I was in high school. I was an only child back then, which made them pretty protective. 

I became awkward for years, not really knowing how to react around people. And through sports, I learned how to overcome it little by little.

Almost 10 years ago, I was invited to try Ice Hockey.

I was gladly welcomed by 2 teams. One for the women's division and one for the men's. Ice hockey is an unusual sport to exist in a tropical country, which enticed me even more. It's fun and exhilarating at the same time.


It made me overcome my introversion, that for the first time, I am really happy to be a part of something. I'm not a morning person, but that made me look forward to waking up at 6am on Sundays for training.

For years, I played hockey and technically grew up with my teammates. We didn't refer to each other as "just" teammates, but saw each other as close friends and even brothers and sisters, whilst our coach was our figurative dad.

From then on, I became confident and more open to people, which encouraged me to try a new sport.

2 years ago, I was brought by a friend to Meralco Football field on a Thursday night, while teams of Frisbee players were playing. The first time I stepped on the field and got called to play for the scrimmage, without having no idea how the game works, I survived, big thanks to the patient and supportive players. They say, that frisbee players are welcoming and supportive of each other, well I am here to testify that it is a fact.




2 days later, I attended another training and became part of the team. I started attending trainings and signing up for leagues.

But aside from the fact that doing sports is ultimately fun, what I like about it, is the friendship that you get to build with these people. May it be on or of the rink and/or field, you're friends. 3 of my best friends are from Ice Hockey and most of my close friends are from Ultimate Frisbee.

My friends helped me become a better person. Through the years, I've learned so much because of them. I've fallen countless times, and my teammates have always been there to pick me up.

I like capturing the moments of our most fun times; pick ups where we're mostly complete, times we lost games but felt like winners, victorious moments after giving our all, as a team. 



These photos remind us that we're not just simply individuals, that we're not just merely a team; but we are actually a family, that grows, becomes better and succeeds together.

As much as I would want to take a lot of photos, there are times, when it's a struggle taking photos because of the setting. One thing I appreciate about Huawei P9 with Leica lens, is that it takes amazing photos no matter what environment you're in. May it be in a dark or light environment, you get amazing results because of the merging algorithm that combines the colours taken by the RGB sensor with the detail of a monochrome sensor.



Most athletes love the idea of action shots. That's one more thing I love about Huawei P9, it makes it possible for me to take action shots during games without the need of bringing and setting up a DSLR which I find too complicated to do, all thanks to the dual lens that produces high quality photos.

From an athlete's point of view, there's more to the sport than just the game. It's the bond that you get to build with your teammates and the people around you. The photos will prove the unbreakable bond that I have with them. Winning is a bonus, because to be able to work as one unit, you need to understand each other. That's what I want to show and express to other people through these photographs.

Like what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
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