Sign Up Your Kids to FitKids Dance and Yoga

FitKids believes in empowering our children to start living healthy lives as young as possible. There is no better way to introduce them to a healthy lifestyle than now, while they are still young and have not yet developed unhealthy habits.

Check out these dance and yoga classes coming up at Camp Start Mandaluyong and Playworks SM Aura this August and September. When you sign up your kids, you get special deals and treats from their partner brands like Pure Nectar by Fruit Magic, Onelife Studio and DelightPH. See details below.

1. Dance Classes at Camp Start:

- When: August 12, 19, 26, and September 2, 2017 (4 sessions, every Saturdays) 

- Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am 

- Venue: Camp Start- Sikap Street, 614 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong 

- For ages 2 to 7 

- Fee: P1,500.00 per child 

- Contact: 0917-5138377, Email: fitkidsph@gmail.com 

- In Partnership With: Pure Nectar (by Fruit Magic)

Treat: When you sign up, just mention my name and you get P200 worth of Pure Nectar Fruit Magic gift certificates. 

2. Yoga Classes at Playworks SM Aura

- When: September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, November 4, 11, 2017 (8 sessions every Saturdays) - Time:1:00 pm to 2:00 pm 

- Venue: Playworks SM Aura Campus- 6/F SM Aura Tower 

- For ages 1.5 to 7 

- Fee: P5,000.00 per child 

- Contact: 0917-5138377, Email: fitkidsph@gmail.com 

- In Partnership With: Pure Nectar (by Fruit Magic), OneLife Studio, DelightPH

Treat: When you sign up, just mention my name and you get
- Php200 worth of Pure Nectar Fruit Magic gift certificates.  

- A free assessment at OneLife Studio and a 10% off on published rates (except for First Timer promos, Easypay packages, and cannot be used in conjunction with other promos) 

- 10% discount on any regular-sized bottle from DelightPH Homemade Dips (Facebook: /delightph, Instagram: @delightph) 

- First 5 enrolled Subscribers will get 5% off from total fee of yoga class (P4,750 instead of P5,000)

So fun! And hope my kids and I get to meet you in class!

Aesthetic Science for Beauty & Wellness

When my friend Marcie invited me to check out Aesthetic Science, her friend Dr. Yanee Vasquez's dermatology and plastic surgery clinic on Jupiter St. in Makati, it did not take a lot of convincing. After living abroad for years, and then being pregnant my first year in Manila, my skin has never been pricked, prodded and pampered in what seems like forever. Marcie encouraged me to bring friends, so I ended up taking along my mommy friends and head SoMoms - Kris aka OC Mom in Manila and Janice of MommyMundo so they can also experience Aesthetic Science for themselves.

Another thing that really got to me, apart from the idea of finally getting a proper facial after approximately four years, was the thought of asking about getting a ting-sun, because I've always wanted to have a visible double eyelid, ahihihi.

So, over lunch at IMC Kavino next door, Kris, Janice and I got to speak with Dr. Yanee and her associate doctors Dr. Leah and Dr. Jason, where we talked about their clinic, their work and their passion for beauty, health and total wellness.

What I love about them is that they are just not about "outer beauty". Dr. Yanee is a devout yoga practitioner and she also practices Reiki healing.  Dr. Jason specializes in Digestive Cleansing. Both agree that while they help their patients achieve their "beauty goals", they also make sure that their patients don't go overboard and get addicted to plastic surgery. They always stress on the importance of loving and accepting one's self. That beauty procedures are ok, if you are realistic with your expectations. But, it will never be a guarantee of one's happiness if you are unhappy with yourself to start with. Heavy, pare.

Thankfully, I am happy with the face God gave me. I wish I looked better, but I can live with it, hahaha. So, I just opted to have a glycolic acid cleansing + diamond peel.

Feeling pampered and cozy prior to getting my face pricked and cleansed

OMG. It was such a great facial, I really felt my skin was totally cleansed to kingdom come. My aesthetician Jen had really nimble and gentle hands so it didn't feel like torture. Yes, despite the prickly feel of the glycolic acid (it's like rubbing calamansi on your face ha). I walked out of the clinic my face all red from the pricks and peel, which soon disappeared in an hour or so. Truly a  "lunch time facial" - procedure was done in 45 minutes, then I was back to normal activities like nothing happened, save for the temporary redness.

The great news incidentally, was that years of using a Clarisonic brush and over half a year into the no water cleansing routine, the aesthetician said I had pretty good skin, considering my last proper facial (excluding the Clarins ones I had while pregnant, which did not involve pricking) was uhm, 4 years ago. Yes, 4 long years.

Due to time constraints, since we scheduled a trip out of town that day, I ended up just getting the glycolic acid cleansing and will just try the full on treatment with diamond peel next time. I am also planning to go back for wart removal (remnants from my last pregnancy), and then maybe get my brown freckles zapped.  Then maybe, just maybe, I will get those double eyelids I've always dreamed of. Heeheehee. 

For inquiries contact:
Telephone No.: 809-8021/899-3643
Website: www.aestheticscienceclinic.com
E-mail: aestheticscienceclinic@yahoo.com

Aesthetic Science Alabang
Ground Floor of the Kennedy Center
Prime cor. Venture Sts. Madrigal Business Park
Muntinlupa City
8098021 / 09178082921

Aesthetic Science Makati
Ground Floor, Jupiter Place
Jupiter St., Bel-air Makati City
8993643 / 09178082926

Yogarat x Zalora Blog Raffle

Founded in 2008 and based in Santa Monica, California, YogaRat is a yoga-inspired active-lifestyle brand with a mission of realizing the perfect blend of premium quality, affordability, and a distinct "fun factor" in all of their products. 

Known for their non-toxic and eco-friendly yoga mats and super-absorbent, fast-drying microfiber towels, YogaRat also uses minimal packaging for all their products, making sure they are treading as lightly as possible on the environment. Now isn't that worthy of reaping good karma?

Speaking of karma, if you've been good, maybe your lucky day is just around the corner! Zalora and Yogarat are giving away the following items to one lucky reader of MFO:

One (1) Easy Mat Strap - This lightweight mat strap makes it easy to to transport your yoga mat to and from your yoga classes. The strap is made from durable nylon and Velcro enclosures that make it versatile enough to fit any yoga mat. The strap can also be used to aide you during your yoga practices when support is needed for certain yoga poses and stretches.

One (1) RatMat Pro - Our premium RatMat Pro yoga mats are made of Eco-friendly 100% TPE material that's lightweight, tough and grippy. They are produced without the use of latex, rubber, or toxic materials.

Whether you are a beginner or a devoted yogini, there's nothing like new yoga accessories to excite you about your practice. Admit it! Detachment to material things, what's that? Heehee. So join na! Here's how:

1. The contest is open to all readers of MANILA FASHION OBSERVER with a local/Philippine address.
2. Contest period is from November 6 to November 13. Winner will be chosen via random pick and announced on November 14, 2012.
3. Join via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Patrice Ramos-Diaz at Urban Ashram

It's the middle of March and you know what that means? Patrice Ramos-Diaz's first RTW collection - a line of yoga clothing, will soon be out on March 30, at All Things Yoga, the yoga shop inside Urban Ashram!

I was invited to the launch event at Urban Ashram last month and I saw lots of great pieces for both in and out of the yoga studio. The collection has designs for guys and girls, and are made up of a mix of tribal fabric and dri-fit materials, guaranteeing a balanced mix of style and comfort. You may view the complete collection via Stylebible.ph but let me share with you two of my faves:

This tribal print skirt as worn by the model above, and by jeweler Joyce Orena below:

I also love this wrap-around cover up in heather grey as worn by the model in the middle:

Patrice says her inspiration was to create a yoga line that would could "allow for unrestricted movement, all the while looking stunning". See for yourself the yoga clothes designed by Patrice, in action and as worn by Urban Ashram's yoga enthusiasts here:

Maricar Holopainen, Director & Teacher at Urban Ashram shares that Patrice's collection is part of their advocacy campaign to promote yoga as a lifestyle choice, and to reach a wider audience through fashion.

From L to R: JP, Ivy, Maricar, Marc & Martin of Urban Ashram

Thanks so much to the Urban Ashram Team for inviting me. I had a great time at your launch and can't wait to go back to shop the collection =)

PS - Your studio looks great! Love the interiors and the furniture & fixtures designed by Kenneth Cobonpue. More importantly, hope you can have a pre-natal yoga class soon! Hee! =)

Urban Ashram Manila is located at Suite 302, 3 Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For more info, log on to www.urbanashrammanila.com or call 661YOGA, 377YOGA or 0917881YOGA (9642).

Stay Active with Respirez Apparel

Ion Actif Prima Tank and Fitted Jean Capri

It seems that a lot of my good friends have switched careers and have gone into yoga these days. 

Pat Ramos, a Kellogg MBA grad/business consultant, is now an instructor who also blogs about yoga. Ivy Melchor moved back to Manila from NY and became part-owner of green yoga studio Urban Ashram. And now Jenny Yu who has worked in advertising and banking, has brought in yoga wear from the West Coast.

Her newly launched company, Respirez Apparel Co. is the authorized distributor of well-made, enduring performance apparel brands like Ion Actif from Los Angeles, California and Silver Icing from Vancouver, Canada. Both brands are versatile enough to be used when working on your asanas, running  a 10k marathon, or simply just treading on that treadmill.

Ion Actif Cargo Capri and Pocketed Halter Tank

Silver Icing Julia Tee in Cobalt and Serena Tank in White

Jenny decided to merge her two passions: fashion and staying fit after arriving from a vacation in the West Coast. She was inspired by how people from California and Vancouver, including Hollywood celebrities, dressed up in comfortable and fashionable activewear that could take them straight from the gym to running errands around town. But to be decked out in Lululemon isn't too kind on the pocket, so she thought of bringing in high quality brands that did not break the bank.

Of course, what is yoga without mats? Jenny also brought in YogaRat from Santa Monica, California, which specializes in eco-friendly active accessories such as non-toxic mats and non-slip microfiber towels designed with fun colors and eye-catching prints that would surely brighten up your yoga practice and fitness activities.

YogaRat non-toxic yoga mats

YogaRat non-slip microfiber yoga towel

Look for Ion Actif, Silver Icing and YogaRat at Toby’s Arena located at the 1st Floor of Shangri-la Plaza Mall and Beyond Yoga located at the 3rd Floor of Il Terrazzo Building in Tomas Morato.

Silver Icing Wilma Zip and Cameron Pant in Black

Now, here's the best part. A giveaway! Jenny and MFO will be giving away YogaRat accessories and Ion Actif activewear for your workout wardrobe! To join, here's how:

1) Like the Respirez Apparel fan page: http://www.facebook.com/RespirezApparel

2) Go through the albums and share the image of the item you like on the Respirez Apparel wall and indicate what activity you would most likely use / wear the item. Tag Manila Fashion Observer and Respirez Apparel in the post.

e.g. “@Manila Fashion Observer: I heart @Respirez Apparel’s (item name)__________ because it is perfect to use / wear while I (activity) __________.”

When the Respirez Apparel group hits 300 “likes”, we will be giving away a YogaRat non-slip microfiber yoga towel. 

When the group hits 600 “likes”, we will be giving away a YogaRat non-toxic yoga mat. 

And when the group hits 1000 “likes”, we will be giving away an Ion Actif top.

Note: Shipping of items within Metro Manila only. Winners will be announced on MFO and through personal message.

Urban Ashram Manila

To all aspiring and practicing yoginis in the Pasig area listen up! 

My friends recently put up Urban Ashram Manila, the first Green Yoga Association certified yoga studio in the Philippines. But more than being committed to earth-friendly and responsible practices making use of natural lighting and ventilation, I think the best thing about Urban Ashram is that they aim to be an urban sanctuary "for every person, regardless of age or previous experience, to discover yoga and deepen his or her practice." Which means, yes, newbies are very much welcome, no flexibility required!

So much so that apart from Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga classes, they also offer the FNR (Flexibility Not Required) series, which is supposed to be a fun and accessible way for you to get into yoga, without having to worry or be intimidated about not being flexible or strong enough to start your own practice.

Ask them about tailored classes too, so if you have injuries or if you're pregnant, but want to continue doing yoga, you have an instructor ensuring that you are practicing safely.

For fees, packages and promotions, click HERE!

P.S.

- There's a great introductory offer right now, FREE classes during their Open House: August 20 to September 3, but limited slots so only, so make sure to sign-up ASAP! 

- You may also take advantage of the current promotion - Php1,000 for 15 consecutive days of practice

Visit Urban Ashram Manila at Suite 302, 3rd Level, 3 Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri: 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
Sat: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Email: info@urbanashrammanila.com
Phone: +632377YOGA (9642)
Website: http://www.urbanashrammanila.com