CURVES

CURVES Promo: Beat holiday weight with no monthly fees until January 2012

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


Keeping in shape in the season of noche buena and media noche is a tough feat to achieve. Ask anyone who bears the same fondness for food and festivities as you and I probably are, and they will tell you the same thing. Firsthand observation: there are fewer people frequenting fitness clubs during Christmas season and why not? It’s holiday season, our once-a-year-waived-strict-fitness-observance period and there are parties to attend and loads of gastronomic delights to consume! And we haven’t even touched on alcohol yet. I mean for those of you who are rather fond of the bitter and those salt-lined rim drinks.:)

Still, some of us think that calling a two-week truce with fitness is probably too much of a slack. Take me, for example. I wouldn’t be so bold as to completely shun working out during this period because I have a figure to watch (and a reputation to uphold, haha). When you’ve worked hard at something for, say, 11 months, you wouldn’t just lay your efforts down to waste by gaining the excess weight you’ve kept at bay for so long.

Not to say that I also would shun eating, and believe me I won’t, because I love food far too much to deprive myself of it. The beauty of the rigid discipline I have instilled in me as far as fitness is concerned is that, I no longer bother counting calories. I eat whatever I want to eat, knowing full well that my body needs all the energy it can store and spare due to the maniacal workout I do several times a week. Ultrarunning, Insanity, Pole dancing, Power yoga, STC, Circuit training – all these things keep me physically fit and strong. Add to that the amount of thinking, strategizing, and concentration that I also plow into my work and other activities, then you can more or less deduce just how badly I need sustenance.

This kind of healthy behavior – well-balanced eating coupled with a healthy dose of workout in an all-exclusive, fun environment – is exactly what CURVES BGC has in mind. Curves wants us, women, to get a head start on our New Year’s resolutions and evade holiday weight gain by slimming and sculpting.

How? The club is waiving the monthly fees until 2012 for new members who join between 1 November and 31 December! Can you believe that?!?

“There’s no better way to finish the year strong than getting in shape and looking and feeling amazing,” says Fe Abrihan of the Bonifacio Global City Curves. “Just 30 minutes, 3 times a week at Curves can lift your spirits and help you enter the New Year with confidence and style.”

Studies have shown that women gain an average of 0.8-1.5 kg over the festive season. With the proven Curves 30-minute circuit, women can work every major muscle group and burn up to 2,000 kilojoules in a single workout to combat excess fat. Current members praise the benefits of the circuit, including muscle toning, weight and inch loss, increased energy and stamina, and a strong community of peers.

“This program is just the push you’ve been looking for to let you fit into that little black dress or enjoy your holiday treats to the fullest,” says Abrihan.  “The sooner that new members join, the more money they will save. The benefits won’t last just for the festive season, but all year long.”

For more information, please contact Fe Abrihan at (02) 8280208 or visit the Curves at 2F Serendra, McKinley Parkway, BGC, Taguig City.

Made of WIN, are YOU?

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


So you know that I lead a very boring kind of life… on days that I’m not near-drunk with life’s awesomeness, of course. But the past months have really been exceedingly grand in oh-so-many fronts – work, romance, fitness…even my reading has picked up! I had just finished reading Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings and am now almost a third of a way through A Storm of Swords, thanks in large part to Gailey who shared her books on Kindle with me when I couldn’t find book two in some of the bookstores I checked some days back. Well it seems half of the Philippine population have decided to pick up the Game of Thrones novel series after watching the show and learning that season two is not due for release until early next year. I don’t know about you guys but when I started watching, I just had to pause everything momentarily – including running – and didn’t feel an iota of guilt afterwards. No, not even after learning I gained a pound or two doing the damned GOT marathon. Just so you know how hooked I am on George Martin’s obra these days, I locked myself up in the house this weekend just so I could finish Clash of Kings. The usual number of three showers I take on a daily basis was drastically cut into just one shower and I took it just before bedtime because I literally could not peel my eyes off Wilhelmina (my Mac, y’all)!

Thank you (Gail's) Kindle for Mac for this!

And last night, while waiting for Team Perfect aka FTW team at Serendra, I decided to pop in at Powerbooks (used to be A Different Kind of Bookstore) and saw some awesome titles on sale at dirt cheap prices! To cut the long bull short, I left with these two books in tow:

I have always been fascinated by this larger-than-life superwoman.

I was torn between this and Frank McCourt's 'Tis and having remembered how melancholic Angela's Ashes made me, I picked up Rex.

And then Kassy, bless her heart, gave me a copy of You Are an Ironman which she got from the book publisher themselves – now isn’t that just fabulous?!? Ikaw na Kassy! I remember sms-ing her one morning when I saw one of the featured athletes in book making a guest appearance on the Today Show and he told his amazing Ironman story. He had a serious health problem/disability, if i’m not mistaken (I have to read the book to get the details), but instead of wasting away and wallowing in self-pity, he conquered his disability and became an Ironman! And I remember feeling so inspired while watching that short interview, so much so that I have decided I am seriously going to be an Ironman before I turn 35. It’s either that or run the New York marathon. Better if I can do both. Okay, done, I will.

Thank you Kassy!

So there you go…three books + an eBook to keep me intellectually and creatively stimulated in the next few days and even as we prepare for FTW magazine’s second issue with Mr. Awesomeness personified on the cover (we’ll let you make a few guesses on our fanpage very soon).

Speaking of FTW, have you guys seen our maiden issue? I’ll be very upset if you say NO! Seriously you guys, we have a number of distribution channels you ought to visit – preferably right after you read this post.

Your primer for everything made of WIN

  • Reebok stores in festival Mall and Eastwood
  • Plana Forma
  • Curves
  • Nav Thai
  • Wellness Studio by Sport Fit at Power Plant Mall
  • Wicked Kitchen
  • Chris Sports

And a few other places we’ll be announcing soon. And oh, we are also expanding our roster of advertisers and partners so if you or your company would like to be one of the great ones, get in touch with any one from FTW on Facebook here. Or send me an email at vicky@ftw-magazine.com. We’re launching our website soon, as well, so watch out for it!

Oh, just before I go, may I introduce the FTW Team of Kassy Pajarillo, Marga Deona, Chad Villarmino, Erwin Feliciano, and Lawrz Libo-on. Lawrz and Erwin joined the team after maiden issue was launched so their names will appear in the year-end issue. 🙂

Team Made of Win

Lastly, and I promise I’m clicking ‘publish’ on my blog na after this, FTW is FREE! That’s right, F. R. E. E! Do you know how many great things there still out there that come with zero cost to you readers?! Not a whole darn lot, that’s for sure! Even your crush may not at all be that great and free — but FTW? It’s FREE AWESOMENESS duuuuuude! And that right there is called subtlety at its finest. *wink*

So tell me loves, what are YOU made of?

CURVES Girls Night In

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


Calling all ze Ladies!

As you all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and CURVES BGC is treating us women to a special event called Girls Night In — a yearly gathering of Curves members (present and past) in celebration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Those of you who were present last year probably still hold some fond memories of GNI but this year, CURVES BGC Taguig promises much more fun and excitement!

Wanna know what they have in store for us curvilicious women? Check these out!

  •  Belly dance led by Via Bonoan complete with all the frills of a belly dancer (you may also join her)
  • Free sample massage and manicure from Luxe Spa
  • Invigorating water from Lightwater with a taste of cupcake from Sophie’s Mom (cheat day!)
  • Hand spa, facial and coloring from Mary Kay
  • Excellent Human Nature products for sale (pro-Philippines, pro-poor, pro-environment)
  • Taste> trial> taste of various supplements from Usana, Tahitian Noni Juice, Herbalife and Bodyvance

And raffle prizes galore for everyone!

That’s NOT all: The highlight of the affair is a talk on Breast Cancer Awareness from two of Curves’ lovely Stronger-Together Curves members and Breast Cancer survivors.

Please come in pink or purple attire and make sure you’re there early because Curves circuit will be closed starting at 4:00pm.

Join and bring a friend!

***

Find CURVES here:

Bonifacio Global City2/F Serendra, McKinley Parkway
BGC, Taguig 1634 PH
Tel.:(02) 828 0208
Telefax: 915 0773
Globe: +63 917 870.8870
Smart: +63 920 949.9851
Sun: +63 922 817.0353

Are YOU ready for the REEBOK Traintone Experience?

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


The fastest way to a (fitness) destination is Curves.

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


I remember when Davoud and I were in Singapore not too long ago and co-workshop participants invited us to their office. From M Hotel, we walked quite a bit following straight routes that seemed to go on forever. Going back, Davoud led us to a street that intersected his hotel and just by making two turns, we were right back where we came from! I swear, this guy knows his Google maps! Anyway, he said the fastest way to a destination is a curve. I dunno where this IT genius gets his ideas from and I don’t even know why I used this bit as my blog opener – it’s just that the word ‘curve’ is slotted in somewhere in the story.

So yeah, Curves.

Vicky Ras and Kassy Pajarillo for CURVES (Photo by Ena Terol)

Guess what? I finally got to try out CURVES last Wednesday when Kassy, Marga and I met up for some FTW matters at Echo Store in Serendra. One word: FUN! Let me digress for a bit: Have you guys tried Echo Store? My goodness, their sandwiches are to die for! And super healthy to boot! That afternoon, Kassy and I were so hungry we demolished two sandwiches apiece. And they came with a small portion of salad and iced tea per serving, so you can just imagine how stuffed we were soon after. I literally felt my stomach expand and stretch beyond usual and I had to carry the weight of it until after our circuit workout + Zumba at Curves.

Stretching is VERY important

I’m so glad to have finally made use of my CURVES ‘privileges’. It took me a long while to get my schedule a bit sorted out because, well, work almost always comes first. Having Marga and Kassy there made the circuit even more fun for me. You know at first, I didn’t really think I’d get the kind of workout my body has gotten quite used to (read: painfully intense) but I was pleasantly surprised to feel my heart rate go up and my sebaceous glands work up some serious sweat!

Have workout gal pals: It makes circuit training more fun and enjoyable.

At CURVES, you do circuit training. In between equipment, you have 30 seconds to do your thing on the square pad. You can run, do butt kicks, high kicks, dance, squat, pretty much anything – before you move on to the next workout. If there’s Zumba class, Zumba is what you do in between equipment. And don’t worry about not knowing how to dance at all because CURVES has the kind of ambience that allows you to enjoy your workout with reckless abandon, so to speak. It’s an all-women fitness club which automatically eliminates whatever trepidation you may have about getting spotted in your moments of awkwardness. As far as the equipment go, my favorites are the squat and obliques machine.

One of my favorites: the squat machine

With sweet Anne, one of CURVES fitness trainers

So Ladies, if you have your laundry list of fitness goals BUT have not exactly made any progress, why not start at CURVES? I guarantee YOU will love it!

***Workout apparel courtesy of REEBOK. Easytone + shoes (Matilda, oh Matilda!), Cirque de Soleil fitted top, Easytone pants, Reebok socks. All these you can now purchase at any REEBOK store nationwide.

Wait, there’s MORE! If you happen to be somewhere North on September 15 (Thursday), we strongly suggest you head down to TRINOMA for a very special REEBOK event — the EASYTONE Launch and FanCon, happening from 5:30 – 8:30pm. See you there!

Interact with Team Reebok, visit the fanpage TODAY and answer the kick-off question.

REEBOK EasyTone

***

Find CURVES here:

Bonifacio Global City2/F Serendra, McKinley Parkway
BGC, Taguig 1634 PH
Tel.:(02) 828 0208
Telefax: 915 0773
Globe: +63 917 870.8870
Smart: +63 920 949.9851
Sun: +63 922 817.0353

TEAM REEBOK ZigTech Fun Run

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


Last Saturday, 6th of August, Team REEBOK celebrated friendship, fitness, and the active lifestyle with the ZigTech Fun Run held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) grounds. Sadly for me, I didn’t get to run on this one because I had been feeling sick the night before and thought it would not be wise to get my heart rate up considering.

Happy runners at the TEAM REEBOK ZigTech Fun Run

Can't run, joined the stretching exercises instead

The race didn’t start on time and although it got some of the runners making caustic remarks about it, everyone soon started to loosen up and have fun – especially when more and more runners started arriving. Kassy and I hosted the programme while Alex, another Reebok Team member opted out of the race as well to take photos. Only Beep took to the roads and did 10k.  The Curves ladies led the pre-race stretching exercises and shortly after that, the 10k gunstart was sounded off and the runners led by one Kenyan sprinter, crossed the starting line.

Kassy and Vicky sorting the medals for the winners

Hosting duties for Kassy and Vicky

It rained heavily within minutes after the first batch of runners were released and it would continue to rain long after the event concluded and prizes were handed out. And it was lovely to see most of the runners staying on, oblivious to the rains and the cold draft.

Raffle prizes galore were raffled off

The representatives of each of the three beneficiaries of the race: LIFELINE Foundation, JEEPneED, and VISAYAN Forum all went on stage to give a brief introduction about their organizations and the causes they espouse. As you know, the proceeds of the Fun Run will go to these institutions and their beneficiaries.

Raffle! Raffle! Raffle!

Finally, a group photo of Team Reebok (minus Titanium Runner)

We raffled off a lot of gift certificates from Plana Forma, Flow Yoga, Yadu bags, and one special package from Misibis Bay.

The whole event was covered via live streaming by iXOmsoft TV . See the video HERE.

I’d like to give special mention to Without Limits of the Father-and-Son tandem of Daddy and Ian Alacar. I always enjoy seeing these two at any bloggers’ event or races. Daddy Alacar especially for his irrepressible passion for running which I heard he has craftily inculcated in their dogs’ psyche as well. If you wanna see a sexy and fit chow-chow, just ask Ian to show you a photo of Furvert.

Oh, by the way, the race was also some sort of a birthday celebration for the indefatigable Kassy Pajarillo. Love you gurl!

Thank you once again to all the sponsors, especially our mother ship REEBOK — we are eternally grateful for the love ad support!

***

Congratulations again to the following winners and to all the runners who celebrated with us last rainy Saturday – Mabuhay kayong lahat!

3k Female category  —  Ruz Bueno   ;   3k Male category — Mibert Nabuab

5k Female category  —   Kate Orange  ;  5k Make category — Michael Bacung

10k Female category — Seevee Lastimoso  ;  10k Male category — Eluid Kering

***ALL photos (except for the one of Kassy and I sorting the medals) were taken by NOEL ABELARDO.

For more photos, check out KB Runner‘s Reebok album here. While you’re at it, make sure to ‘LIKE’ his page so he reaches 5,000 fans in no time!

Team Reebok at work -- by KB Runner

Friends of Reebok

Girls of Reebok

A Runner’s Circle Ph (ARC) was also there to capture great running and awarding moments and you can check out the photos here.

United colors of Takbo.ph

Team Reebok

TEAM REEBOK Celebrates Friendship and the Active Lifestyle

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


Due to the success of the recent Reebok Zigtech Run held in Bonifacio Global City on June 5,2011, Team Reebok Ambassadors (Blas Ople Tiangco, Alex Em, Mark Rodica, Vicky Ras and Kassy Pajarillo) express their gratitude to friends and followers who continuously support the brand and the foundations they ran for since they were signed under the Reebok as brand ambassadors through a fun run and Zumba party. The event is in partnership with Party Wizards and KAS Events Management, in cooperation with Reebok Philippines and Without Limits.

Team REEBOK. Photo by Ena Terol.

“It’s going to be intimate and sweet. we’re celebrating togetherness, friendship and aim to help our beneficiaries: Lifeline Foundation, JeepneEd and Visayan Forum Foundation. We’re all about giving importance to relationships and of course, Reebok” says Team Reebok and Curves International Ambassadress Kassy Pajarillo.

Team REEBOK celebrates friendship with blogger friends and FB followers. Bloggers Night at The RAMEN BAR - Venice Piazza

The Team Reebok Zigtech and Zumba Party celebration will be held on August 6, 2011, 5am at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and will have distances prepared for everyone, 3k,5k, and 10k respectively; non-runners and spectators are free to join the Zumba party to be lead by certified Zumba fitness instructress Via Bonoan and Rowena Aquino.

Vicky, Blas, Kassy, and Beep Beep

‘Team Reebok is all about living an active lifestyle. One that pays homage to our capacity as human beings to take on any kind of pursuit – may it be on athletics, running a company, or even a household. This is our way of encouraging people, young and old alike, to embrace health and fitness. Having said that, we are looking forward to seeing all of you on the 6th of August. It’s going to be more fun than you have ever bargained for,” says Vicky Ras, Team Reebok and Curves Circuit ambassadress.

KB Runner with the Ladies.

Team Reebok will be raffling off a generous gift from Misibis Bay, your luxurious playground located in Cagraray Island, Bicol.

Participants may choose to stroll through the 3k distance, hit the ground running along the greens and feel the fresh air 5k and 10k course, or both. The run steps off at 5:30am. Registration is open onsite and online (partywizards.biz), proceeds will go to all beneficiaries; donations such as clothes, books, medicines for children and vegetable oil are well appreciated.

And the winner is...

The celebration emphasize their goal to promote active lifestyle, strengthening friendship and goodwill. Sponsored by brands they personally advocate: Pocari Sweat, Curves International, Ramen Bar, Tres Marias, Yadu, DermPlus, Dentiste Toothpaste & Oral Rinse, Flow Yoga Manila, and Reebok Philippines.

Thank you dear friends for all the love and support!

For inquiries, email sales@partywizards.biz, visit http://www.partywizards.biz or you May call (02) 399-99-59, (0916) 5523122 or (0917) 5540014

More 'kokaks' FTW!

Birthday girl Kassy!

With KB Runner

Pretty faces at Team Reebok Bloggers' Night

Meet LUMI

Thank you KB Runner for the wonderful photos you took last night. Much love to Ena Terol for our Team Reebok photo. More blessings to RAMEN Bar (Food is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, you’re a big fool if you haven’t tried anything on their menu yet!) for hosting Team Reebok Bloggers’ Night. You guys rock! Oh but you already know that. *insert smiley here*

SEE YOU GUYS ON AUGUST 6 AT THE CCP!

Swagga Like Ours

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


So Team Reebok has been quite busy these past days preparing for The TEAM REEBOK ZigTech Fun Run happening on the 6th of August at the CCP Complex. Incidentally, the 6th of August is also Kassy’s birthday, so all of you out there say holla! to the birthday girl!

I hope you guys have already registered for the Fun Run because the Team has prepared tons – and I mean TONS – of wildly fun stuff for you. Yes, dahlinks, you will not only be pounding the CCP grounds running on your ZigTech-clad feet BUT you will also have a chance to do some Zumba with us. So f I were you, I would totally brush up on my dancing and bust some serious moves when we Zumba!

And tomorrow, on our special Bloggers’ Night, we have  invited some friends and Facebook followers to join us for some food and revelry because well, you know, no one on the corner has swagga like ours. *wink. wink.*

***

Takbo.ph RUNFEST 2011

Last Sunday, 24th of July, Takbo.ph celebrated its 3rd anniversary with RUNFEST 2011 which had a good turnout of runners – mostly loyal friends of Takbo.ph and its founder, the amiable Jinoe Gavan. I became a member of Takbo.ph in 2009, when my friend referred me to the site for upcoming race events, reviews and what-not. Since then I have met and made friends with some good people and it is always, always a pleasant treat to see them at the races. Funnily enough, this was the first Runfest I have ever joined. The past two Runfests, I was always somewhere else.

Team Reebok with the legendary BaldRunner. Photo by A Runners' Circle.

At the Starting Line. Photo by KB Runner.

Finally made it to KB Runner's Hit List. hahaha.

It was lovely to see Sir Jovie aka Baldrunner and Patrick ‘The Running Shield‘ Concepcion, two of the very few people I admire in the running community and of course, those that I have been friends with since I joined. I had just arrived the night before and barely had time to unpack and rest before I had to shower and gear up for the 16k race we had signed up for. I haven’t had much time to run when I was away, save for those four short runs with my, uhrrrm, fiance, and my left knee has really been bugging me some bit the past several days (some lingering memento of the Nuvali trail run sometime back) so I thought I’d play it safe on this one. After all, we have the 35th MILO Marathon to prepare for this coming Sunday. This will be my second full marathon and barring unpleasant surprises, I think I just might be able to log a new PR. We’ll see, we’ll see…

Photo by Greentenial Runner.

Girl on the run. Photo by KB Runner.

By the way, I did well at the RUNFEST. With a time of 1:32:something seconds, I placed 6th in the Female category. The McKinley and Bayani part of the race route was quite painful to those of us who are not exactly used to cardiac hills but it was fun to see the pained look on nearly everyone’s faces. Hindi ka nag-iisa, Vicky.  hahaha.

With DJ Chloe and Argo, the hosts of RUNFEST

Evian sooo cool!

After crossing the finish line, I spent some time chatting with runner friends I only see at the races. It was also the first time I saw Jinoe and Que’s baby boy, Gab the cutie. I would’ve carried the future marathoner if I weren’t in such a sweaty state. I had a nice chat with CHRIS Sports’ Marketing Manager, Arleen Lindo, who presented me with very nice *surprise* for me to review. Watch out for it!

Waiting for Kassy and Trickoy.

Aaaaand that about sums it up for me and the eventful past few days, so far.

Oh wait. Last Monday, Team Reebok had a fun photo shoot at CURVES Serendra for the Fun Run promotional stuff and also for CURVES itself. The very good-looking Ena Terol took the photos and we all just couldn’t wait to see the shots!

Aaaaaand that’s all folks. For reals.

CURVES BGC Promo: Save MORE, Weigh LESS

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


CURVES BGC's July Promo

Given the modern woman’s propensity to multitask both in her career and personal life, it is important for her to stay physically and mentally fit and strong.  Curves understands this very well, which is why this premiere fitness club for women has designed a special offer that will allow women to strengthen both their budgets and their bodies when they join. Between 1 July 2011 and 31 August 2011, the Bonifacio Global City Curves is cutting 50 percent off the initial service fee and offering the first 30 days freeto help new members save more and weigh less.

“Good health is priceless. We are here to support our neighbours and to help them on their journey to a healthy lifestyle. This promotion will allow women in the area to join Curves at a great price and hopefully motivate them to get in shape and achieve their goals,” said Fe Abrihan, the owner of the BGC club, located at 2F Serendra, McKinley Parkway, BGC, Taguig City.

Curves provides an exercise and weight control program designed specifically for women. Curves can help ladies of all ages and fitness levels establish a regimen to help them meet their goals, whether they are interested in exercise to improve their general health, or want to lose weight and tone their muscles.

“We’ve helped millions of women lose millions of pounds. Now, we’re making it even more affordable for new members to reach their fitness and weight loss goals beyond what they thought possible for themselves. If you want to make a radical change in your health, there’s absolutely no reason not to come in and get started today,” Abrihan said. For more information on Curves of Bonifacio Global City, or the 50 percent and 30 days free promotion, please contact Fe Abrihan at (02) 8280208.

***

So yesterday, I went to Healthy Options for my healthy snacks + power bars and gels supply, when I decided to finally pick up a bottle of GINKGO BILOBA which, as some of you might know, is supposed to improve circulation to the brain, prevent tissues from getting damaged, and support memory function. You see, for years now, I had been complaining of diminished memory. When I was little – at 5’1, I still am ‘little’ – I could memorize a 3-page declamation piece, for example, in one day. At the age of four, I memorized Jose Rizal’s famous ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’ – yes, in Spanish – and would recite it every chance I get to score money from my Mom’s weekend mahjong classmates. In a way, you could say I was a precocious little mutt. Fast forward to today, well, let’s just say things have changed. Drastically. I’m still super smart and all but something really has to be done about my memory. Have I mentioned I’m super smart? Oh, only about a few times ya? LOL.

Hence, GINKGO BILOBA. So finally, at around 7:30 last night, I clocked out of the office to see my Victory Wednesday group at the mall. As is always the case, we had a great night of sharing before Ro closed it with a prayer. I passed by NafNaf just before the shop closed as I needed a cheap swimsuit for my weekend trip. When I got home, there was a sense of foreboding I couldn’t quite shake off. As though I had forgotten something.

My Healthy Options bag with my Ginkgo Biloba and healthy snacks! To top it all off, I couldn’t even remember where I left it! Did I leave it in the atm booth? How about at the coffee shop where I met the girls? NafNaf? Where?!?

After racking my brain for hours, retracing my steps, and trying to figure out where exactly I left the bag, I was already up to my elbows in frustration and I still couldn’t remember anything! I remember everything else that happened that day except that part about my Ginkgo Biloba.

I woke up this morning and one of the first three things that popped into my head was, you guessed it right, Ginkgo Biloba! Me and my Ginkgo obsession! It was so bad that even while doing INSANITY Cardio Recovery, my thoughts would still get interrupted by Ginkgo.

Then I went to work. Guess what was the first thing I noticed sitting prettily on top of my table?

This is how the Tale of the Missing Ginkgo Biloba came to a conclusion: on my tabletop.

To cut the long story short: I bought a bottle of memory enhancers which I had completely forgotten where I left last night.

Moral of the story: Somebody needs to OD on Gingko Biloba and that would be me.

I exaggerate, of course. I did, however, open the bottle immediately and swallowed two capsules. One can’t be too forgetful these days.

CURVES: Circuit Workout for Women, by Women

Posted on by mrsvickyaltaie


So finally today, I was able to check out CURVES in Serendra and boy was I pleasantly surprised! When Reebok teammate Kassy Pajarillo first told me about Curves, I thought it was an interesting workout and the timing really could not have been more impeccable because I am already at that stage where the usual workout routine no longer holds any form of appeal to me. Thanks to INSANITY, my body has gotten so used to high-impact, high-intensity circuit training type of workout that pain and maximum heart rate have now become my benchmark for a good workout. No pain, no gain.

And I also happen to have such short attention span (I suppose I need to have myself checked one of these days as I seriously suspect I may have ADHD. No, really.) that I cannot stay committed to just one type of workout. And especially not for long stretches of time. I need intense movements. I need variations. I need constant and fast transitions. And if possible, I want to cry and scream bloody murder at the end of each workout; swear never to do it again, only to do another round of it the day after…and the day after that…and so goes the cycle of pain. And why would I mind the pain, really, when it gave me this as a result?

This kind of 'INSANITY' comes highly recommended. Believe you me.

Now as much as I enjoy annihilating my own body within the four corners of my tiny home doing Insanity, I still am a social creature who sometimes wishes I have workout bodies. But since the usual gym setting no longer appeals to me and I have somehow gotten quite tired of  being scrutinized like a fly under a microscope maybe because my workout outfit tend to look a bit risque on me sometimes, I have decided to look for an alternative. I must because I will die – seriously die – if I don’t get to workout at least five times a week, and that already includes running of course.

Vicky and Kassy lead the pack of fit and active modern-day multitasking women professionals (yes, best in caption award!)

Enter CURVES. The minute I saw the purple logo and the purple and pink-themed interior, I fell in love. The place itself gives you that warm fuzzy feeling but there is nothing in there that will put you to sleep! Curves’ General Manager Ms. Fe Abrihan was there last night and Joi, the amiable marketing assistant, took me around the center for a quick tour and it was all I needed to write my name down as a member. This is exactly what I was looking for – a circuit training fitness program that will look after the unique needs of my body (a woman’s body, generally, is unique and beautiful) and tone it in a way that I will look neither emaciated or too macho for a girl.

Being interviewed by Annie regarding my fitness & medical history

Ann took my fitness and medical history along with my measurements and I found out that ohmydotingdaddy, I still have 5lbs in excess of my target weight! Although she said that my weight may be such (in the neighborhood of 100lbs) because of the muscles that have already been formed due to my intense workout and so we decided to just focus on my ‘problem’ areas – arms and thighs. Although my arms and thighs are so much better now than when I was lugging around more fat, I still see some jiggle when I run, for example. The sagging and jiggle have to go.

Getting my body fat measured.

Now looking at my fitness goals and objectives, Curves is just perfect because it works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. If you ask me, I’m already happy with this but no, Curves also has these benefits to offer women —  weight loss, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting.

But don’t just take my word for it. Why don’t you come and drop by one of these days and find out what Curves can do for your body?

Get the curves you want at CURVES!

Oh and by the way, Zumba® Fitness classes have recently been added to Curves® Circuit in Bonifacio Global City – much to the delight of women, young and old alike. During the 30-minute class, participants work out on each Curves strength machine for one minute, alternating upper, lower and core muscles. After one minute, the music cues the participant to change stations on the circuit, and she moves to an area between machines to do Zumba® moves, which tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. Licensed Zumba® instructors from the Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN), Via Bonoan and Rowena Jose, teach simple, modified Zumba® moves from the center of the circuit.

Kassy tries Zumba with Ms. Via