Plinky Recto and the Method of Pilates

What do Julia Roberts, Madonna, Marisa Tomei, Drew Barrymore, Sharon Stone, Jodie Foster, Sandra Bullock and Leonardo di Caprio in common?

Besides being part of Hollywood’s A List of actors, these celebrities have acknowledged that they stay fit by using the method of Pilates – a holistic, life-changing exercise system that simulates both mind and body. Marisa Tomei was quoted as saying. "Pilates gives me long, lean muscles and works deeper than any other workout I’ve ever done." But Pilates is not just for Hollywood stars, it’s for every type of body, any fitness level and virtually any physical condition.

Actress and TV personality Plinky Recto recently returned from the States, after having finished her intensive formal lessons and training in the Method of Pilates. She studied and trained with America’s foremost Pilates gurus in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sta. Fe, and New York.

Why is Pilates so popular with celebrities, athletes and professional dancers? "Because it works fast and the results are amazing," says Plinky, now a Certified Fitness Analyst in the Method of Pilates who owns and runs The Bodyworker, a Pilates studio at the Orient Day Spa in Makati. "Pilates works out your powerhouse muscle – your abs. And the exercises are designed to give you long, supple muscles; a firmer, flatter stomach; better posture; overall strength and flexibility and a streamlined body shape."

Oftentimes described as a combination of yoga and weight training, Pilates stretches and strengthens the muscles, leading to a more flexible and leaner physique but without adding bulk. The Method of Pilates is a low-impact but in-depth physical conditioning system. It helps develop mental focus and body awareness, boosts control and precision, releases tension, realigns the body, relieves chronic joint and back pains, and even aids in speeding up recovery from injuries or surgeries.

The health benefits of Pilates are indeed numerous and remarkable. Plinky says, "Pilates helps you develop a harmonious mind-body connection so you become more aware of your body, more fluid and coordinated in your movement ... it improves your breathing, enhances your blood circulation and heightens your stamina. It gives a sense of self-empowerment."

As each movement requires control, form and precision, the Pilates machine exercises require close supervision and personalized attention. Plinky, who has decided to specialize in "Pilates for osteoporosis," personally conducts and supervises the private one-on-one Pilates workouts at the Bodyworker. She also offers Pilates sessions on floor mats for a maximum of 15 persons in every class. The Bodyworker awaits those who wish to experience "the ultimate transformation" at the Orient Day Spa, Garden Level, Corinthian Plaza, Paseo de Roxas, Greenbelt, Makati City. Interested individuals may call 813-4591, 813-4087, 813-4164.

Nanette’s Menu

Premiere stand-up comedienne Nanette Inventor continues to delight audiences with her very own Menu of timeless classics, an exciting musical extravaganza that will have its last performance tonight at 8 at the Republic of Malate.

The concert series showcases Nanette’s sparkling musicality punctuated by her irreverent humor as she dishes out songs from the 50’s the ’60s, the ’70s, and the ’80s mixed together with vignettes of everyday life that are really funny if we only pay more attention to them. The show is written and directed by Nanette herself, with Elhmir Saison as musical director.

Menu is a production of the Manila Genesis Entertainment & Management, Inc. in cooperation with Donita Rose, Inc. Sponsors for the show are Yamaha-Yupangco Music Corp., Solar Films & Solar Entertainment Corp., Manila Bulletin, Vivian Sarabia, Mann Yann Restaurant, Allegro Cafe Italiano, Joey 92.3, Crossover 105.1, 96.3 DWRock, Cali Shandi, Teriyaki Boy Restaurant and Viva Mineral Water. Tickets to the show are priced at P750 and P500 and are available at the Republic of Malate (303-3529 to 30) and at the Manila Genesis Entertainment & Management Inc. (721-4405 loc. 102).

Another feather on Ryan C’s cap

Multi-awarded composer Ryan Cayabyab added another feather in his cap when he won the first Onassis International Competition for Original Music Composition for Dance and Original Choreography (2001).

Ryan, popularly known in music circles as Mr. C won Second Prize for his original music composition for Misa 2001, a dance presentation choreographed by Douglas Nierras. Mr. C shared the Second Prize award with another composer Christopher Lyndon-Gee of the United Kingdom. No first prize was given.

Mr. C’s work bested 46 entries that came from 24 countries. In a faxed letter to Mr. C from Barbara Charamis, Administrative Secretary of the Onassis International Prizes Committee, Ms. Charamis said "You have been awarded the 2nd Prize that you will share with Mr. Christopher Lyndon-Gee of the United Kingdom."

Mr. C now sits as Executive and Artistic Director of the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Athens, Greece, on Nov. 27.