Yoga 101

The demands of living in Manila can stress you out. Filipinos have a unique way of dealing with these conditions through its various social outlets. Nighttime habits with its places to dwell are the usual channels of fun loving Pinoys. Last week, I was invited by my dear friend Myrza Sison to join her for a Saturday night gathering. It didn’t take more than a minute for me to say yes with images of champagne and vodka in my mind. However, the revelry was different from what I expected to be. It was the anniversary celebration of the Yoga Foundation of the Philippines at Pasay Road in Makati. It took me a few moments before I understood the vibe. A simple handshake with a calm facial expression welcomed me that night. Evidently, the mood was the result of one’s practice of yoga as part of coping with the stress in the metropolis. Delighted to see familiar party faces, I curiously asked them how interesting the practice of yoga gets. It turns out that the different positions and poses of yoga are not as taxing as I perceived them to be.

Troy Bernardo

Why do you practice yoga? It is beneficial both physically and spiritually. The several positions trained me to be still for long periods of time and to meditate.

Suzette Montinola

What did you discover about yourself in doing yoga?

I discovered being physical flexible can be a calming experience.

Corey Wills

Can yoga increase one’s sex drive?

Yes, because there are certain postures and positions that can affect your sexual glands and it strengthens your muscles.

And what are the chances of meeting a potential lover in yoga?

Of course, because yoga tends to make you trusting and open minded. It also helps you to know your inner-truth and inner-self; and your pursuits are non-egotistical.

Myrza Sison

Who among the presidential candidates will you invite in yoga?

All the presidentiables definitely look like they could use a yoga class or two to de-stress, heighten their stamina and find some mental clarity to invite introspection about their true motives, intentions and desires. Yoga affects not only the body but the mind, with postures that can energize, stimulate and calm. GMA, Ping and Roco could benefit from some calming,  FPJ, from some stimulating, and the two Eddies, from a lot of introspection.

Victoria Toda

How often do you attend yoga?

Once a week, but now I intend to do it more often

In one word describe your experience with yoga?

Funny! Because I was once doing a difficult position which made my body ache. The instructor tried to ease my pain by tickling my feet and made me laugh out loud! Then five of my girlfriends laughed along and made it the most noisy yoga session.

Monica Olondriz

Does one need to be vegetarian to do yoga?

I am not vegetarian but yoga inspires you to be vegetarian as much as you can be.

What diet do you suggest for beginner of yoga?

A lot of organic fruits and vegetables and limit your alcohol consumption and stop the nasty habit of smoking.

Mae Young

What is your favorite yoga position?

The "Fish" position because it is very relaxing and it opens your throat charka for better communica-tion.

Is it a difficult position and how?

It is a very easy position, lay flat on your back and then arch it. Rest your crown (head) on the floor; place your hand behind your buttocks with your palm in an inverted prayer position and your legs on a lotus position.

I Ñigo Elizalde

Do you yoga before going to a party?

Yes, I do yoga before going to any party since it feels like my body is free from any toxins such as alcohol and cigarettes. It also frees me from guilt when I drink my favorite cocktail.

Can yoga help with one’s hangover?

Yes, because it sweats out the alcohol from the body.