A few of my favorite scented things

Sharing a couple of things I've grown to love recently because of how they smell. <3 In no particular order:

#1 Messy Bessy's Muscle Relief Rub

I mentioned about it in my previous post. This was the balm the yoga instructor put on our napes after our session which I instantly liked so even though I was trying to be super tipid that day, I bought one at Messy Bessy Glorietta. It sells at ₱300 for 100g. This rub, as I've learned, used to be called Yoga Love until the makers behind it teamed up with Messy Bessy to create a more organic formula, hence the rename.

I super love this product because after the camphor wears off it leaves a very pleasant smell probably due to green tea and certain essential oils. The consistency is a bit thin, but a little goes a long way already. The menthol lasts for around 30 minutes and doesn't wear off easily even after taking a bath. :D

#2 Precious Aroma Fragrance Mist - Royal Ponciana

IT SMELLS LIKE BABY POWDER ARG. It's so relaxing entering a room covered in this scent. <3

#3 Precious Natural Air Purifier

Contains dried bamboo wood and charcoal. Helps purify the air daw lol. Actually I'm just looking to get natural air purifiers cos they're cheaper hehe. This easily became my favorite because I use the fragrance mist on this and it really elevates the feel of my room. Sarap matulog. The design is super cute too! A pack contains four of these things, they're roughly 4x4 inches and yep, it's also from Precious Herbals.

I felt kindof cheated though cos I thought this was something new, but in fact you can find bamboo-charcoal air purifiers in hardware stores for half the price. K. At least cute yung akin lol.

#4 Precious Herbal Pillow

Not really promoting Precious Herbals but my recent haul from them proved to be so sulit! You may have chanced upon this in malls, they have kiosks pretty much at every SM Supermall, and recently I discovered they're also selling at the Kultura section of SM Store.

I would put them under the category of compress pads but this isn't your ordinary one. It's filled with a variety of herbs such as cassia, ginger, cinnamon, lemongrass, lavender, and peppermint AND IT SMELLS REALLY GOOD. Best thing I liked about this (aside from the smell) is that you can microwave it to heat it easily. I've been using it to relieve neck, back, and abdominal pain. What a wonder. Got mine at Lazada :)

#4 Neutrogena Body Oil

Last but not the least. I thought they weren't selling this here but holey moley I found it at Watson. It's among the look-for-assistance products that you can't test or even take off the shelves so I was really bummed about it, how would people know it's a great product? Good thing I've tried this before and I swear by it. It smells really mild, like uhm, a stationery and doesn't dry off sticky. This became my lotion substitute because it works like one, except that it's easier to apply. You can get yours at Lazada

The Yoga+ Makati Experience

If I were to sum up my first formal yoga session in one word, it would be INTENSE. 90 minutes, 50 poses, and a room heated to 37 degrees - that's how Hot A Yoga works. I was very excited to try it, but later on the class I had to recall what kind of evil I did to deserve such punishment. It was a painfully funny exercise for me, and I took consolation at the fact that I stayed at the last row, where I could hide and no one would notice me dying. Kidding, it was really hard, but at the end it's very fulfilling. Will definitely do it again.

Here's a quick tour!

Upon entering the studio you're required to go barefoot by leaving your shoes at the racks in front of the elevators. Shiela, the receptionist, was very nice and helpful and gave me a tour of the place :D

Yoga+ Makati has two yoga rooms, Yin and Yang. The Yang room (below) is the bigger of the two, the ceiling is filled with panels of heaters, and two sides of the room are filled with mirrors. This is where we did Hot Yoga. Students are entitled to use yoga mats and mat towels, as well as posture aides like blocks and belts. Bath towels can be borrowed from the towel room for free but you have to deposit ₱100 along with an ID. Pwede na!

Here's the Yin room,

Both rooms have wide windows and are equipped with Ozein Air Purifiers. Sosyaaaal. Inside the women's changing room are seven shower stalls, one dressing cube, and a clothes rack. They also have shampoo and body wash available, as well as hair dryers. The toilet area is separate. Didn't check the men's haha

Very spacious changing room,

The long hallway leading to the yoga rooms are lined with lockers. They're free for use but you have to bring your own padlocks, otherwise you may put your things on the empty shelves across the lockers. Valuables like wallets and cellphones may be deposited at the counter, they'll give you a number for it. :) Beside the shelves is an alkaline water dispenser, bongga. Bring your own bottle k.

They also sell yoga apparel! 

Love their waiting lounge!

Pa-effect lang,

Hot yoga virgin no more

Eto na, the experience! It was crazy hard for a first timer like me. Like in most sports and fitness activities I'm interested in, I suck big time lol. But that's okay and totally expected. I was actually inspired to get better, especially after seeing how the first rowers could tangle their legs together and plank forever. The goal is to friggin go from figurine left to right in no time! Weeeh!

It helped a lot that our instructor, Chi, gave an orientation for us hot yoga virgins, lelz. These were the tips I got from her, and also from the beginners guide they let me read when I signed the waiver:

1. Hydrate big time the day before a hot yoga session.
2. Do not drink too much before the session because it will be harder for the body to get warmed up
3. Wear less clothing. Most of the students were wearing sports bras, tanks, shorts, cyclings. I was wearing a large drifit shirt and leggings nubayan, also socks but I took them off haha. Note to self: need to get a pedicure
4. Resort to Balasana (Child's pose) to rest if the poses get too intense for you. I personally prefer resorting to Shavasana (Corpse pose) but as I've learned, I have to reward myself with it. What peace it brings to realize that death is a reward. Naks all these yoga terms are elevating my spirituality, charot.
5. Push yourself with the poses. While options are available, try to aim for the advanced versions too
6. Enjoy (the pain and suffering)! 

Because of the hot environment, not 5 minutes into the workout and I was sweating like a pig already. Every asana was a struggle. As the minutes pass by, the poses get harder and harder and it was becoming more difficult to keep my flat foot grounded on the mat. There was a moment I felt really dizzy I wanted to die (Corpse pose) but I fought it out like a true warrior. Char. 

While on our last Shavasana, Chi put some muscle relief cream on the back of our necks and oh my gulay I just found my new favorite thing! After the class I learned where she bought it; it's Muscle Relief Rub from Messy Bessy Glorietta. Got myself one on the way home, you should get yours too, ka-adik.

Try Yoga+ with Fit Access PH

Thanks to Fit Access I was able to try this life changing practice huwaw. After the class I felt so alive and invigorated, who wouldn't after escaping death? No seriously, I wanted to do it again I searched up online for hot yoga videos on youtube and was shocked to see the results. Tip: search for "hot yoga workout" instead of just "hot yoga" and spare yourself from glaring cameltoes and NSFW thumbnails. My goodness.

Sign up with Fit Access for discounted rates and access to different studios! 

Related: Go Gym Hopping with Fit Access

Yoga+ Rates and Classes

Rates
Drop in (1 class/anytime)	₱799
Drop in (1 class/daytime - weekdays before 6pm)	₱599
2 Weeks Unlimited (First-timer rate)	₱1,499
1 Month Unlimited (First-timer rate)	₱3,399
10 Classes	₱5,999
10 Classes (daytime - weekdays before 6pm)	₱4,999
50 Classes	₱19,950
50 Classes (daytime - weekdays before 6pm)	₱17,450
1 Week Unlimited	₱1,699
1 Week Unlimited (daytime - weekdays before 6pm)	₱999
1 Month Unlimited	₱6,499
1 Month Unlimited (daytime - weekdays before 6pm)	₱3,999
1 Year Unlimited	₱47,988
2 Years Unlimited	₱86,376

For a complete and updated list of prices, check here. Their class schedule is also regularly updated at their website.

Location and Contact

Yoga+ Makati is located at

3/F Cambridge Bldg., Tordesillas cor. Gallardo Streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City

Phone: (02) 847 0697

Hours: 6am - 10pm

Web: www.yogaplus.ph

YogaPlusPH

How to get there? I took a bus labeled LRT Ayala Leveriza and got off at Paseo de Roxas bus stop. Cambridge bldg. is just some 500m walk from there. It's across the side of Makati Sports Club. :)

Namaste.

How to add a 'Back to Top' button on your blog with smooth scrolling (for Blogger)

This isn't something new, I picked this up from here and thought I should make a guide of my own specifically for Blogger users like myself.

Features:

• 'Back to Top' button that fades into view at the bottom right corner of the page as you scroll down
• Fades out when you reach the top
• Smooth scrolling
• HTML, CSS, JQuery, FontAwesome

Code:

Part 1: CSS

On Blogger >> Dashboard >> Template >> Edit HTML
Go to the CSS section of your blog and insert the code below:

.back-to-top {
    display:none;
    position: fixed;
    bottom: 2em;
    right: 10px;
    text-decoration: none;
    color: rgb(207, 72, 94);
    font-size: 12px;
    padding: 1em;
}

.back-to-top:hover {
    text-decoration:none;
    color: rgba(207, 72, 94, 0.8);
}

If you can't find where to put it, search for this ]]></b:skin> and paste the code above it.

You can edit the color and size of the button by changing the values in red and blue respectively. Unless you want a different hover color, keep the two RGB values the same. The alpha value (0.8) tells how transparent the button becomes when you hover on it.
Part 2: JQuery

Still inside the HTML code, paste the code below inside the <head> portion of your template

<script src="http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.0.0/jquery.min.js"></script>

If it's already existing, no need to do this.

Part 3: HTML

Still inside the editor, paste the code below directly above the </body> tag.

<a href="#" class="back-to-top">Back to Top</a>
<script>
 jQuery(document).ready(function(){
  var offset = 220;
  var duration = 500;
  jQuery(window).scroll(function(){
   if (jQuery(this).scrollTop() > offset) {
    jQuery('.back-to-top').fadeIn(duration);
   } else {
    jQuery('.back-to-top').fadeOut(duration);
   }
  });

  jQuery('.back-to-top').click(function(event){
   event.preventDefault();
   jQuery('html, body').animate({scrollTop: 0}, duration);
   return false;
  })
 });
</script>

You may replace 'Back to Top' with any icon you want. In my case, I used an icon from FontAwesome and replaced the text in purple with this:

<i aria-hidden='true' class='fa fa-arrow-circle-up' style='font-size:50px'/>




Bonus: FontAwesome

It's basically a set of web fonts featuring scalable vector icons. In short, just a bunch of icons turned into fonts so you don't need to use an image every time you need one. Awesome!

To use FontAwesome, you must first install it like you did with JQuery by adding the line below inside the <head> portion of your template

<link href='https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/font-awesome/4.6.0/css/font-awesome.min.css' rel='stylesheet'/>

 Then choose the icon you want from here and get the corresponding markup in order to display it.

Done!

Save the HTML code of your blog and check to see if it works. :)

Go gym-hopping with Fit Access

Sometimes, a change in environment is all we need. If you could get a subscription than enables you to visit multiple gyms in a month, versus one that locks all your visits in a single gym, what would you choose?

Here's the perfect solution for fitness enthusiasts who easily get tired of routine and want a more customized fitness program, and a variety of studios to visit.

From Unsplash

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Manila-based startup Fit Access launches a booking platform that caters to tech-savvy millennials and on-the-go professionals and encourage them to find their joy and passion in fitness.

Fit Access allows members to enjoy a wide variety of fitness activities every month in all its partner gyms and studios. Members can choose from different workout categories that suit their mood and match their fitness level.

Co-founders Ia Hernandez and Natalie Cruz, are both athletes who want to share their love of fitness and help others find the workout that fits their schedule and taste.

“As athletes, Ia and I know that fitness is more than just a lifestyle but a way of life. With Fit Access we hope that Filipino professionals can incorporate any fitness routine they like into their weekly schedules,” says Natalie Cruz, a Girevoy (Kettlebell) Sport athlete, IKSFA Level 2 Coach, and a current student of ACE Personal Trainer Certification.

Fit Access, a mobile-friendly website, was created for individuals at any age and fitness level. Whether you’re a busy professional planning to start a new fitness regime, a fitness enthusiast wanting to try something new, or an athlete looking to cross train, the platform has all the fitness activities and group classes you can possibly think of. With 30 (and still growing) partner studios, Fit Access is the perfect place to discover new workout options. Members can check class schedules and book a class at their favorite studios with just a few clicks, making it doubly easier to attend a session. Its accessibility and user-friendly interface makes finding a class a breeze. Nobody has to call in and book their workout sessions anymore!

What makes this new platform different from its competition? Fit Access offers the most flexible subscription plans that suit individual needs. Fit Access features three membership options ranging from 6-12 visits per month, all designed to bring you the best service possible. Co-founder Ia Hernandez says, “Our monthly membership plans are perfect for those who might already have an existing gym membership but would like to complement their workouts with new activities. If they’re thinking of picking up a new sport, Fit Access is definitely a great platform for that as well!”

Beyond monthly classes, members will also receive exclusive deals from partner establishments such as discounts on gym membership packages, fitness workshops, and free invites to health and fitness events. Visit www.fitaccess.ph to know more about their partner establishments and subscription plans!

Is #BalikAlindog on your 2016 goals? Are you planning to break the monotony of your fitness routine? Then Fit Access may just be the one you need. What are you waiting for? Join now and be part of a dynamic fitness revolution!

How it works

[Quick Tour] Kinetix Lab at UP AyalaLand TechnoHub

Last year, the space at 2/F TechnoHub was occupied by Quantum Fitness (quick tour here)! I thought it would motivate me to work out, but it never happened (what's new). A year later, the sign was put down, the ring was taken out, and they reopened as Kinetix Lab. They started renovating - installing rows of warm pin lights, restructuring the facade, expanding the lounge. I can tell cos I usually see the construction going on every night whenever I walk out for lunch (or midnight chow, considering my shift). It looked really inviting. I felt my fats tremble.

A few days ago, I chanced upon this promo on MetroDeal offering 30% Off One Month Unlimited Access at Kinetix Lab for P1820 and thought it's a good reason to check out the gym! Kinetix Lab sits inside our business park complex so it's ideally located for someone like me who's too lazy to go anywhere to get a sweat. I thought a super near gym would help me push my weight loss goals and inspire me to take this Biggest Loser challenge I got myself into with my teammates more seriously (like I would), but yeah, we'll see!

I was disappointed to learn that they took the ring out, they probably lost the Elorde franchise (I don't know). Sayang 'cos I think it's a good selling point. I've always wanted to try boxing pa naman, charot.

Anyway, facilities!

But first, their current rates and group exercise time table. Sorry for the size, feel free to zoom in by clicking on the picture.

Currently they offer the following group classes: Cycling, Bootcamp, Zumba, Yoga, Hiphop, Cardio Kickboxing, Circuit, and Piloxing. If classes are your thing, I think their schedule is packed enough.

I dropped in around 12 midnight, I thought they were open 24hrs but the guy at the reception said they're getting there soon. He's also overseeing the construction so the lights are still on. He was kind enough to let me in to take pictures and also explain about their facilities though, yey. :)

Here's the lounge. It used to be smaller and has only a couple of high chairs, not quite for lounging, so this is definitely an improvement!

This is where the boxing ring used to be,

Weights area,

Spinning room for cycling classes,

The space outside the studio,

Aaand the ongoing locker/shower room renovation. Their lockers are digitally locked by the way!

That's it! 

I personally think it's still a tad bit too expensive, but not if you're after the group classes. If you manage to be present at least 5 days a week and is on the ₱2,600.00/month membership plan, each class would only cost you ₱130.00. Not bad.

If you want more affordable options, you may check MetroDeal if the promo is still open (last time I checked it's valid til September 30). Quantum Fitness is also a KFit partner establishment, I'm not sure if it was reinstated as Kinetix Lab, but there are still active classes available for booking in their site. :)

Location and Contact

Kinetix Lab
2/F UP - AyalaLand TechnoHub
Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Q.C.
info@kinetixlab.ph
Kinetix Lab

A Safer Drive Home

Yesterday I noticed that MMDA has extended the barrier at Commonwealth cor. Central Ave. so that all vehicles coming from Central would turn right inside the PUV lanes. That's where I got into an accident a month back because I was turning right and outside the barrier so I could reach the nearest U-turn. Now I have to cruise all the way to Philcoa to make that turn, which is actually safer, for all its worth.

For some reason I was relieved. Sure it has added a few hundred meters to my usual drive home, but the feeling that they protected me (and others) from getting into another accident from that spot pacified my nerves. Ever since the accident I became wary of that place, and now my mind is at peace. Naks, thanks MMDA!

But then, even if they didn't extend the barrier, the longer but safer route has always been available, right? Yeah but people always chose the shorter but more dangerous one, because just like the other option, it has always been there.

Lesson learned: Sometimes doing the best thing needs to be enforced.

Life Lately and the Persistent Headache

I realized I haven't written a what's up post in more than a month so here you go!

Annyeong!

I don't usually watch KDramas when they're not yet finished, but lately, all these interesting titles on the Recently Updated tab of KissAsian has left me in a miserable state of waiting weekly for fresh episodes. And I can't stop watching.

So what's eating me right now:

Source: www.onigirilove.com

Doctors - I admit the first episode got me so hooked but the thrill and excitement seems to drop as the episodes go by. Will probably abandon this if I'm not satisfied with the next episode. Wishing for more badass scenes though to compensate for the growing (and boring) complications of their lovelives.

Source: www.kpop.vn

W Two Worlds - Lee Jong Suk is the reason I decided to watch this and man, the plot is interesting and the love team is pretty funny too. Please I want a happy ending for this.

Source: www.oblogdamari.com

Oh My Venus - not an ongoing series but something I just finished watching this week. I love love this series. It's consistently funny and their chemistry leaves no dull moment. It's one of those romcoms you wouldn't tire watching even after the couple is already dating. Shi Min Ah is sooo adorable <3

Source: www.dramabeans.com

Uncontrollably Fond - Because of Kim Woo Bin, I decided to give it a shot. Not bad but not too exciting either. The lead girl could be annoying, but I love the angst on this one I don't mind a sad ending.

Allergic Rhinitis and Mild Pneumonia

I've been sick for the past 3 weeks and it's weighing me down so bad. It started with colds, then sore throat, fever, then cough. My nose has been having the hardest time, always getting clogged. I've been wheezing like crazy and a headache won't leave me. I feel like I have toothache too. T___T; Arg. Please pray for me. T__T

Bye writing gig

I'm officially raket-less as I submit my last article for Grateful and Spry. It was a fun experience, one that definitely helped me pay for gas (for a while). Reminded me of my short stint at ODesk (now UpWork) but here at least I was given a couple of interesting subjects like success stories, the 1980's, and processed food hehe. I learned a lot, and realized if I were writing full time I could only come up with two articles a day lol. Looking forward to more writing opportunities... that I can handle. I'm a 2 articles per week type of person, given my day (well, night) job.

Twist and turn

Warning: this is super long. Basta I got into a road accident with a motorcycle, and were both okay naman na haha.

Three weeks ago I got into a road accident, my first, not that I'm one to count, and I'm glad it's totally over. Not totally totally though 'cos we still haven't admitted the car for repairs and I'm still worried about how much the participation fee will be for a couple of dents and a broken side mirror. But totally over in a sense that both parties are okay, and I'm out of the trauma of hitting the road again. Thank God for insurance.

So here's what happened. On the way home Wednesday morning (July 13), coming from Central Avenue I turned right to Commonwealth and on to the motorcycle lane. Signaling to the left, I inched my way to the next lane then BLAG! Something hit the side of my car, the side mirror flew off, and then I stopped to check the situation. A man sat on the ground probably trying to get back to his senses, his motorcycle down behind him. Thank God there's no blood. Nakakaloka! I was panicking (inwardly) like crazy, how could this happen now, why, coding ako!

Vehicles from behind started honking, motorcycles slowed down, usis(eros) rolled down their windows, a few good men went to check on the guy, SOMEONE PICKED UP MY SIDE MIRROR AND HANDED IT TO ME (bless you!), I left my car beside the motorcycle lane with the hazard lights on, it was six something in the morning, it was rush hour, and traffic was building up. Awaaaaaard!

I kept saying sorry to the kuya, that I didn't mean to hit him, asked if he was okay, then asked anong pwede kong gawin?

One of the onlookers told me to call 911. Right, I took my phone out and called 911, a recorded message told me to call 117 instead, dialed 117 and was greeted with a monotonous voice saying I have insufficient load to make the call. WHY DO EMERGENCY NUMBERS NEED LOAD? F TELCOS.

I went back to the kuya and asked again if he was okay and what I could do. He asked me if I could bring him to the hospital and I obliged. Didn't occur to me that it meant leaving the place of accident without anything for the police to investigate on. I called one of the guys from the outpost (Thank God there's an outpost!) and he assisted in keeping the motorcycle in custody while I bring the victim to the hospital. I even had to ask where I could bring him even though I should know 'cos I ply Commonwealth every freaking day of my life. Stress.

I called my dad and told him about the accident and said he'll follow us to the hospital. With my left side mirror off, I managed to drive us to Malvar General Hospital, I was happy to be out of the accident scene if only to alleviate the worsening traffic.

The nurse asked for the victim and told us if we have talked already about this and that, I don't know what she's talking about. The kuya agreed to sign this Medico Legal thing stating that he won't be pushing any charges against me, which is good, but not after me agreeing to take care of him. Basta wag daw syang pabayaan. Of course. So I took care of everything, his hospital bills, his painkillers, etc. His right arm got swollen really bad, thank God it wasn't broken.

When my dad and uncle (and my mom and my sister. basically they all went to "support" me) arrived at the hospital to check the situation, I learned that I wasn't really at fault. Looking at the dents on the left doors of the car and the broken side mirror, it was clear who hit who, and I'm not the first who. It should've been me who signed the Medico Legal form instead. Now the thing is, since we already talked about not pressing each other over the matter, we had to make it seem like a hit-and-run incident so that the insurance company wouldn't run after him.

Lesson #1: Not everyone who got hurt is a victim.

Anyway, it's not like I would withdraw the help I promised. Shempre maaawa ka diba? He was obviously the less financially privileged one, and I wanted to offer as much help as needed because I can see that he's hurting and he wouldn't be able to go to work for a few days. He works as a family driver and it's her wife's birthday pa that day!

For a while I was super guilty cos he wouldn't accept any money from us, then later on naman I became doubtful about his intentions, that he's probably acting and blah, but eventually it passed after he called in asking for help getting his motorcycle repaired. I wired him the money and prayed everything to be fine.

Lesson #2: Money solves guilt problems.

I'm not saying always, but during that time, lumuwag talaga yung dibdib ko. More than the the intense worry about the cost of participation fee for the car repair (which hopefully won't exceed all my reimbursable benefits this year cos inencash ko na lahat huhu), the feeling of guilt won't leave me. It was only when I gave him money that I felt relieved. Even though I was the "lugi" one here cos I shouldered everything and he didn't have to spend a dime, at least I wasn't hurt anywhere.

The only real consolation I got from the incident was learning one of my friends got into the exact same accident, on the same day, on the same spot, just 2 hours before mine. The motorcycle who hit him was even an MMDA officer.

Yeah, more stats for Commonwealth to continue its reign as the country's most dangerous highway.