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The Lounge at 7th High

It's TGIF-mode for you and friends. Where to go?

When you're in the mood for a classy and music-filled chill night-out with friends, why not spend it at

The Lounge at 7th High?

The Lounge at 7th High - Full Menu

The menu of The Lounge at 7th High.

Know the Difference: Energy Drinks and Sports Drinks

The fitness scene has been quickly and steadily growing in the Philippines. One of the effects of this trend is the increasing interest of people in learning how to maintain and improve on their personal goals, be it weight-loss or strength-building. A keystone in the pillar of fitness is, of course, proper hydration. This article aims to explain the difference between the two, and which one is better than the other for specific activities.

Wisdom in Four Words

Wise advice need not be long, complicated, and draggy. Sometimes, the best things come in small sizes, and wisdom in four words stand testament to that. Here are my favorites.

30 Ways to be Pro-Environment

 We only have this planet. Forever. Let's take care of it!

Arviza Tempranillo

A review on the Arviza Tempranillo.

Arviza Tempranillo, '09.

Banrock Station Merlot

A review on the Banrock Station Merlot.

Banrock Station Merlot, '09.

Unilab Active Health - Run United Trilogy Leg 1

It was a great experience to be invited again to lead the warm-up at yet another prestigious event last March 4. I met some great and inspiring people, and I saw first-hand too the admirable large-scale organization that RunRio Events are known for.

Presidential Car - 3 Reasons Why PNoy Deserves a New Car

For the past few days, the debated issue of giving Philippine President Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino III (or PNoy as he is affectionately known) a new presidential car has been gaining quite a bit of heat from many fellow Filipinos. Granted, any significant expense for a public official automatically raises eyebrows here in the Philippines (who can blame them?) but here is my rundown of reasons why it is perfectly alright to grant PNoy his new presidential car.

President NoyNoy Aquino, probably wondering Y U NO approve his new car.

Healthy Eating Plate

Say goodbye to the traditional (and imbalanced!) food pyramid.

Harvard University released what I believe is the more balanced and much healthier approach to food portions throughout the day. The classic pyramid puts in too much carbohydrates in the body (and here in the Philippines, this only means high-G.I. index carb sources such as white rice and white bread), and not enough good fats to satiate appetite. Also, I'm a big fish protein fiend, and this new chart emphasizes that a little more. The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate properly portions - and explains - why each section is as large (or small) as it is.

The way to eat.

Don't forget to share!

Image and information on the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate from Harvard Medical School.
For more information on the Glycemic Index, visit University of Sydney.

MTBO Bible Run 2012 - Result and Opinion

I opened up my March running calendar with an easy 5k at the May They Be One (MTBO) Bible Run held at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. It was a packed event, and in my opinion highlighted why organizations wishing to organize a run - even a fund-raising one - should really try to get professional events organizers to handle their races.

5k in 28:07, bib #2117

Skittlez Crew Total Body Conditioning Circuit

The current conditioning circuit I designed last month for my dance crew. 

Major focus on short-duration endurance, core strength and stability, and flexibility. 

Feel free to get for your personal use.

Running our way to be the fittest crew!

Warm-up

Brisk walking (2-3 minutes)

Cardio Conditioning

3km run (20 minutes max)

Strength Conditioning

Crab-walk pushups (1 minute, 2 sets per side)

1. Assume the pushup position. 
2. 'Walk' towards the left by bringing the right hand and right foot simultaneously towards the left hand and the left foot. 
3. Now extend the left hand and the left foot to the left. You should be back at the pushup position once more. 
4. Do one pushup. 
5. Repeat from the beginning. 
6. After the designated time/distance, rest 30 seconds and repeat going to the right.

Hand-walk with pushups and hamstring stretch (1 minute, 2 sets)

1. Assume the hamstring stretch position (bend over and touch toes, keeping knees locked). 
2. Slowly 'walk' the hands forward in a controlled motion until you read the pushup position. 
3. Do one pushup. 
4. 'Walk' your feet forward, keeping hands/fingers on the ground until you reach the hamstring stretch position once more. That's one repetition. Repeat for the designated time/distance.

Walking lunges (1 minute, 3 sets)

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width. 
2. In one controlled motion, lunge forward with the right leg. 
3. Upon landing, the forward (right) leg should maintain a 90-degree angle; knees will not go past toes (do not lunge too far forward). Left knee should be 2-3 inches from the ground. 
4. Push up with the right leg and lunge with the left leg. 
5. Repeat for the designated time/distance. 

 Wheelbarrow carry (1 minute, 2 sets per position)

1. Assume the pushup position. 
2. A partner will lift your legs. Keep your core tight; body position should be as if doing a plank. 
3. 'Walk' forward with your hands, keeping the core tight all the way for the designated time/distance. 
4. For the next set, assume the role of carrier, lifting partner's legs this time. Throughout this part, keep your chest out and your back stable.

Cooldown Jog

2km (14 minutes max)

Green Day

On March 7, 2012, join the Lasallian community as we celebrate Green Day, when we countdown one hundred days to De La Salle University's centennial year celebrations on June 16, 2012.

Download the posters below (courtesy of De La Salle Philippines) and use them on your blog, social network profiles, or even print them out and use them as cards!

Different Shades of Green

Never Shall We Fail

Animo La Salle!

Nike Dual Fusion TR-II

The Nike Dual Fusion TR II is a great entry-level shoe for the budding running enthusiast. While by no means a pure running pair, the TR II is light enough to be comfortable even after 12 kilometers yet sturdy enough to handle different surfaces and remain stable.

Nike Dual Fusion TR-II

Cushioning

The TR II features a higher ride on the heel than on the forefoot, a feature common among many trainers. The cushioning is quite soft, providing comfort and safety especially since I was a heel-striker when I first acquired this pair. The transition to mid-foot running was smooth with this shoe, and there was no significant ‘thud’ when hitting the ground.

Stability

I have an injured ankle, so a pair with good stability is a must. This pair is alright for the most part, but I have experienced that on occasion – especially on unstable surfaces like gravel – it does not quite prevent my feet from ‘rolling’ outwards. However, for the weekend warrior who spends most of training and/or running sessions on the blacktop or the treadmill, this shoe is perfectly fine.

Aesthetics

Nike will always be producing handsome-looking kicks, and I appreciate the simple but functional design of the TR II. The pair comes with oval laces, which hold a knot quite securely; I have never experienced laces coming undone during a run. The tongue lays nicely flat top of the foot without excess material chafing the ankle. Also, the trademark triangular arch support on the TR II provides the necessary visual detail, in my opinion. It would have been preferable to have the ‘NIKE’ logo at the back of the shoe printed using reflective material instead of matte paint. Still, it is quite a good-looking pair.

Price

For under PHP 3,500, this is one of the better pairs out there on the market. Most specialty running shoe brands that carry everyday trainers still sell those trainers at comparatively steep prices, sometimes hitting the PHP 5,000 mark. For the price, the TR II is definitely a pair of kicks that can only be described as bang for the buck. You get a well-cushioned, comfortable pair that is versatile enough for indoor cardio sessions as well as 10k road races.

The Verdict

Well-cushioned, good-looking pair of shoes for a beginner runner that is affordable and durable. More experienced runners will require something better, but for anyone who runs less than 30 kilometers a week, this pair is well-worth the money. 

Image from MRR Sports, retrieved on March 2, 2012.

Psalm 46:10

I am just so inspired by this verse.

"Be still, and know that I am God". 

That is what the verse literally says, but it means something a lot more profound to me. I feel this is a great reminder for each and every one of us to occasionally kick back, close our eyes and just be.

A minute of conversation with Him daily does the soul good.

TOMS Shoes - Desert Botas

TOMS International just recently launched their Summer Collection in a press release which I was fortunate enough to be a part of, covering the event for When In Manila. Quite a pleasant surprise after when TOMS gave each of the three bloggers who attended a pair of shoes. Mine was a pair of TOMS Desert Botas.

For every pair you buy, TOMS gives one to a child in need. Truth.

The pair was TOMS take on the classic desert boot, that rugged and versatile footwear used by many military men in desert countries. I was given the dark brown pair.

Aesthetics

From the get-go, the boots (or as TOMS likes to call it, the 'botas') definitely look pretty rugged, albeit with a much thinner sole, giving it a sleek but utilitarian look. It's a simple pair, and it went perfect with a pair of jeans. My favorite detail about it though is the houndstooth detail on the inner lining. I thought that was classy.

Comfort

Since I wore the shoes to work today, I was expecting it to be a tad bit more comfortable than my regular leather shoes. I was wrong; it was WAY more comfortable, to a fault. This pair has a low ride on the heel (unlike most shoes) so it felt weird at first, but after about half an hour, they felt really good. The canvas upper was light and there was no restrictive feeling whatsoever in the toe-box. However, since I wasn't a fan of mid- to high-cut shoes, I had a little bit of discomfort from the edges of the botas rubbing against my ankle. Thankfully - and a great feature, may I add - the edges can be folded down solving the chafing problem in seconds, though this gave the shoes a much more casual look.

Cushioning

I dance and run, and it has become second nature to feel how much support a pair of shoes gave my feet. Even though the TOMS botas had a low ride, they felt well-cushioned enough for a serious amount of wear-time; in fact, they felt very comfortable even after work and walking along Jupiter Street, Makati earlier. The flat sole is something I personally like as well, though I don't suggest stepping on wet tile floors. The tread of this pair isn't designed to handle smooth and slick surfaces.

Oh yeah.

All in all, I love the pair, and they look awesome with your favorite jeans. Good enough for a casual workday or a weekend out, in my opinion. Also, it's interesting to note that TOMS International is serious on social responsibility; in fact, the TOMS One for One program gives a child in need a pair of shoes for every pair that you buy.

For more information on the TOMS Summer Collection Press Release, read my article on When In Manila.

How's that for a bargain.

Check out TOMS website for more items.

TOMS International - Manila Stores

A comprehensive list of TOMS retailers in Metro Manila.

Updated as of March 2012.