Peoplescape: Jeanne Torrefranca

Meeting Jeanne
I met Jeanne back in May 2012 at the Chu Un Temple along V. Rama for the regular Thursday Zen meditation. I was then hanging out with my Vipassana Meditation crew. Through some kind of social osmosis, I oscilliated into the yoga group where I started attending yoga classes and hanging-out with them. Jeanne and her merry crew would invite me to their animated weekly "Saturday night milk-and-juice poolside chillout" at what is now Dragonfly Yoga Studio. Arlien would bring her homemade cookies/brownies, Reds would do the firedance, Jason, Anton and the parkour boyz would do some tricks and Jeanne would strum the guitar and sing some tunes. Her velvety-smooth voice would give Sade a run for her money. Other yogis would be there and gather around - Gem, Freyja, Celeste, Blanne, etc. They were the heady days of poi, kirtan, asanas and juice (a yogic version of sex drugs and rock en roll). This scene is what I remember Cebu with as I left for Coron to continue my travels.

breakfast with Jeanne in Cebu City

But why is Jeanne "Fab People"? Certainly not just because she can do a flawless Downward Facing Dog.

Free Yoga Teacher Training
Last year, in May 2012, yoga was just a minor blip in Cebu's radar (nothing like what it is now). There was Shanti Shala (now closed), Surya Nanda Yoga Studio, and YogaHub was just opening its doors. There weren't enough students. Jeanne, in a bold and unprecedented move, spearheaded a free yoga teacher-training program against the wishes of her colleagues and friends. Why train more teachers when there is not enough students? Why 'free' when there are costs involved? Unwaveringly, steadfast in her resolve, Jeannne stood firm and continued the program saying, "the students will come when the teachers are there". Just one year later (now), her words proved prophetic. There are several yoga studios now, gyms offering yoga and even hotels and resorts catching on the trend by offering yoga practice as well. And guess what? A lot of the certified teachers who are now teaching these yoga centers now can trace their early beginnings from the humble free yoga teacher-training program Jeanne initiated. Her program continues without abatement. I am currently under her tutelage for Ashtanga teacher-training.

Dragonfly Yoga Studio Sanctuary
As I write this, we are three adoptees by Jeanne, residing at Dragonfly - with Regina Bustamante (yogini and yoga teacher-in-training) and John Conway (parkour guru). Like D'Artangan of the 3 Musketeers, Jason Robles is the 4th musketeer who is non-resident, but very much a part of the scene. At the recently held Sunrise Festival, she housed the entire Maharlika crew - all 20+. Just a few days ago, Jeanne offered her studio for a French humanitarian volunteer to crash at the studio while in transit for Ormoc. Indeed, Jeanne's Dragonfly studio is more than just a studio or a gathering place for like-minded individuals. It's a haven...a sanctuary...a refuge for people to get their bearings until they move on. Jeanne doesn't charge. Yoga sessions she conducts at the studio are free. It's a karma gift.

Invisible Yogini
When there are yoga events happening around the city, the organizers usually count on Jeanne's support - in any capacity. She was there to help choreograph YogaHub's photoshoot for the Real Yoga Real People marketing campaign. When Arlien hosted the 2-day yoga retreat at Rancho Cancho, Jeanne was there to rally everyone for the Kirtan. Jeanne is almost a given in any yoga event in Cebu. But she's there to get the job done - not to grab the limelight or claim credit. She doesn't call attention to herself - she doesn't have to prove anything. Paid or unpaid, she's always there for the greater good.

Compassionate Yoga Teacher
Jeanne is a teacher's teacher. With compassion and a full understanding of the challenges facing a student, she tries to be supportive, encouraging and inspiring, allowing the student to make gentle progressive strides in the practice. It's never about her ego.

Ending Thoughts
I have only begun to scratch the surface on why Jeanne is Fab People. This blog is certainly not the last word. If you know her, I'm sure you have your reasons why Jeanne is FAB. Why not fill-in the other blanks. Use the comment form below.

--- TheLoneRider

Jeanne, sorry if this piece made you blush. I didn't mean to lay it on thick. I chronicle what I see - and this is what I see. I am privileged to be in your orbit. Thank you for your kindness, support and your friendship.

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2013: A Year in Review

(Dec 31, 2013) I refer back to the philosopher, Epicurus, who said that a key to having a happy life is to have an examined life. I don't know about happiness, but having an examined life allows you to be mindful of the series of events that took place to shape what you now have in the here-and-now. This way, you tend not to repeat the same mistakes. Or perhaps realize a repeating pattern that puts you in a vicious loop where you get stuck on auto-pilot.....more »»

Cebu City Google Map

Cebu City, Philippines

tourist attractions

• Tops - hilltop offering panoramic view of the city
• Taoist Temple - temple on a hillslope in Lahug with panoramic view of the city

hotel

• Hostel Seven Cebu - newly opened, resto/bar, central location, solo/group travellers
  Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City
• S Hotel & Residences - new hotel, luxury rooms, central location
  827 M. Velez corner Andres Abellana St.

resto / cafe / bar

• Fujinoya - new and refreshing twists to Western style desserts using Japanese techniques
  Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City - tel. 888.6075
• Bad Boys Wingz - Buffalo Wings, unique versions of sauces! Great service, accommodating staff, bad boys vibe
  Kasambagan, Cebu City | (032) 415 4811

yoga

• Love Yoga World - yoga studio
  11/fl, Skyrise 2 Tower, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
• Yoga Now - first Yoga and Wellness studio in Mactan offering daily Yoga Classes
  at The Yacht Club Mactan

mountain biking

• Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure - MTB tours, bike sales and repairs. Bed and Breakfast + Resto Cafe + wifi
  1298-b V.Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu City | 0942.959.7451

More Information about Cebu City

• Blogs
• Travel Info

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