Country > Philippines > Cebu > Cebu City
Date > 2014 > Apr
Activity > Yoga

Apr 11, 2014

Leveling Up: Veer-Yoga with the YogiVeers

Location : Cebu City, Philippines

MWF Evening Class
Veer (Vaibhav Rana) holds an MWF yoga class at CitiGym consisting of programs for strength, mobility, endurance, power and flexibility. It's a mix of theory, workshop, techniques, kriyas (completed repetitive movement), kramas (full exploration of a base asana) and led-classes (rarely). He teaches other classes, but these are the ones I attend. He introduces whole new concepts in yoga I've never encountered before - e.g. "no thought" yoga where you spontaneously do a kriya without making room for thought (this way, instinct takes over). I am amazed how he can weave together stand-alone disciplines - body anatomy, asana, mudra, bandha and pranayama into a seamless singularity.

YogiVeers
I've been with the class for nearly 3 months now and I see the same faces showing up regularly. This is a different set of practitioners - not like the ones I've seen with the many yoga classes I've attended (over 10 years and counting). These guys are highly motivated (showing up as early as an hour before class to warm-up), have a strong resolve (pushing themselves to their limits) and focused with their goals (often perfecting an asana or specific skill set - eg. arm balances). I've seen them fall and then come back up again, fall and unrelentingly come back again. I myself would fall several times, and with my head still on the floor, I'll look at them and they're still banging at it. I feel privileged to be in their company. The collective energy in the class is infectious and supportive. And like them, we are all big fans of our teacher, Veer - we fondly call ourselves YogiVeers.

Can't Get Enough
Personally, I can't get enough of the practice. Even when I was injured and couldn't participate (awkward landing on a handstand), I'd still show up for class even if only to take down notes. Lately, I'd setup my digicam to video the entire class - my archive is growing. I'd read-up, watch YouTube videos and refine some vinyasa flow. I'm completely stoked.


		You guys are lucky you have me. If I want the same level of performance for MY practice, who do I have? -- Veer (Vaibhav Rana) *** talking to his MWF class YogiVeers

Back to Teaching
At home, I would review the video and develop my own sequence and later on, use them on a class I'm teaching. Teaching gives me an opportunity to apply what I've learned. I only teach once a week (whoever wants me to sub for them), no more, as I want to use my time to further my own practice.


		This is the only class where if you come on time, you're already late. -- Veer (Vaibhav Rana) *** referring to his MWF Master Class where students usually come an hour early to start warming up

Performance
From a performance perspective, when I attend other 'led' yoga classes (not by Veer), particularly Ashtanga classes where the sequence is set (and therefore serves as an excellent benchmark), I begin to appreciate my gains. I am surprised at my newfound strength, endurance and flexibility. These gains motivate me to even push my practice harder.

Injuries
As I write this, I am nursing a few injuries. Injury is something people don't usually talk about, as if it's taboo. Let me put 'injuries' in perspective here. To me, injury is simply part of the landscape if you push yourself at this level. With leveling-up, you start doing things you've never done before - and nobody does it perfect the first time, right? It's not because the teacher is clueless, it's not because yoga is injurious. If I practice yoga on 'safe mode' (instead of leveling-up), I can get away with no injury (as I've done so for many years). It's not just yoga, but in any sport or activity. If you push your limits to the next level, injuries are inevitable. It happens in mountain biking, free-diving, roller blading, etc.

Managing Injuries
The extent of the injuries can be manageble though. Example: I'm willing to risk a moderate crash on a mountain bike to traverse a technical trail - worst case, I might get a sprain. But I've met Simon (a downhill rider) who has become very good at riding bikes at breakneck speed, but at the expense of two broken collar bones, broken ribs, fractured arms, etc. - I'm not willing to take those risks in order for me to be as good as him. That's where I draw the line. The challenge is, knowing where your limits are, to calculate how much risk you're taking. Then, finding the restraint to let the body heal, if you do get an injury.

Ending Thoughts
Veer's days in Cebu are numbered, but he left us a reassuring message - that before he leaves, he will see to it that he gives us enough on our plate to pursue our practice in his absence. Yes, I find that reassuring. Combined with the videos I've taken of the yoga classes, I feel confident I can carry on. Moreover, the YogiVeers will be there to keep the fire burning.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

Yes, Veer, we are indeed lucky to have you here as our teacher! Many many thanks!

Burning Man on PechaKucha Night at GILT, Cebu

(Apr 22, 2014) For PechaKucha Night at GILT, Cebu, I made a presentation about my one-week odyssey deep into the Nevada Desert to find out what Burning Man is all about...more »»

Next Yoga:

i-Yoga with Ayee Domingo at Dragonfly Yoga Studio

(Apr 27, 2014) Ayee Domingo conducts her own brand of i-Yoga at Dragonfly Yoga Studio in Cebu, consisting of asana and pranayama in order to boost the body's energy levels and restore optimum functionality...more »»

Veer (Vaibhav Rana) Blogs

Thank You Cebu, til the Next Time Oct 21, 2013 - May 15, 2014
Leveling Up: Veer-Yoga with the YogiVeers Apr 11, 2014
Yoga Immersion with Veer (Vaibhav Rana) Mar 5, 2014
Hiatus Feb 22, 2014
Demystefying Ashtanga Yoga Feb 13, 2014
Shifting Yoga Paradigm Feb 12, 2014
Abundance in Cebu (Part 2) Feb 11, 2014
Crossroads Jan 20, 2014
Deepening the Yoga Practice in Cebu Jan 12, 2014
Fab People: Vaibhav Rana (Veer) Jan 1, 2014

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

Cebu City to Camotes Island

Cebu City to Camotes Islands

via Poro - from Pier One in Cebu City, take the Ocean Jet for Poro, 2 hours, daily trip - 6am and 3pm (0936.823.8762 |0956.270.6610 | 0999.889.9999).
via Consuelo - from Cebu City, take the northbound bus passing through Danao and get off at the Danao Port. At the Port, take a Jomalia Shipping boat for Consuelo (San Francisco, Camotes), P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only).

Camotes Islands to Cebu City

Poro - Cebu City (fastest and most direct) - go to Poro and take the 8am or 5pm Ocean Jet to Pier One in Cebu City, P380/pax/aircon, 2 hours
Consuelo - Danao - Cebu City - go to Consuelo (San Francisco) and take the Jomalia Shipping boat to Danao, P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only). From Danao, take the Ceres Bus to Cebu City

Cebu City to Dumaguete

Cebu City to Dumaguete by Boat

George and Peter Lines - Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun 10pm, (035)225.4337, 0922.557.1023
Oceanjet - via Tagbilaran, daily 6am, dumticketing@oceanjet.net, 0918.898.2188
Cokaliong - Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 12pm, 6 hours, (035)225.3599

Cebu City to Dumaguete via Liloan (bus, boat, jeep, tricycle)

Cebu City South Terminal - take the southbound Ceres bus to Liloan, P200, 5 hours
Liloan - the bus drops you off at the Liloan Port where you board the Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, P62, 30 mins
Sibulan - at the Sibulan Port, the jeeps wait for Fastcraft passengers to take them to the public market in Dumaguete, P12, 30 mins.
Public Market - at the market, you can take any tricycle to your hotel, P8 for short trips

Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

Weesam Express - Pier 4, departs 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 2 hours
one way: Economy (aircon) P500.00, Economy (non-aircon) P400.00, First Class P600.00
round trip promo (at least 2 days advance booking): Economy (aircon) P600, Economy(non-aircon) P500, First Class P1200
round trip promo (1 day or on the day booking): Economy (aircon) P800, Economy (non-aircon) P700, First Class P1200
Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs 6-7-8-9:20-10:40-11:40AM, 1-2-4:20-6:35PM, 2 hours
Open Air / Tourist Class P800, Business Class P1000
+63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300
SuperCat (2GO) - Pier 1, departs 08:15-13:30-15:10-18:00-19:40
P 500.00
+63 32 233 7000
Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs daily 12:30pm, 10:00pm and 1:00pm (Mon, Wed, Sat)
Standard (Lying) Php 150, Tourist (Lying Aircon) Php 340
+63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
info@liteferries.com.ph / www.liteferry.com

Cebu City to Siquijor by Boat, via Tagbilaran

Cebu City to Siquijor, via Tagbilaran

Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs M/W/SAT at 1:00pm, 10 hours, economy Php 649 (through barkota.com), layover in Tagbilaran 5:45pm-8:00pm, arrives Larena Port, Siquijor at 11:00pm
+63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
info@liteferries.com / www.liteferry.com
Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs daily at 1pm, 5 hours
Open Air P1600
+63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300

Cebu City to Siquijor by Bus, via Liloan (Santander)

(as of Jan 2023)

Sugbo Urban
There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Leaves Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) at 8 pm (Sundays 1 am), heads south to Liloan (Santander), takes the ferry to Larena Port, Siquijor, docks around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City 10 pm.

Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because when it reaches Larena Port (Siquijor), it continues its trip around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena. It spares you the cost of hiring a tricycle or habal-habal which charges exhorbitant fares. Besides, it's a long trip to the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.