Cebu Yoga at Studio 108

Location: Paseo Arcenas, 6000 Banawa, Cebu City, Cebu (province), Philippines
Website: Yoga by Gigit

Ashtanga by Arlien
Arlien is one of the most devout Ashtanga practitioners in Cebu, having made the trip all the way to India to deepen her practice. I joined her evening class together with Jeanne, Honey and met new faces as well, mostly the hardcores of Ashtanga. I had my start in Ashtanga with morphing views about the practice over the years. Now, I see it as a foundational cornerstone for a solid yoga practice but no longer the end-all and be-all of yoga. When I do something healthy, or if I need to shape-up, I default to Ashtanga for its therapeutic merits.

Peoplescape

Vinyasa Class with Jeanne
Jeanne is probably the hub for yoga in Cebu. She's involved in much of the yoga events happening in the city. Most of the teachers know her, and she knows most of them as well. Even before the yoga scene in Cebu exploded, Jeanne was already deep in her practice. Attending her morning Vinyasa class was a perfect way to start the morning. With some promising newbies, it was a gentle class and a good transition for me to start my first class at Studio 108.

One-on-One First-Timer Class with Lady
It was Lady's first time to do yoga and she was the only one in the class. That was a good thing. I abandoned my prepared sequence and instead, focused on philosophy, alignment and the general dos and donts to set the paradigm on her long-term practice, making it a blend of asana, concept, workshop and practical life application. Increasingly, I seem to integrate all that into all my classes, up to a permissible point. My yoga is not static, continuously refining, innovating and finding ways to implement new and exciting concepts and philosophy.

TRX by Coach Mel
TRX has been gaining in popularity as a workout system of choice amongst people who enjoy pushing the envelope. I took my very first TRX class with Coach Mel - just the basics. Since most of the exercises require a pulling motion, I feel it's a great complement to yoga. Yoga has no asana that involves pulling - just pushing (chaturanga, arm balancing, etc.). Thus, the back muscles and biceps are not developed directly. With TRX, the pulling component is added, making the two of them (yoga and TRX) a winning combo. Moreover, the TRX exercises are readily translated into yoga by incorporating the here-and-now mindfulness and the breath/movement - one motion, one breath. I was the only one in the TRX class doing the Ujayii breath!

One-on-Two Beginner Class with Lux and Vicky
With my other teaching class at 6:30pm, it was tough getting there and tough getting out - rush hour. This time, I only had 2 students who were not even aware I was teaching the class. With only less than a year combined yoga experience between the two, I stuck to the beginner basics in both asanas and philosophy. I made it challenging, reminding them that a class with me will have the progressive approach, often resulting in a love-it or leave-it choice. I also tell them they should find a teacher that resonates with their continuing practice - and it does't have to be me.

Ending Thoughts
Now teaching in 2 studios, teaching in community outreach programs, asked to sub(stitute) for other teachers, invited to participate in a yoga photoshoot and offered to teach in more time slots (mostly by Jeanne), the yogic landscape broadens for me in Cebu. I am aware it will not always be like that, which anchors me again to the here-and-now - grateful for the opportunities and making the most out of them.

--- TheLoneRider

Thank you Jeanne for opening up Cebu for me, Anne Dala for having me at Studio 108, Arlien for her Ashtanga classes, Coach Mel for the TRX training and the behind-the-counter staff for taking pictures.

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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