Country > Philippines > Cebu > Cebu City
Date > 2015 > Jun
Activity > Yoga

Jun 18-28, 2015

Back to Surya Nanda Yoga, Cebu

Location : Advent Business Center, 30 Acacia St, Camputhaw Pob., Cebu City, Philippines

Feri and Claire
With teachers Feri and Claire as the new faces of Surya Nanda (in my dealings), it was a fresh start on a clean slate. Tuyen, my Vietnamese traveling buddy whom I was hosting in the Philippines, had her yoga immersion and I also had a chance to get back in the yogic groove by participating in several classes and teaching a beginner class.

Peoplescape

Beginner Yoga Class
A beginner class is something I'm not used to but took as a challenge anyway. I had to do my usual research on what issues plague a newbie, the do's and dont's, introducing philosophy and keeping the poses basic. What challenged me was instilling a mindset that would guide them through their long-term practice, to wit:

that at some point, they should start doing their own yoga that is compliant to their unique body anatomy, temperament, life experience, etc. That it's good to start with the yoga of Pattabhi Jois or BKS Iyengar (or any established yoga discipline), to get grounded on the techniques, but at some point, they should gradually integrate their own asanas or sequence to make up their own yoga - not someone else's
that they should see this session as a preparation for a more progressive 'next' session. In short, it's vital to make the most out of what could be learned in the here-and-now by pushing the envelope, paving the way for a progressive yoga practice. I have seen students doing Crow within a month of practice, but still doing Crow (as an Arm Balancing pose) after a year! They seem to stay at certain ceiling without moving forward (unless of course, it's by choice)

One on One
With a 3:45pm class, I had one student. My student was smart. She knows it's a dead time slot so there won't be too many students and she gets quality time with the teacher. For me, with just one student, it became more of a workshop/vinyasa flow, making frequent stops to address compelling asana and philosophical issues. I wasn't even too concerned about finishing my sequence the way I planned it. What mattered to me was laying down a philosophical cornerstone that would anchor her in deepening her practice. Yes, even though my sequence was for beginners, it wasn't designed to be a walk in the park. She was winded and almost paniced - a good opportunity to make her mindful of the sensation, oberving it without reacting to it. She was a fast study. I can only hope it was motivational for her as much as it was a rude awakening.

Handstand Clinic with Michelle and Steve
(Sundays 3:00-5:00pm)
Perhaps the most elusive of all yoga poses for me is the handstand. I had been attempting to hold my handstand into a steady-state for years now. But I still wobble and end up walking on my hands. Michelle's approach is to breakdown the process - repeated tucks, repeated air kicks, etc. She does it effortlessly. Of course, no one can do the handstand after just a clinic. Bottomline is still consistent practice, applying what was learned. Tuyen was fearless in kicking up to vertical and doing wall-assisted headstands. She'll do well.

International Scoliosis Awareness Day
As a community service by Southwestern University Physical Therapy Dept. and the Scoliosis Asso. of the Philippines, a scoliosis awareness event took place at Park Mall where people were given free diagnostic screening if they have scoliosis or not. Alarmingly, up to 10% of women and 5% of men in the US are afflicted with it. Most however, are not severe enough to require medical attention. I took the assessment and they gave me an "11" score meaning I have a mild curvature but any score less than "18" fall within 'normal' range, so no worries.

Core Development
Surya Nanda was one of the sponsors of the event giving a free yoga class in an outdoor setting. Yoga is a tried and true reliever for scoliosis sufferers. With a yoga practice, the core can be developed enough to provide ample support to the spinal column, preventing vertical misalignment. The core muscles take the load-bearing tasks instead of passing it on to other muscle groups that are not designed to carry such load. Balance is attained putting the body in a state of homeostasis, allowing it to heal itself. Yoga perhaps is the most effective general cure-all, or putting it more accurately, the best preventive maintenance in keeping the doctor away.

Conducting the Class
I was asked to handle the 2nd stage of the session focusing on seated and core poses. Since most of them seem to have a strong practice, I opted for the more challenging poses, testing their resolve but constantly reminding them to observe the body sensations instead of reacting to the induced stress. After the class, a few students approached me for a selfie or asked where I teach - a good indicator on how my method resonates with them.

Ending Thoughts
Altogether, it's good to be bridging with Surya Nanda Yoga again. I don't know how this progresses, but it's off to a good start.

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

class picture at Michelle and Steve's handstand clinic. Sundays 3-5pm, Surya Nanda Yoga Studio

struggling to nail my Pincha, after a long hiatus

Tuyen fearlessly banging on the wall to nail her handstand - the Vietnamese resilience is evident

Tuyen and I attending Eric Jardin Linihan's yogalates class

grounding on the philosophical foundations of yoga - a staple for beginners

Mayurasana - a pictorial for the weekly class schedule poster

conducting the 2nd half of a yoga class featuring core asanas at the International Scoliosis Awareness Day at Park Mall. Surya Nanda Yoga Studio was one of the sponsors

downward facing dog - an excellent overall stretch for the whole body

at the event booth with the lovely yoginis of Surya Nanda Yoga Studio

the beautiful yoginis of Surya Nanda Yoga Studio

get your Surya Nanda Yoga t-shirt and support your local yoga studio

Cebu Yoga at Studio 108

(Jun 30, 2015) Studio 108 wasn't around when I was in Cebu the last time. Located in Banawa, it's one of the latest addition to Cebu's expanding yogascape. With Jeanne paving the path for me, I found myself teaching a few classes and connecting with its community...more »»

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 Ormoc by boat

SUPERCAT - 3 hours, 5:30 am | 9:00 am | 12:30 pm | 4:00 pm
Business Class: Regular 1500, Student 1,200, Senior/PWD 1,071
Tourist (Aircon) & Economy (Non-aircon): Regular 1100, Student 880, Senior/PWD 785
OCEANJET - 3 hours, 5:00 am | 6:00 am | 9:30 am | 12:00 pm |1:00 pm | 4:30 pm
Open-Air (OA) 1100, Tourist Class (TC) 1100, Business Class (BC) 1600

Cebu City to Bantayan Island

The best and fastest way is by Ceres Bus at the North Bus Terminal, adjacent to SM City. The bus takes 4.5 hours going north until it reaches Hagnaya Port. From there, you pay the ferry company separately. The bus boards the ferry until it reaches Sante Fe Port (1.5 hours) in Bantayan Island. From Santa Fe, the bus goes to Bantayan Poblacion and then to Madridejos.

Ceres Bus - PHP 260 (to Santa Fe), 4.5 hours to Hagnaya Port + 1.5 hours by ferry.

Schedule: according to the dispatcher, trips begin at 6 pm (this arrives Hagnaya around 10:30 pm but the first ferry leaves at 1 am...that's a 2.5-hour wait at the port), leaving every hour until 1 pm the following day (I speculate that 1 pm is the last trip to avoid rush hour traffic along Consolacion). This doesn't match the ferry schedule so the bus simply waits until a ferry departs. e.g. the 6 pm trip arrives 10:30 pm and waits for the 1 am ferry. The last trip, 1 pm, arrives 5:30 pm, in time for the ferry's last trip.

Bus arrives at terminal 30 mins before departure. Luggages are P150/pc if no passenger.

Alternatively, you can get off the bus at Hagnaya Port and take the ferry independently. There are 2 ferry companies:

Super Shuttle Ferry
PHP 359 + 25 Terminal fee, 1.5 hours

Island Shipping
PHP 350 + 25 Terminal fee, 1.5 hours

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.

This is also the slowest. The bus arrives Liloan Port around 12:30 am but the ferry leaves 2:30 am (2 hours of waiting time). The ferry trip is a slow 4 hours (this should only take 1.5 hours with Montenegro or Alesson), arriving Larena around 6:30 am. This 4 hour voyage offers no comfortable sleeping - you stay upright on your seat or sleep on the floor on a cardboard. The boat waiting/voyage takes 6 hours. Altogether, the entire trip takes 11.5 hours until the bus reaches Lazi.

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