Zumba Party

Say good-bye to boring fitness routines, let your hair down and join the party!

Gold’s Gym recently launched its newest fitness program Zumba with one big party right at Glorietta 4’s Dolphin Park. This group exercise is all about great music, attitude, getting into the groove and burning calories.

Jill Ngo, a long-time professional dancer and certified Zumba instructor, was more than willing to show Dyan the moves of Zumba. But first, Dyan got to dress right for the party. Then, Jill explained to Dyan that Zumba is also all about the music. She showed Dyan some basic moves before the class started.
 
Forget about being shy. Once you hear the music, you can’t help but move!

That’s one of the magic of Zumba. There’s definitely no dull moment and you’ll have so much fun dancing. You’d forget you’re actually burning calories.

And don’t be fooled, this can be a high impact program that is really challenging yet fun.

There’s no need to worry if you’re not much of a dancer. Dyan has always thought that she’s not one either but when you get into the Zumba party, it’s really dancing and exercise made easy. So next time you find yourself in an exercise plateau, zest up your life with Zumba!

Dragon Boat Regatta

Manila Bay once again raged with heated action as the country's top paddlers battled it out in the first leg of the Cobra Energy Drink PDBF Dragonboat Regatta.

This race is the first of the 4-leg annual series of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation. Winners for each category-- the men's open, women's and mixed division earn points for each quarterly leg and the team with the most number of points is declared the over-all champ at the end of the year.

Dragon boating undeniably has had tremendous growth in the country with more and more people from all walks of life have chosen to pick up a paddle.

It is no surprise as the country is considered one of the best in the sport-- from the club level
to the elite. The dramatic action in this regatta was proof to the Pinoys' might in this sport.

The sun was out but the waters were a bit choppy, causing some boats to collide and capsize.

In the women's division, defending champion Team Triton showed their might paddling ahead of the Manila Dragons, De La Salle University and the RCP.

The mixed division was a close fight between the veteran Fleet-Marine and the much improved students of De La Salle University. The young Green Archers were determined to score a win, closely trailing the Navy from start to finish. In the end, experience worked in favor of the Fleet-Marine team. The veterans prevailed though barely edging DLSU down the finish line.

The much-awaited showdown between perennial rivals Philippine Army and the Fleet Marine team was indeed worth the wait. It was another close finish for the Navy paddlers.

Team Army came into the competition with new faces. Their veteran players absent, this baptism of fire was indeed a battle from start to finish for the newbies. With only four days of training in Manila Bay, Team Army managed to keep the lead from start down to the last 75 meters as the Team Fleet Marine gave it their all to finally score their first win against their Army brothers.

It has been another exciting race for our Pinoy dragons. This is just the start of a busy year but expect to hear them roar again in the coming leg of the Cobra Energy Drink PDBF Dragon Boat Regatta.
 
Unilab Run

The Unilab Run United Series is one of the most awaited running events in the country today. Its first installment in the 2011 series was a good indication of things to come for the year. Thousands trooped to the Bonifacio Global City, the country's reigning running mecca, united in their love for the sport and united in their goal to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The event is arguably one of the coolest races in the country today with music, lots of freebies and celebrities lining up its starting line. There were four events-- the 21K, 10K, 5K and the 500-meter dash for the young children.

Columnist and running enthusiast Tessa Prieto-Valdes ran her favorite event-- the 21K-- in style as usual, sporting a pink tutu.

Kids and parents had lots of bonding time in the Ceelin 500-meter dash event. It is a great way to introduce the young to the sport of running.

They more than just learn to live a healthy lifestyle. They learn important lessons in life like perseverance and determination.

A Unilab Active Health village was even set up for runners to take advantage of free health diagnostics and consultations, tips and even a play area for kids.

Rene Herrera topped the 21-kilometer race with a time of 1 hour 13 minutes and 2 seconds. The top finisher in the 10-kilometer race was Abraham Misos with a time of 32 minutes and 58 seconds while Ronald Salgado ruled the 5-kilometer race finishing with a time of 18 minutes 11 seconds.  March 12, 2011