Lasema SPA

SPA-dict
I'm a SPA-dict and it does go with my lifestyle.  My sister would always mention how I try to break myself training and then eventually end up in the SPA for rest and recovery.  I guess it goes both ways, I love testing my limits and at the same time, I'd like to reward myself with a soothing massage after accomplishing my goals.  Well, you can add SPAs to the business that has benefited from the running fad.
Lasema SPA

I heard about Lasema Spa years ago but it was just recently that I tried out their spa facilities.
As an overview:

• They have the wet sauna area which has sauna rooms and 3 kinds of Jacuzzi pool (Hinoki, massage and cold pool).
• They have the dry sauna area consisting of (Chungito, Salt Charcoal, Oak and Clay and an Ice room.
• They have 12 cave rooms for sleep and rest and recreation area (Internet, snack bar and TV) if you would want to maximize the 12 hours maximum stay at Lasema.
• They also have massage rooms.

Jjim Jil Bang
I took the full package meaning I can use up all the facilities but spent more time using the Jjim Jil Bang (dry sauna area) which is the korean style of sauna made famous by those Koreanovelas.  3 hot and dry sauna's and 1 cold sauna so here we go wherein you alternate 1 hot and 1 cold sauna. Here we go.
Oak and Clay Sauna (54 degrees)
I first tried out the Oak and Clay Sauna which was about 54 degrees hot.  The room was filled with natural sedimentary stones which has a natural curing effect for the body and can help relieve skin and respiratory ailments.
Ice Room (-7 degrees)
Alternated the Ice Room at negative 7 degrees after a visit to each of the hot saunas and even with the shirt and short uniform, 5 minutes in the ice room was tolerable.  It does help soothes tired muscles, tendons, bones, nerves and also close out skin pores.
Salt Charcoal Room (51 degrees)
Next up was the Salt Charcoal Room at 51 degrees which contains carbon and minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron.  It helps the body detoxify, speed up the body's metabolism and good for relaxation.
Dome Clay Sauna / Chungito (74 degrees)
Last on the hot sauna was the Chungito which consist of porous mud which is the hottest room at 74 degrees.  The mineral in the mud helps energize the body by releasing negative ions in the body plus the warm feel also helps you sweat out some unwanted fats.
Jjim Jil Bang Experience
I did enjoy switching from hot to cold to hot to cold again and again.  It does increase your tolerance of the heat and makes you stay a bit longer knowing that the next stop will have you cool down.  The best part about it is that after just a round of trying out each of the room, I lost a full pound.  It could have been more had I gone for more rounds.
Deep Tissue Massage
I didn't try the wet sauna this time but it would have been cool to go for those warm 43 degrees jacuzzi pools and massage.  I went directly to my scheduled deep tissue massage for my overused and stress-ridden muscles. They have a separate area for the massage and what was good is that it's packaged together with the wet and dry sauna.
Energized
After completing the Jjim Jil Band and the massaged, I felt relaxed and energized.  It's a great alternative over a regular spa and it does come in reasonably priced rates of Sauna (P250), Jjim Jil Bang & Sauna (P450 on weekdays and P550 on weekends), Massage + Sauna (P650) and Jjim Jil Bang + Sauna + Massage (P890 on weekdays and P990 on weekends) and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Address
Lasema Plaza, #7232 Malugay St., Brgy Bel-Air, 1209 Makati City

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Holy Week
I used to spend my holy week out of town or on domestic trips to take advantage of the long weekend.  This year, it was supposed to be spent at my home town as it's my sister's birthday celebration and my first run on my hometown via Baguio 21K.  One thing led to another and a series of unfortunate events after, I ended up with a totally different experience.  It was not a good one but its an experience and as they say, what doesn't kill you could only make you better.
Baguio 21K
I've handpicked Baguio 21K as one of my key races for the year.   Running in my hometown was one thing I really did looked forward to and up to hours before I was still eating several kilometers of hills just for this challenging run.  Though may have lost a little bit of long run endurance preparing for my first duathlon a few weeks ago, I was really looking to enjoy the hills and a bit sentimental coming home for something I'm passionate about.  This is the second edition and I've been registered for both events and I've missed both. Last year was due to my cousin's wedding and this year was due to series of unfortunate events.  Oh well, Baguio has also been struck with the run craze so I'll still get my run in the City of Pines one of these days.
Series of Unfortunate Events
Timing Belt
We would be taking an early dawn trip to Baguio and hope to be in Baguio early on Good Friday morning.  After a quick meal at Jollibee in NLEX and a few kilometers before Pililan exit.  Our car speed slowly decelerated though my sister was able to bring the car in the shoulder bay in time before the car went dead.  There we were stuck in NLEX in still a very dark 4:30 am.   It was real creepy being stuck in the middle of nowhere in pitch dark of dawn.  You could feel your car sway every time a car passes by because of their speed.  We were able to call NLEX and had a patrol officer assist us and was able to call a tow truck which would bring us to the nearest exit, which is Pulilan.  It's also nice to note that the Patrol Officer was so helpful and professional.  I learned that when you get help from Patrol Officers when you are in NLEX and SCTEX, it's all part of your toll fee.
At Pililan, it turned out that it was because of a torn timing belt and problem was since it was Good Friday, there were no parts available so it took the whole day just to look for a timing belt and have it installed.  Next problem was that they also chipped the main pulley installing the timing belt but it was good to go but since it was a bit late, we decided just to eat dinner and spend the night at Clark.
Hard Rain
Another sign that things were not going right was that after we had dinner, it was raining real hard.  We just took it slow and arrived at Widus Hotel in Clark at night.  We then proceeded with our trip at 7 am.
Main Pulley
On our way to Baguio, we had another mishap in SCTEX.  We heard a screeching sound and then the car had a sudden jump so we went back to shoulder.  It turned out the belts in the Main Pulley has been displaced.  We were able to bring our car to a repair shop in Tarlac and it turned out that there was a problem with the Main Pulley.  CRV parts are a bit hard to find and a good thing my cousin was just in nearby Concepcion, Tarlac so we had an extra transport to find the missing parts and we were able to find it in Angeles, Pampanga after checking in Tarlac.  It was also my sisters birthday so her aborted party in Baguio became an impromptu Chicken joy lunch at the repair shop.  The car was ready by evening and it was another day spent at the repair shop.  We had dinner and drinks at Concepcion, Tarlac with my cousin and went back to Clark past midnight to check in again at Widus Hotel.
Clark 21K
Since Baguio 21K did not push through, I was planning to do my scheduled long run at Clark and I even arranged my gears already.  Clark was such a wide space for a good run but after having back-to-back stress ridden days at the repair shop, my body just didn't have the energy to rise up early and ended up waking up at past 10 am.  It was just in time to catch the checkout time of 12 noon.  I'll just have to run and bike in Clark soon or I may just have to set a training session here one of these weekends.  Oh well, one thing you'll realize at doing multi-discipline sports is that your body do have limitations that's why you have to sleep and recover well to remain fresh and rejuvenated on a year long training program.  We had lunch at the London Pub in Mimosa compound and we were off headed home.  I'm just glad to be back in Makati safe.
Flat Tire
But wait, just as I thought all the bad luck has gone away.  I went for a bike ride from house to my office parking area to get my car and do some loop and I wasn't even on my 3rd kilometer biking.  I heard some screeching sound and when I finally went down to check on it, one side of the tire just popped and BANG, a flat tire.  Good thing, I was just nearby my parking lot so I was able to get my car.  I have since fixed the tire by using an extra set.  It was another chance to practice my bike tire changing skills.
Bad Luck?
After a series of unfortunate events, do I believe in bad luck?  I'm more in the mode to say that we create our luck though it does help to remain cautious but not too careful either.  I guess, everything happens for a reason.  Some may perceive it as bad luck but I want to see it that after a series of unfortunate events, I'm still safe.  Some protective hands might have been cushioning some of those mishaps.  It was not a comfortable experience and it was nowhere near fun but it did teach some valuable lessons that could go far away.  I've learned more about cars the past two days than my past six years driving.  It's also a lesson in patience and presence of mind in tough situations.  In some eerie way, you just can't fight the signs and just have to make the most of the situation.  Somehow, the closer we got to Baguio the more mishaps happen.  So I'd just shake of these series of unfortunate events and go on.
Half A Lifetime Ago
In a few days, it's also gonna be my father's dead anniversary and in my blog written two years ago (click here), I mentioned of a coincidence that my lolo and lola's death was on a year that ended in 8, my dad and uncles on a year that ended in 4. Does that mean our generation would end in 2?  2012 does end in a 2 so makes you think but I'd rather dismiss it as just mere coincidence.  Everything is uncertain and that what makes life exciting.  I'd leave it that way.

Sambo Kojin

Barbeque

The first time I had a do-it-yourself grilled barbeque experience was during my first trip in Taipei years ago and it was a perfect match.  My tummy immediately liked the taste of barbequed lean meat. Play around with the sauce and spices and there you go a savory treat for your taste buds.  From then on, grill your own barbeque has been one of my favorite cravings.
Sambo Kojin

Mascy cooking for us.

And then came Sambo Kojin cook-all you want, barbeque-all-you-can eat barbeque.  I am not really a fan of eat all-you-can restaurant as I don't eat much but Sambo Kojin should be an exception.  I don't know if this goes as a sound excuse for eating much but somehow you get to eat in moderation since you still have the cooking time in between food intakes.   If that doesn't count as an excuse then might as well fall into the temptation of grilling meat, fish and other seafoods or go for their immediately available meals like sushi, maki and tempura or the variety they have for dessert ranging from fruits to cake to ice cream. Throw in good company, then that's definitely a great combination.

March 9, 2012

March 30, 2012

Birthday

Spent my birthday here with Team Total Fitness and another follow up weeks after with Mascy, Jeff Lara and Nicole and it seems that a lot of people are spending their birthdays too here as you get to see the birthday greeting from the crew every now and then.  A good way to pamper your guest and yourself is an all-you-can easy to digest meal.  It was a good celebration and once I get that craving for grilled food, Sambo Kojin is on top of my list.

The Cost
The Sambo Kojin experience is priced at a flat rate of P600 per person. A bit pricey for those who don't eat much but if you're in to treat yourself and indulge in the different barbeque variety and also play around with the different sauces and spices, the cost is something you can maximize.  The place is usually packed so it would be good to reserve or have yourself wait listed at a specific time.  That says much on how the business is doing and how people are hooked on the Japanese barbeque variety but probably the best way to appreciate Sambo Kojin is to visit them at:
Sambo Kojin EDSA - 207 EDSA, Greenhills, Mandaluyong City
Sambo Kojin Eastwood - Eastwood Citywalk, Queaon City
http://sambokojin.com

Goodbye Ultra Busy Days

Busy Mode
My mind and my patience take a beating on weekdays at work and my body and muscles take a beating on weeknights for trainings.  It goes to ultra busy mode on the merry month of March.  Annual report rush is one of the events that keeps me at the office at times up to midnight and at the same time, I still try to have meaningful workouts as I was able to sneak in my duathlon debut this month.  I'll always be a busy person and even if you take work out of the equation, I still have tons of to dos in my ultra busy life.
I'm probably one of the best when it comes to time management and the worst in room management.  While I am capable of finishing the annual report and preparing and crossing the finish line for my first duathlon, it's the little things that is left unaccomplished like cleaning my room, buying my food supplies, and all those little chores. Yet despite being ultra busy, I did have one hell of a month with my birthday celebration extending until yesterday at Sambokojin, my first out-of-town camp and of course, finishing my first duathlon.
Finer Side
After all those sleep shortened nights, I get to start catching up and re-shifting my body clock to training mode.  The Annual Report is printing and it'll be the first time to finish it without going to Taipei to check on the proofs.  Everything was done online. Not as efficient as expected but the bottom line is the work is done and I just have an AGM to finish and it's anything goes from there on.  April should be a  lot more exciting with me joining a high altitude, a zombie and beach runs.
As summer heats in the Philippines, I can fill my weekends effortlessly and am probably booked til end of May and none of these even involve work.  Weekend has either been training or more training but with those out of town runs, it's definitely more fun in the Philippines.
First Stop
At my first stop and came at an impulse was a trip back to 88 Hot Springs in Laguna.  I figured my battle-weary muscles could benefit from the volcanic hot springs waters.  After this, I should be all set for my final build up for Baguio 21K.
Hello April!!!

Cool as Ice... Cream

The summer heat has come and so does all the craving for ice cream and here comes Magnum with its rich rich chocolatey taste that comes in Classic, Almond and Chocolate Truffles flavor.  While it's newly launched in the Philippines, it isn't new to me as I've tried it already in some of my foreign trips.  If you love chocolates then Magnum is for you.  I'm more into the fruity flavors so there are several ice creams I prefer than Magnum.

Melona, the popular ice cream from Korea, is available in several fruity flavors that ranges from melon, strawberry, banana, mango and lime.  It's a soft ice cream on a stick which has a fruity taste and just the right amount of sweets. It's not a new brand but it has now a broader distribution base compared to limited Korean supermarkets before.  I was able to buy one in S&R, Rustans and Rockwell and the mini stop in Dela Costa.

Whenever I shop at S&R, I look forward to their pizza and their ice cream, Blue Bunny.  My partiality to blue bunny brand is it does have some unique flavors, I once tried a bubble gum flavor that had an actual gum within the ice cream.  Then there's the pistachio, choco mint and strawberry flavors that is such a delight to my sweet tooth.

Simply Amici(ng).  Cara Mia is now the brand carried by the Amici Ice Cream which probably among the first to introduce Gelato or italian ice cream in the market or at least in my own consciousness.  Gelato have less fatty content which is healthier than the regular ice cream.  People actually flocked to Don Bosco before just for their ice cream and now with Caramia, they have become more available and expanded their product line to other dessert based ice cream.  I just love the rich taste of their different flavors.

Golden spoon capitalizes on having non fat and low fat Yogurt.  It's guilt-free as we somehow associate ice creams with something that can make us fat but Yogurt is an healthier alternative.  I do love that they also have some different flavors like espresso which is practically a combination of your dessert and your much needed afternoon shot of caffeine and some fruity variant like banana and strawberry.

One of my favorites is the ice cream you get to buy in the streets of Singapore that cost S$1.  They have unique flavors like ripple, peppermint, honeydew and others and is packaged with a slice of multicolored bread or wafer.  Now, that's an ice cream sandwich.  I somehow end up eating several flavors every time I  pass by Orchard or Raffles Place in Singapore.

Of course, the list could go on but I'd leave it at that as I'd rather be cooling down with ice cream rather than writing about it.  By the way, my favorite ice cream ever since I was a kid was the Orange flavor twin popsies. =>

It's All in the Mind

Bonifacio Global City

Even if I've been in Manila for over 10 years now, I always felt that there were limited places to go to that doesn't involve eating at a fancy restaurant, shopping and hanging out in a mall or watching a movie.  So when there are new attractions in town, I immediately try to visit the place and check it out.  Bonifacio Global City have several new upgrades.  There's a new section of the high street and also a park nearby the area... and just recently, they opened the Mind Museum.
The Mind Museum

The Mind Museum (http://www.themindmuseum.org/) is conveniently located at Rizal Drive near Burgos Circle and it's 12,500 square meters of pure Science.  It's everything under the sun and even beyond it... A. K. A. the universe.  It's divided into several sections from exhibit on tiny atoms, to the history of living things, to the vast technological developments, to the Earth's history to the vast scopes of the universe.  There's also a science in the park just outside the museum which could be a playing while learning experience for kids.  It would be much better to experience the mind museum in the flesh and is definitely highly recommended for students.  Seeing a lot of the different fields of science through the mind museum sure beats reading those voluminous textbook.
My Favorites

There's a place where you can actually capture your shadow.  So do those crazy poses for the shadow to be captured.

A feel of outer space.  The milky way galaxy is just nearby.

The world in the palm of your hands.
Those tiny depiction of the dinosaurs... and...
Stan, the 40-Foot high T-Rex
The Mind Museum is open from Tues day to Sunday from 9 Am to 9Pm and is located at:
2/F Bonifacio Technology Center
31st Street Corner 2nd Avenue
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Ticket Prices Ranges from P150 for teachers and Public School Students, P450 for Private School Students and P600 for adults.

Things I Look Forward To

Time and Worry
The reason why I'm not able to post any updates on my site is that I'm short of time and I'm overflowing with worries.  I've been down to eat-sleep-work-train routine for the past week and the good part about it is that I'm starting to build a bit of a momentum.  I'm always at my best when times are challenging.  Despite being good in time management, I'm caught wanting to have more time in my hand to do all the stuff that I want to do.  I guess, time does move on even if you're in an interlude so stop dreaming and start getting things done for me.
It's also intense that we're against the clock in the annual report rush.  I still don't have a clear picture on how to meet the deadline but all I know is that anything's possible.  If the past has taught me one thing is that if you give it your best shot, someway or somehow things will fall into place.  It's never easy but a task completed is a reward in itself.  Victory or success is sweetened by adversity so rather than digging endless reasons to fail, just do the task at hand and you'll have a better shot at getting what you want.
Staying positive despite all that weigh you down is the challenge.  Situations change, tough times come and at times, you just can't catch a break but it's your mindset that spells the difference between a whiner and a winner.  I'd rather not dwell on the worries of the moment but look forward on things that's yet to come.
My First Duathlon

Based on my first training camp, I'm a bit raw for my first duathlon.  The run speed and endurance is there but I've got lots more sufferfest to endure before a decent finish in the bike leg but this one is just for the feel of a duathlon event.  I may not be able to have a strong finish here but this would definitely keep me motivated in becoming better at it.  It's been baby steps for me when it comes to bike training and after this, it's time to get on the next level. 6K Run, 30K Bike and 3K Run.  That's all the number that's in my mind now.  It'll be exciting to just get back on racing grounds after more than a month away from it.
My First Official Run in Baguio

My Bad! That's not actually a running shot but running 5,000 feet above sea level would feel like flying.  I've been running since mid-2010 but this is just the first time I would actually be joining a run in my hometown and it's 21K worth of hills and mountain to climb.  It'll be interesting to reach PMA by foot coming from Burnham Park.  I have downgraded my expectations on this run as I've lost so much steam after being sick two weeks ago and injured a week ago.  One expectation though that never change is that I'll have fun going through the terrain and the distance.
My First Run with Zombies

Oops that's not an actual Zombie but what's the difference if you get caught, you're dead meat.  Ever since the zombie outbreak has been heard of I've been sold on the idea of joining.  It's gonna be interesting on protecting 3 lives on a 5K route infested by Zombies.  Oh wait, wouldn't it be more interesting to run as a Zombie.  Let's see but in case I ran as a human, I hope I join the last wave as I'm sure all the zombies should be exhausted by then.
My First Beach Run

Running in the fine white sands of Boracay with the sun just starting to rise would be a splendid experience and lucky me, I'm assigned to cover the event and join in the 10K run.  I just wonder what my color scheme would be after all this runs and a beach run but it's summer in the Philippines and there's no other place I'd prefer to spend my summer.  Being tan at this time of the year is just synonymous to having fun.
My First Out of the Country Trip for the Year

This is a bit odd that I get to start my travels on the fourth month of the year but I want to reduce my travel load and focus more on training and balancing my time here.  I am looking forward to this trip as I get see friends in Singapore I get to see only once or twice a year.  Then again, I still need to finish the annual report before I get to look into that date.  Seeing old friends just keep me excited.
I'd cut my things to look forward to at that as I might have already fully booked my summer this early into the year.  I'm also in the thought process of having a long out of the country vacation but that I have to plan after my busy days are over.  It's gonna be exciting and did I mention, Season 2 for Team Total Fitness is yet to come. I just can't wait for that...