The products in this list aren’t just for yogis – everyone can use them and I’d say go for it!
To clarify my headline, I say these products are for yogis because I feel they answer very specific concerns that us yogis have :)
I’m proud to say that all of these are natural, completely safe, and made by Filipinos.
Read on and see what our local makers have for Filipino yogis, yoginis, and basically everyone.
As I always say and believe, Filipino yogis are there for Filipino yogis.
True enough, a few good Pinoy souls out there have made it part of their life’s work to harness local talent and resources to make lovely, grounded products we can all use in our practice – including the most indispensable of all things, yoga mats. (VIEW: Filipino-made products for yogis)
Out of curiosity, I tried out practicing on the Diwata Hand-painted yoga mats and thought it would be useful to share my experience, as well as my experience with another local brand, Made for Movement. Here’s my take on it:
My first encounter with crystals wasn’t so remarkable. At the end of my stay in Bahay Kalipay, I was given a turqouise mala and advised to charge it in the sea under the full moon. It sounded like a lot of work and I lost it two days after.
The next time crystals crossed my mind, I was going through a lot of negativity, thinking thoughts that didn’t feel like my own, and generally down. It was a hard slump to get out of and by then, I was willing to try all kinds of things to get out of it. I don’t remember who it was, but I was told it might help to get a crystal like an onyx or an obsidian – to protect me from negative energy. I took the advice and now… well let’s just say I’m starting a collection ;)
A lot of us have heard about crystals already, as jewelry – turquoise, emerald, jade, sapphire, topaz, garnet. Another way to look at them are, as life companions.
A little less than a week back in Manila and the unfortunate truth is, I’m still not in love with the city. Apparently, post-travel depression is a real thing.
I’m still waiting for my mind and spirit to arrive here too and it’s really taking its sweet time. So, what do I do to fill my time in the meanwhile? Yoga of course :)
This weekend I went to Flow in the City, an event organized by Flow Retreats and presented by Fully Booked and Aura Athletica. For the few hours I was there I felt a little bit at home again – there’s truly something to be said about being in the company of like-minded people. You may not know hardly anyone there (which was the case with me) but, just being in a space where people share the same energy as you is such a relief. Much gratitude to the women of Flow Retreats whose next events are in Ubud, Bali and Gili Air & Lombok.
I arrived right before Denise Celdran‘s wonderful and eye-opening homeopathy workshop and saw this:
… a bunch of yogis having partner-yoga fun on the floor, led by Monica Manzano. There was quite a bit of laughing and talking and for a change, it was nice to see a yoga class that wasn’t so quiet and focused inward.
The workshops and all the glorious healthy food are for another post altogether, especially now that I’m exploring eating clean seriously. Today, I just wanna share about all the wonderful enterprises that have made products perfect for us Filipino yogis.
Read on.
Filipino inventiveness knows no bounds so it follows that there’s no end to the brands we can choose from for our fitness practice – whatever it may be :)
Here’s a second list from me to you. And just like before, do let me know if there are any other brands out there you think are worth trying.
There’s no denying that yoga is an activity that comes with a lot extra ‘needs.’ Fall in love with yoga and suddenly you need a yoga mat, a yoga towel, clothes you can sweat and stretch in, tumblers with motivational messages, etc. etc. etc. :)
Fitness in general is the same way. The more we exercise, the more we realize there are things out there that can enhance our experiences. According to a 2012 study published in Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, people enter a certain mindset when they wear certain clothing. Wear workout clothes + have things to work out with = feel like working out. So, it’s okay to indulge once in a while, especially if it really is a need.
The good news is, you can buy local :) It’s cheaper and it’s something we can be proud of.
Here are a few Filipino brands we can all try and support while we do our yoga.
