The Art of Leadership: Foundation Teaches Essential Skills for Success

It is true to say that it takes a community to raise a child, and it also takes a nation to raise great leaders. B!ng0P|us Foundation recently had their 2nd FutureSmart Leaders General Assembly at the country's financial hub Makati City. This brings in over 80 scholars from around the country to teach them the manners of growth, inspiration and connection. The foundation sought help from some of the industry's leading trainers, beauty queens, even those from NGO's who have experience in leadership to teach these young minds and help them become future ready leaders themselves. 

They dubbed it as the PLUS Factor (Pioneering Leadership and Uplifting Service) aimed to give young ones life skills, community leadership and personality development. 

They also taught them about public speaking, build confidence, show presence and how to share these traits with others. Aside from that, they had Management Strategies hold consultations so they could start identifying their purpose, so they could see what they need to do for a better future. 

Present during the occasion was Jasper Vicencio who's part of B!ng0P|us Foundation a d AB Leisure Exponent. They were also given a very educational talk about how to advance their platforms courtesy of beauty queens Chelsea Fernandez and Kat Llegado. 

They also talked about the importance of volunteerism and more. Ms. Issa Litton shared her experience in public speaking, voice and communications which is a huge part of her career. They immediately got feedback after each session which is very important for their initiatives. If you want to know more, just search for them on their official social channels.

CALISTA Undergoes Tough KPOP Dance Training for New Single

After having a very successful "VAX TO NORMAL" Concert a few months ago, Calista is relentless in making sure they're taking their skill game seriously as they undergo a full blown KPOP Dance training from world renowned KPOP choreographers Park Ji Yeon and Lee Eun Kyung.

The two have been spending hours upon hours training Anne, Dain, Laiza, Elle, Denise and Olive new choreography for their 2nd single which will be coming out soon. What was evident was the difference between what they've been dishing out in the past (which according to the choreographers was explosive and powerful). The KPOP style they're teaching CALISTA this time is going to be cute, feminine, sultry and playful. This surely will be something quite different to present to A-listas who have been supporting them since day 1. We got to see them in a press conference they held at the Tyronne Escalante Artist Management offices in Quezon City, and sure enough, we got to talk with them about the things they went through to make this possible. Head honcho Tyronne Escalante says "We listened to A-listas, PPOP, iPOP fans and asked about who would be the perfect fit to teach them new skills, and I think we've got the right people to do it."

Here's part of the press conference which happened last Saturday.

CALISTA admitted it was really hard for both parties in the beginning because the language barrier. Good thing is, they have watched so many KDrama shows and understood some of the words they uttered during the training. Then they had us see a part of the things they've been working on for the second single of CALISTA called "Don't Have Time" composed by Tera and produced by Marcus Davis who also did their debut single "Race Car". 

 

 

 

To give you an idea, Lee Eun Kyung and Park Ji Yeon has worked with different artists and groups like Aster, ERICA, WTF Den Team, Seoul Land, the MBC Show Musical Fantasy, Hwang JinLea, Elec Cooke, artists Yeon-ja Seojin Park, Ri Chang Wook and even one of our faves 2NE1. With regards to their performance after our press conference, let me just say they really look and felt different with the KPOP moves they learned from these talented ladies. The girls of CALISTA also promised they'll make sure that even after the training, they'll be mixing in some of the PPOP moves that CALISTA is known for so it wouldn't be entirely foreign, some of that Filipino flavor everyone is looking for. 

Congratulations to CALISTA, their producer Merlion Events Production Inc. and Tyronne Escalante Artist Management, people will love this new look, flavor and skills you've instilled with the girls. A-listas should be ready for this!

5 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Martial Arts Training

I usually spend summer either just going out of town or reading books so I could prepare for what comes after. We spend a couple of months preparing that perfect summer physique but never really realize our goal because buffet restaurants abound and our will is weak - so we might as well enjoy the season and eat. Summer is just around the corner for some of us (in other parts of the world) and sometimes, you need that summer body fast. So you make a decision and tell yourself that you must lose X amount of pounds so you can fit into those favorite pair of jeans that's been sitting in your wardrobe for the past year. The thing is, you subconsciously hate the norm of the gym and running doesn't really get you excited either. Have you ever considered trying a form of martial arts? Perhaps you don't know much about it yet or never really been properly introduced to this niche of sport. I was able to actually practice elementary Wushu and it did wonders for me when I was a bit younger. Of course fitness plays a huge part in this training, but there are a lot more other benefits that can also improve your health and well-being. It’s incredibly easy to start and there are so many different arts to choose from, you’d be crazy not to at least try and see how it feels. You can see all the different fight styles at Martial Tribes but for now, let me explain 5 reasons why everyone should practice this particular sport.

Flexibility

I didn't have super powers and it took me quite a number of weeks to at least do a decent split of which I thought was nearly impossible when I started. After a few lessons you will start to feel more stretched and limber as martial arts will get you actively punching and kicking moving all limbs and muscles. Practicing martial arts will increase your flexibility and it will enhance your reach. Your kicks will become higher, your dodges more sharp which gives you overall advantage when you're fighting. The better your flexibility the better your posture will become resulting to less pains in the body as you age. Up until now, I could still do it with ease and never complained if back problems like those in my batch. It really has improved a lot and the stretching capability still impresses people my age. That's just one of the perks!

Coordination

I always have enormous amount of energy and was even dubbed as an energizer bunny by my professors because I didn't really stop moving around when I was a bit younger. This was a really great place to put it in and learn self defense. Learning to jab, punch and kick for multiple times and switching up the order will test your memory and coordination. This is also a great way exercise so you could improve your focus and balance which can then be carried over into other activities of life. The more you train, your coordination will also increase your alertness and speed. You'll easily win sparring matches and impress those who are not into it yet. You can start to inspire people!

Self Defense

I was bullied a lot when I was a kid and not many other sports can give you protection like martial arts. Knowing how to defend yourself and others around you will give you a sense of relief that if ever in a sticky scenario, you would know what to do. The ability to defend oneself greatly improves self-confidence and self esteem.

Wing Chun teaches you how to fight an opponent that is bigger and stronger than you, yet at the same time teaches you to be humble about your actions. It is practically self defense, so you can protect yourself and your loved ones if the need arises.


Stress Relief

If you're like me who's always stressed when at work, then this is definitely a good stress reliever. The practice of martial arts can lower your tension levels greatly. Martial arts has been known to have several stress reducing effects including released endorphins (hormones that make you happy!) to elevate mood and remove waste that clutter up your body and mind. When practicing martial arts, you generally develop greater focus and calmness of mind while training. The more you practice it, you'll develop positive attitude and better outlook on life.

Mental Focus

Martial arts can help with mental alertness and concentration. These of which can then be transferred to work and everyday living. You will experience greater energy levels and boost yourself so you would be able to “go that extra mile” when you need it.

You will find that with these 5 effects when practicing martial arts are only going to do you good. A fair warning would be that this will become addictive. The hardest part of your training is the beginning but after that, you will soon be craving it. While you may not notice it immediately, you will start feeling better, stronger and faster. Over time, you should begin feeling all of the above benefits and get that summer body in no time!

For more information about their network:

Martial Tribes

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https://www.martialtribes.com/

The Gerald Anderson Foundation

Fresh from his very successful movie "Always be my Maybe" with vixen Arci Muñoz, Gerald Anderson now takes the role of a philantrophist as he puts on his own new training school for super hero pets with "The Gerald Anderson Foundation". The fund will be used to train dogs specifically meant to be for search and rescue operations. This coincided with his birthday last week as his way of giving back to the community. He also seeked the help of his Dad and brother Ken who will mostly facilitate the trainings set in Clark Airbase in Pampanga. 

They are currently training 4 dogs in the facility but the hope is to get this into the grassroots level. We all know calamities have struck the country and the aid of our k9 friends would definitely help in making search and rescue fast if we train dogs in the community. That would enable dog owners and lovers to be a step beyond just being a companion in the household. Now they can be of help when earthquakes, floods or any incident where search and rescue is of utmost importance. 

His celebrity friends like Piolo Pascual, Rayver Cruz and Enchcong Dee also expressed their support for the project and had shown great interest to help the good looking former PBB housemate with his cause. Most of the proceeds of his foundation will go to the food and vitamins so they could have these superheroes in tip top shape. I asked Gerald about how he thinks he became very successful in the film and tv industry and he quipped it is all because of the countless people and fans who have helped him all these years. Here's a very short interview we did during the conference.

If you would like to help Gerald and his family get these dogs shelter and become the super heroes they are destined for, you can help by donating to his cause. Visit their official website www.geraldandersonfoundation.org or email info@geraldandersonfoundation.org or donations@geraldandersonfoundation.org if you need to ask questions about how to help in this cause that Gerald Anderson is heading. You can also call 804 16 14, 09216522826, or 09951589115.

For more information about their cause:

Gerald Anderson Foundation

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http://geraldandersonfoundation.org

Fat Or Obese Is Okay, Exercise Is Medicine

Dr. Mark Stoutenberg and Dr. Rodolfo Florentino

 

I'm not the healthiest guy out there and my idea of "exercise" is just a few kilograms of dumbbells. I thought too that I was already doomed because I know how big I was. Lo and behold Dr. Mark Stoutenberg Ph.D. MSPH brings me good news that clinical studies in the US has proven that there is no clear amount information to claim - that being overweight or obese would mean you''ll die early. Being in that state has no relation whatsoever in the mortality rate. We listened very carefully about the study and the reasons behind it.

 Unbelievable? Well no, because actually it does make sense. It doesn't mean when you are bigger, you would die easily. No matter what shape or size you are, just as long as you keep the activity intense and on a regular basis... then you might just even live longer than naturally thin people. In the US, they have computerized their database and have found out in a couple of questions that there's no clear correlation between having higher weight to having heart attack or death. That was their conclusion after checking their records and seen how the value of involving a healthier lifestyle for someone be a great catalyst to make someone's condition better than when not doing it at all.

"Exercise Is Medicine" or EIM is an international initiative for physical activities whose goal is to ultimately promote the the skill to health professionals and practitioners and make it a vital measure for disease prevention and management. EIM might be new in the Philippines but most do not know how it's been in existence in over 40 countries, 7 Regional Centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Africa and Australia. It's officially their first year in the Philippines and together with their international partners like Coca Cola Philippines, they have been working hard to involve the different groups, professionals that are health care practitioners, some research scientists, to physical fitness experts and make them in touch with the future development and evaluation of EIM in the country.  

Training sessions were also done by EIM Philippines last August 28th and 29 for 12 Doctors and 6 Fitness professionals. The activity would be just a start so people from both industries would meet eye to eye when recommending regimens and exercise programs and know what the others would do in their respective professions. The deal is, they want this to be the possible outcome for every recommendation from Doctors. They also need to include workout regimen and programs that would fit every patient needs without getting conflicting ideas from other fitness professionals, making it safer and better for the end user, YOU.

The possibility of working out at least 150 minutes with moderate intensity and of aerobic nature is achievable for ordinary people, I could use some of that too. Dr. Florentino says it will have a significant impact in someones life. By then, 300 minutes of it would be doubly better and will get you to achieve more. To know more about how EIM can work for you, check out their channels below.

For more information about their organization:

Exercise Is Medicine

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http://www.exerciseismedicine.org/

RealFlex, CrossFit® and the "Reebok Experience Zone"

Reebok one of the world's biggest sports and shoes authority is going to have a "Reebok Experience Zone" at the Eastwood City Walk 2, April 13, 2012 that's Friday next week. Together with the actual "experience" are two things. RealFlex, Reebok's NEW footwear technology that promotes natural movement and flexibility plus CrossFit®, the revolutionary strength and conditioning program known the world over!


 
You would be able to do a couple of CrossFit exercises like the Box Jump, Jump Rope and Air Squat. Reebok has been sternly supporting CrossFit programs since 2010 and why not because both companies have been endorsing an empowered health lifestyle that it just comes naturally. Filipinos will now witness the same famous straight forward program in Eastwood City so make sure you come over on that day.

Reebok CrossFit Boxes have been setup all around the world hence its inclusion in CrossFit's affiliated gyms. Together they have been making headway of various programs starting with the new generation exposing them to how it is to live healthy at an early age. It's time for Manila to have some of that! I own a pair of Reebok's now and use them profusely when I work out. It'll be a better experience now with the new shoes out... if you think you need a pair, it wouldn't hurt to try them out first this Friday!

Check out what they have been doing with the rest of the world and it'll be our turn now!

See you there!

For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com. Or, discover Reebok at the following locations: http://reesha.re/plus; http://facebook.com/reebok; http://twitter.com/reebok; and http://youtube.com/reebok

Healthy Meals to Get Buff!

I've been working out for the longest time and the gym expenses that I have accumulated might have already equaled a single visit to the plastic surgeon to get liposuction. That never entered my mind because I want to stay all natural. The need to workout outweighs my urge to do cosmetic procedures done and even at this particular weight level that I'm in I still consider it healthy. With the proper diet and exercise regimen I know I would be able to do it. I've been trying to get a Vin Diesel physique so I need some protien bars to keep me fit without worrying about too much calorie/sugar intake before working out. I love how it somehow suppresses hunger so I eat 4 - 5 small meals rather than starving myself and go to an eat all you can spree in lunch or dinner. I've seen remarkable improvement and it shows that I am gaining mass rather than pure flabby fat. Once I cut back on calorie intake this might get me started on a designed circuit training + running program so I can achieve my goals. I've been drinking chocolate - vanilla protein shakes too before and after workout. I get that extra energy I need when lifting weights while pushing myself to the limit.

If I get to the desired weight that I want to be I'll stop lifting heavy stuff and concentrate on resistance training and running so I'd lose my gut. It's one problem area that most of us on this side of the world always had a problem with. The starchy rice diet isn't helping either so I would probably stop that or try other meals like high fiber crackers or saltines if needed be. I'll try and see what I can do to keep my energy up without getting too much calorie intake or fatty foods in the recipes I prepare at home. I will take this one day at a time and in a few years I'll surely get to where I want my body to be. Much like the guy I want to look like in the movies.

I'd like to be the one who gets the girl in the end too! =)

A Noble Profession

It is a known fact that in the Philippines nursing has been the number one course among college students and there are now thousands of health workers available for the rest of the world. I have cousins who took this course and are now successful nurses in Canada, Europe, Japan and the United States of America. Everybody knows how hard working and talented they are and if you think about it they compare our Filipino nurses work doubly hard than other nationalities. Ask your local health workers and they will probably tell you the same thing. They have college degrees and have exams for that but sometimes it doesn't end there. I know they undergo more training after that and a lot of hands on training and they certainly need more experience. Moreover, they need cna training information that would make them the outstanding nurses they are being known for.

I have really high regards with our medical workers and the things they do for the world. I never forget how cute they are ha-ha! Though what matters most is the dedication and passion they put into caring for another human being. That to me is the best thing that they do in their profession. Without them we'll probably end up just curing ourselves with honey and ginger while lying in bed at home. It's such a noble profession and I'm glad my cousins are part of it! At least we get to have the best ones in the world!