CROSSFIT DMA: WHERE DAVAO ATHLETES ARE MADE

From personal time record, group shots, death defying routines, foodstagram and insta-reposts, chances are you’ve heard about the latest fitness craze that hit Davao City. Before you know it, CrossFit has become the “WO(r)D” of the day. It has gone beyond the level of what’s hip and trending. It even changed the common vocabulary on body conditioning. Gone are the days when the word “burp” only resonates the feeling of gastronomic satisfaction. Add 2 vowels and a consonant to that, the formula leads you to floor smackin’ drills dreaded by most ---otherwise called as “burpees”.  

What is CrossFit?

“CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program designed to improve one’s muscular strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, and flexibility,” explains Trent Pruett, certified trainer and founder of CrossFit DMA (Davao Made Athletes). The core concept of this is to keep the body guessing and adapting by perpetually changing the mix of movements which range from aerobic exercise, gymnastics (body weight exercises), and Olympic weight lifting. It is a collective take on activities we do on a daily basis and movements that aren't so applied by all like sports and military training. These are what we refer to as functional movements.” 

 

 

“WOD basically means Workout of the Day. Routine is our worst enemy because our muscles have good ‘memory’. They work only with what they already know, and sometimes we leave it at that. Results of routinely programs may be impressive at first, but soon you will hit the dreaded plateau. The rate your muscles burn fat and calories would remain stagnant and the progress to a fitter and stronger you will become slower. You have to condition yourself to think that there is always room for improvement. Our body is meant to adapt to anything, more so with varied movements. Here at CrossFit, we make sure we give you series of full body work out’s at the right amount of intensity. Once adapted, physical changes decrease or stop all together. In essence routine is the enemy.”

 

 

Here’s a short list of some of the basic movements that are done at the Box:
 

Body Weight Exercises

Air squat, Back extension, Hip Extension, Box jump, Burpee, Handstand push-up, Jump rope, Knees-to-elbows, L-sit, Lunge, Muscle-up, Ring dip, Pull-up, Push-up, Rope climb, Sit-up, Toes-to-bar

Distance movements

Running, Rowing

Movements with weights

Deadlift, Kettlebell swing, Press, Snatch, Squat, Sumo deadlift high pull, Thruster, Tire flip, Wallball

 

 

Building the community

 “My wife and I moved here for the purpose of sharing the good news to the locals. We wanted to share our faith in the Lord Jesus by building a community of believers. At the same time, we have this great passion for clean living and fitness. In a way, it is one of the ideals that guide us as Christians: Looking after the welfare of other people, not just ourselves. I got a certification to teach CrossFit and I realized it can be a platform for me to continue reaching out for welfare of others. With my co-trainer, Kevin, we built this Box with our own hands --- literally. You see, we are trained in welding metals and steel, so we used our skills in creating this space where we can gather people who are dedicated to fitness and health. It didn’t take long before things started to take shape --- this goes for both the Box and our team here at CrossFit DMA.”

 

“This is probably one sort of gym where the ‘me’ attitude don’t exist. We don’t warn off people from taking selfie’s, but I guess the kind of atmosphere we have here promotes so much interaction and camaraderie among boxmates that no one has the time to look at only himself. As you can see, we don’t have mirrors. That way, you won’t have to check on your form or face while working out. You’d then listen to your body and concentrate on the movements. Also, you can help spot how your boxmates are doing --- not to try to outdo him or her, but to check on how they can do better, to give encouragement. Here, no one competes with one another. We all support and cheer on everyone. Aside from sweating off the calories, we also campaign on healthy eating. After a few sessions, boxmates were able to develop the right attitude in choosing and planning what to eat. Right now, we have 150 people registered at the Box and we’re hoping we’ll be able to reach out to more --- all in the spirit of creating a healthier, happier, and stronger community.”

CrossFit DMA is located at 3rd floor, Consuelo Buidling, Km.6, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. For more information on WOD and how to register, please visit www.crossfitdavao.com or email amy@crossfitdavao.com.

--- 

You might think CrossFit is dominated by the male population. On the contrary, females also run this world. Here are some career women and fellow mommies who are happy to give us insights on how CrossFit changed their body and lifestyle.

 

Carine Cabebe, fashion merchandiser and entrepreneur

“For someone who has never exercised regularly before, CrossFit sure turned out to be hell in the beginning. Halfway through the warm up, I was already asking myself ‘Are you sure you want to finish the WOD?!’ I was determined to start being healthy and fit, so I pushed myself. I had the lowest number of reps, with the rest having more than twice as much. At the end of the day, I was so proud of myself for being able to endure the entire workout.”

 

“That great satisfaction convinced me to enroll for a full package. I go to the Box once or twice a week. Since then, I have noticed that my body has become more firm. Also my metabolism has significantly improved.”

 

Kat Reambillo, trade communications and media relations specialist
“I usually go to the Box 5 times a week. Because of CrossFit, I became leaner and have gained lean muscle mass. Not bulky, just lean. CrossFit says is all about GPP (general physical preparedness) and functional fitness. Day-to-day tasks are easier whether they're going through 10 flights of stairs, carrying your kids, running 5k on a whim and climbing up your house's gate because you're locked out. I would say CrossFit prepares you for everything!

Because of Crossfit, you also gain new circle of friends in boxes from all over the world! Your boxmates become your support system. They will be the same people who would cheer for you, teach you, and share your pain.”

 

 

 

 

Marga Rey, advertising professional

“Since September, I've been going to the box twice a week and I’ve found that doing CrossFit regularly lessens the post-workout soreness, improves my energy and overall disposition. I’m not sure if my performance has improved, but I think I’m getting less pathetic. Our CrossFit trainers also introduced us to the Paleo Diet and challenged us to forgo grains, sugar and processed food for 30 days. This taught me how to cook my own food, make better food choices (e.g. camote > rice), and has helped me lose a few pounds and inches.”

Carine Bacani, professional makeup artist

“I have a lot of friends in Manila that do CrossFit so I knew what the workout is all about. It didn't shock me since I work out regularly, but it was definitely tough and tiring. I just continue to challenge myself, aiming to get better with each WOD.”

 

“As a mom of two toddlers, the most noticeable change after CrossFit is how I can easily pick up my children and carry them longer. CrossFit has also cured my chronic back pain by strengthening my core muscles. Since I do the WOD in the mornings, it gives me more energy throughout the day.”

 

Stephanie Ong, entrepreneur

“Initially, it was nerve-wracking because I didn't know what to expect. The exercises are very basic but because of the repetition, it requires extreme strength and stamina. I felt nauseous after my first experience but exhilarated at the same time because I completed the task. I only visit once a week because I try to balance it with other forms of exercise.

I've noticed that my arms and legs have become stronger. I no longer feel nauseous after every exercise. But more than the physical improvements, I enjoy the feeling of camaraderie (and friendly competition) among the CrossFitters."

 

 

 

 

 

--- Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1 and A2, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 183, 27 November 2013. 

 

BRINGING PARIS HOME

(Story and photos by Meg Sta.Ines)

 

When it comes to sizing up houses, one thing that makes a big difference is how you utilize available space to your own convenience and comfort.

Take for example the humble abode of Florence Ferraris-Alejandre, a professional events planner and wife to Councilor (and former TV personality) Al Ryan Alejandre. Her impeccable taste is honed through years of research and fascination over styling up any spot or setting, whether for special events or personal living spaces. 

 

 

“I wanted to take up interior design when I was in college. At that time, my parents tried to guide me through career options after college, so they encouraged me to take up Marketing instead. Through those years in the university, I got exposed to various events wherein Al and I would volunteer as committee members. From there, we saw the opportunity of making a business out of our experience as event planners and stylists. Straight out of college, we started offering our services for all kinds of affairs, aptly naming the outfit as Occasions. Business went from small to big soon after that.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obviously, the flair in beautifying spaces comes naturally for Florence. It is very evident in her house, which she describes as “small but photogenic.”

 

“This entire house used to be 2 bungalows which we just connected together.  We didn’t want to invest so much in renovating the area, the most that we spent on was in painting all the walls white and replacing some of the original fixtures. The white walls made it easier for me to put together a design plan for the furniture I wanted to bring in. My husband has trusted my taste and gave me the freedom to decorate the space.” 

 

 

 

“I wanted to make use of every corner and gave it a facelift with some primary pieces that exude a modern and romantic feel. To break the mood, I also spruce up my interiors by infusing some prints or citrus colors to the space. The flowers and greenery also give a stark contrast to the black elements.”

  

 

 

“My style is basically a cross in between Modern Romantic and Rustic French. As you can see, there are pieces here that look old and vintage, and I like it that way. These treasured pieces are hand me down’s from my mother-in-law and some came from my own family and friends. Majority of my chairs may look expensive, but they’re all re-upholstered pieces. The others were ordered from a furniture maker in Boulevard called Akiatan. The workers there know how I love intricate patterns and details. I commend them for their exceptional craftsmanship.”

 

 

 

 

“As a mother, it is not important for me to have a big house. The house we have now is just right for our family. I am more focused in getting my husband and kids with me in a common area. It is important that my husband and I have a good relationship with the kids. We also try to get them involved in planning our lunch and dinner menu and setup, specially when we have guests with us." 
---
Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 178, 20 November 2013

 

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

It is never too late to make your dreams of being an entrepreneur come true. A good start would be to go freelance. All it needs is creativity and guts.

 

In Wikipedia’s own terms, Creative Entrepreneurship is the practice of setting up a business – or setting yourself up as self-employed--- by investing in talent (either your own or other people’s).

DIY fanatic April San Pedro turned her hobby into a business
and has ventured into paperie and graphic design

 

People with artistic capabilities have a strong advantage in starting a business through services such as advertising, public relations, photography, crafting, painting, makeup artistry, and more. To be successful, you must first be able recognize the opportunities you have in the market, and develop and manage the right mix of creative know-how’s to maximize and utilize those opportunities.

 

Ayie Hernandez discovered her love for photography through the use of mobile phone cameras,
and now she has become one of the most sought after lifestyle photographers and stylists in Davao.

 
The creative industries are gradually becoming a significant element in our economy, even here in Davao. In establishing your own creative venture, creativity must then meet what the market demands. You must introduce something new to the market, and these products and services should be valuable or useful enough to sustain and/or increase the market’s demand. To stand out, you must “step in and out of character” and develop innovative processes or ideas. Novel ideas are welcomed by all, but you have to always remember how they will benefit the market, promising long-terms advantages and returns for your business.

Multitalented multimedia artist Aidx Paredes started apprenticeship at the age of 16,
and became a resident photographer for  a clothing brand before he turned 20 years old.
He also helped establish an online lifestyle magazine called Lieu.

So, what can you do? Believe it or not, there is a myriad of opportunities around you. Ever wonder how the business in blogging started to boom? Writers and visual artists are in the business of communicating ideas, images, and experiences. All these are in demand in industrial companies and even among individuals.

 

Wedding photographer Marlon Advincula started out as photo editor
for one of the country's top photographers, Lito Sy.

Take this for example. A photographer captures memories for generations to remember. They also come handy in advertising, since this industry relies heavily on images, whether still or moving. A professional advertising photographer makes hundreds of thousands of Pesos in just a few hours. A wedding photographer can even make half a million with just one event.

Makeup artist Melody Tinoy sidelines as content writer for several websites.

 

Fashion styling has branched out into advertising and public relations as an additional arm in establishing branding and image. This goes the same for makeup artists.

 

Fans of Martha Stewart also have a place in the industry and have a big chance in becoming successful. Crafters are highly skilled and not everyone have the patience and passion same as they do. Crafters have a wide range of potential clients for different purposes. They can customize invitations and reinvent paper goods, event and home décor.

Junnie Artajo's mastery of fashion design has turned him into a local icon after
getting recognition here and abroad.

 

These are just samples business opportunities that you can explore. You just have to trust your instincts, dig into your think tank and turn your hobby into a money-making venture.

---

Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 73, 13 November 2013.