Friday, March 23, 2018
One Run. One Heartbeat.
The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) in cooperation with Allianz will be holding the PHA Heart Run powered by Allianz on May 13, 2018, Sunday, at the SM by the Bay in Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Race legs for the run include a 5Km, 10km and 21Km run. There is also a 1KM Walk for the Heart to be joined in by survivors of heart diseases and their families.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are claiming more Filipino lives than ever before. To help increase awareness of the prevention and primary care of CVDs, be a heart warrior and join the PHA Heart Run powered by Allianz.
PHA Heart Run Powered by Allianz
May 13, 2018
SM By the bay, MOA
1K (walk) |5K|10K|21K
Organizer: Pep Squad Events and Marketing Services, Inc.
– Inclusive of Race Bib w/ RFID Shoetag, Race Shirt, and Festival Activities
– Inclusive of Race Bib w/ RFID Shoetag, Race Shirt, and Festival Activities
– Inclusive of Race Bib w/ RFID Shoetag, Race Shirt, Finisher Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Festival Activities
Registration Venues:
1. Online – https://reg.goorahna.com/#/event/pha-heart-run-2018
2. In-store:
– Chris Sports in SM City North EDSA< SM Megamall, Glorietta 3, Uptown Place Mall, and SM Mall of Asia Advocacy Shirt for 1K Participants
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
The 40 gorgeous, fit and sexy finalists were presented to the media during the VIP Night at Maybank Performing Arts Theatre in Taguig City.
The Superbods male and female finalists are Jules Aquino, Angelo Cacciatore, Elcid Camacho, Tony De Oteyza, Denver Hernandez, Farzam Nazirian, Luiji Panoso, Sandro Roman, Tommy Tiangco, Anthony Wahl, Christine Balaguer, Faith Garcia, Weizel Gulfan, Maureen Montagne, Mariah Nilo, Queenie Rehman, Joanna Toledo, Amanda Villanueva, Kim Ross Williams, and Bella Ysmael.
The Superbods Ageless male and female finalists are Albert Adrales, Manny Apilado, Marc Dungo, Rob Geronimo, Grech Go, Johann Ludovica, Manu Reyes, Jerome Salvado, Ari Simangan, Jude Yap, Glenda Bayona, Elisse Camarillo, Anna Cope, Maricel Cruz, Mica Fuentes, Michelle Garcia, Lois Hunter, Angel Jones, Margaret Chua Lao, and Romela Nacar.
Hosted by Raymond Gutierrez and Gelli Victor, the VIP Night Presentation featured the breathtaking finalist reveal, self-introductions, a hot runway presentation, the Superbods Ageless 2018 journey video that gave a behind-the-scene look at the search process, and the sensational mini fashion show presented by Zalora, with the fit and fab men and women finalists strutting their stuff and showing everyone what they got! Capping off the night was a rousing finale number headlined by Ina Raymundo and Gerald Anderson.
The finalists will participate in an exciting lineup of activities throughout the summer. The Ultimate Challenge at the Inflatable Island in Subic will put the finalists’ mental and physical abilities to the test. Sam YG and Amanda Fernandez will host the event. The Superbods Weekend will include a Zalora fashion show on April 7 featuring the finalists, the fun Underpants Run in the morning of April 8 at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, and the Electric Spinning Party in the afternoon at BGC Amphitheater.
On April 12, 2018, the much-awaited Finals Night will be held at the Cove, Okada Manila. The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods 2018 will each receive P500,000 in cash. They will also each receive an appliance showcase worth P250,000 from Indesit, Mabe, and Philips; an editorial campaign contract from Zalora; a training contract from Star Magic; a 1-year unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym; a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature; P5,000 worth of Vansydical Sportswear; and a special prize from Cove.
One lucky Superbods finalist will take home a brand-new Chevrolet Trax! The winner will be selected based on the transformation videos of each candidate's journey towards becoming a Superbod.
Special awards will also be given: Superbod Beachbod, Superbod of the Night (Best in Runway), Superbods Challenge winners, People’s Choice, Photogenic Award and Best in Congeniality.
Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 is made possible with the support of Cove Manila, the official venue partner of Century Tuna Superbods Ageless Finals Night.
Major sponsors are Indesit, Mabe and Philips Domestic Appliances. Minor sponsors are Tanduay Distillers, Inc., Zalora, Chevrolet, Gold’s Gym and Star Magic.
Participating sponsors are Shakey’s, Quorn, Gardenia, Vansydical, Sir George Salon and Fudgy Bar 100-Calorie Pack.
For more details and updates on events, visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook: www.facebook.com/centurytuna.

For the past four decades, the jerseys of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel have become the embodiment of the team – from its decorated history to its virtues.
Unlike last year where the jerseys were used to recount the past, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) has launched the 2018 Limited Edition Ginebra Ako Jersey Collection to make the present more meaningful. It also pays homage to the “Never Say Die” spirit the whole Ginebra San Miguel community is truly proud of.
The term “Ginebra Ako” signifies the team’s resilience, determination, and perseverance throughout the four decades of playing in the PBA. During these times, it is hard to miss that the fans have also embodied the aforementioned qualities. Exhibiting sheer dedication and true value to teamwork has essentially fleshed out a new and deeper meaning to being ganado, thus making them “more Ginebra”.
Aside from the “Ginebra Ako” statement, some of the notable designs embedded on the jersey are the four stars, which represent Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s four-decade stay in the PBA; and the crown, which depicts the team’s domination in both realms of basketball and the hard liquor industry (being the undisputed no. 1 selling gin in the world).
There are also three marks that verify the jersey’s authenticity. First, the Ginebra San Miguel Label Tag, the iconic Ginebra San Miguel label featured as the tag of every jersey embodies the long-standing heritage and culture the basketball team represents via the product. Second, the Patch of Authenticity with an embroidered signature of none other than the winningest coach in PBA history, Tim Cone, confirms the jersey is 100% authentic. Third, the ‘Never Say Die’ Patch located on the backside of the jersey features the team’s mantra and represents the team’s resilience, which they are popularly known for.
These limited edition jerseys will be worn by the team in the upcoming 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup starting April 2018.
To avail of the 2018 Limited Edition Ginebra Ako Jersey Collection, purchase and collect either six (6) seals of Ginebra San Miguel or Vino Kulafu; or four (4) caps of GSM Blue or GSM Blue Flavors, Primera Light Brandy, or GSM Premium Gin. Just add 100 pesos and claim your own “Ginebra Ako” jersey from any partner redemption outlets nationwide. Promo duration is from May 1 to June 30, 2018
There are five collectible jersey designs to choose from: Japeth Aguilar 25, Scottie Thompson 6, L.A. Tenorio 5, Greg Slaughter 20, and Mark Caguioa 47.
Meanwhile, participants of the upcoming Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 Tournament will also be wearing the new jerseys, wherein 16 teams from 16 different areas play against each other to become the next Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 Grand Champions. The top two finalists will get to live their dreams and play at the Araneta Coliseum for the championship. The winning team gets to take home P50,000.
Sports advocate Mike Swift also known as “Mr. Pinoy Hoops” and his team will be painting murals depicting “Ginebra Ako” on every court that will be visited in the 3-on-3 tournaments. The 3rd Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 Tournament will be done in partnership with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The 2018 Limited Edition Ginebra Ako Jersey Collection and 3-on-3 tournaments are proof that after 40 years, Barangay Ginebra and their “Never Say Die” spirit is very much alive.
For more details and updates on the promo, log on to www.ginebra.com.ph, check out the official Facebook page of Ginebra San Miguel www.facebook.com/barangayginebra or call the GSMI customer care hotline at 632-2564.
GSMI is the producer of the world’s no. 1 selling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other quality liquor products including Vino Kulafu, Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, Antonov Vodka and Primera Light Brandy
As a Physical Therapist, I am familiar with developmental milestones since I have handled such cases back in internship. Some kids show milestones at an early age, some are late, and tt becomes worrisome when the child seems to be not be showing developments at all. It's even tougher for their parents to accept it, however, early detection can be crucial to increasing the chances of providing remedies.
Here's a true story. First-time mom Cielo had a feeling that her baby had a developmental delay. She knew the developmental milestones -- or things most children can do by a certain age -- by heart. At nine months, a baby must be able to make a lot of different sounds like "mamamama" and "bababababa" and must understand "no." Cielo said her son does not make any sound at all at 11 months.
When she relayed her concern to her child's pediatrician, Cielo was advised to bring her child to a center that provides developmental screening.
A friend referred her to The Medical City Center for Developmental Pediatrics (TMC-CDP). The center is the first in the Philippines to offer routine developmental screening and monitoring for children 0 to 8 years old. This ensures that they will get all the help and guidance they need while growing up. Parents of children without any known developmental concerns may still bring their children to the center for routine screening.
The CDP offers Developmental Screening and Surveillance. Experts say that early identification of developmental disorders is important to the well-being of children and their families. Early detection is also the key to helping children develop their potential. This is why the CDP offers routine screening to identify children t risk for developmental and behavioral problems using standardized tools.
Developmental Surveillance is a flexible, longitudinal, continuous and cumulative process where knowledgeable health care professional identify children who may have developmental problems. Surveillance can be useful in determining appropriate referrals; providing patient education and family centered care in line with healthy development, and monitoring the effects of developmental health promotion.
Ciel said the CDP is like a one-stop-shop for her child's developmental needs. The center's other services include Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis, Multidisciplinary Team Conference, Neuropsychological Evaluation, Therapy Services, Feeding Clinic, and Family Education and Support Service.
The center's sprecialists and allied medical professional provide a complete evaluation of children with developmental or behavioral conditions are done by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists.
The CDP's therapy services are designed for children who require services such as Occupational, speech, and Physical Therapy.
The CDP is staffed by the following health care experts - General Pediatricians, Developmental Pediatricians, Pediatric Gastroenterologists, Nutrition Consultants, Nutritionists, and allied medical professionals such as Occupational therapists, Speech pathologists, and Physical Therapy.
Developmental Pediatricians lead this team since they have the expertise n the diagnosis and managment of various developmental and behavioral conditions including Autism, language disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other learning-related disorders.
Other specialists like child neurologits, geneticists, adolescent pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, physiatrists, Otolaryngologists, Opthalmologists, and Orthopedic surgeons are also affiliated with the CDP.
Recognizing that parents play an important role in children's learning and development, the CDP also offers Language Stimulation Class, Behavior Management Class, Basic Feeding Principles and Pediatric Caregiver Class recommended for both parents and caregivers.
Cielo said moms or parents like her who would want to have their children screened for any developmental problems should go to the CDP.
For more information about the Center for Developmental Pediatrics, you may call (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6630 or visit www.themedicalcity.com
Here's a true story. First-time mom Cielo had a feeling that her baby had a developmental delay. She knew the developmental milestones -- or things most children can do by a certain age -- by heart. At nine months, a baby must be able to make a lot of different sounds like "mamamama" and "bababababa" and must understand "no." Cielo said her son does not make any sound at all at 11 months.
When she relayed her concern to her child's pediatrician, Cielo was advised to bring her child to a center that provides developmental screening.
A friend referred her to The Medical City Center for Developmental Pediatrics (TMC-CDP). The center is the first in the Philippines to offer routine developmental screening and monitoring for children 0 to 8 years old. This ensures that they will get all the help and guidance they need while growing up. Parents of children without any known developmental concerns may still bring their children to the center for routine screening.
The CDP offers Developmental Screening and Surveillance. Experts say that early identification of developmental disorders is important to the well-being of children and their families. Early detection is also the key to helping children develop their potential. This is why the CDP offers routine screening to identify children t risk for developmental and behavioral problems using standardized tools.
Ciel said the CDP is like a one-stop-shop for her child's developmental needs. The center's other services include Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis, Multidisciplinary Team Conference, Neuropsychological Evaluation, Therapy Services, Feeding Clinic, and Family Education and Support Service.
The CDP's therapy services are designed for children who require services such as Occupational, speech, and Physical Therapy.
The CDP is staffed by the following health care experts - General Pediatricians, Developmental Pediatricians, Pediatric Gastroenterologists, Nutrition Consultants, Nutritionists, and allied medical professionals such as Occupational therapists, Speech pathologists, and Physical Therapy.
Developmental Pediatricians lead this team since they have the expertise n the diagnosis and managment of various developmental and behavioral conditions including Autism, language disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other learning-related disorders.
Other specialists like child neurologits, geneticists, adolescent pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, physiatrists, Otolaryngologists, Opthalmologists, and Orthopedic surgeons are also affiliated with the CDP.
Recognizing that parents play an important role in children's learning and development, the CDP also offers Language Stimulation Class, Behavior Management Class, Basic Feeding Principles and Pediatric Caregiver Class recommended for both parents and caregivers.
Cielo said moms or parents like her who would want to have their children screened for any developmental problems should go to the CDP.
For more information about the Center for Developmental Pediatrics, you may call (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6630 or visit www.themedicalcity.com
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Car care veteran Customers Cradle is opening its second shop after 27 years of service. A favorite of motorists from south of Metro Manila, Customers Cradle is a full-service car-care shop that has been serving motorists from Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and even Cavite and Laguna, for almost three decades now.
The first shop was established in 1991 and is located on Alabang-Zapote Road. The new Customers Cradle shop, which soft-opened last March 8, is located on Block 19, Lot 1, Daang Hari Road, Verdana Homes Village Center, Molino IV, Bacoor, Cavite.
According to Customers Cradle Proprietor Why Dagondon, the new branch was established to specifically cater to their loyal customers from Cavite and Laguna who used to traverse the heavy traffic of Alabang-Zapote Road just to reach their shop.
“We set up the new shop to cater to our loyal customers from the south of Manila who used to deal with the usual heavy traffic on Alabang-Zapote Road just to be able to have their vehicles serviced at Customers Cradle,” Dagondon reveals. “With this new branch in Bacoor, they can now get the same service they have come to rely on from us in an area where traffic is relatively lighter,” he adds.
Customers Cradle is a one-stop automotive facility equipped to handle all of the motorists’ car care needs, such as major engine overhaul, state-of-the-art 3D laser wheel alignment, professional diagnostic scanner, dyno tuning, under chassis work, car detailing, nitrogen tire inflation, change oil, tune-ups, and auto detailing.
Customers Cradle also has a spacious and comfortable customers’ lounge where motorists can hang out while waiting for their vehicles. The lounge is air-conditioned and has several large couches where customers can read or browse the Internet while waiting.
“When we first set up shop in 1991 inside a Shell service station in Las Piñas, we already had a vision of how we wanted our business to be,” stresses Dagondon. “We wanted a premium one-stop car-care shop where customers can comfortably stay and wait for their vehicles to be serviced without having to exert extra effort to go somewhere else to just while away the time, especially when they actually far away,” he adds.
This is the reason why Dagondon made sure that Customers Cradle’s lounges in both their Las Piñas and Bacoor shops are comfortably cool and cozy.
A unique but integral part of Customers Cradle’s service is their computerized monitoring system through which customers can see the status of the repairs being done on their cars in real time.
This monitoring system allows the customers to have an idea of how much time they need to wait before the repairs or services are completed. This is particularly useful to busy customers who need to tightly schedule their activities for the day.
“As soon as customers drive into the shop, our attendants key in their pertinent details on a computer tablet, including the services that are needed to be done for their vehicles,” Dagondon describes. The customers can then see the progress of the service being done to their cars on computer monitors located at the customers’ lounge itself.
Dagondon, who himself is a car enthusiast with several functioning vehicles in his garage, states that over the course of 27 years, Customers Cradle has built a following of loyal customers who have placed the care of their valued cars to their shop.
“It’s really not a wonder that Customers Cradle has amassed quite a number of loyal customers,” states JL Gamboa, IWS and Retail Channel Marketing Manager of Shell Philippines, Customers Cradle’s brand partner. “Their service is not only top-notch, the effort they put into making sure the customers are happy with their service is something to truly admire,” Gamboa adds.
“This is the reason why Customers Cradle has been a long-time Shell partner. We believe in their commitment to service excellence. More than that, they trust in our lubricants. We are not just a supplier to them but a business partner that advises on how both businesses can grow,” Gamboa stresses.
QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, recently launched the QBO App, a virtual hub for startups all over the country. The QBO App has already garnered over 100 downloads on the Google Play Store. The app is also available for download on iOS.
The founding partners of QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, were all present for QBO QNNECT: The QBO App Launch, the official unveiling of a virtual hub developed by QBO with the vision of Filipino startups changing the world. (From L-R: Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña, the Department of Science and Technology; Katrina Chan, Director, QBO; Assistant Secretary Rafaelita “Fita” Aldaba, the Department of Trade and Industry; Patricia Javier-Gutierrez, Executive Director and Head of Communications, J.P. Morgan; Diane Eustaquio, Executive Director, IdeaSpace Foundation Inc.; and Rene “Butch” Meily, President, QBO.)
Some notable guests included local startups like Cropital, Pushkart, and Tripkada. The event was also attended by top executives from QBO’s public and private partners, including Ola Almgren, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Chaye Cabal Revilla, CFO of Smart Communications, Inc.; Gil Chua, Chairman and CEO of DDB; and Monchito Ibrahim, Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The lineup of speakers at the launch included QBO’s founding partners, such as Secretary Fortunato dela Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Roberto Panlilio, Senior Country Officer of J.P. Morgan Philippines.Before the grand reveal at the QNNECT: The QBO App Launch, an unveiling of a virtual hub meant to unite and empower the local startup ecosystem, Rene “Butch” Meily, President of QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, asks everyone to say “yes” to the future of Philippine startups.
The QBO App is a virtual hub or a digital space where startups and entrepreneurs can come together to connect and collaborate with other players in the startup ecosystem and contribute their own knowledge and information with the community. It is an extension of QBO’s on-ground efforts to unite and empower the local startup ecosystem to work towards the same vision of Filipino startups changing the world.
Rapid growth
“What makes our platform so strong is that there are so many passionate and dedicated individuals in the startup ecosystem and this is the platform they’ll be using to connect with each other,” added Chan.
“The app’s growth is a testament to the worthiness and effectiveness of its mission. It’s a more convenient and accessible way to stay on top of the startup ecosystem, whether you’re a founder, mentor, or investor. It’s also very appealing to some of the younger Millennials who seek to establish themselves in the startup industry, as it’s a user experience that they’re more familiar with,” said Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary.
QNNECT, QLLABORTE, QNTRIBUTE
The QBO App is designed with the following functions in mind: QNNECT, QLLABORATE, AND QNTRIBUTE.
The program was headlined by the top-tier leaders of QBO’s public and private partners and attended by over 200 guests from the startup ecosystem, including notable founders and entrepreneurs, mentors and investors, and representatives from various Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), startup enablers, incubators, and corporations.
Some notable guests included local startups like Cropital, Pushkart, and Tripkada. The event was also attended by top executives from QBO’s public and private partners, including Ola Almgren, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Chaye Cabal Revilla, CFO of Smart Communications, Inc.; Gil Chua, Chairman and CEO of DDB; and Monchito Ibrahim, Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The lineup of speakers at the launch included QBO’s founding partners, such as Secretary Fortunato dela Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Roberto Panlilio, Senior Country Officer of J.P. Morgan Philippines.Before the grand reveal at the QNNECT: The QBO App Launch, an unveiling of a virtual hub meant to unite and empower the local startup ecosystem, Rene “Butch” Meily, President of QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, asks everyone to say “yes” to the future of Philippine startups.
The QBO App is a virtual hub or a digital space where startups and entrepreneurs can come together to connect and collaborate with other players in the startup ecosystem and contribute their own knowledge and information with the community. It is an extension of QBO’s on-ground efforts to unite and empower the local startup ecosystem to work towards the same vision of Filipino startups changing the world.
“QBO App’s prime purpose is to connect the dots in the local startup ecosystem, not just for startups in Metro Manila, but for Philippine startups, investors, and collaborators all over the world. It’s an avenue for Filipino startups’ ideas to move forward,” said Katrina Chan, Director, QBO.
Rapid growth
“What makes our platform so strong is that there are so many passionate and dedicated individuals in the startup ecosystem and this is the platform they’ll be using to connect with each other,” added Chan.
The team of QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, pose at the photo wall of their event, QNNECT: The QBO App Launch, the official unveiling of their app or virtual hub meant to unite and empower the Philippine startup ecosystem. (From L-R: Dominique Natividad, Content Specialist; Rosstyn Fallorina, Program Associate – Incubation; Natasha Bautista, Operations Head; Rene “Butch” Meily, President; Alea Ladaga, Program Associate – Community Growth; Adria Villaroya, Program Associate – Startup Development; Katrina Chan, Director; Talja Tupa, Intern; and River Strauss Jacob, Creative Associate)
“The app’s growth is a testament to the worthiness and effectiveness of its mission. It’s a more convenient and accessible way to stay on top of the startup ecosystem, whether you’re a founder, mentor, or investor. It’s also very appealing to some of the younger Millennials who seek to establish themselves in the startup industry, as it’s a user experience that they’re more familiar with,” said Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary.
QNNECT, QLLABORTE, QNTRIBUTE
The QBO App is designed with the following functions in mind: QNNECT, QLLABORATE, AND QNTRIBUTE.
The app’s QNNECT feature allows founders to get in touch with other players in the industry and form partnerships. Through the app, mentors and investors can also discover new businesses and other potentially disruptive investments.
Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) delivering his welcoming remarks for the QBO App Launch, an initiative spearheaded by QBO and DOST as a way to unite the startup ecosystem, last March 1 at the City Garden Grand Hotel.
“One of the more important aspects of the QBO program as well as this new app is that it provides members with easier access to world-class mentors, business leaders, and other entrepreneurs who’ve thrived across industries. This collaborative environment and sharing of best practices builds and strengthens even further the local startup community,” said Patricia Anne Javier-Gutierrez, Head of Communications at J.P. Morgan.
The QLLABORATE function allows members to see what startup events, opportunities, and programs are happening when and where. Startups can also better collaborate with each other and reach out to special guests or speakers through the app’s ‘Groups’ feature. Members can also access relevant resources through the app, such as startup reports, government forms, powerpoint presentations from speakers, and other documents that are all downloadable exclusively in the app through the ‘Content’ function.
The welcoming remarks of the QBO App Launch featuring Roberto L. Panlilio, the Managing Director and Senior Country Officer of J.P. Morgan, one of QBO’s founding partners.
Much like other social networking sites, the QBO app is also the perfect avenue to QNTRIBUTE. Startups can share news or push their products and services through the News function, where they can post videos, photos, links, or other startup-related content in a social media-like timeline.
How to download the app
The app can be found on either Google Play Store or the App Store. Search for “QBO Innovation Hub”. After downloading, register through e-mail, cellphone, or Facebook. Users will have to wait for their membershipapproval from the QBO team. Once approved, they can create their profiles and begin to QNNECT.
For more information about QBO, please visit www.qbo.com.ph.
Age may play a role in good health and fitness, but the number alone doesn’t define athletic performance. In the spirit of International Women’s Day this March, three female contenders of the recent Spartan Race in Pampanga, show that conquering the world’s most grueling obstacle course isn’t about seniority or youthfulness—it’s about having a passion for health and the right attitude towards adversity that matter most to overcome any challenge.
Only a number
International Wellness Coach Edna Hearsey Cross testifies to the importance of nutrition, exercise, and mindset to achieving great health and overcoming the Spartan Race. About 33 years ago, Cross suffered a major car accident that left her with mobility issues and pain. Before her ordeal, she had struggled with weight gain during two pregnancies, and had been going to a community gym to get back in shape. The incident only made the struggle more difficult as she depended heavily on medication to lead a normal life.
Fortunately, a fellow mom at the gym introduced her to a nutrition program that helped her get back on track. Soon she healed and regained her strength. It was then that she began developing a taste for adventure: “After recovering and feeling great with no pain I thought I should put myself to the test. I became confident to give it a go and see how far I can go.”
Now at 63, Cross continues to dare herself by competing in marathons and going around the world to climb mountains. Her secret lies in doing regular exercises such as running, yoga, and Pilates, powered by a daily dietary regimen that keeps her energized. To ready herself for more demanding activities like the recent Spartan Race Age Category, she joins a fitness community for bootcamp and obstacle training. She also makes sure to do lots of burpees in case she’s unable to do an obstacle.
Starting it young
On the other end of the age spectrum, four-year-old Skylar Legayada simply lets her natural curiosity and eagerness to drive her enthusiasm for sporty activities. Along with other young participants, she signed up for the Kids Category in the recent Spartan Race for a chance to do what kids do best: play and make friends.
With dreams of becoming like her favorite superhero, Wonder Woman, Legayada gets plenty of encouragement from her family to live an active lifestyle. Some of the exercises she likes doing with her parents include running and climbing the monkey bars or the A-frame at the playground. She also enjoys training with her aunt, who also joined the Spartan Race.
Challenging the self
The recent Spartan Race Sprint in Pampanga proved daunting with more than 25 obstacles across a stretch of 13 kilometers. For first runner-up Melba Vergara, getting through the mud, barbwire, and fire required more than physical conditioning and skill, but also iron mettle.
A seasoned runner in her 40s, Vergara knows that it’s the self that ultimately stands between the athlete and the finish line: “It is true that ‘age is just a number’, but it depends on every individual’s mindset. When competing, I don’t think that I’m older than my peers. Some of my elite competitors are only half my age, but to me that is not the barrier against the young ones. The only thing I know is that I have the heart and determination for it.”
With several Trifectas under her belt, Vergara prepares for tough events such as the Spartan Race by doing freerunning and bouldering. She also strives for moderation when it comes to her diet, listening to her body for what she needs and treating herself to dessert once in a while. Most importantly, during competitions, Vergara tells herself that she isn’t racing with anyone else but herself to keep her nerves calm and ready for the challenge ahead.
All about willpower
Like the three tough ladies above, every Spartan knows that strength of spirit on top of months of hard training is what pushes athletes to beat the odds—no matter their background, competitive experience, or physical limitation. This same tenacity is what every contender must learn to muster in Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge, an American television show featuring a one-mile obstacle course inspired by the Spartan Race.
The Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge gathers together some of the most hardened athletes in teams of five—two women, two men, and one Spartan elite—all of whom understand that age or training isn’t enough to win against obstacles designed to test mind and heart, as much as body.
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