The power of Lemon Water - Why you should drink it

This fruit can be easily found in different Supermarkets in the Philippines. It costs 26-30 plus pesos per piece depending on the size. Wonder how lemons will affect you and your heath? I have been doing this drink for My Mom for several weeks now together also with a home made Cucumber drink and I found out in a daily observation that from her hazy colored urine suddenly turns out into pale straw color(sign of normal,healthy,and well hydrated) during regular intake of this amazing power drink. Below are some benefits you could get from it.

1. Better Digestion. (Okay ka ba tiyan?)

Lemon water is one of the safest ways to help your body get rid of toxins. Once your body is clean and detoxified, your digestive tract will start it's work in a different, much better way. People whose digestive tract is not healthy often suffer from bloating, nausea, and heartburn. Lemon water solves the problem. Warm lemon water mixed with a drop of honey can be consumed by those who are trying to loose weight and often feel sweet cravings.

2. It Protects and Improves Your Immune System (Shield Activated)

Another fact you should know about lemon water is that it is good for those who need to improve and protect their immune system. Lemon water contain vitamin C. This vitamin fights different infections. Lemon water can also be used as an anti-inflammatory means due to Ascorbic acid that it contains. Drink lemon water during rainy season to avoid colds, and if you already got a cold, drink lemon water to fight the bacteria much faster.

3. Clear and Glowing Skin (What every girls want to have)

Lemons are full of vitamins, especially vitamin C. Lemons also have a number of antioxidants. All these combined, lemons turn into an amazing means that can be used to fight blemishes and wrinkles. You can apply lemon juice on scars and age spots. If you do it regularly, you will make them less visible. Drinking lemon  water has a positive effect on your skin as well.

4. It Provides Additional Energy. (The booster)

Since lemons are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they can provide your organism will all you need to stay alert and energetic throughout the day. Always have a bottle of lemon water on your desk or in your bag. This drink will reduce stress, anxiety and will improve your emotional state due to the fact that lemons are one of those fruits that are charged with negative ions. 

5. It Purifies the System. 

It has been scientifically proven that lemon water is capable of cleansing your whole body. Due to citric acid enzyme all body functions become more active which in turn detoxifies organism, You can either eat the fruit of add it into the water to purify your blood. The point is to do it regularly. Lemons also solve issues with urinary tract, because lemons stimulate your body to release toxins through urine.

6. It Speeds Up Healing. (The natural way is better)

Another fact you might not know about lemons is their ability to heal wounds. This becomes possible because of the main healing ingredient that lemons contain - Ascorbic Acid. This acid is necessary in those cases when you want to have healthy and strong bones, cartilage, and other connective tissue. On top of this, as I have mentioned before, lemons can reduce all sorts of inflammation.

7. It Can Beat You the Coffee Habit. (Addiction over!)

If you feel like getting rid of your dependency on caffeine, try drinking lemon water instead of caffeinated beverages. Once you break the habit, you will feel and look much better. Kicking bad habits is never easy. However, it's quite possible if you have a bottle or a glass of lemon water at hand.

9. It Helps You Shed Weight Faster. (The sexy new you)

The mineral content of lemons is alkaline and doctors say that alkaline diets help us lose pounds quicker. Plus, pectin fiber that lemons are rich in improves and stimulates our digestive system and keeps us feeling fuller without consuming excess calories.

This is simple yet delicious drink.(Note: This may taste a little bit bitter, but it's alright.) There are much more benefits of lemon water. I have mentioned some of them and I hope that they sound convincing enough to make you include lemon water in your diet.

Let's keep ourselves well hydrated! 

Sidetrip to Daranak Falls

Location: Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal Phillippines

After our trip to Regina Rica, it was already 4:30 in the afternoon when we decided to go to Daranak Falls. We only have 30 minutes left since the resort will close at 5 p.m. Given limited time to explore Daranak Falls, we still pushed through it just to maximize our Tanay escapade.

From Regina Rica, we chartered a tricycle to Daranak Falls. Fare costs 150.00 pesos. It's just about 15-20 minutes ride. We arrived at 4:45 p.m.

If you're planning a trip to Daranak Falls, I advised that you came early so that you could enjoy the place. You could also have a trek to Batlag Falls. In our case, we didn't have the chance to see the whole area since it's already getting dark. Given 15 minutes time, we just took pictures of the falls.

Daranak Falls, Tanay Rizal

Schedule & Rates:
Open  8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m from Monday-Sunday (No overnight Swimming)

Entrance Fee:
Adult        -   50.00
Chidren    -    50.00

Picnic Shed - 300.00
Picnic Table- 200.00

All alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside. Loud music is also prohibited inside the resort to protect the nature and its environment.

If you're planning for pre-nup photoshoot at Daranak Falls, you have to pay 1,500.00 at the cashier for the pictorial fee.


How to get there from Edsa Crossing:
From Starmall Edsa Crossing, take a UV Express Van bound for Tanay. Fare is roughly 70.00 per person. There are also jeepneys available at the Parklea terminal in front of Starmall. Van stops at Tanay Market. There are tricycle drivers offering trips to Daranak Falls. They will charge you 200.00 one way. I advised that you bargain with the tricycle driver for a back and forth Daranak - Tanay market ride since commuting to Daranak Falls is a little hard if you don't have your own service.

Perks of being a PINOY FITNESS MEMBER

I have been an avid fan of this running community for 2 years now and let me share to you the reasons why I am still supporting this fun and most loving running family in the Philippines.

You'll get this awesome Limited edition 2015 Pinoy Fitness Flagship Tee plus you have the option to customize your name on shirt.

www.pinoyfitness.com

An exclusive PF membership card that you can use to avail discounts from your favorite partner brands including Berghaus, Brooks, Reebook, Newton, Skora, Zoot, Aqua Sphere, Spenco, Ifitness,Fuel Belt, AQ Sports to name a few and a lot more! For complete details, please click HERE.

www.pinoyfitness.com

Regular updates on upcoming races, news, and events on running community. Just log on to www.pinoyfitness.com or you can simply download Pinoy Fitness Mobile App  Available for iOS and Android.

Free access to members portal. Update and get updated on what's happening with your running friends!

Free pictures of you during your running events! (This is indeed my most favorite thing!)

Free tips from running experts for newbie runners.

Overwhelming Birthday Greetings from the President of Pinoy Fitness, Jeff Lo! (Very surprising, I felt I was really special like the other members of the group) Thank you Pinoy Fitness!

Having fun while challenging yourself. Running friends are friends with benefits! Be one of us and hang out with group of runners who are speedier than you and you'll soon find yourself following their footsteps.

PF Run Meet at UP Diliman, Quezon City

A chance to make a wonderful start in your running career. Make friends and you'll never run alone.

PF Run Meet at UP Diliman, Quezon City

KEEP ON RUNNING!

Wanna be a PINOY FITNESS member? Join us now!

I Think I'm Inlove : Head over heels

I’d never thought that I would finish a 21km distance run during ULAH RUN UNITED 2 - 2nd leg of Runrio trilogy series last June 1,2014 held at SM MOA in Pasay. Aside from badminton, any kind of sport is not my line of interest. Not even running. I assumed that I am not fit to do so. It was only a dream before, and I never expected that it would be my first distance in an official running event. I was petite, 4’11 in height, and people would always make fun of me because at age 23 (As of March2015) I just looked like a little girl who was asked by her my mom to buy some vinegar in the neighborhood store. I wasn’t sporty. I never imagined myself becoming a runner and to love this kind of sport.But I did.

Running sucks. Yes it is. It was my first impression during my first 5 km run with a friend at UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City. I don’t understand why people spend time to run miles to have body pains, get sun burned, to get tired, and worst to get heart attacked and die. Yeah, there are people who died while running, or after a run. I hated it. If it’s not only because of my friend, I wouldn't run, until I was invited to have my second, third, fourth, and so on. For a couple of months I’m spending on the road earning mileage, I realized that I’m not running because someone told me to do so. I’m running because I love to and I’m feeling so happy with it. I gained boost of self-confidence in running. If those people with big beer bellies around my block can run fast and easily with all smiles, or a blind man can make it to the finish line, I know I can do it too.

During training runs I started to see how wonderful the world is. I began to appreciate more of life; my breath, my feet as it strikes towards the ground, the rough road, the green trees, the air, the sun, and the stranger’s running like me on the same route. UP Diliman became my playground then. It’s very pleasing when you satisfy yourself finishing a certain distance you set into. It’s the cheapest kind of sport, yet the easiest way to get fit and healthy. Suddenly, I fell in love with running.

"There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul." - Kristin Armstrong

Extreme Adventures at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers Cebu

When in Cebu, Philippines - A must try.

Skywalk Extreme- Where I almost cried. (Acrophobia detected, Forgive Me)

This gives me a nerve-racking feeling (since I have a fear of heights ) while stepping on a translucent glass floor, 126.55 meter high above the street (according to the staff), but the breath-taking view of the city gives me the courage to continue walking around the outer rim despite of my fear of falling into the ground. (Note: This is safe. We had our safety harness, of course.) Done at the 37th Floor of the hotel.  

My lovely cousin, Scarlet Villavito, making her selfie at the edge of the rim.

OMG. I can't smile this beautiful. haha  

Tower Zip and Sky Lift : Hang Higher! - My first ever zip line experience!

The Author of Happy Endorphins

My most favorite part. Happy to conquered the first urban zipline in the world. Wow. I can see a clear view of Fuente Osmena, Cebu from above. What's different about this zipline experience? - it's also the first zip line in the world to use fully automatic braking system, allowing the rider to experience a smooth and controlled stop. (Oh, We're getting now into the details). From the 38th floor, this ride will allow you to traverse one tower to another. I thought I was brave enough, but when it was my turn, all I wanted is to back out. Funny. The ride lasted for about 8-10 seconds. Before I knew it, I realized I was already on the other side! What a great experience indeed.

Edge Coaster - Oh Julie, Please Tilt!

I prefer not to tilt. The 3rd out of 3 extreme adventures included in our package. Located at the 40th floor. We availed the 3 adventures for only 1, 100 as of April 20, 2014. For Sky Experience Adventures rates and schedules, please click HERE.

This ride is safe and I recommend that you try this also. We are locked into a two rail seat platform with a control lever that can tilt the platform down up to 55 degrees and takes you around the edge of the building while indulging into a breathtaking panorama of the entire Cebu landscape. 

From left: It's me!, My cousin - Jonna Mae Tajos

There are more amenities waiting for you at CROWN REGENCY HOTEL AND TOWERS. For more information, please click HERE.

FEAR FACTOR : Caliraya's Sky Bicycle

Location: BRGY. LEWIN LUMBAN LAGUNA

It was a great accomplishment for me to traverse a 200 meter cable suspended 80-feet above the ground despite of my supreme fear of heights. My senses are dramatically heightened and my breathing and heart rate are pumped suddenly during the activity. I am sharing to you some pointers to consider before you take one of Caliraya Resort Club’s adrenaline booster attractions.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS TO HAVE AN AWESOME SKY BICYCLE RIDE:

1. Check if there is a good weather condition outside. If positive, then this is the perfect timing to ride. Bear in mind that this is an extreme outdoor activity. Our safety must be our first priority.
2. This is not suitable to persons with underlying medical conditions, but I highly recommend this to those adventurers like me. ;)
3. Riders must know the basics of biking.
4. Be in your comfortable sporty outfit. Wear rubber shoes or a pair of sneakers would do.
5. Make sure to wear complete safety gears. This will be provided by the management. (A friendly staff will assist you. So don’t worry.)
6. Read and follow all the rules and regulations of the Sky Bicycle. (This will be given to you prior the activity and you will be asked to sign a form and a waiver.)
7. When it’s already your turn, take a deep breath and smile.
8. Using your bike’s BRAKE feature is PROHIBITED. (This is to avoid dismantling your bike from the cable.)
9. Maintain a good posture.
10. Just keep on pedalling until you reach the end of the cable.
11. Indulge on the scenic view of Caliraya Lake and all the areas your eyes could lay upon on.
12. Feel the breath of fresh air.
13. Don’t forget to bring a camera and ask a friend to take a photo of you during the activity. There are no photographers in the area. If alone, you can ask a friendly staff of Caliraya Sky Bicycle to do it for you.
14. If you are also afraid of heights, do not panic if you realized you’re too high above the ground. Just look at the end of the cable and continue pedaling.
15. It is a two-way ride. The first one will be a little harder and exciting since the cable is inclined, but the last will be will the most enjoyable and relaxing part.
16. Believe you can do it! (I know you will.)
17. Last but not the least, HAVE FUN AND MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RIDE.

This attraction will cost you only 200 pesos for a two-way ride. (Note: Rates may be vary from time to time) To check to their rates you may contact (02) 632 -1111 /632-10-10 or visit www.caliraya.net

Regina Rica - A Towering statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary

In celebration of Mother's Day, I planned to take My SUPERMom to Regina Rica - a site known for having a 71-foot tall statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary sitting on top of a hill and Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal Philippines on May 10, 2015. It took us just an hour and half travel time to Regina Rosarii via UV Express Van from Starmall Edsa Crossing without traffic.

The Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) is a relatively new and well-maintained pilgrimage site that's an ideal destination during Holy Week. It is situated along Marcos Highway in Tanay, Rizal.

We climbed 308 steps up a set of paved stairs lined with sunflowers and yellow bells leading up to the main shrine. From there, we got a good view of the Sierra Madre mountains. Take note that Regina Rica is closed every Tuesday.

You can offer and light colored candles for different intentions (20 pesos per candle) or pause for a prayer at a small prayer room inside the statue. Yes. You read it right. There is a chaplet inside the statue. Isn't it amazing? But everyone who wants to go inside the statue needs to undergo briefing first - it is a must.

There is also a church, Pahuwayan, The Pilgrims Labyrinth, and a way of the cross that can be found around the sprawling grounds.

The Pilgrims Labyrinth

The Pilgrims Labyrinth symbolizes man's search for God at the center of their being. At Regina Rica, they use the labyrinth as an avenue to pray as they walk towards the center of their being.

There are also other points of interest that visitors with kids might want to check out. This includes organic garden, a small hanging bridge, and area with pets like monkeys and rabbits and a koi pond.

A souvenir shop is also available inside the site. There are a lot of shirt and other stuffs for sale. I bought a yellow rosary for myself and a bracelet rosary for my mom.

HOW DID WE GET THERE:

From Starmall Edsa Crossing we rode a UV Express Van bound for Tanay, Rizal. Fare costs 70 pesos each. Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic.

Van stops at Tanay Market. From there, we took a jeepney bound for Sampaloc. (28 pesos per person) You can also chartered a tricycle from Tanay Market to Regina Rica. Fair cost 200 pesos.From Sampaloc to Regina Rica, we rented a tricycle for 150 pesos.

For more details about Regina Rica  please click HERE. ;)

SUPERMOM - My Hero

" A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
                                                                              -Dorothy Canfield Fisher

For Mom Who's Love and Care is pure.

Taken at Regina Rica on Mother's Day
May 10, 2015

Being a mother is a full time job, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No holidays and day-offs for the whole year. I wonder why you never get tired taking care of me and Papa. For me, you are a SUPERMOM and the Best Mom in the World!

I am very much blessed to have you as my mother. Thank you for the years of unconditional love and care you have given me. God must be really great because he gave me not just the mother I needed, but he gave me the BEST mom every child could ask for. I'm so lucky.

I love you mom with all my heart. I wish and pray that God and all the angels in heaven will keep you and Papa always safe from harm.

Please keep yourself healthy.

I LOVE YOU AND HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM and to all all mother's out there!

God Spoke to Me

Let me share to you a very inspiring and wonderful message I received from God when a good friend first introduced me to The Feast Ortigas - The Happiest Place on Earth.

Dear Julie,

I believe in you. If I didn't, I wouldn't have made you into such an amazing and wonderful person. I believe in you so much, I planted dreams in you heart. Dreams that will bless you and bless the world. Dreams that will make you grow in love and will mature in your soul. Yes, I will use you to share My light and love to many.

So believe in yourself. Even when your fail. Never give up on yourself. Failure is an important part of your success. Look around and you'll discover that the most successful people are those who have failed the most. Trust in Me. I trust in you!

Know the difference between paths and purpose. Even if your chosen path fails, never give up on your sacred purpose. When you write your dreams, include the details that you desire. Your imagination will inspire you. But don't be attached to the details. Surrender to my surprises and open yourself to my abundance. For I have the best blessings and the perfect miracles for you, far better than what you can think of or imagine.

Nourish your soul in My Love and My Word. Nourish your soul with other like-minded dreamers who have fire in their hearts.

Now go, My child, and share My love and light to all those around you.

Always remember that I believe in you.

Cheering you on,


GOD

An excerpt from Novena to God's Love.

A Welcome Gift from God - The Booklet of Dreams

My Welcome Gift 

It was June 2, 2014 when I first attended the "Feast" - Ortigas (A Catholic Prayer Meeting of the light of Jesus Family). I was invited by a friend to listen to a talk all about God and his love for us. All first timers were asked to stand up the latter part of the program. We are entitled to received a booklet called Novena to God's Love - where you can write and your 7 dreams you claim in Jesus name.

Do you want to received this too? Please join the FEAST at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. Every Sunday. 8:00 a.m and 10:45 a.m.

There are also meetings at the following areas:

Pasig * Makati * Quezon City * Manila * Marilao * Rizal * South Ortigas * Laguna * Baliwag * Valenzuela. 

You may call 725-9999 for details.