Y’all know how much I love my home studio, Bikram Yoga Alabang, right?
Well, in case you’re new to visit, I’ll just share a couple of things I love about this studio which is a stone’s throw from my home. I have always said it’s important to find a studio that is close to your house because it makes it easier to stay committed to your practice and your growth as an individual. Even if I haven’t been back to the studio in quite some time, I still claim ownership to it as MY home studio, simply because I feel at home when I practice there.
Bikram Yoga Alabang has a sense of community which I didn’t find in the other studios that I visited around the metro. Don’t get me wrong, they were all professional, and many have great teachers to boot, but still…something was missing for me.
I have always been someone who likes to dabble in the different types of yoga and yoga workshops based on how I’m feeling, so I still continue to explore and experience classes with different teachers, but I also find it just as wonderful that after exploring studios from Greenhills, to Makati, and later in Fort that I am able to enjoy a studio so close to my home.
And who doesn’t like coming home?
Take note though, BYA is going thru some changes.
This BYA evolution will offer new and old students alike, the opportunity to explore health and wellness with a variety of different classes. Bikram Yoga Alabang was #made toEVOLVE, and in this case, the changes that will take place will enable students to enjoy the benefits of a Vinyasa, Hot Vinyasa Flow, Absolute Hot Yoga, and of course revisit their core Bikram classes that they are all used to.
And I can’t think of any greater way to kick off this evolution other than offering their first ever Vinyasa Workshop with Pio Pinto Baquiran. Together with Yoga Tribe and Pio, Evolve will offer the Evolve workshop on June 27th and June 28th, later this month.
Pio offered Transform, A similar Vinyasa workshop, in Surya just last month.
A little bit about Pio
In 2006, Pio was awarded the honor of Most Outstanding Yoga Teacher of the year. Known as the pioneer of Vinyasa yoga here in this country, he has trained under the Iyengar style of yoga and under the Sivananda style of yoga where he was mentored by Charu Chandra Prabhu, himself. All in all, Pio has been practicing Bhakti yoga for 32 years. Many even call him the “teacher to the teachers here in Manila.”
What to expect from Evolve A Vinyasa 101 Workshop
Participants can expect quite a few things from the workshop that Pio will be offering in partnership with Evolve. With experienced teachers, Joy Andres and Donna Francisco flanking his facilitating, one can expect demonstrations as well as assistance in achieving some of the more challenging poses. Refining and strengthening your understanding of the vinyasa poses will come naturally and safely with this team of teachers.
Straps, blocks, and partners can help with alignment.
This two day workshop will begin at 9 am and end at 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Pio will be introducing the foundations of Vinyasa Yoga and offer insight for students to understand and improve their Asana practice.
Using props during class enables students to deepen their practice.
Both days will be inclusive of an opening prayer, meditation, live kirtan music, energetic flows and even partner stretches. There is a focus on Pranayama, which we all know is essential not just in our yoga practice, but also in our lives. (It’s part of the reason we always tell our kids “Breathe” when they are injured, or crying, or upset.)
If you enroll in this two day workshop, you will experience strengthening, balancing, and opening poses. Pio is not afraid to use props in class, and encourages growth and friendship by facilitating partner poses as well.
Partner poses allow participants to get to know one another.
From backbends to inversions, Pio is consistent with his methodology by focusing on the proper form an alignment for poses by breaking each pose down in an easy to understand way that helps the student correct his or her own mistakes. As with any teacher student relationship, it is important to lead your students to a point where they can come to a conclusion on their own rather than being spoon fed their answers or expecting to be handed some form of enlightenment.
On Day one, participants were challenged with arm strengthening poses.
Students of all abilities are welcome to join the workshop. In fact, it’s really great way to explore Vinyasa, and figure out if it is the kind of yoga that is right for you. I have always said that there is a type of yoga out there for everyone. You don’t have to be flexible to start. You just have to be willing.
Are you willing?
Bea Valdes demonstrates an Iron Cross Headstand at the end of the second day.
If you would like to know more about the workshop or take advantage of the EARLY BIRD PRICING, be sure to register by June 11th. Check out Yoga Tribe on Facebook and Instagram. You can also email yogatribe.ph@gmail.com or call 0917-834-0325.
You can download the form to reserve your spot by visiting the event page on Facebook.
Be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions too. I always find them really helpful.
FAQ Sheet for Bikram Yoga Alabang
Evolve will also be offering more workshops and classes with other well known yoginis. Be on the look out for a special Vinyasa class with Chi Malasarte and an upcoming workshop with yoga champion, Esak Garcia. If you would like to learn more about these upcoming events you can call 02-846-5496 or text 0927-9169909.
