On September 21st, Manila yogis and yoginis will come together at White Space on Pasong Tamo Extension, in Makati. Together, we will celebrate peace and service by offering classes all day long for yoga practitioners and beginners in a community event that caters to both adults and children. Because the number of students and teachers in Manila is multiplying exponentially, this year’s event boasts an increased variety in class offerings. White Space serves up four different venues for all of the teachers to share the gift of yoga. Mala volunteers will fill these classes with over 20 different types of yoga, healthy living talks, reiki, theta healing, and work life balance.
I jumped at the opportunity last year, to become involved with Global Mala. When my friend, Ginger Diaz, of Bikram Yoga Alabang asked me if I would be interested in teaching the kids yoga classes, I immediately said yes. I had been wanting to get involved with Mala for years, but for some reason, was never able to work it into my schedule. Thankfully, I was welcomed into fold of the Global Mala family and had a great time teaching my kids yoga classes and attending the drumming and poi classes with my son, Diego.
Teresa Herrera has been organizing Global Mala in Manila, since Shiva Rea conceptualized the idea in 2007, of a “Mala around the World.” By promoting peace, environmentalism and healthy living, Shiva Rea’s vision was to have yogis and yoginis all around the world, on all 7 continents, practicing yoga for a higher purpose, for a community, and for one another. Global Mala is touted as the “largest unified yoga event promoting positive change” in the world and falls not only on the Fall Equinox, but also on the United Nations’ International day of Peace. What a wonderful way to celebrate both of these days surrounded by like minded creative people!
So many classes will be offered this year!
Kids will be admitted FREE to the kids yoga classes if they are between the ages of 3-8 years old. Simply “like” the Global Mala Facebook Page, and include your child’s name and age in a private message to the moderator. Your child’s attendance will be confirmed if he or she is one of the first 20 kids who sign up. Older kids can participate at a discounted rate of 50% regularly priced admission, however, teens that are 15 years old and up must pay full price admission.
This year all the funds raised from Global Mala will be donated to three different organizations including A Liter of Light, Trees for the Future, and the Tubbataha Foundation. Supporting an event like this makes it easy to know that you are enjoying the gift of yoga and giving back to a great cause.
Global Mala FB page: Global Mala Project Manila
Global Mala Twitter: @globalmalaMNL