Past Events

Striving for Balance
Ayurveda workshop with Jessica Blanchard

Ortigas Studio
August 1 — 7
Monday to Sunday

Jessica merges East and West in her integrated approach to diet, lifestyle and yoga. A student of Ayurveda since 2003, she completed a four-year training at the European Institute of Vedic Studies, under Atreya Smith. She is also a student of nutritional science through a traditional university.

Jessica is deeply impressed and amazed at the way the ancient system of Ayurveda can help individuals in the modern world. She also recognizes that advances in science have brought us detailed information about cellular nutrition, disease and immunity. Through an integrated approach to health and nutrition she strives to disseminate authentic, evidenced-based and at the same time intuitive information in her sessions.

Jessica’s yoga teaching style is a fusion of detailed scientific anatomical knowledge with a deep understanding of the energetic body. She teaches yoga paying particular attention to the intersection of the physical body with the energetic body. Through attention to correct alignment, breath and postural awareness, she encourages students to practice with intelligence. This is a key component to practice longevity—allowing students to practice injury-free for a lifetime.

Jessica has spent many years studying with the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and was given his blessing to teach in 2004. She continues to study with Sharath Rangaswamy in Mysore and Richard Freeman in Boulder, CO. She holds the Level 2 Teaching Authorization from the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Institute in Mysore, India.

Yoga Classes
Mysore classes will be self-directed classes where students receive specific instructions and hands-on adjustments from Jessica. Led classes will be based on the Ashtanga primary series, focusing on common areas of confusion and trouble—shoulder alignment and movement, breathing fully, using bandhas or abdominal locks correctly and hip openness.

Workshop Classes
Balance your hormones at any stage of life with Ayurveda
Hormonal balance for men and women depends on many factors - your diet, lifestyle, and how you manage stress.

Join us and explore an array of natural approaches to hormonal imbalances through Ayurveda by learning which foods in particular support and hinder hormonal balance. Improved food choices also help decrease the chances of developing many of the modern diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart problems.

Equally important in managing hormonal balance are lifestyle and stress management techniques like yoga, massage and pranayama. You will learn specific methods of pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and self-care techniques to restore hormonal balance.

All participants will receive a detailed handout with exercises, recipes and dietary guidelines.

Optimum nutrition for the whole family
Improve the health of your entire family using age-old techniques from Ayurveda. Each person is unique in Ayurveda, and thrives on an individualized diet plan. For a family, this can be challenging to support individual needs within a common structure.

In this workshop you will learn how to develop a unified approach to cooking for a diverse group of individuals. We will explore how you can find an optimum diet for all. We will look at specific cooking techniques, recipes and ingredients within an Ayurvedic approach. We will also look at how nutritional needs change and evolve over time - through childhood, adolescence, middle and older age.

This is the perfect way to support your health and those you love.

Private Consultations with Jessica
Address your specific health problems and concerns in an Ayurvedic consultation with Jessica. She will look at your current health, your history and a number of other markers from Ayurveda like the pulse and tongue. Reservations are required to book a session with Jessica.

Due to limited space, reservations are highly recommended.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Amy Santos

Ortigas Studio
January 11, Tuesday at 6:30pm
Led Class

Makati Studio
January 12 to 14, Wednesday to Friday at 7:30am
Mysore Classes

Amy Santos is a student of life. She is also a professional dancer and yoga practitioner. She was born in Manila and raised in New York.

In 2003, Amy was authorized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach the Ashtanga Yoga method. In 2009, she was invited to participate in the first authorized teacher training of the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India and now holds authorization level 2 status.

Amy offers two Asthanga Yoga programs in New York City, one in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and another in midtown Manhattan. She has also received teaching certifications from Sivananda and Laughing Lotus Yoga Centers, and continues to study in New York with Eddie Stern.

In addition to ashtanga, Amy enjoys teaching yoga to NYC public school children through Bent on Learning.

Amy is grateful to her Gurus, Mata Amritanandamayi and Guruji, for opening her heart and gracing her with the opportunity to serve others.

Fee: Php 500
* use of class cards with the balance required will be permitted *

Advance reservations are not required but highly recommended.

Yoga and the Anatomy of Breathing with Paul Dallaghan

Alabang Studio
December 5 to 7, Sunday to Tuesday

Breath is subtle, it is elusive — yet it is a cornerstone of any yoga practice. Discover the power of breath and learn how to harness its energy primarily through pranayama, a practice that involves understanding the basic inhalation and exhalation we often take for granted.

With Breath as the backdrop, experience the limitless depths of Ashtanga Vinyasa's primary series during asana practice. Find the feminine in this dynamic practice.

Each day will begin with pranayama, sitting and asana practices. The asana practice will be a Mysore class or a Led class with a specific focus. There will be a lunch break followed by an afternoon lecture involving slide presentations and time for Q&A.

This workshop is open to all those interested in the practice of yoga and pranayama.

For Graduates of Yoga Thailand's 200-hour Teacher's certification program - this workshop equals 25 hours towards a 500-hour certification.

Full attendance is required.

Fee: Php 18,000 *
Reservation Fee: Php 5,000 *
Asana only: Php 1,000/session*

* Workshop has limited spots available as such a non-refundable reservation fee is required to secure your space. Full payment for the workshop is due on or before November 5.

* In the event you are unable to attend the workshop, we can only refund your payment (minus the reservation fee) if another individual takes your place.

* Should you want to join the Asana practice only - there are a few spots open that require advance reservations as well.

* All payments may be made through the Reservation Form below.

Baby Yoga Playgroup
(Mum and Baby Yoga, begins in August)

Alabang Studio
Starts September 7.
Tuesdays, 4 - 4:45pm
Fee: PhP 3,000 / 6 sessions
       PhP 500 drop-in rate

Yoga is applied to babies as an extension of baby massage, incorporating all the benefits of touch therapy, movement and rhythm as well as the stillness of deep relaxation. Classes cover techniques of breathing, relaxation and gentle yoga movements for mothers, fathers or caregivers, and their babies. All yoga sequences are age-appropriate for the baby and start with gentle strokes and opening stretches for small babies to more energetic and fun routines for older babies.

Baby Yoga is beneficial for the baby because it strengthens the physical body, improves digestion/ relieves colic, stimulates all senses, contributes to the development of the brain and nervous system, helps improve sleep patterns, enhances parent-child bond. Come in comfortable and stretchable clothing. Avoid wearing jewelry as this may get caught in clothing or hurt your baby. Bring along a baby blanket big enough that when folded over provides enough padding for your baby on the mat.

Babies often experience and increased appetite after the yoga class. Please bring along your baby's milk/snack. Baby Yoga Playgroup classes are a combination of techniques based on Birthlight Baby Yoga Program of Francoise B. Freedman founder of the Birthlight (UK), and Yoga for the Special Child, LLR by Sonia Sumar.

Sessions are 45 minutes long. Once a class is big enough, babies are grouped according to age: 0-4 months / 5-8 months / 9-12 months. Yoga experience is not required. Please fill up the following documents and bring them to class:

• Medical questionnaire
• Waiver form
• Doctor's approval

Reservations are required.

Download forms:

Beginners’ Yoga: Introduction to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Beginners or those wanting to revisit the basics are invited to attend the "Beginners’ Yoga: Introduction to Ashtanga" series of classes. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a more dynamic method that appeals to those who want to expend energy yet find a stillness through breath awareness.

The 4 classes held over 4 weeks, will guide the student through the fundamentals of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.

A step-by-step approach will be taken, with each class building upon the poses and topics previously covered. This will prepare the student to confidently join any of the scheduled Mysore or Led Ashtanga classes.

It is highly recommended to attend all sessions as each builds upon the prior one.

Fee: PhP 1,600 package rate

Php 500 drop-in rate

Surya Namaskar A & B              Basic Practice Sheet

Living in Balance
Ayurveda Workshop with Jessica Blanchard

Alabang Studio
July 31 - August 1, Saturday and Sunday
7am - 4pm

Ayurveda is Yoga's sister science that uses the tools of nature such as plants and minerals. During the course of this workshop, Jessica Blanchard will combine her extensive study of Ayurveda and a deep knowledge of how to apply nature's tools uniquely to an individual.

• Ayurveda is simple and logical—learn the basics and how to apply them into your life
• Learn your birth constitution and what diet and lifestyle will make you healthier
• Learn how to prevent disease by achieving optimal digestion and elimination of wastes
• Learn how to adapt your yoga practice to your constitution

The Workshop will begin with a daily Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice followed by a lecture and/or a cooking session.

The lecture session will be a mix of theory and interactive learning such as observation of body, tongue and pulse, constitutional analysis and dietary analysis in addition to Ayurvedic cooking lessons.

Jessica Blanchard completed the 4 year practitioner’s training the European Institute of Vedic Studies in France with Atreya Smith, one of Europe’s most accomplished Vaidyas. She has also studied directly with Robert Svoboda and Dr. Sunil Joshi in India. She has been practicing and teaching Ayurveda since 2005.

Jessica left a stressful corporate job in 2004 to teach at Yoga Thailand with Paul Dallaghan. In 2006 Jessica was authorized to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois after several trips to Mysore, India. She now lives in New Orleans where she owns and teaches at Balance Yoga & Wellness, a yoga studio which offers Ayurvedic consultations and nutritional and herbal therapy.

Beginners’ Yoga:
Introduction to Iyengar Yoga

Alabang Studio
May 29, Saturday 9am - 12pm

We begin this introduction to Iyengar yoga by tracing the outline of the body - using primarily the standing asanas or postures which compose the foundation and beginning of any yogasana practice.

Other types of poses such as lateral or sideways poses, forward bends and salamba sarvangasana (shoulder stand) should further enhance how one's body can potentially move with or without the aid of props.

After having a better idea of this outline, the intention will be to try to penetrate inward. We will do this by utilizing other postures to arrive at a deeper level of the same basic asanas we are exploring and hopefully will be able to stay in these asanas with equanimity.

Rina P. Ortiz is the Founder of the Iyengar Yoga Center Manila (IYCM) and holds a Senior Level teaching certificate for Iyengar yoga given by her Guruji, BKS Iyengar himself. She has had regular and extensive studies at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India every year since 2004. Inspired by the method of her Guruji, she continues on her yogic journey. Deeply interested in the practice on and off the mat, she finds particular joy in sharing at IYCM in Makati what she has learned. She also gives workshops around Southeast and East Asia where she is vice chairperson of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Southeast and East Asia. When not studying and teaching, she loves to garden, read books, and enjoys art in all forms. She lives with her husband Tito, her two children, and many animals and plants.

Fee: Php 1,200

KIDS YOGA for the Summer

yoga + games + stories + creative movement/thinking + relaxation/meditation

Makati Studio
April 13 - May 11, 2010
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10:30 - 11:30am     4 - 11 yrs old

Alabang Studio
April 14 - May 12, 2010
Wednesdays & Fridays
3 - 4pm        4 - 11 yrs old

Fee: PhP 3,500 package rate
       PhP 500 drop-in rate
No reservations required

Bunny Tamesis will lead the kids in these classes that combine yoga with fun activities that develop basic skills and vitality!

Bunny was certified in Kids Yoga by Mira Binzen, founder of Global Family Yoga (US). For Baby and Toddler Yoga, Bunny trained with Francoise B. Freedman, founder of Birthlight (UK).

Bunny’s method of teaching kid’s yoga puts together the following: basic practice of Hatha yoga + yoga games + stories + creative movement/thinking + relaxation/meditation.

The basic Hatha yoga practice is modified to the child's age, such as a simple sun salutation or easy triangle pose. Yoga games are non-competitive group activities that encourage social skills and foster creative/free movement and thinking. A story is read in class and the kids do several yoga poses according to the story.

Relaxation can be as simple as listening to music while doing simple arts and crafts. Meditation is introduced at age 8, where simple imagery is used to help relax the mind and open the consciousness.

Beginners’ Yoga: Introduction to Ashtanga at All the Studios in April

Beginners or those wanting to revisit the basics are invited to attend the "Beginners’ Yoga: Introduction to Ashtanga" series of classes. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a more dynamic method that appeals to those who want to expend energy yet find a stillness through breath awareness.

The 4 classes held over 2 weeks, will guide the student through the fundamentals of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.

A step-by-step approach will be taken, with each class building upon the poses and topics previously covered. This will prepare the student to confidently join any of the scheduled Mysore or Led Ashtanga classes.

Classes are open to all, best for ages 15 and up.

Alabang
April 20, 22, 27 & 29; Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30-10am

Ortigas
April 20, 23, 27 & 30; Tuesdays & Fridays 6:30 - 8pm

Rockwell
April 19, 21, 26 & 28; Mondays & Wednesdays 630 - 8pm
*workshop will be held at The Loft @ Manansala (38th Floor), Rockwell Center*

Fee: PhP 2,000

Beginners’ Yoga: Grounding Workshop @ the Alabang Studio

405 Bougainvilla corner Sanggumay,
Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City
February 6, 13, 20 & 27; Saturdays 9-11am

THE WORKSHOP

This workshop is designed for Beginners with the objective of grounding the students in the basics of hatha yoga.

• Breath awareness and Focus
• Poses (asanas)
• Meditation or the development of a commitment to explore and gain inner knowledge of one's Self

It is highly recommended that students attend all four sessions as each session builds on the previous one.

February 6 : Standing Poses
February 13: Seated Poses
February 20: Twists
February 27: Inversions and Supine poses

Who can attend?

• People interested to begin yoga but have never tried it
• Beginners, with the objective to start a home practice
• Intermediate practitioners of yoga who would like to go deeper

Fee: Php 2,500
Students need to attend all four sessions as each session builds on the previous one.

Jeannie E. Javelosa will be conducting this workshop for Beginners to teach the basic alignments of yoga. Jeannie’s breadth of experience in physical-meditative disciplines such as chi-gong and free movement meditation provide an added dimension and depth of experience to each class.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 days of Led Ashtanga Vinyasa classes

At All Studios
January 11 to 16, Monday to Saturday

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment!
Thich Nhat Hanh

Join a week of Led Ashtanga Vinyasa classes that will focus on synchronizing the breath of all in the class. Experience the subtle power of breathing as one…and feel your body energized, your mind reinvigorated. Breath takes precedence over shape and form – allowing us all to dwell in the present moment. Basic knowledge of the primary series is recommended to attend these classes.

Alabang studio
6 days January 11 to 16 (Mon - Sat)
830-10a

Makati studio
6 days January 11 to 16 (Mon - Sat)
Jan 11-15 (Mon -Fri) 730-9a 730-9a
Jan 16 (Sat) 1030a - 12p

Ortigas studio
5 days January 11 to 16 (no class on Friday)
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 630-8pm
Tuesday & Thursday 7-830am
Saturday 9-1030am

Rockwell studio
2 days Jan 11 and 13 only (Mon & Wed)
630 – 8p

John Scott in Manila !

The JOURNEY of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga From The GROSS to the SUBTLE and down into the VERY SUBTLE.

Join world renowned certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher John Scott for a 5-day workshop and led class. John incorporates design principles with yoga philosophies adding a very precise, detailed and colorful metaphorical presentation to his teaching. His highly individual, analytical and sensitive approach touches deeply the students who work with him.

John continues to share and pass on the "Method" of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as taught to him by his Guru, Shri K Pattabhu Jois. This is a wonderful opporunity to learn from and experience a humble and inspiring teacher who teaches from the heart.

You will come away loving the practice and approaching Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with an attitude that will allow you to practice for life.

Pranayama at Ortigas

Explore yogic breathing as you learn to regulate the breath in this workshop to be conducted by Jon Cagas.

Ortigas Studio
July 13, 20, 25, 27

Meditation and Spirituality Circle

Learn how to meditate and still your mind in these one & a half hour sessions led by Jeannie Javelosa. Deepen your awareness and experience of life in breathing & sitting practices, and discussions on contemporary spirituality.

Teens Ashtanga Lite

Adolescence is a time of incredible change on many fronts from physical, emotional and intellectual. This is also a difficult time when most young adults feel the need to conform.

Through the more physical aspect of yoga - asanas or postures - pranayama or breathing and meditation - an inward focus is developed that fosters self-acceptance and a more positivemeans of handling volatile emotions.

It is our belief that time spent on the mat learning invaluable tools such as self-reliance, knowing when to step away from a pose that will injure you, will keep your teens steadfast through this pressure-cooker phase of life.

Regular class fees and class cards apply ( drop-in Php 500, 6-class card Php 2200 & 10-class card Php 3500).

Mother's Day Yoga

Calling all mothers & kids on this special day!

Mothers! Join your child - pre-teen or teen - in a yoga class!

Kids! Bring mom, tita, grandma, yaya, cousin or ate and enjoy a yoga class together!

Be guided through a series of poses where you and your loved one move together in a flow - testing your teamwork in coordination & balance, while promoting focus & concentration.

A truly fun & fulfilling experience!

Beginners’ Yoga: Grounding Workshops

Jeannie E. Javelosa will offer a series of workshops for beginners to teach the basic alignments of hatha yoga.

Jeannie teaches Slow Flow, a hatha yoga style that is a milder form of Vinyasa Flow. The breath is integrated in both moving and seated meditation. Strength and flexibility are not requisites, but a commitment to explore and gain knowledge of one’s Self is a must. Alignment is essential, but awareness of fluidity is also emphasized, since poses are not held long. Slow flow can trace its roots in the classical tradition of Sivananda yoga.

There will be four (4) workshops of gentle yoga, designed for beginners with the objective of grounding the students in the basics of the practice:

• breath awareness and focus
• poses (asanas)
• meditation

Prenatal Yoga for Expectant Moms and Dads:
" Sharing Labor and Delivery" with Linda Naulty

Gurmukh, a famous prenatal yoga teacher says: “You cannot birth intellectually. Birth is a miraculous doorway that opens to our own mental, emotional, and intuitive growth, and a deeper knowledge, appreciation, and love of our bodies and ourselves.”

In this class, couples will learn the following to help prepare them for labor and delivery:

• simple stretches (asanas) to practice during pregnancy leading up to the birth
• breathing (pranayama) techniques to help calm & center their minds
• meditation to allow the mind and body to become still and serene
• relaxation to reduce stress and allow the body to revitalize and rejuvenate

Valentine Yoga Classes at Yoga Manila

Experience something different with your very special someone! Try out a Partners’ Yoga class!

On February 14, Saturday, Partners’ Yoga will be held in lieu of the regular Led Ashtanga class:

Have fun as you & your partner move in tandem to come into and hold various yoga poses. Come away with the feeling you have connected in a meaningful way!

Students can use their 6 or 10 class cards for their special guest!

Invite a Friend to Kids Yoga

On this special day, kids enrolled at Yoga Manila’s Yoga Ed (TM)’s kids yoga classes can bring one other friend along to class!

On February 14, Saturday, Partners’ Yoga will be held in lieu of the regular Led Ashtanga class:

A perfect way for your child and friend to enjoy a yoga class together! Students can use their 6 or 10-class cards while their friend gets to take the class for free!