We Love Roxy

I have always spent time by the sea since my parents bought a beachfront rest house in 2004. During my college years we went there almost every weekend. My love for the sea started late because as a kid I hated sand. I have seen a quote on Pinterest and on some accounts I follow on Instagram which goes, "Born to be a mermaid..." or something like that. Not true for me...I always thought I was born to be a bookworm and a couch potato to be honest.

But I guess I heard the call of the sea. It always finds it's way back to me. I have just turned 1 year old in my surfing life and my little family has been on the beach for the same amount of time too. With that, we have changed the way we dressed ourselves. Picking more clothes suitable for the sun, sea and surf and less of the clothes we do wear in the city. I know about swimwear brands, but I never preferred a specific one. To be honest, I only bought my first Roxy bikini and a rash guard because I was given discount voucher.

And then I got a few other brands along the way. But in terms of durability, design and comfort...I think Roxy gets my vote. I always played safe when it came to design because I thought being a mother required me to. But growing older has helped in establishing a more solid foundation of who I really am and what I really want. And now I have a growing collection of surf and swimwear from Roxy.

Their spring-suit is my newest addition c/o my husband. I always thought people who wear this in our country were crazy! I thought these things were for countries who had the winter season! The north swell proved me wrong; I needed one. After surfing with it, I can say it really did wonders. I was able to surf longer than I could and I couldn't care less of the chill of the early morning surf.

And it's not just me who easily fell for this brand, our little girl too! She won't wear anything without the Roxy logo. Just this weekend, she picked out her own rashie. Actually, we had no plans to get one for her yet. Adam was on the hunt for a wetsuit and as we were leaving the store she boldly told us, "What about mine? Did we get it?" And since we have plans of signing her up for swimming lessons...and more trips to the beach...we got one for her and she couldn't be any happier.

I wasn't paid in any way to write about this brand, really, we just love it!

Hello, Baler!

 I have only been to Baler three times. Last year for our anniversary and the other was way back 2010 when I hated surfing so much. I only came then because Adam wanted to spend time with his friends. You see, I am such a loser when it comes to socializing and relating to other people; but over the years I have come to realize that there is beauty in connecting with others.

I never thought that coming back to this place this time would enlighten me in so many ways. I love how easy life seems by the sea.

We left at past 4 in the morning and arrived around 10 AM. Adam and JP surfed while I gathered the guts to surf at this beach. You see, I am easily intimidated and I second-guess my abilities when I am not familiar with the placea and the people. That Monday afternoon I paddled out and caught zero waves and an injured butt and leg on the shore break.

Oh well, I told myself to just try again the next day. But before that, I would just like to say how I easily let go of my pretensions and issues with  food in Baler because the ambiance and the vibe made eating so attractive to me. I have always been working on this area of my life....loving and accepting myself no matter what happens and to enjoy all things in life...especially....eating food.

It was nice to get to surf with Harriet and Alvin who I met way back 2010. I don't really get the chance to spend a lot of time with them but I'm glad they are very nice, not just to me, but to Bean, too.

The next morning, JP and I paddled out to surf the lefts. I just sat there for about 30 minutes doing nothing. Trying to catch waves halfheartedly which only led to failure. I'll paddle hard only to sit down when I have to stand up. Good thing JP was having the time of his life out there. And then I just got tired of belittling myself because all the effort of getting here would be for nothing. So I just took a deep breath and did it...surfed a crowded spot with strangers.

I got to surf with Adam for a little, too thanks to JP! We took turns surfing...and then had lunch at Kusina Luntian owned by Adam, Alvin and Harriet's friend where the food was so great.

The next morning was like the previous one...where I found out that I still need to work on my lefts than my rights. I only surfed for two hours and then I spent the whole morning with Bean. She was such a sport and we were surprised that she didn't want to leave. She fell for the place easily like Adam and me.

All in all, we had a great three days. Thank you Adam, Bean, JP, Alvin, Harriet and the new people I met. Until next time! :)

Imperfect ; I'm + Perfect

My Yoga journey started half a year before I decided to learn how to surf. I was in love with Yoga first. In fact, I made it a point to do it daily ever since I stepped into a studio and had my first class. The reason I took it up was because I lost a special person in my life, my cousin. I felt so broken and whatever I do I couldn't seem to pick myself up to do anything about it. I'd spend afternoons crying while Bean takes her nap. I cry in the bathroom; I cry when Adam is at work...and I did not want to be like that forever. Yes, I know I would permanently miss my cousin and I might be permanently hurt because of her passing...but I did not want to be too weak to handle myself. And so I went to the nearest studio and the rest is history.

But then, surfing really got to me....all of me...and I took my Yoga practice for granted. I kept on doing it day after day for the wrong reasons. I wanted to become stronger to catch those waves and so...most times I'd pay no mind to my breathing or alignment...as if I wanted to go through the asanas just to get it over with. I even failed to listen to my body which led to my first major injury.

Good thing I got injured! 2015 was supposed to be the year I would focus on my arm balances...but maybe my body is trying to tell me that I need to take a step back and remember the true essence of practicing Yoga. Realizing this...that I need to be grounded before I take flight...will keep me from causing more injuries to myself. That is why I am not sad about getting my hand and wrist all haywire.

Adam also stopped his practice because he is very busy at work. It was just either yoga or surf...and there is no question as to what he would choose. But I remain in good spirits because even though Yoga isn't on the top of his priorities he would still find some time to practice with me.

A daily practice is hard to maintain, mostly when your three-year old would be running around in circles making a mess...climbing on top of you while you do an upward dog....or crawling under you on your downward facing dog. But I laugh it off when I see her attempting to do a cat/cow pose and then pretends that she can do a headstand when she actually can't.

Today is the actually another first...it's my first time doing my full practice after three weeks of healing. My hand/wrist hasn't fully recovered yet...but for now it is enough. Adam had the idea to photograph some of the asanas I can do. I may not have the best posture; my alignment might still be off; I do not have the perfect "Yoga body" but the one I have keeps me breathing and living. I am not perfect for everyone; but I am just perfect for me.