Making Space for Stillness: Yoga at Allure Philippines’ Wellness Week
From graceful headstands to grateful hearts, the day closed with mindfulness and connection.
The second stop of Allure Philippines’ Wellness Week was at Soulspace BGC, where a free-flowing yoga session and a gratitude circle highlighted oft neglected aspects of wellness: living mindfully and with intent.
Safe haven
Soulspace BGC describes itself as a sanctuary for a thriving yoga community open to everyone and a diversity of practices. The studio itself lends well to the feeling of calm, with floor-to-ceiling windows taking over the length of the space and opening to a soothing view of a verdant garden, complete with a small amphitheater. It’s hard to imagine that it’s actually located in one of the busiest sections of this bustling global city.
The vibe does make you want to rush out to get matcha lattes in pastel-colored workout gear, possibly twinning with your bestie.
And while there’s nothing wrong with the concept, the event’s co-chair Rachelle Bravo, CEO of New Lounge, a leading lash and nail care studio in the Philippines, reminded us gently that there’s more to wellness than matching yoga sets and chia pudding recipes. She welcomed guests with a heartfelt speech about the importance of leading with intention and a grateful heart.
Kieran Punay
Yoga instructor Ericka Mejia then took over the class, which included beauty queens Winwyn Marquez, Andrea Zamora, Yllana Aduana, and Maria Isabela Galeria; OG beauty content creator Michelle Dy; and yoga practitioners Prem Tamayo and Kitkat Cuenca.
The hour-long, open-level yoga focused on relaxing flow techniques. And while we marveled at the grace and strength of advanced yogis like Tamayo and Cuenca—who both showed off headstands—the warmth and openness of the class that made even beginners feel comfortable to practice alongside them.
Going the distance
“It’s not always linear,” says Mejia of one’s yoga practice. The idea of being in a unique journey, wholly your own, is one of the appealing aspects of yoga. Beyond the physical benefits of balance, flexibility, and strength, yoga also offers other benefits that can help regulate one’s mood.
At the end of the class, Bravo asked everyone to gather into a gratitude circle, where they shared their experiences, from the mundane (showing up to class) to the more life-changing (Cuenca shared that she was grateful for quitting her corporate job to teach full time). After that, she asked everyone to make a commitment.
“I want to commit to being more physically active,” says Bravo, sharing that while it was only her third time to practice yoga, she very much enjoyed the class. She also added that she wanted to be more present. Others followed suit, sharing how they overcame negative experiences and committing to continuing their self growth. The grateful hugs and words of encouragement shared to another, was a remarkable thing to witness.
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Give space
Mejia echoes how wellness encompasses beyond the physical aspect, sharing: “[W]hen I started to dive a little bit deeper, into what wellness is, it’s more of like, making time for yourself even if you’re forced to do other things, like your other responsibilities or commitments. It’s about making space for what really matters to you.”
“You know what they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So [wellness for me is] more holistic, in terms of, not just physical [but] also like your quiet time; [the] mental, spiritual [aspects]. All of that is wellness for me.”
Many lingered on in the studio, drinking perfectly chilled fresh fruit juice from Pure Nectar, sharing more stories, and taking selfies with the Allure Philippines tote bags, t-shirts, and tumblers. In the midst of what was definitely a manic Monday, everyone felt just a little bit more ready to face the rest of the week—with open hearts and positive intentions.
