Results - 90 Days

It's now officially over. I've conquered my 90 day fitness regime. Yeah! Clap clap clap!

Day 61-90
2 lbs
Total of 4.5 inches (arms, waist, hip, butt, thighs, etc)

For the whole 90 days:
10 lbs
Total of 16.5 inches (arms, waist, hip, butt, thighs, etc)

I'm quite pleased with the results of this whole thing. I knew within myself that I can finish it and get the results I want.

I was quite afraid that I'd hit a plateau for this last part, but I didn't let that bother me. I think, right now, my body is still adjusting to the new weight.

After the last workout rotations, I had my recovery days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). But those days weren't exactly 'workout free' cause I had yoga and played intense volleyball Saturday evening. Nonetheless, I didn't go in front of the TV to workout.

Starting today, I'm continuing with my workouts, days 91 to forever. But this time it's more for weight maintenance and toning. It's a program of 1 workout a day, stretching and eating right. If you ask me, I'd still like to lose 4 more lbs, but any weight I lose at this stage is a bonus. I don't want to pressure myself, nor do I want limit myself. I'll just do my thing and let it come.

***

Now, please give me a few moments to reflect:

This one, I really did it for myself. Not for anyone else--not for Momon, not for friends, not for people who may have said I'm a little fat. It was really a journey I took alone. That means, it is I and I alone who was a factor in making this program work. If I flunked this program, there is only me to blame.

That means, I didn't wait for others to workout with me--I did it on my own. I don't point at others for tempting me to eat a lot as reason why I actually did--I tell myself I won't let them bother me, and they can tease all they want. I take care of myself (stretching, supplements, sleep) so I have enough energy to workout the next day. Sure I had days when I skipped workouts (although very few) due to soreness, sickness, whatever, but I move the workouts I missed to other days when I'm feeling better--I don't make excuses.

I say this because I feel that this is really the key to my weight loss. When Momon and I wanted to lose weight two years ago, we had designed somewhat similar programs. We'd check on each other, try to eat less together, etc. But when we both felt that we didn't want to workout or eat less, we'd let each other off the program. Our commitment to lose weight was to each other, not to our own selves. If someone doesn't deliver, we both get disappointed and depressed.

If you're reading this and want to lose weight yourself, I hope I inspire you. I'm not a fitness trainer, but I'll be happy to share what I did to anyone who's interested.

Momon's 24th Birthday

A prelude to Momon’s birthday was a Saturday evening dinner at Kimono Ken (Petron Macapagal). We had a satisfying meal of miso soup, california maki, bowls of rice toppings and tea. It was so nice to feel the cool breeze from the Manila Bay as we walked lazily from and to our car.

For the first time in months, we’re able to be together without rushing and counting the hours. Momon just finished another busy season at SGV and is still catching up with sleep and rest. So really, everything we’re doing for his birthday is for relaxing and recharging.

***

The next morning, we headed for Tagaytay. We woke up at 6am and left the house at 7. Our destination: Sonya’s Garden .

Sonya’s Garden welcomed us with a soft breeze as we walked to the Bed and Breakfast section for a much anticipated meal. Immediately after we entered the gates, we saw a full garden of flowers in different colors and sizes soaking in the sun.

Just like I read in other blogs and reviews, the place was really a treat. The fresh white linens with small embroidered flowers give a feel of sheer cleanliness and calm. The ocassional gentle wind hugs and cools you down, and conducts the chimes to play their sweet songs for you. You don’t need to remind yourself to relax, you just do.

Breakfast

For our breakfast, we were served daing na bangus, chicken adobo, cheese and mushroom omelet, fried rice, hot tsokolate, and fruits. Inside our water glasses was a single leaf of mint.

Momon and I took our time with the food. We ate for an hour and a half, just enjoying each other’s company and the whole feel of the place. I wouldn’t say though that the food is the best I’ve tasted. I’m sure it can be improved in many ways, but the service and the experience makes up for it.

After breakfast, we took our time walking around the garden.

Bed and Breakfast

Let me tell you, this is place for photographers—beginners and professionals alike. The colors, the sunlight, the textures are superb. I, of course, was prepared! I brought camera and my tripod so Momon and I can take some photos together.

Ay, ang saya. I think naingit pa nga yung ibang mga tao na nakakita samin with the tripod. Hehe. Momon was just posing away, habang ako pabalik balik sa tripod para magframe, rushing to pose, then showing him the photo, then setting the tripod again, then running to pose again. Whew! Nung sabi ko “Kunan mo naman ako ng solo.” Sagot ni Momon, “I-timer mo na lang rin.” Hahaha!

While I was taking photos of flowers, Sonya herself passed by us. Of course we really didn’t know that it was THE Sonya. I just had a suspicion, cause she was in all white, with the hat, and she looked like she was touring some people. And then all of a sudden, she talks to Momon in a loud voice, “Are you staying for lunch?” Momon answered, “No, we already had breakfast. We’re going to have a massage.” And that’s it. Immediately after that, we were so disappointed that we didn’t even compliment her garden, or that we didn’t joke that we want a discount. Haha! I was more disapponted that I didn’t get to talk to her, or even look at her and give her a smile of appreciation. Sad. Next time na lang. For sure, merong next time.

The beauty of Sonya’s garden is in the details. There were nice nooks in the garden where you can lie down for a moment and rest. The paths are lined with small stained glass houses which I imagine light up beautifully in the evenings. There’s all the the panaderia with the best spanish bread I tasted.

After relishing the garden’s treasures, we went to the spa to have a steam bath and a massage. This is the part where we really relax and recharge.

It was Momon’s first time to have a steam bath, I think it’s my third. They set up two portable steambaths side by side in our room. They infused the water with a very relaxing essential oil. In no time at all, we were dripping with sweat, and releasing the toxins from our bodies.

After about 20 minutes, I took a bath first while Momon continued with his steam bath. You’d think that the bath is just a bridge between the steambath and the massage to come, but it wasn’t. It was one of the nicest baths I’ve had. The water was warm, and the shampoo and soap had strong scents that filled the bathroom. It was so refreshing after being under the sun outside.

Then we were finally ready for our massages. We chose a special massage where each patient had two therapists—the Four Hands Massage. Hay… four hands down, this is the best massage I ever had. Truly truly divine.

The secret to the massage is the synchronized strokes of the two therapists. You won’t feel that there are too many hands touching you cause they’d put their hands on you and remove them at the same time. They would also have specific choreography to complement each other’s strokes. For example, one therapist was by your head, and another was by your feet, then they’d make their way to the middle of your body with long strokes meeting at the glutes. If the therapist by your head is working on your left shoulder, the one by your feet is working on your left foot. When they do your arms, they’re both beside you and executing the strokes in complete unity as if there’s just one therapist. Their equal pressure was also a key element. I peeked at them once and saw that they were looking at each other’s hands and signalling each other with their eyes. And because they cover so much of your body in a short time, they are able to really give each body part full attention. Hay… I was so pleased with the massage that I clapped in the end and said, “Bravo” even in a hushed voice.

For Momon’s massage, he had two male therapists. I was quite apprehensive at first, cause they’d be in the same room with me, right? But my therapists made sure that I was well draped at all times.

To finish the experience, they served us a cup of hot dalandan juice with a basil leaf. Oh my, oh my, oh my. I immediately fell in love with the drink. It was tart and sweet at the same time; and the basil leaf infused it with a beautiful scent and taste making it so unique.

We didn't take any photos during this part cause we didn't want to bother ourselves! I want to sleep right now as I’m writing this, cause I keep remembering the whole relaxing atmosphere of this day.

We left Sonya’s Garden with a promise to come back soon. For our next visit, we’ll try the lunch and maybe get another massage. Hay…

***

It was already 2pm when we started our drive back.

We passed by Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm. It’s not that easy to get to but this place is quie known to people who love organic soaps, shampoos, and the medicinal power of virgin honey. We walked around the farm, saw the bee boxes, and shopped a little. I got carrot soap, spearmint and honey soap, honey and mint shampoo and a small bottle of bee pollen. Momon got eucalyptus and ginger soap for his psoriasis. Can’t wait to use them.

Organic Soaps

***

In the evening, we had a nice dinner of gambas, pancit, and chicken lollipop with his family.

Happy birthday My Momon. May you have all your birthdays with me.