MANILA, Philippines - Life is a constant quest for health. In the ’80s, my choice of physical activities included golf, squash and Jane Fonda workouts. Of course, I’ve abandoned the last because I don’t have a Betamax anymore!
The most recent golf tournament I joined was the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Golf Tournament at the Sta. Elena Golf Club. Probably the only golf-playing brand mascot, Ronald McDonald hit the inaugural tee shot.
Watching Ronald hit a golf shot is always exciting because his large shoes are directly in his swing path. Luckily, after 12 years of charity tournaments, Ronald can swing and actually hit the ball!
My cool golfmates Malu Gamboa and Leana Farrales were all dressed in red-and-yellow McDonald’s colors. Our team score didn’t count for much in the overall scores, but we were, indeed, the most photographed. And needless to say, we had the most fun. Our low-handicapper, Leana, took charge of our long drives, while steady Malu had great pitches and I took care of the challenging putts.
Every year, the RMHC raises millions to fund their programs like Bright Minds Read, which trains to read underprivileged kids to read by Grade 1.
This reading program is in partnership with the Department of Education. Thanks to the support loyal McDonald’s clients, suppliers and friends, the tournament has been a successful project, with all participants enjoying a fun round of golf whilst raising funds for education.
The Yang family, the family behind McDo, is a golfing family. Patriarch George Sr., sons Kenneth and Richie and various grandchildren were all scattered around the course swinging away.
Like in most tournaments, the best parts for most participants are the post-game raffle, giveaways and door prizes. No skill is required and even the “most exercised” golfer can still win the grand prize, and if not that, the many other great prizes like Mizuno putters and clubs.
Assumption meet
The next tournament up is the Assumption Together Golf Tournament on July 14, again at the Sta. Elena Golf Club. Originally scheduled weeks ago but postponed because of the typhoon, this golf game is now all set for next Monday and is an attraction due to its many prizes and giveaways.
This tournament is for the benefit of the Assumption Mission Schools and other socio-civic activities of the AC Alumni.
There’s no truth to the ugly rumor that you must wear a red plaid skirt to play. In fact, you don’t even have to be from Assumption! So Ateneans and La Sallites are welcome to join their Assumptionista friends to raise money for charity. Call 8943580.
I’m basically a tournament golfer. Like Tiger Woods, I join about six a year. Unlike Tiger though, I never win any.
Squash
I thought I had abandoned squash. Over the summer, though, I resurrected my vintage squash racket for a tournament organized by sensational Tweetie de Leon- Gonzalez.
The 1st Celebrity Squash Cup was the major kickoff event for the Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines (SRAP) to promote this reemerging sport among fitness buffs, health advocates and former squash players. The squash courts of Makati Sports Club had never seen as many celebrities and squash enthusiasts cheering on their favorite teams. I had a flashback of me playing squash with shoulder pads.
Swimming sensation Akiko Thomson, ABS-CBN Publishing’s Ernie Lopez, Inquirer’s Leica Carpo and designer Rhett Eala were among my teammates.
We might have been rusty at squash but we were definitely champions at cheering. Tweetie told me she has never been as toned as she is now, all thanks to the intense squash workout.
The successful Celebrity Squash Cup was sponsored by Nike, Nestlé, Belo Essentials, Randy Ortiz, Folded & Hung, Gerry’s Grill and Cabana Workshop. Thanks to these generous guys, it was a smash!
Bone health
The quest for health involves our bones too. Until recently, I never knew that keeping our bones and joints in alignment can make a world of a difference.
All this was explained when I visited a chiropractor for the first time, Dr. Michel Tetrault (tel. 8126903, visit www.chiropractic.com.ph). He gave me an explanatory talk on our bones and the process of correction, and after that, I was literally straightened up!
I don’t know whether it is just in my head or actually in my spine, but I felt wonderful coming out of Dr. Tetrault’s clinic at the San Antonio Plaza Arcade in Makati.
After multiple children, a fractured golf swing, a revived squash smash and all my other sports activities, my spine had somehow gotten misaligned, which was nicely corrected by Dr. Tetrault.
Keeping healthy and fit also means cleansing from within. Detox is the secret to looking younger and achieving that perfect balance of body, mind and spirit.
A workshop, “Detoxifying the Mind, Body and Soul,” will teach us all this on July 19 at the Discovery Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig. This Wellness Workshop will have a series of lectures and inspirational talks along with an overnight detox treatment of liver and gallbladder toxins.
Find out natural ways to maintain optimum health and learn about the 10 wholesome and organic super-foods that can change your life forever. Space is limited so call 8432550 or e-mail gvs.registration@yahoo.com to book your slot.
Alicia Keys in Manila
Speaking of souls, Alicia Keys’ upcoming concert is coincidentally titled “Unlocking the Soul.” This mega event is a great way to detox your mind while listening to great rhythm and blues from this fantastic neo-soul artist.
“Unlocking the Soul” will be held on Aug. 5 at the open field area of SM Mall of Asia, now the country’s largest entertainment venue. To be part of the multi-Grammy awardee concert experience, call TicketWorld at 8919999. Those interested to sponsor the event can call MTV Philippines at 7061580.
I may have abandoned Jane Fonda, but the modern equivalent is to have Alicia Keys on my Nike+iPod while running a kilometer or two. Now that’s the perfect pair to perfect health.
Copyright 2009 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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