Put On Your Dancin' Shoes

October 14, 2015

Many people have turned to dancing to get and stay in shape. When we are used or addicted to a certain kind of dance and considered it in our daily routine as part of our regular exercise, it can surely have an impact on our personal and emotional well-being. Dancing also is a social activity wherein we can meet new friends and socialize with them can develop self-confidence. 

How to dress and what to wear for a dance is a very common question among individuals especially for the newbies.  Of course, the ideal footwear for any dance class is a shoe. Wearing the right outfit or the right shoes for a dance is very essential since we will be spending more time dancing with our feet. Early this year I thought of buying a new pair of dancing sneakers for my Zumba activity. It should be light and not too heavy on my feet. So I found a Reebok ultra light dance sneakers and indeed it is so comfy I super like it. 

The year almost ended and when October ends we only have 2 months left before welcoming January 2016. Although I am not so fond of shoes, but, I thought again of buying a new pair. When looking for a dance sneakers for my Zumba activity I know already what to buy. Today, there are only 2 brands of dance sneakers that I preferred most, the Reebok dance sneakers and Ryka Tenacity training shoes/dance sneakers. With the helped of my sister in law, I was able to secure a new pair of Ryka dance sneakers. I now have three pairs of dance sneakers in the row. I can choose among my three pairs and put on my dancing shoes anytime anywhere whenever I have a Zumba class. 

I can feel the support with every step of my shoes. Take a look at my new pair of Ryka dance sneakers. The color is gray/purple with pink lace and my shoe size is 9. 

Product Details:

• Synthetic and mesh upper in a low-impact dance studio sneaker
• Lace-up front, padded tongue, and collar
• Adjustable Velcro(R) instep strap
• Direct-Fuse and Flex Foil materials provide support
• Textile lining, cushioning Precise-Return(TM) insole
• I.H.G molded heel reinforcement
• Dual foam midsole with N-Gage EVA cushioning                                               Rubber traction outsole with pivot point design

Dancing is fun, it can help you to stay healthy. Wearing the proper outfit and the right shoes would help you feel comfortable. Put on your dancin' shoes have fun and enjoy!

Alugbati A Common green leafy Vegetable in the Philippines

March 5, 2015

Green leafy vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals, they are also rich in fiber. According to studies, it can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the bloodstream after a meal. Leafy greens help maintain beautiful skin and hair since it contains a lot of water making it a great addition to our diet. 

If we go to supermarket/wet market we can see different kinds of vegetables, if we love backyard gardening, we can also plant it in our own backyard for a fresh harvest. There are green leafy vegetables which easily grow under full sunlight or hot climate like "Alugbati" a common vegetable in the Philippines. It is also known under common names such as Pui, vine spinach, red vine spinach, climbing spinach, creeping spinach, buffalo spinach, Malabar spinach, Ceylon spinach etc.(source: Wikipedia) 

Alugbati has a low calorie and fat count. A 1 cup serving of alugbati contains 10 calories and 0.34 grams of fat. If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight alugbati is one good choice in addition to your diet. 

In Chinese cuisine,, it is often used in stir fry and soups, while in North Vietnam it is cooked with crab meat to make soup. This kind of green leafy vegetable can also be found in supermarkets not only in the Philippine but also in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian grocery stores and farmer's market. 

I love alugbati. There are two ways on how I prepare at home. I usually blanch it then fill it with cut tomato, onion, ginger, vinegar, and salt to taste, and also my favorite "ginisang alugbati" recipe which I added a little lean meat.

The Scientific classification of alugbati:

Kingdom:  Plantae

Order:  Caryophyllales

Family:  Baselaceae

Species:  B. alba

Four Zin Members Goes to Hollywood

February 26, 2015

When do you hear Hollywood what comes in your mind? I do believe a lot of people heard about this in the news and print commercials. Although it's not on the list of my ultimate dreams, but if given the chance to see this place I'd rather grab the opportunity.

There are business establishments nowadays which are using eye-catching business names, first and foremost, in order to attract attention. This is true, and, in fact, the four Zumba instructors or Zin members was magnetized by the name of this restaurant Hollywood...the Hollywood Burger! It is a restaurant inside the vicinity of MTS or Matina Town Square located in the downtown area in Davao City. (Guys it's in Davao city not somewhere else, now I think I made myself clear). 

The first thing that caught my attention is, of course, the name, secondly, I was amazed by the red carpet and red table cloth. Red is not my favorite color anyway but somehow it easily catches attention, maybe because of its striking color which connotes a lot of meanings. As we walked the red carpet inside from the stairs up Zin Jasonrey or fondly called Pidot started to click his phone camera. We have no choice but to stop for a while to have a picture taking. Everybody enjoyed and savored the moment for there were no other people coming in on that corner except the four of us. Until we have settled on our table. 

We ordered pasta first or Carbonara and their giant burger good for 4 persons. I am a rice eater but good for me I already had my dinner with hubby before we went there. So I ordered pineapple juice for myself and also for my three buddies.  But, I know our muse (We address him our "muse" sometimes because he is the only thorn among the roses, besides he like it too, right Pidot? LOL) wanted to eat rice and he ordered rice with fried chicken. I have tasted their carbonara, and I must say it's good, I highly recommend it. The giant burger was good too and it can satisfy a hungry stomach. Lastly, we want to satisfy our cravings for sweets so I ordered banana split (1 full table banana with 3 scoops of different flavored ice cream). 

While my companions are busy eating I can't refrain my eyes from looking at around the surroundings. I can see pictures of entertainers who make it big in Hollywood, like Christopher Reeve, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Johnny Depp, etc. The ambiance is cool, the place is clean. The price is a little bit high compared to other restaurants inside the compound. But, if you will just seldom go there to satisfy your cravings for some favorite food on their menu it's fine. Just don't make it a habit of going there, and surely you will end up always out of a budget. 

Sometimes it feels good to unwind with people and friends to just enjoy the moment while partaking foods on the table. Sharing positive insights and views about what's happening in the social media and sharing ideas for the betterment of one's self. A moment like this will surely be missed and remembered, it can create memories that when you are alone sometimes you suddenly smile. 

Well, it's getting late already so the four Zin's decided to go home. Again, as usual, picture! Nah, honestly I am not comfortable when someone takes a picture. I feel conscious and I envy those who comfortably pose and project in front of the camera. Anyway, our moment inside the Hollywood...Hollywood burger I should say came to an end. We went home with a smile and with a full stomach. Thanks, Zin Geraldine for the ride!

Few photos were taken below:

Sto. Nino Fitness Core Celebrates One Year Anniversary with Zumba Marathon

February 23, 2015

The Sto Nino Fitness Core celebrate it's one year anniversary at Sto Nino Tugbok District relocation batch 2 covered court last February 21, Saturday through a Zumba marathon with Zin Darms Dela Cerna, Zin Allyn Toyorada, Zin Jasonrey Villariaza, Zin Geraldine Catalla Casano and yours truly Zin Analuz Dagala, the main presenters of the massively popular dance Zumba with special jammers or guest presenters ZinRodolfo Enot, Zin Jeanna B. Lingas and two (2) other energetic male instructors namely: Sir Albert Siera Jose Fudolig and sir B.R Garcia Quino both heated up the crowd.

The Zumba marathon marks our first year anniversary of teaching Zumba in the community. Since our Anniversary falls in February the love month and Chinese New year we decided to wear something red. The organizers wore red and majority of the participants wear the same striking color red. The marathon started at exactly 7:15 pm with an opening prayer followed by the National Anthem. There were four different categories during the marathon namely: Zumbagets composed of participants from ages 34 down, Zumbadults with ages 35 up, Zumbagold/senior and Zumbagays. Thanks to the judges lead by the BCG group. 

The sponsors played a significant role in the success of the event and of course with the groups initiative and efforts especially in the preparation of all the necessary requirements in making the event possible.  We are so thankful to all our sponsors and some individuals who extended their help and gave donations in kind and in cash for our prizes and giveaways. Winners for each category were given cash prizes and certificates. Although, cash prizes were not that big, but the event gave fun and excitement to all participants. Everybody grooved to the music and enjoyed the Zumba moves.

Kagawad Pinky dropped by and witnessed the event. We would like to thank the presence of the MFC core group headed by Lisa Bargamento. The group stayed until the proclamation of winners. To all those who came and participated the Zumba marathon we were truly delighted and so thankful of your presence. We also would like to congratulate all the winners in the marathon.

As we get older we need to be confident and strong both mentally and physically. It is very important for us to exercise especially all the women out there to have a regular exercise and join a fitness program such as Zumba to stay fit, happy, gain body awareness and more friends. Zumba classes at Sto Nino Relocation batch 2 is three (3) times a week during Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays with a minimal registration fee of 20 pesos only. There is a free session once a week during Wednesday and everybody can join in any of these mentioned schedules. 

We would like to encourage everyone to come out and join Zumba nearest you to stay fit and healthy, who knows you could be the next winner in any zumba marathon event. 

Take a glimpse to some of our photos below:

Stage decoration/peparation by Darms, Pidot, Allyn

Main presenters: Zin Allyn, Zin Ann, Zin Darms, Zin Pidot and Zin Geraldine

BCG group who were present

Some members and officers of Mintal Fitness Club Core Group headed by Lisa Bargamento

Celebrating Life

February 20, 2015

Celebrating a birthday is very common. Why do we celebrate the birthday? Some celebrate the birthday as a reminder of what God has given us. Almost everybody around the world today celebrates the birthday. Strange as it may seem if you read the bible you can't find any saints mentioned observing birthdays. Even the exact date of the birth of Jesus was never mentioned. Yes, it is good to be thankful for what we have in life, what we have accomplished, but people sometimes forget the real meaning why we celebrate our day of birth.

Why people throw parties and when it began, what is cake symbolizes for? A long time ago people believed that a person with a birthday could be helped by good spirits or hurt by evil spirits so people including friends, family, relatives, gathered to protect the celebrant and party begins. The Greeks worshiped many of gods and goddesses and celebrate the birthday once a month by bringing special round cakes which symbolize the full moon decorated with lighted candles, for they believed that the full moon glows with light. 

Therefore, the idea of having cake during birthdays goes back to ancient Greece. Pharaoh a Greek ruler and pagan is the only reference in the bible who celebrates birthdays in public. We must also remember that some people never know these things. Honestly, I myself just learned some of these things like the parties and the cakes. Reading really a big help to learn and to refresh our minds from history. 

Of course, we don't want to offend people, let us always avoid controversy. If a family member, friends and relatives or individual invites us for a meal or dinner or go somewhere to celebrate LIFE and give thanks that would be nice. Some people celebrate birthdays in different ways. Some for get together or fellowship, for friendship, for a nice meal with a cake. Attending a dinner or a simple dinner on one's birthday and give a present to honor one's birthday is totally different from huge celebration just like what the pagans do.

Guys, I am only sharing here what I have read and learned based on my own understanding. I have provided the link below for added information. I believed each of us has each own idea and views regarding the subject matter. Whatever it is, we are entitled to it. whether we celebrate the pagan way or the way we believed,  what is important is what we do with our lives.  I strongly agree let us avoid excess and also do not be afraid to give something as a present on day of birth or any special day of the year. 

Let us celebrate our day of birth not because someone is forcing us to do it, but because our inner goodness and soul want to be thankful that we were born and that we are still alive.

Readings: http://www.triumphpro.com/birthdays-origin.htm

A Blessed Ash Wednesday Observance to All

February 18, 2015

Today is Ash Wednesday. On this day Christians are invited to the altar to receive the application of ashes on the forehead in the form of a cross to signify inner repentance. Ash Wednesday is a holy day for Christians and it is the first day of the season of Lent. 

Many Christians choose to leave the ashes on their forehead for the whole day, not to show to the whole world but on the belief that we are all sinners and need to repent and that through Jesus all sins are forgiven through faith (Matthew 6:16:18). I hope Christians and all Catholics remember this, let's all be humble. I will not mention anymore the history of Ash Wednesday. What I am sharing here now are the things I only knew. 

Please don't get me wrong.  I don't want to sound like a preacher. I don't want also to offend other people on their own personal belief.  Personally, I agree that every Christian is free to observe or not to observe this external kind of practice unless there is inner repentance for a misdeed or moral shortcomings and change. However, it is recommended for us Christians to receive the rite of ashes for repentance and spiritual renewal.

A blessed Ash Wednesday observance to all!

Studies Suggest Green Tea Helps Lower Blood Sugar

February 17, 2015

In my Facebook timeline, I posted a photo of chocolate cake. I am obviously a bread and cake eater and my passion for sweets especially chocolates will have no ending. But I do hope it will always be regulated, as we all know too many sweets is not good for the body. After I savored the last slice of my cake I felt guilty again because I know I've consumed too many calories if I sum it all since
last week. 

My love for green tea developed many years back after reading numerous write-ups or articles regarding the beneficial effects of green tea to the human body. High levels of Glucose and Insulin in the body leads people susceptible to diabetes. Many of us know that sugar is the primary culprit to accumulating body fat, not just the fats found in animal meat etc. According to an article published by the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (located in San Diego, New York and Chicago), Green Tea lowers the blood sugar level. The catechins in Green tea may pass through the intestine and into the bloodstream. 

There are many studies on how green tea helps lower blood sugar, and how people got this disease called diabetes. Others are acquired while others are in the genes or hereditary. But, I will not go deeper into it, besides, medical terminologies brought me headaches (just kidding). After consuming my chocolate cake hours ago, I did not hesitate to drink green tea not just 1 cup but more. There are many ways on how to take care of our body to stay fit and healthy. Mind you at this moment I am thinking of running inside the subdivision tonight. Anyway, as we age we cannot say we are safe from any diseases. When sickness strikes we cannot just say: Go away!..I believed regular exercise can help us in maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Another way is to educate yourself... Read, read and read. Learn from others and be open to suggestions! Have a healthy lifestyle everyone.

The Right Dance Shoes for Me This 2015

February 17, 2015

I seldom buy shoes whether for dancing or daily use. Since I started joining Zumba I only have 2 shoes in the row. When 2015 came I told myself to buy at least 1 pair this year. Last year I bought a high cut Ryka dance shoes color black. This time I wanted something different which represents Zumba colors something that is colorful and mid cut, and shows my favorite color which is yellow. I settled for Reebok Dance Ur Tempo Mid 2.0.

I asked my friend abroad a favor and she did, when I got hold of it wow!size 9 perfectly fits me. It is semi-high cut 3D ultralight technology which makes it super light and not heavy on my feet. 

Dancing can be a way to stay fit and you can dance with your partner or a group. Today, joining Zumba is a great way also to meet new friends. Choosing the right dance shoes is the first thing to consider before joining any fitness activity whether you are a beginner or professional. By using the right shoes, it can make a big difference in your learning and performing experience. 

Safety Issues With Zumba Exercise

February 16, 2015



Zumba fitness is a form of dance exercise. It is a dance fitness program created by dancer- choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez during the 90's. This latin inspired cardio dance workout is for everyone regardless of age, shapes, and sizes as long as you can move and dance to the beat. I discovered Zumba in a television news program many years ago and then I started to look for a video on YouTube, it was then that I started to appreciate Zumba. 

They say Zumba fitness helps eliminate extra weight. But, in my opinion, any exercise is truly a big help as long as you do it the right way coupled with a proper diet. For those who are planning to join a class or engage in this dance fitness exercise program, it is best to know some points to ponder for safety reasons. 

First and foremost, if you don't feel like joining then do not force yourself.  Do not allow peer pressures get in the way. Take a time to know Zumba fitness or observe a class. From then on you will know within yourself if it suits you. Go for a free try out and assess yourself. If you don't get or follow the steps in the beginning, do not give up.

If you are determined to lose weight, do not eat double serving after the workout. Find a Zumba instructor that will interact with the group, to make your Zumba more fun. Stop, if you feel tired even if you are in the middle of the workout.

1. Avoid heavy clothing for you to move freely and comfortably.
2. Start from the basic class.
3. Come to the session 15 minutes before the class for you to     have time to do stretching.
4. Avoid slippery sneakers or running shoes. Look for dancing shoes. 
5.Drink more water.


it is also best to read and listen to testimonies from other people who are into Zumba fitness and learn from them. I believed that Zumba is one high-energy form of dance exercise everybody can enjoy. I swear Zumba fitness is fun and exciting. For those who have not tried, sweat it out guys and go for Zumba now! 

Welcome To My Nook

September 16, 2015

Got a problem with my previous blog and I decided to make a new one. I am not a perfect writer but, somehow I believed I have the capacity to write something that interest me. Writing is a mind boggling thing but exciting. There are subjects that you need to have a thorough research though you can also write based on experience. 

My passion for writing started when I left my Job in the government service many years passed and I admit my knowledge of computer was very narrow then, I only knew some basic. Despite that, I was so eager to learn. Thanks to my son now a Registered Nurse who was always there ready to assist me every time I got troubled with the use of computer.

Through the years my knowledge in computer application upgraded to the next level. I am not implying to be that expert now,  still I run to my son for rescue. I can't remember anymore when was the last post in my defunct blog. Now that I am back I hope you guys will find time to read every article/post that is written in my Nook.  Welcome To My Nook is all about family, fitness, friendship, fashion, my love for food, passion, travel, health, and happiness. 

Welcome to my new blog!