Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Arte Suave Manila - The aftermath
As the final roll of mats got strapped, wrapped and ready
for transport, I found myself standing in the middle of everything – a vast
space where history was made.
The pillars and hallways of Commercenter Alabang will
never be the same.
Its walls have heard screams and chants of adoration for the
victors who fought on its surfaces. Its windows bore witness to the joys of
victory and the tears of defeat.
Through the efforts of like-minded and passionate people,
what was once a dream became a reality. After so much planning and organizing –
Arte Suave Manila was born.
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| The first of many. |
Triumvirate Fighting had a vision of cultivating a grass
roots program to develop talent and provide exposure for white and blue belts
in the local Brazilian Jiujitsu scene. They are, after all, the future of this
martial art.
Personally, I wanted an avenue for the young guns to take center
stage and show people what they got. Most BJJ tournaments are focused on
watching Purple – Black belt divisions that the first two belt levels are often
ignored, which shouldn’t be the case. I love watching whites and blues go at it
for the simple reason that they are at the stage wherein everything they do is
driven by their passion for the sport.
From the spazzy-adrenaline enhanced-spur of the moment scrambles
to the look of relief after each conquest. The frustrations after getting
bummed out and the breaking down of people in the sidelines due to exhaustion
all lead to creating an experience that everyone will carry for the rest of
their lives. Nothing beats the feeling of overcoming obstacles that react and
fight back. The lessons from joining a tournament (whether you win or lose)
helps the person improve both as a competitor and as a human being.
We wanted to keep the fire burning. We wanted to keep the
passion alive. We wanted more stories to be shared. We wanted more names to be
discovered. We wanted to make everyone feel that what they are practicing was
worth it. We wanted to change the landscape on how things are done.
We wanted to make it
better.
Whatever we nervously did for two days exhibited what we are
all about. We were able to pull in competitors from all BJJ academies, gave
them good competition, have them compete on the best mats possible, a nice
venue and winners got more than a medal.
The smiles, laughter, high fives and hugs shared during
those days made all the trouble worth it. This is what Jiujitsu is all about –
sharing each moment with the people you love.
As I stood there, in that vast empty space as they rolled
out the rest of the mats, I ended up telling myself - We’re going to do this
again ;)
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| The team behind the success of Arte Suave Manila. |
ArteSuaveEats: Earth Kitchen
Cooking with a sense of purpose only yields beautiful
results. Each plate coming out of the kitchen is an extension of raw emotions,
chopped accordingly to preference, seasoned for added flavor and cooked to
perfection. Plated with attention to detail and garnished with love before
serving.
However, the process is merely an aid towards achieving
culinary success.
The ingredients play a vital role in the equation of
producing a heart-warming meal.
With the produce of Got
Heart Foundation and other partner communities, push one end of the big
door entering Earth Kitchen.
Remnants of an old trellis converted into a green hub
surprises guests when they come in. Natural light covers the entire dining area
during the day while a line of LED bulbs illuminate the place in the evening.
The greenhouse effect is earthy, cozy and warm. The vibrant mix of city and
farm blend in the interiors and walls of the restaurant like the visions of
those who can only dream of what a “Green City” looks like. One could go as far
as Bilbo Baggins’ kitchen had an upgrade and was featured in Modern Home. Nature
themed fixtures plus fresh from farm meals with a twist of art (proudly drawn
by our brothers and sisters in the recently typhoon stricken Tacloban)
definitely works.
Food on the menu: tasty, savory, filling and delicious.
Beef Kebabs
The notoriously ordered dish has beef rib on a skewer,
veggies and comes with a dirty rice pilaf. Served with tzatziki and a creamy
spicy sauce, this mouth-watering plate of joy is a must when visiting Earth Kitchen. What warm blooded carnivore could ever resist
a tender, moist and sinfully grilled farm raised piece of meat? - An idiot I suppose. Do not fight the urge to order another
serving of the rice; totally acceptable.
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| Delightfully delicious. |
Pumpkin and Goat’s
Cheese Paccheri
This is a pasta dish that is worth your praise and Instagram
post. The sweet concoction of crispy pumpkin strips and goat’s cheese provides
an adventure to the palate yet to be told. Its consistency blends well with the
pasta (freshly made) and crispy bacon (very good addition – you can never go
wrong with bacon).
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| Yes it has flowers. Yes they are edible (taste nice as well). |
Mushroom Ravioli
Another feel good pasta dish; mushrooms with kesong puti in
a light cream sauce – absolute winner. Drizzled with more cheese, served fresh
and must be consumed immediately. Be thankful for the overflowing sauce that could
only mean more creaminess to lather your mouth with.
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| Creamy goodness in one plate. |
Chew gently. Savor
each bite. Taste the inner difference. Look around. Appreciate the place. Go
bite some more.
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| Appetizingly refreshing. |
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| A merry mix of colors that is good for the body. |
With every dish comes a tale. People from far off places
harvesting produce with the clearest intent of growing it the way it should be.
Earth Kitchen is a vision brought to life; an outlet for a passion project that
hopes to spur involvement in a larger spectrum. Providing healthy, nourishing
and delightful meals are mere consequences of a drive to create awareness. Most
of what is seen on their menu is produce from organic farmers of Got Heart
Foundation.
Earth Kitchen is a little garden of hope in a big, fast
paced urban jungle. Visitors and loyal patrons are transported into a preview
of what can be done when things are done right. Modern living can co-exist with
nature, locally produced ingredients yield amazing dishes and the cycle of
providing livelihood channels goes full circle to benefit those who made them.
Earth Kitchen:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEarthKitchen
Instagram: https://instagram.com/earthkitchenph/
URCC Domination: Fight of the Night
The recently concluded URCC Domination held at the Fontana
Leisure Resort in Clark Pampanga showcased the future of Philippine Mixed
Martial Arts.
Their names: CJ De Tomas and Carlo Laurel
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| CJ and Carlo in action. |
CJ is the son of URCC veteran Charles De Tomas and trains
under De Tomas MMA while Carlo Laurel is an alumnus of the URCC University
Challenge and trains under Ronin BJJ. Both started their careers at a young
age. Both excelled individually in their amateur striking and grappling careers
and as fate would put it, they were bound to cross paths and face each other
inside the URCC cage.
It was a clash of opposites. The display of how yin and yang
would match up if they were not in harmony. On one side is a quiet, soft spoken
young man who has faced adversity head on and emerged victorious with sheer
grit and balls to the wall attitude towards fighting. The opposing side offers
a flashy, charismatic borderline cocky gangster that throws punches with his
fists and his mouth.
They fought relentlessly for three action packed rounds.
Threw bombs at each other with unforgiving intention, slipped and slide during
every scramble and displayed a relentless pace that could only be seen in high
level fighters. At the end of the final round, after the decision was read, CJ
came out victorious.
This duel had “Fight of the Night” written all over it and
both fighters delivered.
CJ and Carlo showcased what a complete Pinoy MMA fighter
should be. Both displayed how a good combination of stand-up and grappling
skills can shape the complexion of a fight. Even as the fight went to the
ground, both scrappers displayed high level Jiujitsu in terms of guard
recovery, transitioning from one position to another and setting up
opportunities to strike.
They were both technical and tactical. CJ would use the cage
during clinches and lean on his opponent to apply pressure. This also allows
him to be in a good position for a level change when he goes for a single
and/or a double leg take down. His counter-punching came in handy when Carlo would charge forward and start his barrage. His wrestling base also came in
handy while in top position while smothering Laurel.
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| Half guard maintenance and CJ would transition to north south and land more punches. |
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| CJ De Tomas had better timing and well executed punches. |
Carlo on the other hand utilized his flexibility in order to
get out of tight situations. His vast grappling experiences have helped him
defend well when CJ got his back complimented by a ground and pound game that
combines punching and covering the mouth of his opponent (sneaky but legal).
His quick hands were able to land good combinations all throughout and his
flamboyance and cage antics added flavor to an already entertaining fight.
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| Keeping calm and composed while escaping a RNC attempt. |
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They are at the peaking stages of their young professional
careers. There is a vast opportunity for improvement available to both
fighters. Hopefully they stay hungry and never entertain the thought of
believing their own legend.
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| CJ De Tomas came out with the judges nod that night. |
CARLO LAUREL.
Remember their names.
Cheer them on.
Follow their careers.
Wish they fight again :)
ps. photos are taken from The Food Grappler's account. check him out and give it a Like
https://www.facebook.com/thefoodgrappler
Keeping the Rollapalooza vibe
Philippine Brazilian Jiujitsu is fairly on its toddler years
as far as I am concerned. The growing years of the art and the sport has been a
steady pace. There are different schools now that people can sign up based on
location, style and preference. These schools shape up not only their students
but the competition landscape as well. As far as the local competition scene
goes; it does not lack the artistry, flamboyance, drama and highlight reel
worthy moves that are present elsewhere around the globe.
If you are one of the few right now addicted to BJJ and you
plan to join any of the tournaments within the year, make sure you go to
Rollapalooza.
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| Next tourney date (2015) *image from their Facebook page |
Prof. Ali Sulit (Atos Black Belt) and his team were able to
create that merry mix of chill vibe, upbeat tracks and warm environment that
exhibits the lifestyle of every Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner in the country.
It is like entering one big dojo where people just line up and wait for their
turn to roll.
However, let not the image and the atmosphere fool you into
thinking that competition will be easy.
I have fought many great matches against game individuals.
Most of my more memorable fights were in Rollapalooza. Everybody wanted to
win. This only ensures participants that
there are no walks in the park matches here.
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| Agianst one of Atos' finest - Aldo Vergel De Dios (my first taste of a well executed foot lock) |
From its humble beginnings at the Ateneo Martial Arts center with only one big mat area split in half by long punching bags (sometimes competitors end up overlapping during attempted takedowns or throws), Rollapalooza is held either at the Fisher Mall along Quezon Avenue or at the Blue Eagle Gym inside Ateneo de Manila campus. The growing number of supporters led to major improvements and expanded tourney formats. A recently concluded boracay leg of the tournament is a testament of Rollapalooza’s growth and significance in the local BJJ scene.
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| Rollapalooza 2010 |
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| Our team has always been a big supporter of this event |
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| Francis Uy of Submissions Sports PH and the flashy Carlo Laurel |
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| With my coaches Jerome Lepiten and Richard Lasprilla |
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| This is what NOT to do while waiting for your brackets (I have the best teammates) |
What I admire the most is the driving force behind the
movement. They are a bunch of passionate individuals who just want to share the
lifestyle and spread the love that unites us all. Joining “Rolla” provides each
participant the tournament atmosphere but with that unique sense of camaraderie
present in our respective gyms.
Everybody is all smiles during the day. We slap and bump
hands. We fight like there’s no tomorrow.
We raise each other’s hands in victory and walk off the mats letting the
good vibes roll.
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| Keeping that cool vibe. With Andrew Laxa, Prof. Ali Sulit and Pons Ponce, |
Everyday Fighters: the dual lives of those working and training
What we do is not
necessarily who we are
Waking up to the tune of the alarm clock, staring at the
ceiling for a few more minutes and then mustering enough strength to get out of
bed.
This is the daily struggle.
Each step is a thermometer of
soreness and pain. Going down the stairs is a reminder of last night’s
skirmish. Stretching has become a necessity more than a ritual.
These are habits of those who are above average; that breed
of man that lives another life than what is socially accepted – that of
the everyday fighter.
They are everywhere. From the glass windows of the corporate
world, the kitchens of restaurants, study halls of educational institutions,
and stacked up folders in law firms. These are highly functioning individuals
who are part of the working class, that provide humanity with their talents and
services on a daily basis.
Packed lunch, daily commute, do as they are told and then
head out.
Life begins after clocking out.
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| One of the welcoming sites after work. Time to go to our happy place. |
They head onto their place of inner peace and tranquility.
Shedding their coats and ties for kimonos, fight shorts, grappling spats, and
rash guards much like how superheroes change costumes from their human form
into something extraordinary.
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| Costume change |
After which their bodies are subjected to movements of self-expression
that may be incomprehensible to most, but relevant to them at that particular moment.
It may be from hitting the pads, punching the mitts,
pounding on dummy bags, snatching kettlebells, pulling ropes, kicking shins,
clinching, and grappling. Everything executed with the goal of perfection. Each
detail remembered and ingrained within the body’s system for optimal
efficiency. Pushing the limits that the
body will allow in order to achieve the semblance of satisfaction and then head
home exhausted but happy.
Those who take it a step further do more than what is
necessary. Their self-expression has transcended to levels that want to be
tested. Aside from this daily grind comes the challenge of preparing for
competitions. They become stricter in certain aspects and train a little bit
harder. They cut weight, make weight, and prepare themselves to be scarred more
than what is necessary.
It is a routine started then maintained. All hardships
endured for reasons that are hard to explain.
The alarm clock rings and we do it all over again.
#BJJ #MMA #fighter #bjjlifestyle #fightlife #rullodabros #fitspiration #artesuave
#BJJ #MMA #fighter #bjjlifestyle #fightlife #rullodabros #fitspiration #artesuave
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