STEPS Dance School is one of the best dance schools in the metro. Headed by Sofia Zobel-Elizalde,…read moreSTEPS is found on Kalayaan Avenue in Makati (oddly enough, right where all the not-so-kid-friendly places are). STEPS is a good place to learn dance whether you're interested in just a class or two, or if you're quite serious about it and thinking professionally. Students are taught by the teachers directly from the professional ballet companies, and may even get to experience international guest teachers if they drop by. A handful of their top students have gone straight to professional companies, both local and international, and have even represented the country in international ballet competitions. Students will get to experience regular shows, along with summer workshops every year and may even get a chance to tour the country with the school's regular performing arm. It might sound like it's all about ballet, but STEPS also offers other classes like modern and contemporary dance, pilates, and jazz. They also have a dance shop where you can buy quality leotards, tights, and all of your dance needs. Their studio is also beautiful! If you want to train with the best and learn from the best, STEPS is the closest thing to a professional dance company!

I discovered this dance studio when I was walking from my place in Salcedo Village to Power Plant…read moreMall. It was rush hour in busy Kalayaan Avenue. Through a window display I saw some ballet dancers rehearsing. Their delicacy contrasted with the chaos of that friday night around P.Burgos Street and its surrounds. I was so beautiful that I got closer to check if it was a dance school or just some professional group gathering. Now I tell you: it's a dance school called Steps Dance Studio. Among all dance schools I've visited, this one seemed to be the most professional one, I mean, they really care about the beauty of dance instead of just using dance as a tool to lose weigh or something like that (unfortunately that's the approach we usually see, since dance classes are commonly offered inside fitness centers). Steps Dance Studio offers Classical Ballet (Royal Academy of Dance!), Modern, Jazz, Street Dance, TAP Dance, Pilates and Zumba. They always organize summer workshops, with a final concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Nice, isn't it? If you want to try your Pina Bausch days, then I recommend taking a look at this studio!

I used to take piano lessons here! That was several years ago, when the school still occupied most…read moreof the building. And my sister's been going to ballet here even before the building had been renovated and the dimly lit ground floor waiting area had a cake shop. Good times. Now, even though Academy One only has one large dance studio left upstairs, a couple of instrument lesson rooms at the back, and a small waiting area in front, they still provide top notch education. They offer jazz, classical and modern ballet, piano, voice, and guitar lessons. It's affiliated with the Australian Conservatory of Ballet and the London-based Royal Academy of Dance so for sure the ballet classes are excellent. (Only complaint is the schedule can be erratic at times - sometimes ending surprisingly early, other times extending for half an hour.) They have an annual recital in CCP at the end of the summer program to showcase the growing talent not just in the dance students, but also those who learn various instruments. I think it's a good way to get kids used to the performance side of performing arts.

I got so hyped about Wing Chun when I watched the movies Ip Man & Ip Man 2. It revolved around the…read morelife of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art "Wing Chun". The focus of this martial is simultaneous defense and offense. It accomplishes this by redirecting an opponent's attack and at the same time a quick blow that will end the figh quickly. I found the Wing Chun class on Google and I just started from their. A few days later, I found myself talking to the instructor, Mr. Jack Gallardo. I started by learning the forms and then doing it again and again. The logic to this is to perfect the movement and stance. Mr. Gallardo describes the forms as some sort of letters in the alphabet. When the forms are mastered, they can then be applied to form different sentences. Every session is tiring. We start with warm up exercises and the forms. We then move on to learning the basic stances and techniques. Sometimes, we have Chi Sao drills that are supposed to improve our sense of movement and response. The progress is slow because the disciplines need to be mastered before moving on to higher stages. The base needs to be firm my classmates would always say. After every session we have a burnout exercise that helps keep us fit and strong. After two months of Wing Chun classes, I still have a long way to go but I feel more alert and equipped whenever I'm in some potentially dangerous situations. Wing Chun is perfect for those who are looking for a self defense or those looking to expand their knowledge in different martial arts. It requires a lot of patience though, but it will all be worth it.

This art studio is located just in front of my building, so it was one of the first places I…read morevisited after moving to Manila. I was pregnant the first time I went there, so unfortunately most of their classes were prohibited for me, even with a doctor's statement - I understand them, though! The one I wanted to try was aerial silk...come on! Back to reality, please! After delivery, I've had a Stretch and Firm Fitness trial class and I really enjoyed it. I'm just trying to decide if I'll shift to another modality, like Contemporary Dance or Jazz. The teachers are enthusiastic and the place is nice. Actually, what I like about Jollijam - besides reminding me of Jollibee! - is that it's always full of kids and teens. I know, some people may hate it just because of this aspect. But it think it gives life to the place. It's funny to see little kids having ukulele classes or voice classes, anyway! Oh, there's also the Kung Fu group! That's the spirit. Jollijam mixes art, music, dance, fitness, martial arts...and FUN!

If you're interested in trying indoor cycling out, I highly recommend Electric Studio:…read more1. The place is nice and clean, which for a workout place, is a very important concern 2. Everyone there from the girls at the entrance to the instructors are really friendly and open to answering any questions 3. The songs you ride just make you want to ride harder 4. Their introductory package lets you buy 5 rides for 1500 - that's better than their competition 5. They provide you all the towels you need plus let you rent shoes for free and you don't have to worry about bringing a lock for your locker because those are code protected It's just an overall pleasant experience.

Great class! Teachers are energetic and super motivational! I probably will be very sore tomorrow…read morebut it's all worth it! Eloisa is a wonderful teacher! I also like how they add some choreographed movements to fresh songs. Makes me wanna dance on my bike! Thanks team electric!

If you want to see something that'll change your life, catch a show by the Quezon City Performing…read moreArts. You have dance performances and music as well, but here's the clincher - these kids are street children. QCPA gets them off the street and grants them a scholarship that puts them in the theater or in the dance studio. Funded by the Quezon City government in hopes they'll pursue careers in the arts, most of these kids come from families that can't afford to send them to school, buy a house, or even feed them regularly. They could have been drug dealers, slaves to physical or sexual abuse, or worse, but this foundation transforms their lives and instead teaches them to play the guitar, to sing, and to pirouette. Through the QCPA Development Foundation, the scholars have led better lives. They have had the chance to travel, study, and earn money to support themselves and their families. Dancing, singing, making music, and creating art becomes their way out of all their hardships. To see them perform onstage and smiling, knowing the past they have, is beautiful. It really shows what a difference art can make to save this country.

Popped into 360 Fitness Club last week after a long break from working out, and man, it felt good…read moreto be back! Signed up for the circuit training session and loved how it keeps everything moving--no time to get bored with those quick 30-second switches between stations. The variety is insane: one minute you're doing kettlebell swings, next it's TRX rows, then some bodyweight stuff that actually challenges you. The trainers were super encouraging without being pushy, and the vibe in the group classes is so motivating--everyone's just there grinding together. Finished with a quick Body Balance class to stretch and cool down, and I left feeling energized instead of wiped out. This place really makes fitness fun again. 5 stars, no question--I'll be back regularly now!

I never liked working out just because I find being at the gym and lifting weights so repetitive…read moreand boring. I was first introduced to 360 Fitness Club about four years ago when I decided I wanted to lose weight. The journey to slimmer me wasn't easy but being at 360 made it seem less like work because the workout were actually fun. Their circuits change every quarter so I don't get bored doing the same things over and over again. Plus, group classes like suspension training, kettle bell, Body Jam, yoga, and even Zumba make going to the gym a lot less taxing. And who doesn't love options when it comes to their workouts? If you're like me, and want to take your workout a notch higher, I suggest you avail of their personal training service. Depending on your fitness goal (weight loss, toning, etc.), they have a fine number of men and women to help you out. I have my trainer to thank because these days I can lift weights I never thought I could and even climb mountains!