Guess Whos in Shape Magazine June 2010!

Yep! Its me on page 86... we had the photoshoot just a couple of weeks ago just prior my haircut and I jumped so much for that shoot it was crazy tiring! *poooof!* From hair covering my face - cannot! to angle not right - body not bent enough - jump not high enough - hair didn't fly correctly - eyes not looking at camera - tummy never suck in enough - jump to far from the mirror amongst several other "no-go" shots.. Hahhaa! Photoshoots are fun but really exhausting!

But I guess the photographer really got his angle right! I'm pleased at how "tight" my torso looks in this shot! Good job Alvinn!! I like it.

I was looking forward to seeing it come out in the news stands so much that the magazine lady didn't even need to wait for me to ask *I walked in looking for it so many times*- she immediately reported it to me thereafter that the issue hasn't arrived each time I walked past every day for the past 2 weeks, till today - she called out to me and waved the magazine in the air... its here!!! Yays!!!

And guess what! I won a prize for it too! Awwww! Nice laa! Its a pair of Lady Tartherblits CA shoes from Asics for Her Collection worth $199... cool la! I like it because its an extremely HOT PINK track shoe.. perfect for my runs! Its crazy pink! I like!! Whoot! Thanks Shape Mag!

In the meantime, go click on the image above and check out the article.. :) *beams happily* Turned out okay yea? Below is one of the pictures taken during the shoot that they didnt choose. Looking so chubby lately with the weight gain since Christmas... will I work to lose more? Sure.. I'll get around to wacking a little more off.. but in the meantime.. I'll contend with a little jiggly here and there... Thanks for reading!!

New Hair & Updates!

Yep! I hacked off around 14 inches off my hair so I have a shaggy crop now as opposed to hip length wavy locks.. some people were horrified to find out I wacked off so much hair but I didn't cut it THAT short. Excuse the non make-up shot but at least the hair was tame? :)

Other than that, I've been busy lately undergoing CPR and AED training with my girlfriends so I'm also additionally CPR/AED certified. Yayness for that! I hope I never have to use what we trained for but I'm pleased that I'm now "operationally ready" if there is a crisis.

On top of that, I've started a new batch of AquaFit and DanzaFit aka DanzaLatina at Raffles Town Club, interested public participants CAN STILL register right now to join the classes on Saturdays at a pro-rated rate. It is club policy to allow only ONE pro-rated batch for first time applicants so you can join me from next week onwards pro-rated if you are keen on joining a workout class. More details on what those classes are and how to register can be found HERE.

I have to mention too though, the club is LOVELY.. like seriously plush. I could stay in their lush changing rooms for the longest time... ice-water, lockers and towels are available. Their pool is lovely - kids will LOVE the water slides. And you can go eat at the cafe after your workout too which offers pretty good set lunches or buffets too at a reasonable estimate of $10-15 per person per ala-carte dish or set. Check out their promotions and buffet offers.

And I'm thankful to some of the lovely ladies who have joined me yesterday who promptly sent me their comments last night and mentioned that I should put it up on my blog.. Awww I feel so touched la!! Thank you... here goes.. :)

AquaFit - "You were awesome I enjoyed your class and you have good PR skills, you did a wonderful job for the aqua class and I know you can go further than this. I got back from home and was telling my husband about you and the fun I had. Also so sweet of you to sent us to the lift lobby. Well done keep it up."

DanzaLatina - "I truly enjoyed the class today. Not a dull moment and I sweat a bucket. You are so full of energy. Love it and looking forward to next lesson."

And sometimes I reflect back and am pleased that I do what I do to be able to share what I love and have others benefit too. :) Thank you for working out with me and I'll see you all again soon...

FitBall and Core Stabilisation Instructorship

I did it! Yeah, so its like I'm on a roll with more training and I just completed my FitBall and Core Stabilisation instructorship and am extremely excited about it! As it is, choreography is swimming in my head, I've got to rehearse them and once I've got at least a dozen sets. I'll announce a new class! I'm looking forward to running a new class with the Fitballs..

I might choreograph something for drums too.. its a good alternative idea to break the usual ball routine that I might do from time to time. Looks like fun eh?



and a sampling of a class that I'll be running from July 2010 onwards at selected locations who have fitballs or with clients who have their own fitballs.

Are you on the ball yet? Check out my new logo! Like it?

Out of Action Again...

I've been out of action for the past couple of weeks already... my back decided to keep me grounded for either bed or home rest if you have not otherwise seen me instructing classes and even these have been kept to a minimal to pre-booked permanent slots or personal clients.

The hubster says it would take up to a month for my back to recoup its full function and ease of movement. I'm either practically hunched over in pain, hobbling like an old lady or just lying down these days to make gravity and non pressure my best friend. And yes, I've seen the therapist who painfully and tearfully rubbed my body while I cried the whole hour. It was effective so it was an hour of freakish pain for a couple of days of gradual relief but I would not be in any dance class if you've been looking for me till May.

What happened? Well, not sure really but my lower back went into a crazy nerve pinch literally overnight that sent me flat out in bed for a full 3 days on painkillers and muscle relaxants. We had crossed our fingers that it wasn't as serious as a slipped disk simply because that would literally put my dance instructing in horrible jeopardy. I'm now walking albeit a little slower than usual and bending with caution.

I'll be resting my back till next week where I take my FITBALL certification training.. another week of rest after and then Zumba ZIN25 training at California Fitness... then if I'm fine by then, I'll be back at class as usual.

Till then, enjoy your classes everyone! I'll see you all when I see you. *hugs*

Wanna cheer me up? Leave me a note here.. so I'll know you've bothered to keep on reading me even though I haven't been around much lately.. What say you?

Bupa Corporate Video 09

Remember this POST? I realised that some people had missed seeing the final product which came out some back so here's the LINK to the video or you can click on the image above.

What is it? Its a corporate video that I filmed last year for the UK Healthcare Organisation, Bupa and I was honoured to have been selected to represent their "asia" counterpart in their corporate video. If you are in the healthcare/insurance line and working with Bupa, you may have already seen this video. :)

Its a privated video which I can't embed so you have to go directly to the page, key in the password which is "brighton" and watch it from there.

Happy Watching. :)

Just Eyes.

An introduction from long ago that brought me a new friend. We met 2 years ago while having lunch at Shangri-la. It was an unusual crossing of paths that I never forgot. A forging spark of a friendship that transcends age and time. The laws of attraction that brings individuals together. Different lives but yet one of the same...

"Your left eye is the eye to your soul and your right eye is the eye that sees" was what she shared with me... she is an artist and she watches me closely through the windows to my soul... what she sees there, I don't know.. perhaps time will share why God had set our paths to meet... as everything happens for a reason...

Sisters...

One lazy weekend afternoon a little while back.. we found Lauren and Eirian sitting chatting softly by the hall window together. The wind gently blowing through their hair and sounds of amused giggling wafted into the hall... We stood there for awhile looking at them and revelling at how peaceful the afternoon was that day and deep inside praying that it was moments like these that bond and keep these two sisters loving each other forever..

DanzaFit & AquaFit Classes!

Registrations are now open anytime! DanzaFit (called DanzaLatina at RTC) and AquaFit classes up at a spanking nice location at RAFFLES TOWN CLUB. Timing and rates below.

If you're already a RTC member, register directly with the sports & recreation staff at the club or if you really want, register with me.

The club had also allowed me to open my classes to previous class participants and interested members of the public so take this chance to sign up now!

DanzaFit* is a cardio dance program which incorporates a wide range of basic latin dance moves along with a mixture of resistance exercises, floor work, possible circuit training at certain sessions and a good mixture of effective aerobic moves where you can burn a heck of alot of calories while having FUN! You don't have to be a dancer to join. It is a multilevel class so even if you believe you have two left feet, don't worry! We'll find your feet tapping to the beat soon enough!

Thursday Sessions: 1015am - 1115am & 730pm-830pm

Saturday Session: 230pm - 330pm

Rate: $90 for members, $100 for public for 8 consecutive sessions. One Time Single trial session at $16. ($17.12 incl.gst) Please note that the prevailing GST rates applies. Total: $107.

Please email honeymeow@gmail.com for registration forms and payment details.

Updates 16th May 2010: For anyone interested, you are allowed ONE pro-rated batch of classes with me at the Club so if you didn't manage to join me yet, you can still sign up for next week onwards at a pro-rated rate ONCE for the upcoming weeks, subsequent batch fees cannot be pro-rated and will be automatically renewed and billed by blocks of 8.

I have AquaFit class on Saturday mornings at the Raffles Town Club at 1015am - 1115am. (Resuming 25th September 2010 after the pool upgrading works are completed)

Rates are $140 for members and $150 for public for 10 consecutive sessions. Single trial session at $18. Please note that the prevailing GST rates applies.

Total: $160.50

AquaFit is an aqua aerobic program where I work with aqua noodles and shallow water resistance for a low impact cardio workout in the swimming pool. You do not have to know how to swim to participate in this class as the water is at chest level but it would help if you do not completely have water phobia/fear. The class would incorporate some cardio workout, resistance work, possibly some dancing, games and water therapy.

The image above are my aqua equipment that I work with, Aqua Noodles and Balls. The nice thing about it here is that all participants are allowed to access towel and lush shower facilities at the club post workout. They really have LOVELY LOVELY locker and shower facilities and you can eat at the Cafe after class too!

20% of my public participants who drive can also be eligible for carpark passes to park directly at the club too so if you drive, let me know if I have any more available carpark passes. Otherwise, the club is easily accessible via public transport. It is located near town. Map to club can be found HERE.

Both classes are suitable for ages from teens and up. This AquaFit class is not a rehabilitative class for those recovering from or with injuries or a pre-natal class but for a lower impact workout to those of regular fitness levels who prefer a change or addition to their exercise routine.

I will need all registrations reverted to me asap so please help me spread the word! :) For anyone interested in either DanzaFit or AquaFit or both at the above location and times. Please email me at honeymeow@gmail.com for registration forms.

*FAQ: Do note that DanzaFit is NOT Zumba. It is a latin cardio class of course but really not specifically Zumba Fitness. If you are keen, you can check out Zumba Fitness classes at licensed locations such as California Fitness and True Fitness Gyms. But, yes - I am a licensed Zumba instructor and have various other instructor training program influences... everything comes together to provide all my students a different tailored program thats simply Pam that I hope we'd enjoy together! :) Come join and lets work out together!*

Its Azzucar's 2nd Anniversary!

Azzucar celebrated their 2nd anniversary on Saturday, 27th March 2010! Its been 2 years already! Did you know that there was a latin dance club on the 2nd floor next to the Clarke Quay central fountain above the Tent restaurant, in front of Mulligans?

Well anyway, it was a successful night with a cosy group of partners, suppliers, sponsors, friends and guests of the club that was filled with their resident band, Cubania's live music, amazing close up magic by Solomon *check him out!*, bartender flaring, cake cutting, lucky draw with 7 great prizes including 2 main prizes of a $600 Body Contours Gold Spa Voucher! *lucky winners!*, a buffet spread and a casino table with baccarat & black jack sponsored by Jack Daniels!

And what was having a latin dance club when you don't go there to shake some bonbons to the reggaeton and salsa beats! Completely my type of music! Dance away!

Zuri *above* came. She is one of my fellow Zumba instructor mates and she brought her husband and friends too! And their cosy little group won 2 prizes!! What a lucky night!

I emceed for the evening, spread a little joy and hope that my guests who spent the time to attend enjoyed themselves and return again soon. :) Too bad I didn't get to take pictures so many of the amazing new people I met that night but I hope everyone stays in touch!! You have my namecard! Here are pictures of my guests that I DID take pictures with... :) Like Gurmit!

Fuyoh! I was honoured that Gurmit took some time off his crazy schedule to spend the evening and join me at the Anniversary celebrations... Thank you! Hahhaa! We look waaaaaaay too cheerful here dude! This guy is hilarious... both in person and on screen...

And some friends joined the celebrations in support, night owls - Jonathen came with friends to spread some cheer... thanks for coming out "in the daylight" to join in!

Group picture with Charlie, Lisa *Azzucar's new Marketing Manager*, Gurmit and Andy.. thanks for coming guys! And whoa! These guys keep on winning at the baccarat & blackjack table! Good practice for IR - looks like its time to check it out! *ruffles coin pouch*

And finally, Ze 2nd Level Team Azzucar! Hahhaa! Me (external partner PR, Design & Special Events), Ricky - Mister General Manager and the ONE to go to for anything needed at the club and Lisa, Marketing Manager extraodinaire...

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY AZZUCAR!

May you have many more Anniversaries to celebrate!

Yes!! I am a Zumba Instructor.

Finally after some years, uncountable cardio dance classes - personal, corporate and gym clients and several instructor certifications... I finally get the opportunity to be licensed for Zumba. Imagine how ecstatic I was when I heard that I didn't need to travel out of Singapore to get my license and that it was going to be held in Singapore. I didn't need to hesitate much to get my registration and I waited impatiently in anticipation for the 19th of March to come around... and then it did.

California Fitness, Level 13 Aerobic Studio Raffles Club.... 30 hours of Zumba instructor training.. spread out over 3 days till the 21st of March, with Levels 1 and 2 conducted, a total of 8 styles of merengue, cumbia, salsa, reggaeton, flamenco, tango, samba and bellydance conducted. 2 Zumba licenses achieved and a hell of alot of personal satisfaction that I've finally have my licenses.

And guess who else was the ZES aka Zumba Education Specialist? International Fitness presenter, David Velez! And of course, we would know also him as one of my main dance instructors for coming to 3 years already... other than Rashidah.

We were so busy training up with the dance techniques and running group drills, experimenting with different variations, directions, styles and music.. we really didn't have much time to capture more pictures or videos.. and below is probably the only video captured where we were going through our reggaeton stomp.

Demonstration by Toby (Supa Street / Reggae Dance instructor @ Cali) and David. And that ladies and gentlemen.. is how you do your reggaeton stomp. (this VIDEO is strictly NOT available for copy or viewing anywhere else other than here on this blog, Dreaming Reality)

Oh and before I forget, turn your volume down so you won't get deaf from all our screaming... don't say I didn't warn you! :) and then we actually managed a picture, dripping waterfalls of sweat after our reggaeton set. Even my cap was soaking and dripping! Crazy! Picture with Toby and Esther!

And this deserves such a mention. I was pleased to be training side by side with a phenomenal legend... international presenter and group X superstar, Juan Carlos Ferron. You can check out his website HERE. His wealth of group dance instructing experience is impeccable and impressive. And I was completely in awe and humbled when he shared a personal method with me on really effective but simple music mapping to break down dance songs into aerobic sets to choreograph my future classes in just minutes!

Amazing! And he took the Zumba program WITH us.. with his years of experience.. being a master trainer of so many other programs, he could probably show us even more distinct and intricate dance technique than what we covered but it really shows that theres really no end in a persons learning journey... but that being said.. I felt so honoured to be training with some of the best.

Up next for me in April 2010 is FitBall Instructorship training & Core Stabilisation! So... look out for that new class up on my schedule from June onwards...

Speaking of the best... we also had a lady, Angeline Tion who was one of Singapore's Aerobic Champion (International Level!) who took the program too! Okay, so it was many years back but it is still an amazing achievement in itself! Who can say that they have that kind of achievement? Plus she was an aerobic instructor for over 15 years too. She was in such a peak during the Jane Fonda era and she was the main face for ... guess what?!

THE GREAT SINGAPORE WORKOUT!!! You can check that out HERE.

Oh Gawd! I burst out laughing (not at her though) when she told me that because it was such a memory! Can you remember it from the early 90s?!?! And the scary thing was.. I can so remember the lyrics and even the tune.. whaahahahahaahaha!!!

Did you know that the outfit "leotard" plus white shoes were COMPULSORY for aerobic instructors back then? She told me! and I was like... "are you freaking serious?!" Damn Oh biang can?!

Singapore should have another "Great Singapore Workout" Zumba style!!! Right? How fun would that be?!

BUT was great having them in the program and you can see how humble, without ego each of them were... *hand to heart touched*

We even had 2 ladies who flew in specially for the training from Brunei! Susan and Claire! Whoa! Those two were such sweeties!! and you could tell that they really enjoyed themselves. I'm hoping to stay in touch with them too!

And I met Valerie, whos also a spin instructor at California Fitness. (*sidetrack: I look so crazy exhausted here!) She is one uber friendly chick.. it was such a pleasure getting to know her and chatting with her in between sets and after training... and finally... a picture on the 3rd day of training.. everyone severely fatigued, managed to take a picture with Ayesha who also instructs Body Combat & Zumba at Cali...Esther and Zuri! Too bad we didn't get a group shot for the whole group of level 2 participants but everything was memorable nonetheless. Thank you everyone! It was such a pleasure training with you and it was indeed filled with a little blood, a hell of alot of sweat and tears.

Seriously.. some parts were damn bloody painful... *flicks tears aside & continues a body cramping cumbia hip rotation while being pressed down on the shoulders* "I don't care! I can do it! I can do iiiiit!!" *grits teeth*

So thats it for now! *Cheers*... Yes... I am officially a licensed ZUMBA instructor... Olé! *Swishes arm ala Matador style* ZUMBA!!!