8 Reasons Why Manila Is Becoming Nirvana For Yoga

5. Certified Teacher Trainings

Back in the day, Manila had a lack of certified yoga teachers to cater to the growing number of individuals and groups wanting to unite body, mind and soul, and if one wanted to become a teacher, he or she had to travel abroad for a month or more to complete a 50, 100, 200 or 500 hour certified teacher training, but thanks to certain studios and individuals, world renowned gurus from established schools and lineages are visiting Manila to conduct and train Filipinos in various styles of yoga, ensuring continuous growth of the community. In fact, we even have local teachers now, such as Binky Mendoza of Living Yoga who conduct teacher training courses.

Yoga Teachers Retreat Conducted By Yin Yoga Philippines Founder, Dona Esteban

Yoga Teachers Retreat Participants Led By Yin Yoga Philippines Founder, Dona Esteban

4. Meditation Groups

Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not all about physical postures and exercises. In fact, asanas are just one aspect of a very holistic science. A big part of yoga is meditation and there are groups based in Manila whose style of yoga is steeped in tradition and focused on connecting to the divine and oneself through Raja Yoga. Brahma Kumaris, The Art of Living, Sahaj Marg and Ananda Marga share their respective styles of going deeper into oneself either individually or in a group setting for a more powerful vibration.

3. Yoga Specialty Stores

Although yoga has been around for thousands of years, the evolution of the practice has created an industry dedicated to the development of products designed to aid and assist a practitioner safely and comfortably, not to mention look good. Aura Athletica and Certified Calm offer clothes, mats, blocks, bolsters, bags and other yoga products from renowned international brands and companies who practice fair trade and environmental care and sustainability such as Manduka, Prana, Easyoga, Zobha and so much more. We even have local brand Made For Movement, made for yogis by yogis.

Yoga Mat And Bag

2. Yoga Festivals

Imagine a whole day celebration filled with everything yoga, from classes of different styles held back to back and simultaneously in different areas of a festival ground, meditation, live music, forums and discussions on yoga and wellness, stalls of health food, art and yoga products… Namaste is truly in the air. Here in Manila, we are part of the Global Mala Project, which happens simultaneously in other cities around the globe such as Los Angeles, New York, London, Tokyo, etc. with the aim of bringing about a positive change in the world. Held annually in line with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, Global Mala Project Manila is considered the Mecca of yogis in Manila.

1. Free Yoga

I saved the best for last. The best things in life are free and yoga is one of the best favors you can do for your being, so it’s really an amazing advocacy what Manila Jiva founder and Jivamukti Yoga certified teacher Nancy Sy shares with our community. She conducts a free yoga class every Sunday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 at the Legazpi Active Park in Legaspi Village, Makati. It’s called Free-for-All-Yoga because everyone deserves to practice yoga. All one needs to bring is a yoga mat, comfortable clothes, water and most of all, an open mind. Nancy only asks that you pledge to eat one vegan meal as an energy exchange. Not only do you make yourself better, but the world around you, as well.

Yoga At Legazpi Active Park

Bring it OM Manila!