World-class luxurious wellness resort The Farm at San Benito hosted the Calabarzon leg of the recently-concluded nationwide 2023 Philippine Yoga Festival dubbed as “Buhay,” with Rocket Yoga practitioners trooping to the plush venue, simultaneous with the five-day yoga sessions in unison with nationwide yoga teachers, shala founders, studio owners, and yoginis last June 21 to June 25, 2023.
Philippine Rocket Yoga founders Shiela Matias and Bry Reyes-Malabuyoc led the early morning yoga session held last Saturday, June 24, at the scenic amphitheater of The Farm – with 16 yoga practitioners energized with positivity and passion for the practice after the event.
An Offshoot of Ashtanga Yoga
Rocket Yoga is an offshoot of Ashtanga Yoga, which is a traditional Indian practice that dates back to more than 5,000 years.
Modern-day Ashtanga Yoga was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a renowned yoga master in the 20th century. He created a practice that teaches six series of a set sequence of poses, each building on the previous one.
These sequences include breath control, concentration, and physical movement. Each series is more advanced than before, with the first series being the foundational level. The sequence starts with sun salutations, and moves onto standing poses, seated poses, inversions, and backbends before closing with a final relaxation.
Growing Population of Filipino Rocket Yoga Enthusiasts
For Reyes, more and more people are getting interested in Rocket Yoga “simply because it’s fun!”
“In this style of asana practice, people get to play while practicing their usual poses. They also get to try new ways of getting in and out of postures. They also get to feel a sense of community because there are parts when you partner up and help each other,” Reyes explains.
The Rocket Yoga teacher further points out that the sequence and pacing of the practice are designed to get the practitioner to quiet the overthinking mind and get in touch with the intuitive body.
“While you are flowing through the poses and being mindful of your breathing and body, it will be hard for your mind to wander. The practice helps you get stronger and more aware of how you use your strength and mobility. At the same time, it helps you focus and be present,” she further says.
Rocket Yoga for a Fun, Playful Experience
As for Matias, she points out that yoga sessions are suitable for individuals who have experience attending flow classes and want to explore a playful and challenging practice.
“When you join our sessions, participants can expect to sweat, have fun, and engage in playful exploration during our classes, encouraging a sense of adventure and experimentation,” she adds.
Matias and Malabuyoc were two experts among the 41 experienced yoga teachers from 14 regions in the Philippines who led the yoga sessions during the said festival, offering “an immersive and comprehensive yoga experience” for the participants.
The two Rocket Yoga proponents expressed gratitude for the success of the recently-concluded nationwide event, “a celebration of the Philippine yoga community, an extraordinary gathering of yoga enthusiasts with a platform to deepen one’s practice.”
Matias and Malabuyoc encourage everyone to start their journey with Rocket Yoga, “an opportunity to immerse yourself in the transformative power of yoga and embrace the joy of self-discovery and connection.”
The Farm at San Benito holds yoga sessions twice weekly at the amphitheater as part of its Mindful Movement & Functional Fitness activities, set in scenic natural surroundings for those interested to know more and be part of the dynamic yoga community.