Down the Rabbit Hole

On one of my most recent medical check-ups, my healthcare provider noticed I was getting heavier over time (my BMI isn't what it should be). She said that if we don't start losing weight soon, we'd probably consider taking medications to prevent developing hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and other chronic lifestyle-linked conditions. I had reduced my double chocolate frappuccino intake to once or twice a month, but I need to increase my physical activity to help burn fat and build muscle. Thus, I currently take (almost) daily walks during my lunch break and plunged into heart rate zone training and reformer pilates over the weekend.  Heart rate zone training I must increase my heart rate to at least 120 bpm while working out to burn calories. Orangetheory monitors participants' heart rates in each class (through a heart rate monitor on each participant), so this was a good starting point for my weight loss. Each participant rotates among two of three sta...

Since I was exposed to Filipino gastronomy movements , I have visited Filipino-owned restaurants featuring Filipino cuisine in each city I explore. This hobby led me to insist upon dining at Kaya in Orlando, Florida , during my family's trip there in December 2024. Although I had difficulty finding time for our Kaya dinner, there was availability for our group on our last night in the city! (Kaya's signpost by the sidewalk. ) We went to Kaya straight after our gator adventure in Lake Tohopekaliga and arcade time at WonderWorks. The restaurant's façade was a welcome sight: a parol with twinkling fairy lights, kids playing street games in the parking lot, and a party in the front yard. The scene was the closest I could get to a fiesta in the Philippines. It was good that we had snacks before travelling to Kaya because the wait was long! Chef Lo Lalicon and General Manager Jamilyn Salonga Bailey brought over salabat to ensure we were warm and cozy while waiting for our tab...