Why You Need to be Fit in Manila

I was born in Manila and grew up here all my life. So I know too well how important it is to be fit in Manila. It's not just the active lifestyle here--it's more for survival. Coming from the rural north via the NLEX and seeing Manila afar, you'd see dense black smog hovering up the city, an ominous hint that you need to stay fit when living in Manila.

Second, life in Manila is hectic. You see a lot of offices and universities here, plus the volume of traffic and the lightning speed public jeepneys that swerve in and out of the narrow highways and roads. It's stressful here if you don't know how to cope. So, you need to be fit in Manila. Otherwise, you'd be sickly.

Third, because of all the above, you need to know where to get fresh air and workout while in Manila. And most folks find the ideal place in Rizal Park, especially near the bay--although you need to be there at 4 to 5 am to get the most of what fresh air is available. Otherwise, you go there in vain. I used to practice Tai-Chi there near Manila Bay and the Quirino Stadium.

And fourth, you need to stay fit and look tough--because living in the suburbs of Manila can be tough. The people are friendly and hospitable, no doubt, but some folks tend to size you up when you're a new comer. But don't worry, the good guys around are apt to come to your rescue. Just shout for help. And be fit--fitness is a great antidote to trouble most anywhere in the world.

Good thing is, it's easy to stay fit in this city if you're a health buff. There are cheap fresh, juicy tropical fruits everywhere, especially at Quiapo Quinta market, Divisoria, Central Market, and Blumentritt, and gyms are almost everywhere. Just drop by universities like UST and FEU and you'd find highly equipped gyms. Just talk to the guy in charge and try to arrange something to be able to use them. Or walkfit Manila--a term I use to mean tour-walking Manila for fitness. I see lots of locals and foreigners in shorts and shirt with a small belt bag, just walking around the city.

Or join fitness clubs offering Filipino martial arts lessons.