Youthful Thoughts

Written By: Sarah Ansama

(Image Courtesy of http://www.self.com/fitness/2015/03/gym-bag-essentials-every-boxer-needs/)

Have you ever had that one friend who’s always lugging around a heavy looking duffle bag? Aren't you a little bit curious what’s inside? A girl’s gym bag may become much like a girl’s purse and we end up carrying a bunch of stuff that we don’t need. It adds an extra weight to our bags, which isn’t at all fun after a tiring workout, with our sore muscles and all. As an athlete, I’ve had quite a lot of practice packing up my bags for the day’s workout and I’ve learnt what I can survive without and what I must absolutely have on me. Make sure you pack these twelve essentials, and you’ll never feel like a sweaty mess post-workout again.

Water Bottle - Being hydrated is important! Before starting your training or workout you should always have your water bottle ready.
Headphones & Charger - Anaconda by Nicki Minaj gets me going whenever I’m jogging! What music do you listen to? Listening to music while working out gets me motivated and hyped, but you don't want your phone or iPod running out of juice right when you’re in the mood, bring a charger as well!

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Facial Wash - During our workout, our face will become sweaty and it will accumulate dirt. It’s important to wash your face after training to prevent any breakouts from happening. I suggest bringing a pocket sized bottle so that it won’t take up much space in your bag.
On-The-Go Snack - I can always find my stomach growling even before the workout would start. A pre- and post-workout snack is a must, not only to avoid you feeling sick during the workout, but to also allow you to perform your best. Keeping a snack here and there will help you replenish your energy and would keep us going throughout the day.
Deodorant - It’ll be quite embarrassing for someone to complain they could smell B.O. Wouldn't want to be that person! Right? It’s an absolute must to have a deodorant in your training bag to keep the bad smell away.
Hair Ties/Headbands - Getting my hair on my face while working out is distracting that’s why I always have to have my hair tied up. It can be pretty frustrating to realize that you forgot to bring a hair tie when you’re about to start your workout. Having a pack of hair ties in your bag or just keeping one around your wrist is always handy to prevent uncomfortable hair situations.
Hand Sanitizer - Our hands tends to get dirty while working out. For hygienic purposes, it’s better to have a small hand sanitizer or alcohol ready.
Band-Aids, Salonpas, Medicine/Vitamins - Keeping a few band-aids accessible for you is handy when you get blisters and wounds while working out. Don't you just hate it when you have to train but you have a headache or your muscles are still sore from yesterday’s workout? Carrying a pain-relieving patch like Salonpas and medicine will be such a huge help for these situations!
Supports (Ankle support/Knee Support) - Now this is important to have in your training bag! Don’t start your training if you know you need to wear an ankle support, in my case. Keeping one of these will prevent you from having any injuries from happening.

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Spare Clothing & Towel - I personally hate the feeling of wet sports bra sticking to my skin, having spare clothes with you like undergarments and an extra shirt is a must after a sweaty workout. Don't forget the towel! What would you use to wipe your sweat off?
Rubber Shoes - Start your training with the right shoes! You would want your feet to be comfortable while jogging or lifting weights. You don't want to be hopping around all over the place fixing your shoes.
Flip Flops - Wetting your feet after a sweaty workout is bad! Let your foot take a breather before hopping on the shower. This also prevents that bad feet smell. Bring with you a pair of slippers!

If you're fully prepared and have a smartly stocked gym bag on your shoulder, you’ll have no excuse now when it comes to getting your sweat on! Enjoy and see you soon!

Written By: Kiara Lo

Got nothing to do? Why don't you take a trip to the Philippine National Museum? Instead of going shopping in malls, why don't you visit our country's museum even just once for a change? You'll never know how much beauty an old canvas with colorful stains can hold. Even the littlest works of art can be the most fascinating ones.

The building was designed by Architect Ralph Harrington Doane to become the public library. Although, when the vision for the library was abandoned to give way to the Philippine Legislature, Doane's plans were modified by Juan Arellano. Built under the American colonization, this was considered one of the grandest public buildings during that time. It was damaged and left in ruins after the second world war. The U.S. Philippine War Damage Corporation rebuilt the structure to the same dimensions, but it had less details compared to the previous one. It was renamed the "Congress - Republic of the Philippines." It was called "Executive House" during the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 for the National Museum on the second floor, and various government offices like the Office of the Prime Minister, Ombudsman, and Sandiganbayan on other floors. After the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, the use of the building was ongoing. Although, the government offices were transferred to other premises, which left the National Museum the only occupant of the building. Republic Act No. 8492, The National Museum Act of 1998 states that the Old Legislative Building will house the nation's art galleries. It was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2010.

Once you step inside the building, you see the Greek inspired entrance with Corinthian columns and a beautiful chandelier. Step further inside, and you are welcomed by a statue created by Guillermo Tolentino in the 1950s. It remains untitled, but it is a "Diwata." This structure beats his Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City.

Surpass that, and you see the enormous, well-known "Spoliarium" painting by Juan Luna. It shows how slaves (Philippines) can win (paint better) against their colonisers (Spaniards). It was awarded as the "Pambansang Yamang Pangkalinangan" on the 25th of August 2006.

When you walk past the painting, you will see the entrance to 2 separate halls that lead to the many art galleries that are being housed in the museum. The last gallery number was 25. Although, not all of them are numbered and open to the public (yet), which is why some numbers are skipped. Hallways may be considered as galleries, too. Each gallery contains a theme which the works of art are aligned to. Exhibits start on the 2nd floor of the museum, which is the House Floor. It contains Philippines art during the 17th to 20th centuries. The 3rd floor of the museum, which is the Senate Floor contains contemporary and modern art from the 20th to 21st centuries.

Even if you're not an art enthusiast or expert, the Philippine National Museum is truly a place for patriotism and love for one's nation. It embodies Filipino culture in simple works of art. It speaks so much about our country. What are you waiting for? Take a trip to the Philippine National Museum and see for yourself the beauty of art.