Do you Flow? Participants of the FLOW Surf.Yoga.Samba Wellness Weekend, held in April, share their experiences—and even their chorus is a harmonious “Yes!”

Why do I LOVE Flow?  Let me count the ways…

1)    The yoga – outdoors with the sound of surf in the background, what a perfect way to start the day!  Monica’s sessions leave you feeling open and awake and ready for the day.

2)    The surfing – with one-on-one instruction you’re sure to be standing up and successfully catching waves within one or two lessons.  And you can book extra private lessons if you get bitten by the bug (only Php400/hr, including board rental).  Luke, the head surfing instructor (and renowned surf champion) works with each group to introduce the basics of surfing.  It was great to have tips from a real pro! 

3)    The samba – what a perfect way to end each perfect day.  Everybody grabs an instrument (shaker, drum, bell) or puts on their dancing feet to groove together.  Under the direction of Toni, the master drummer and leader of Escola de Samba de Manila, we sounded like we’d been playing together for ages.  Loads of beautiful smiles and happy vibrations abound, often ending in nice chats around a bonfire.

4)    The food – light and healthy, fresh and delicious.  Plus unlimited access to filtered water keeps you hydrated throughout the long days of fun in the sun.

5)    The location – La Union reminds me of the best little beaches back home in Southern California.  It’s a laidback, surfer beach with everything you need for a weekend of fun – beach volleyball, henna tattoos, frisbees, plenty of snack shacks, and plenty of surfers!

6)    The Flow organizers – Denise, Monica, and Noelle are each wonderfully creative, entrepreneurial women in their own right.  With their combined businesses of Brown Belly, Indigo Baby, and Dharma they are truly women who know how to make things happen.  In combining their passions and bringing their talented friends and family into the fold, they have created an experience that is full of heart and joy. 

7)    The goody bags – each attendee receives a goody bag full of great gifts (and the bag itself is terrific!).  The Flow team also organizes games, raffles, and “affirmation” prizes.  This year, I even won a camera!

I strongly encourage you to join in the next Flow retreat!  You will leave feeling refreshed, inspired, energized, and connected to a new group of friends.  I know I did!!

- Marnie Hurst

The FLOW event really made me appreciate the art of traveling alone and doing things all by myself. It was my first time to travel solo and all of the activities were all new to me. In fact, I really don’t know how to swim but I was able to surf and I’m so proud of it. =) Facing the waves and rising again each time I fall are a few of the lessons I’ve learned while doing it. Yoga, on the other hand, lifted my self-confidence and inner strength as a woman, while samba and guitar chanting taught me how to follow the rhythm and just go with the beat. I wouldn’t also forget the camaraderie and fun in the group when we sang karaoke on our way back to Manila! Haha! =) I super duper love, love, LOVE the event!! Two-thumbs up for Denise, Noelle, and Monica!!! =)

- Gracey Pusong

Last Thursday I travelled through the night, with 40 strangers en route to a lil’ surf community called San Juan. Upon arrival, our group participated in some ‘get to know yah’ games, and we all took turns answering the question, "Why did you come to Flow?" It was clear we came for different reasons (surfing, escape from the city, learn samba) but what solidified us all was wanting to embark on a new experience; one that challenged, soothed, and strengthened the soul. The positive energy was obvious to all, and kept us moving to the beat of drums long after the sun had set. I don't think I could have selected a more beautifully diverse and uplifting bunch. One word sums up the weekend: MAGICAL!

- Whitney Radforth

The FLOW Surf.Yoga.Samba weekend was an awesome experience. It was a good break from your usual, and, true to the event title, everything was just free FLOWing.  It was a weekend about learning and trying something new, striving to be better at things you've already tried, exchanging stories with people you've just met, discovering that you could be good at something, forming new bonds and being a kid all over again!

The vibe was fantastic, and everyone seemed to be having a great time meeting new people, being in the company of young families bonding, enjoying simple pleasures of being surrounded by little kids, playing with the puppy, and sharing in the fun-filled daily activities.  It totally changed my take on the word “retreat,” which for me now means a spiritual awakening; you go home a better person.  It was like your days at summer camp.

I would definitely recommend this to everyone I know, and the fact that you could enjoy this weekend with your family is a plus. =)

- Marge Camacho