MY REGETTA CANOE WALKING EXPERIENCE

This is a true story:  Ever since I decided to be a freelancer 4 years ago and concentrated on blogging in 2016, I was glued to my computer.  Sadly, I live a sedentary lifestyle. Walking to find a public transpo, malling and examining the grocery aisles are the only physical activities that I have.  Sad. 

A few years back, I tried going to the gym.  Did it for 6 months. Kindda enjoyed it. For a while, I also tried biking.  I attempted to run... but the pressure and pain it brought to my legs, I had to stop!

I can only do walking. Brisk walking. Uphill walk. My legs are made for walking.

WALKING BENEFITS:

We all know that walking brings certain benefits.  If you do it correctly and on a regular basis, It can prevent heart disease, strengthen bone and muscles and can improve your mood, balance and coordination. If you want to live longer, you need to start walking. How much per week? 

But for me - walking has other benefits.  First it saves me money.  I walk to locations instead of riding a taxi, if I know the place is safe and is highly "walkable".   During traffic situations, walking gets me to my destination faster.  And as a creative person, believe it or not, I get to think of concepts and plan articles while walking.  

WHAT STOPS ME FROM WALKING:

When I gave birth in 2000 and 2001, I began to feel an excruciating back pain whenever I walk for 2-3 hours straight. During pregnancy, the uterus stretches and weakens abdominal muscles, thus putting a toil on the back. And because I didn't do strengthening exercises, up to now, I suffer from that back pain.

So I really cannot walk for long hours.... which is a problem, now that I regularly go out, and commute to get to my blogging events.

THE REGETTA CANOE WALKING FOOD TOUR INVITE:

So imagine my excitement when I got an invite to this very interesting walking tour.  Level one excitement, they will let us explore the streets of Binondo for at least 3 hours.  Level two excitement, we will get to appreciate Binondo delicacies, yum!  Level 3, to the max excitement, they will let us try the Regetta Canoe sandals.  I will have the chance to prove its promise of comfy walking and more!

I was of course, got curious with the brand, that it prompted me to do some research. Hahaha... this is simply how my mind works, I cannot resist the urge to research on things that intrigue me... things that are new to me  ;)

Aside from browsing the different cute and edgy designs of Regetta Canoe, I saw this info graphics on how the shoes are made, and the technology behind its promise of comfort, correcting body posture and its claim on why it is the BEST WALKING SHOE!

A Japanese footwear brand developed by Yasuo Takamoto back in 2012, Regetta Canoe has since captivated the hearts of on-the-go women for its uniquely stylish and functional sandals. 

Hey, after watching the video, I can't contain my excitement to wear my very first Regetta Canoe.  My choice -- Clover in silver  :)

THE BINONDO WALKING FOOD TOUR EXPERIENCE:

It was an early call time to the event. 8:30 am to be exact. But no problem. Traffic was manageable that day. And there was coffee to perk me up  :)  And my Acer Leap watch was also ready to tell me how many steps will I be able to do on the walking tour.

 

When all the invited mommies and wifeys have arrived... we started the tour.  First stop: Binondo Church where we met Ivan Man Dy.  Yes, the same man that egged Anthony Bourdain to "tusok-tusok" his fishballs!  Yey, this is exciting!

IVAN MAN DY of OLD MANILA WALKS

WHO WANTS LUMPIA FOR BREAKFAST?

First culinary experience for the day, lumpia.  After traversing a quite dark alley, we were ushered in to a cafeteria-like-ambience.  There's even a small courtyard with potted plants that transformed the eatery into something more al fresco type.  I was fascinated with how the lumpia was prepared.  Right before my eyes. They did not scrimp on the ingredients. And yes, I saw seaweed and peanuts being put into the lumpia. Yum!  I did not finish the whole lumpia because it was BIG!  By my standards pang sharing siya!

And as we were enjoying our fresh lumpia... our friends from Regetta Canoe revealed that part of our kit for the day, was a light blue watch to measure how many steps we will be able to do.  If we reach 5k... there will be an awesome prize  :)

READY FOR BRUNCH:

We walked towards Carvajal Street on to our next location. I enjoyed looking at all those colorful fruits, veggies and other food stuffs being sold on that narrow street.  Yes, I love local markets, I love haggling and chatting with tinderas. I seriously contemplated in buying but our hectic schedule did not permit me to do it   :(

FINALLY WE SAW OUR NEXT LOCATION, QUIK SNACK

For brunch (wait, I haven't digested my lumpia Ivan hahaha)  we had the following:

  

INDONESIAN TOFU

KIKIAM

SATE BEEF MI - with the surprise ingredient, Kangkong!

I vehemently disregarded Ivan's suggestion of putting chilly sauce on my tofu  (so sorry dear Ivan, my taste buds cannot tolerate anghang).  But I liked the tofu's crunchiness dipped in the brown sauce.  I looooved the Kikiam with atsara.  But the Sate Beef Mi, was too spicy for me.

There was a quick stopover at Holland to try their Tsinoy Empanada!

UNLIMITED FOOD TASTING:

Now its time for dumplings!  

Boiled versus Fried???

Mrs.Wise liked it boiled!  I think it was the healthier, yummier option.

THE REMEDY FOR FOOD COMA... WALK!

So happy to walk the streets of Binondo... para pababain ang kinain!  Regetta Canoe update:  not a tinge of feet discomfort... no back pain... and we're 2 hours into the tour!

For dessert... we headed to....

STEAMED SALTED EGG BUNS. WITH SWEET CUSTARD INSIDE

MANGO SAGO WAS REFRESHING

THEN IT RAINED!

It rained so hard we got stalled at President Tea House.  I wasn't able to document the heavy downpour because I was so afraid my camera will get wet.  We went out of the restaurant, braving the rain and yes... some street flooding.  But it did not stop us to enjoy the rest of the tour.  For our last stop -- its Eng Bee Tin!  We got to taste some delish hopia and the sosyal hopia - mooncake!

 

with the MOMMY and REGATTA CANOE PH gang  :)  Super FUN!

SO HOW MANY STEPS HAVE I TAKEN?

Proud to say... most of us have reached 5k steps!  And for that we were rewarded with GC's courtesy of Regetta Canoe and Res-Toe-Run!  Whoa!  5k steps in almost 3 hours of walking... and still no back pain for me.  Truly amazing!

So what's next for me???  I will take the Regetta Canoe Clover for a spin.  I will try to target 10k++ for one day.  And I will update you momshies... how it will fare to the test  :)

Regetta Canoe is now available in over 55 countries around the globe including here in the Philippines. Launched in 2016 by Res|Toe|Run, Regetta Canoe reflects the unique restaurant-themed concept store’s commitment to serving up a premium selection of footwear that embody a strong sense of style without comprising its comfortability.

For more information, follow RegettaCanoe on FACEBOOK and @regettacanoeph on Instagram or search for the following hashtags: #balancewalk #regettacanoeph

 

DISCLOSURE:  
Video of the infographics is not mine.  
Credits to: Tunneling Effect Studio on www.youtube.com