A Two Decade Dream: Brawler's Lab at Brgy. Karuhatan, Valenzuela City

"Never stop believing that you can fulfill your dreams." - Jose Aldo, MMA 

Twenty years in the making. That's how long Brawler's Lab has to go through to be the facility that it is today. "Ang tagal, di ba?",  Gabay Forlales said during One Valenzuela's visit at the gym which can be conveniently found along MacArthur Highway. He narrated that Brawler's Lab opened on 2014 in a 70-square meter space at Barangay Marulas before being in its current capacious location in Karuhatan. But its vision has been conceptualized and dreamt of way back in the 1990s.

The facility's realization did not come as easy as most people would assume. Gabay, who is a licensed Mixed Martial Arts judge and trainer under the Games Amusement Board (GAB) expressed that "Some didn't accept that there is a possibility that a multiple of disciplines can be synthesized into one thing that actually works together which can become effective when it comes to sports fighting". But as they say, beautiful life works eventually have their breaks. Through time, many of his students trusted in the concept which helped him spread the word.

Gabay Forlales (L) prepares for a training with a student. Brawler's Lab is the first and only dedicated martial arts and functional training facility in Valenzuela City.

Photo Credit: All photos are by LC Santos Acharon, unless otherwise stated.

Gabay Forlales hails from a family with two karate black belters but it did not occur to him readily that he will also travail the same path. He was supposed to pay his tuition during college enrolment when the unexpected happened: somebody tried to rob him. "Sa underpass ng Lawton, madilim na madilim yun dati eh... I was walking at the underpass papunta akong school. May nakita akong lalaki na sumunod sa akin. For some reason, I just felt off. Ang ginawa ko, pababa palang, I was running already. Pagtingin ko sa kanya, he was running towards me and he was holding something. Takbo talaga ako, because I have money to pay for my tuition... sa stairs to my right, may nakita akong jeep na hinabol ko at sumabit ako dahil takot na takot akong maholdap. Natakbuhan ko naman siya. Ang naging problema, since hindi naman ako noon nagbibyahe talaga, nadala ako ng dyip papuntang Divisoria which I don't know. There I looked for a way papaano ako makakauwi... That incident became the trigger that I don't want to have the same feeling of helplessness again," Gabay recalled his college days. He eventually realized that he wants to defend himself when such instances occur again in the future. At the very least, be composed in such situations - not to panic and do something about it. Thus when he went back to school the very next day, he changed his PE class from basketball to Wonhwado, a Korean martial arts class. From there, he took more classes - arnis, judo, and taekwondo.

Gabay Forlales of Brawler's Lab

Video Credit: Brawler's Lab

He also looked for an aikido school along U.N. Avenue, having sensei Henry as his first teacher. He would also accompany his martial arts teachers in their sessions, assisting them in their classes. He enjoyed doing it and passing on the learning which made him the coach that he is today. Recalling the film Dead Poets Society, he says that he liked the impact that the teacher made to his students in the said film. "Gusto kong magturo. I would like to have the same impact to my students. To change lives. I wanted to share what I know. If you are a coach you can be a big impact talaga eh, especially if you know how to. Especially if you show enough that you care. " Gabay added.

Glaiza De Castro trains at Brawler's Lab. She gets personal training here together with kickboxing and cage fitness classes.

He was also invited to come to Malaysia to teach. "Yung regular sessions na ginagawa ko dito sa Pilipinas, they consider it as a seminar there...Mabusisi raw akong magturo and I can actually make them understand it. Sabi ko, if these people can appreciate what I do, sabi ko, bakit hindi sa lugar ko? Paano kung Pinoy pa? Walang language barrier." He eventually opened the idea to his students who supported it and invested on it. Its original concept is a self-defense gym, not a sports gym or an MMA gym, which will empower people to be safe, with fitness on the sideline. From a small space of 70 square meter, they transferred to a larger location due to demand.

Fighters from different places then came to the facility who became part of the team while some would also ask him to prepare them in their upcoming fights. "Those people who are already here really do improve, others see it. From there the reputation came that we are doing something right here in Valenzuela," Gabay said. The very first tournament that they participated in is a Bulgarian Open Submission Wrestling. It is an international event. "Funny thing is, sinabi sa amin ay may novice division...We participated dahil may novice. Pagdating namin doon [sa location], wala palang novice. So my students who are training for three months competed against others who are competing for two years already with an Iranian coach. Underdog kami. There, we got two silver medals. Not bad, considering they are beginners." The students competed with their hearts out.

Mark Daniel Togonon of Barangay Karuhatan has won consistently in tournaments under the training of Coach Gabay Forlales. Photo Credit: Mark Daniel Togonon on Facebook.

Brawler's Lab has been there for its students and many of them are already reaping achievements. Mark Daniel Togonon of Barangay Karuhatan started in Brawler's Lab when he was just 14 years old. Togonon already won in five big tournaments where even foreigners compete: he grabbed gold medals in two Pan Asia Pacific tournaments and in one Philippine Nationals Trials; a silver medal in the  Philippine International Open; and a bronze in the Philippine International Open. With the wrestling programs all set, Gabay sees that Valenzuela City may have a Palarong Pambansa champion, especially if support comes along the way to students like Mark Daniel Togonon. To add, Kathleen Eula, another student of Brawler's Lab, placed third in the 18-34 age division of the Test of Will competition by Underarmour (See results here).

Brawler's Lab is the first facility center to bring Cage Fitness in the Philippines.

This elevates the MMA-inspired fitness training in the country.

Video Credit: Brawler's Lab

Other than the personal training that the gym offers, its flag carrier is the Cage Fitness program. It is a US-based fitness program where Gabay Forlales is the very first licensed coach in the Philippines. The program was developed by former mixed martial arts fighter, Matt Hughes,  and trainer, Kai Fusser M.S. It mimics MMA fighting which makes the practitioner safe because all the techniques like punching, kicking, and lifting are done on cage fit bags. 

Form. Function. Fitness.

There are also classes on: Boxing, Kickboxing (Muay Thai), Brazillian Jiu-jujitsu, Submission Wrestlings, High-Intensity Interval Training, and Flashpoint Circuit training.  Just this July, Brawler's Lab launched its Fitness Kickboxing class - which is different from Muay Thai because the latter focuses on the skills to fight and compete while Fitness Kickboxing is more on general fitness using the moves of Muay Thai. Each client has a personalized punching bag for this with a coach to guide them.

Training equipment at Brawler's Lab

Ending the conversation, people would ask "Why do you always mention Brawler's Lab - Valenzuela? May iba pa bang branch?". Gabay Forlales would say "None, only in Valenzuela City." Then they would further ask, "Why mention Valenzuela?" to which he would answer, "Dahil proud akong maging Valenzuelano". Thinking about it, the city is indeed blessed to have such outstanding people and to have a good facility that is Brawler's Lab.

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Brawler's Lab
Address: 203 Juan Reyes Street, MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Karuhatan, Valenzuela City
(Landmarks: Building across Novo; Above Calle Cafe)
Gym Hours: Monday to Friday- 9:00am to 10:00pm
                     Saturdays - 9:00am to 8:00pm
                     Sundays - 9:00am to 12:00mn
Visit their Facebook Page here for updates.

Shoe Hunting at the World Balance Outlet Store in Valenzuela City

Summer is coming to an end and the traditional black shoe and rubber shoe hunt for schooling is now officially on. One of the places that One Valenzuela visited to shoe hunt is the World Balance Outlet Store in Dalandanan. It is not along McArthur Highway but you can easily spot it by its big and towering signage once you set foot in the said barangay.

You won't miss this signage when you are already traversing McArthur Highway in Barangay Dalandanan. Just look up!

World Balance Outlet Store's front area.

A closer look at what's on sale.

Other than footwear, this outlet store also sells several apparel.

Less 10% on all regular items.

Little One Valenzuela got a pair of EasySoft shoes from World Balance. She says it's comfortable to wear.

This World Balance store is conveniently open daily, even on Sundays. Learning that its products are 10% less than the mall price is also a big plus. You might even score a pair of sandals or two which are on sale when you visit the store.  

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World Balance Store Valenzuela
Address: No. 58 Blanco Street, Dalandanan, Valenzuela City (Landmark: 3S Center Dalandanan)
Open Hours: 10:00am to 8:00pm, Monday to Sunday
Telephone Number: (02)352-7271
Visit World Balance on Facebook here.

World Balance Outlet Store at Barangay Dalandanan, Valenzuela City

Because You Deserve It: SLIAN NAILS at Brgy. Palasan, Valenzuela City

--There's a sweet ending to this blog post. Kindly read on. --

Just recently, One Valenzuela received a message from Lyn, CEO of a newly opened nail salon in Barangay Palasan. Supporting local businesses is in One Valenzuela's  philosophy, thus a visit to SLIAN NAILS was scheduled. 

One Valenzuela met Ms. Jhoanna of SLIAN NAILS upon her arrival. While prepping to have the pedicure, One Valenzuela learned of the hardwork and all the effort that Lyn, Jhoanna, and Gibson (the board of directors) made to put up SLIAN NAILS (Read the story behind the nail salon business at Filipina Expat blog here: Part 1 and Part 2). She also got to know that Lyn is in Dubai while Jhoanna, her sister, is the General Manager of the nail salon. They envision SLIAN NAILS as your go-to nail salon which provides quality nail services without breaking the bank. The residents of Palasan and nearby places are blessed to have primary access to an affordable and relaxing nail salon experience.

Ms. Jhoanna Talag-Castillo of SLIAN NAILS.

"You deserve it" of SLIAN NAILS.

So how was it? One Valenzuela got there on a Friday afternoon, thus, her "happy feet" are no longer that happy anymore. This pedi treatment is just timely! SLIAN NAILS' ambiance looked great with its light pink and gray motif, very easy on the eyes. A well-spaced waiting area with several magazines which you may read can be seen upon entering the nail salon. The selection of polishes is also already available at the lobby. This way, you can already think of the color and the type of polish that you would like to have.

Nail polish selection at the lobby of SLIAN NAILS. The nail salon also has ZOYA Nail Polish which is safe to be used by pregnant women and kids. It was recently recognized by an independent panel in Women's Health Magazine for being the longest wearing natural nail polish. 

Gel nail polishes of SLIAN NAILS. Gel polishes last up to three weeks, thus, it is the perfect treatment before going to those long vacations and trips (say hello to the beaches and pools this summer with pretty nails!)

One Valenzuela 's choice of polish for the day.

Ate Lani, one of the nail technicians, prepared some warm water, foot soap, and flower petals in a bucket for One Valenzuela's tired feet. Calming music shoos away the stress as you sit regally on a queenly/kingly chair. A complimentary glass of iced tea, hot tea, or water to refresh customers is also included when you avail any of their services. It is a multisensory experience which awakens the sense of sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...I find fair ladies, relaxing and all.

Being treated like a queen without breaking the bank. SLIAN NAILS nail salon services start at Php80.00 for the basic manicure and Php150 for both the mani and pedi (Express package- for those people in a hurry). SLIAN NAILS also offers the following: Classic Package (soak, clean, express massage, polish/buff), Lux Nail Spa, (soak, exfoliating scrub, clean, relaxing massage, polish/buff), Little Miss (for 12 years old and below), Paraffin, Gel Polish, Nail Art, and SPArty Packages.

Tired feet + Warm, soapy water + Flower petals + Soulful music +A good drink + Comfy chair = You DESERVE it.

Other than the complimentary iced tea, hot tea, and water, you may also purchase other drinks and Baskin Robbins ice cream at SLIAN NAILS.
The nail salon also has free WiFi so you can still get connected while having your nails done.

Ate Lani here served a princess of Saudi Arabia for 3 years. She said that part of her tasks is the provision of manicure and pedicure to the princess. No wonder One Valenzuela felt like a queen while having the Lux Nail Spa(and Little One Valenzuela as the princess)! The Express foot massage made One Valenzuela want to take a power nap and that's a good thing!

Photo from SLIAN NAILS

SLIAN NAILS Graduation Promo which runs until April 12, 2017.

Other than knowing how much heart is put into this business, people should also know that SLIAN NAILS has good individuals behind it who do not just want to earn money. SLIAN NAILS is sponsoring a child from World Vision Philippines, an NGO which is dedicated to working with children and their education, for each branch that it will open. As a customer, having your nails done in nail salons with such a cause makes you feel even better. 

In the end, SLIAN NAILS made One Valenzuela's "happy feet", well, happier! She's all recharged for the coming week. Thank you for the pampering, SLIAN NAILS!

SLIAN NAILS

Address: No. 35 M.H. Del Pilar St., Barangay Palasan, Valenzuela City
               (Landmark: Producers Bank)
               Free parking is available.
Open Hours:
              Monday-Thursday: 12:00nn-10:00pm
              Friday-Sunday: 11:00am-10:00pm
Telephone Number: (02)282-6315 / Smart/TnT: (0939)521-5265 / Globe/TM: (0956)412-7587
E-mail: info@sliannails.com
Like SLIAN NAILS on Facebook here.
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GIVEAWAY ALERT! (CLOSED)

One (1) winner of a

Classic Mani + Pedi Package for 2

by SLIAN NAILS

There are 2 easy options to earn entries to this giveaway:
Option No. 1: On FACEBOOK: Like the FB post of the Giveaway here, tag a friend in the comment box, and Share the FB post. 
 

Option No. 2: Via RAFFLECOPTER: Visit SLIAN NAILS Facebook page and click Like, visit One Valenzuela's Facebook page and click Like, and answer the question:

With whom will you share the SLIAN NAILS experience?

Here's the Rafflecopter Giveaway tab where you can gain entries:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be contacted via e-mail on Sunday, MARCH 26, 2017 and will be announced in the blog.
Share this post with your friends. Good luck everyone!

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Giveaway Winner Announcement

It has been a week since One Valenzuela supported and launched the giveaway of a SLIAN NAILS Classic Mani + Pedi for 2. First and foremost, she would like to thank everyone who engaged in this activity, taking time to like, tag, and share the post in Facebook as well as those who entered the Rafflecopter. By doing those simple actions, you just helped and supported another local business in Valenzuela City. It is always a good thing to #supportlocal and help the community grow. Maraming salamat po.

Without further ado, One Valenzuela would like to congratulate Ms. Rowena Eduarte!

An e-mail will be sent to you within the day from onevalenzuelano@gmail.com for instructions on how to claim the prize.

Lastly, thank you SLIAN NAILS for sponsoring this giveaway!  

Setting foot at One Mall Valenzuela, Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City

If you have been to Gen. T. De Leon, you will certainly not miss the new towering building near Gen. T. De Leon National High School. A new mall in Valenzuela City! 

Front of One Mall Valenzuela

Gathering  more information from the Internet, One  Valenzuela came across WTA Architecture and Design. On their page, One Mall Valenzuela was described to be about 31,400 square meters and serves as "a linchpin for the neighborhood as an everyday respite and a communal destination point". YIC Group of Companies, on the other hand, says that it is a 4-storey mall with 2 basement levels for carpark. 

Here are some more photos:

People roaming around the new One Mall Valenzuela

 Penshoppe Box and LBC at the first floor of One Mall Valenzuela

Jollibee and SM Savemore are already open. A signage at the front of the mall says that Templora Dermatologica is also located in the same floor level (second floor).

 

Daiso Japan and Handyman at the third floor of One Mall Valenzuela

Basement parking of One Mall Valenzuela

You will notice that many of the shops are yet to open when you explore One Mall. What excites One Valenzuela is that there will be a cinema in this mall! While we are waiting for things to pick up, let us explore Daiso Japan (see next post) and the interesting items One Valenzuela found there which you might find fascinating as well. 

One Mall Valenzuela

Address: Gen. T. De Leon Road, Brgy. Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City (near Gen. T. De Leon National High School)

How to Go There: In Karuhatan Market, go and ride a jeepney at the terminal (Karuhatan-Ugong route). One Mall Valenzuela is just a few meters walk from Gen. T. De Leon National High School.

Somewhere Near Valenzuela: Coffee Tea Library at Potrero, Malabon

Everyone has their own looong day. Just last Tuesday, One Valenzuela underwent a very tiring enrollment process, thus this gal needed a few moments to unwind and recollect. She dropped by at Coffee Tea Library in Potrero, Malabon to finally chill.

Coffee Tea Library at Potrero, Malabon is very near Brgy. Marulas.

Inside Coffee Tea Library

Coffee Tea Library is wonderfully designed from the wall bookshelves to their chairs. One Valenzuela saw many student customers who are reading, discussing, and writing notes. She also learned that Coffee Tea Library holds free public lectures on various topics such as research, business, and the sciences. It also offers tutorial services and conducts poetry readings. The shop also has tabletop games such as word for word, rubik's cube, and snakes and ladder which customers may borrow.

Enjoying some quiet time browsing the Internet with a half Fullhouse Stack sandwich and a glass of cold mixed berry tea (All for Php170.00). 

Everything you need for better future and success has already been written... All you have to do is go to the library. (Henri Frederic Amiel)

Just looking at the walls of Coffee Tea Library will evoke a sense of inspiration, especially to bibliophiles and those in the field of library science. Being a librarian, who spends most of her waking days with books, Coffee Tea Library feels a bit like home.

Coffee Tea Library
Address: A & S Building, 189 MacArthur Highway, Potrero, Malabon (across Infinima Spa)
Brewing Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm;
                           Friday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 mn
Contact Number: (02)931-1004
Like Coffee Tea Library on Facebook here. Check Coffee Tea Library on Instagram here.