My father is a huge inspiration to me, because he is doing things that most people don't even do in their 20's and 30's. But before we go into that, let me give you a little history about my father. He is from Cavite, Philippines and when he was a young teen, he got involved with the wrong crowd. Gangs in the Philippines were not uncommon because of the low living standards, just like any third world country. Where there is poverty, there will always be hustlers and crime. My father was a part of that scene until he decided to change his life, and take advantage of the time when the US Navy was recruiting in the Philippines. He was accepted and got his ticket to leave his poverty-stricken country to make a new life for himself.
US Navy - 1966/67
My father fell in love with a Super-Model from the Philippines and this beautiful girl was my mother. The funny thing about this love story is that my mother didn't even like my father at the time, but my mother's parents LOVED my father, so just to make her parents happy, my mother decided to marry my father. So if it wasn't for the US Navy, and my grand parents on my mother's side, I would not even be here today writing about this.
My beautiful mother
My mother as a model and actress in the Philippines
I was born at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, FL on November 4th, 1970. I can remember as a very young boy how my father was. He was always a gentleman to my mother, always holding her hand, opening the car doors for her, and always treating her like a Princess. My parents ended up having 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls) and as I remember growing up, there was never a dull moment at our house! My father has always been a hard worker. Heck, with 6 kids, what are you going to do? He provided for his family and started a business while he was still in the Navy. He was actually making a lot more money with his business than what the Navy was paying him, but he played his cards right and knew that having multiple sources of income was the smartest thing to do, especially with a family.
My parents! They are still like this today =)
Growing up, I always saw my father staying active, from running to playing tennis. As soon as he arrived home from the Naval Base, he would work on his business which was a food service and catering company. If he wasn't working, he was out running or playing tennis. At an early age, my father has taught me about staying active, becoming an entrepreneur, helping people, and being the best that you could be. Fast forward to present day, my father has not changed one bit, and he is now 70 years old. He's been retired from the Navy for awhile now, and since then has opened several restaurants, and even became a Culinary Arts Instructor at a Tech School which he proudly taught for 20+ years. Even though he is retired, my father continues to run a small food cafe on the weekends, exercises every week with Beachbody Fitness Programs, and is still running.
My father has always worked hard, it's in his blood. He says "anything for family"
My father and I - Montana 2009
Family Reunion - Montana 2009
The BEST parents in the world!
The workout last night was TOUGH, but my Dad did not quit, and he showed the group how it was done! Nothing better than working out with my father, the man who started it all, the man who's legacy will keep on going because he has made an huge impact in my life.
My father's first Spartan Race in Mississippi
My father's 2nd Spartan Race - He placed 3rd and was an Age Group Champion!
Here is the workout that my father and I did together. It was no joke! My brother Fermin is a great Insanity Coach, and is also a Diamond Beachbody Coach. Thanks to my Dad, we all have come to learn that becoming an entrepreneur is the only way to achieve TRUE FINANCIAL FREEDOM and happiness =). Let's workout!
Visit Insanity Pensacola here!
Total time: 50 minutes
- Warm up
- Stretch
- 3 Blocks, 3 Rounds of 4 body weight/cardio/plyometric exercises, each block plus a Power Move.
- Abs/Core
- Stretch
Here are just a few photos from this INSANE workout that my father killed with me!
High Knees
Stretch
Pike Ups
Floor Sprints
Shoulder Tap Push Ups
Opposite Arm, Opposite Leg Balance Push Ups
Spider Lunges
Football Drills
Plyometrics
Asylum in and outs with burpees
Core T Kicks
Abs/Core
Insanity Pensacola - Omni Fitness
- Who is your inspiration?
- Who or what is the most important thing in your life?
- Are you willing to work hard and be the best that you could be for you and your family?
Thanks for reading and visiting my blog. I am focused on continuing what my father has done, and posting more blogs about staying active, leading by example, being an entrepreneur and a family man, and living your best life now. Feel free to join me =)
Coach Arnel
Related Insanity and Other Links:
- Insanity Pensacola
- Pensacola Fit Club
- Insanity Program Details and Options
- Free Online Fit Club
- Work with Arnel
- Coach Arnel Banawa on Facebook
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