A few weeks ago, we went back to Buhi Camarines Sur to pay respects back to my fiancé's mother Salve. Every time I go back, I am drawn by the simple way of life. The only thing that is keeping me from making the leap to live there is my business. I need super fast internet to work, and although the internet is decent in Naga City, it is about an hour+ away from where we would be living, so our plans to move there will have to wait. We hope to one day build a home there =)
A little over a year ago, Arlene's (my fiancé) mother passed, so the family decided to make it an annual celebration of the great life that she lived, and have a little family reunion. Always a good time!
Here is a quick video of our short but always fun visit to Buhi Camarines Sur, the place where my fiancé and my little baby girl Pippa was born. This place will always be dear to my heart, and if you've never been there, I highly encourage you to put it on your list of places to visit in the Philippines. Far from the hustle and bustle of Manila, Buhi will invigorate you.
Enjoy our video, and if you have any questions about the area, please do not hesitate to contact me. If I can't help you, my fiancé Arlene will =)
This challenge will be very similar to our last challenge, but with some slight additions to help challengers make better changes, as well as maintain their current healthy lifestyle.
WHO IS THIS 30 DAY CHALLENGE FOR:
This challenge is for anyone who is serious about clean eating and getting rid of the toxic junk foods surrounding our every day lives.
ARE WORKOUTS REQUIRED?
Although workouts are not required, it is of course encouraged. Depending on your goals, there is no secret, the best results come from good nutrition and staying active. Any workout can be used for this challenge. If you need assistance with choosing the best fitness program, I can assist. =)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The 30 Day Challenge itself does not cost you a penny. What you spend outside of this challenge is up to you: workouts, groceries, supplements, etc. For the best results, it's all about eating clean and staying active. There are always programs that I can assist with to make your life a bit easier. If you're a busy bee, I can help you with making simple choices, and not giving in to the cravings.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Challengers can expect accountability, tips, advice, recommendations, motivation, and a 24/7 accessible platform to connect and engage with others from all over the world.
CAN I START ANYTIME?
Of course! If you miss the starting date, just message me and I can still add you to the online challenge group to help you prepare for the next challenge.
So I've been involved with OCR (obstacle course racing) since 2011, and I really love the sport. I raced for fun and competitively from about 2011 to late 2014 (early 2015), and then after that I decided to focus on the media side of things (Check out my OCRTUBE project). I've seen this little sport grow from nothing into the fastest growing sport in the world. With that being said, more and more people are getting excited about going out and participating in the many events happening all over the globe.
Can anyone participate without any training? Absolutely! It happens all the time, just like people running 5K's and even half marathon running events. But trust me when I tell you this, most of these people, if given a chance to do it all over again, they would have trained and prepared for it to have a better experience, and experience is everything!
When I did my first "MUD RUN" in 2011, I just finished doing a couple workout programs and was pretty much in the best shape of my life, so it really made me fall in love with the sport. If I hadn't been in the shape that I was in, I don't think I would've had a good time. The workouts that I did back then, and still do today is P90X, just good ole functional fitness. After my first mud run which was a Warrior Dash (R.I.P. Warrior Dash), I started developing a passion for running. So with my P90X and Insanity workouts mixed with occasional running, to my surprise, I began to achieve TOP 10 overall at some races, and TOP 3 in my age group.
1st Place AG, 7th Overall at Dirty Foot - 2012
First Spartan Workout in Tampa, FL with Joe Desena - 2013
Things have changed with training these days, and although my workouts can still work, it is better to incorporate these workouts with more specific OCR training methods, especially if you want an edge.
OCR Legend Hobie Call and I - Superhero Scramble FL 2013
Do you have to do OCR specific training to participate in obstacle racing events? Again no, but I highly recommend doing a hybrid workout (EX. a P90X or TRX program combined with OCR training) or just a full on OCR specific program depending on your goals, which brings me to what this post is all about =)
I have partnered with a couple influential people in the OCR training space, and one of those amazing people being Sarah Pozdol. I'll also admit that I have never beat her at a Spartan Race in my years of racing. I came very close at a Spartan Race in Mississippi USA, but I slipped off the Z Wall Obstacle and she was able to get a good distance from me while I was doing my 30 burpees. That was my closest that I ever got to actually beating her at an obstacle race, she's a beast. And not only that, she is a professional when it comes to the science of the sport. She is the creator of OCRTraining.com, the most complete obstacle course training program out there. Sarah has the experience, the passion and the knowledge. I would not be writing this post if I didn't believe in what she does. She is really focused on helping people fall in love with the sport, because just like her and I, the sport of OCR has changed our lives!
Sarah Pozdol and I - Illinois USA 2017
Why choose the OCR Breakdown - OCRTraining.com Program?
Well, there are many options now. And as the sport grows and more people begin to promote their methods of strategy, there will always be the method of functionality, foundation, and science. Yes, someone can teach you how to do an obstacle rig, or how to carry a sandbag, but learning the reasons for the techniques and modifications will help you progress even faster than people who don't care about the how and why. It's like when I went to school to become a Chef many years ago. Yes, anyone can cook, but to go to school and learn the science behind the proper ways of culinary arts helped me to better understand how to use a variety of ingredients from around the world. It's the science. There's a difference between a cook at a Mom and Pop cafe and McDonald's versus a Chef at a Michelin Star Rated Restaurant. So why all the mumbo jumbo? Well, it's your choice whether you want to learn or just do, if you want to excel, or just stay at the same level. I don't know about you, but not excelling or not wanting to be better at something is just NOT HUMAN.
If you've read this far, that means you may be interested and serious about training for your first obstacle race, or becoming a better athlete. The OCR Breakdown Training provides 4 weeks of educational content, and 13 weeks of fitness training, all to improve strength, speed, agility, run mechanics, breathing, and mobility on the course. For the cost of a Crossfit Membership, you can own the whole training program and use it for life. Here is a quick video, and if you are interested in creating a better experience for you on the course, then I highly recommend this training from my friend Sarah, you will not regret it! =)
As per request from some of my partners and friends, I am now providing High Quality Drone Stock Video Footage for everyone who needs these clips for their own projects. The clips will be up to 30 seconds long and Full HD up to 4K. The footage will be perfect for all social media outlets, corporate videos, travel projects, and everything else in between.
I have uploaded this service on Fiverr, which is the largest online platform for freelancers and businesses and consumers. Feel free to check it out if you are in need of some drone video stock footage.
I will also be offering other services such as:
- Drone Video Editing and Color Grading
- Sound Effects
- Engaging Royalty-Free Music
and much more.
If you are interested in High Quality Drone Video Stock Footage, then feel free to check out my Fiverr Gig. I encourage everyone to message me first before ordering so I can ensure that I have the exact footage that you are looking for.
I just wanted to share a new group that I created via OCRTUBE.com (my obstacle course racing media project). Partnering with some of the best online obstacle course racing training platforms, this is sure to be a fun training platform for everyone!
If you are looking for a positive community to give you the MOTIVATION to start training for your next obstacle race, mud run, or Ninja event, then this might be the perfect facebook group for you.
These are some of the things that you can expect out of the group:
- Obstacle Course Racing specific programs
- Daily and monthly challenges
- Recipes and Nutrition
- Tips and Tutorials from OCR Industry Professionals and Athletes
- Positive Environment
- Accountabilty and much more!
I have been based in the Philippines for a little over a year now starting a new family, but before that, I was pretty nomadic and working remotely all over the world. Did I love it?
The answer is yes! Working remotely around the world gave me a sense of freedom, and the ability to explore a new place excitingly different from where I was from, which is the the USA. I did this for many, many years, and was able to experience so much. The friendships, bonds, and memories that I made along the way are priceless. But doing remote work and working from home are two different things, at least for me it is.
Co working in Changsha International Airport - China
Although working from home might be considered remote work from that typical office type of atmosphere, it is quite different in the sense that traveling is pretty much left out. Yes, you can travel, but becoming a nomad at home is not the same as being a nomad all over the planet. Do I like my new life working from home? Let me share the pros and cons of working from home from my experience.
THE PROS:
1. Non-Corporate/Political - Not having to deal with the stress of a corporate environment or the politics from co workers and superiors makes working from home a lot more productive and healthy.
2. Family - The ability to stay home and be with family is like a dream come true for many including myself. As long as you can find balance, and create your own space for family and work, this is a real positive.
3. Own Schedule - You can create your own hours, and not be bothered with someone else telling you when to work. If you want to take a break, you do it on your own terms.
4. Saves Money - Working from home and not having to go out to eat can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year. Why pay over $5 for a coffee at Starbucks when you can make your own at home for under a $1.
5. Comfortable - Home is where the heart is. You can work at home in your pajamas, you don't have to wear make up, you don't have to try to impress anyone. Home is a place where you can always be yourself.
1. Distractions - This is one of the biggest cons if you are not careful. Sometimes being able to work from home and be with family can also hurt you. I don't know how many times I had to stop working because I wanted to hug my little baby. Although there is nothing wrong with that, but from a business-building perspective, its just not productive. At home there are a lot of things going on: friends coming over, family watching TV and talking to you while you are working, the list goes on. If you are easily distracted, this will be a tough obstacle for you to overcome.
2. Productivity - Yes, you can make up your own hours, and yes you have the freedom to take your own breaks, but that can hurt you too. Most people who work from home tend to take a lot more breaks then they would from the office or a job environment. In order to stay productive at home, I recommend having the work mindset that you would have working from your job at the office etc, or else you will have a tough time getting work done. I'm guilty of this =)
3. Office Space - People tend to be more productive if they are in the right atmosphere. It is tough to get things done when you are working on a couch in front of the TV, it's just not a working environment. For success, it's recommended to create your own office space at home. If its the kitchen, let the family know that you are working these hours, and ask them to respect that and to not distract you when you are working. If you can turn an extra bedroom to an office, that would be best!
4. Social Space - Working from home can be peaceful at times, sometimes.... too peaceful and quiet. Sometimes I work well knowing that there are others being productive around me, that's why working at a coffee shop or a co working space has always been a great place for me to get work done as a Digital Nomad. If you need a break from home, just find a local coffee shop or meet up with other remote workers at a co working space to share and learn about business ideas.
The Common Space - BF Homes/Paranaque Philippines
5. Professionalism - If you are trying to build a business, sometimes a home address may not seem professional. In my case, I really don't care =) Being your own boss is fast becoming the thing to do in today's society. It really all depends on the line of work you are in, but in most cases, an online presence is much more ideal and cost-effective than having a bricks and mortar office. This is a choice that you have to make on your own.
So that's about it guys. I hope this helps some of you get an idea on what it's like being able to work from home. Is it for you? Is there something that you feel that I missed based on your experiences, please let me know!
My small desk in the kitchen at home in the Philippines =)
See you all soon, and as always, make everyday count!!! =)
We just came back from our family trip in Siargao Island, Philippines and it was amazing!
I wanted to make a quick video of our trip, so that I can briefly share how much fun it was. I will be posting a Full Video on Family-Friendly Siargao soon with a blog post on all the details of our trip in the hopes that it will help some of you with families who are on budget. =)
