Chairman emeritus Oscar M. LopezMembers of the Economic Congratulations! Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) and their family members discovered the secrets to getting fit, staying young and achieving wellness in finances and in life at the 2nd EJAP Wellness Fair held at the Rockwell Tent.

In his welcome remarks, Lopez Group chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez (OML) shared how he had conquered a heart ailment and skipped a recommended bypass surgery.

After “years of less than healthy habits and the pressures and anxieties of running businesses,” OML quit smoking, cut red meat from his diet, ate mainly fish and vegetables and continued to engage in rigorous physical activities as he aged.

‘Part of the job’

OML said: “Having once upon a time managed the Manila Chronicle, I am aware of the very unhealthy habits of journalists. I know you all justify your late nights and liters of alcoholic binges as part of the job of being journalists. I am not sure I agree that your bodies, specifically your lungs, livers and hearts, should take a beating just because you have to report the news.” 

Darwin Amojelar, EJAP president, highlighted the different activities, booths, freebies and raffle prizes for the day. Up for grabs were iPads, “staycation” and spa packages, gift certificates and premium items from the event’s exhibitors. A 32GB iPad Air was also awarded to the guest with the most creative tweet using the hashtag #EJAPWellness.

ANC’s “On the Money” financial adviser Salve Duplito talked about the importance of saving and the “magic” of compounding. “Set aside savings first before spending,” Duplito said, sharing the formula “income minus savings equals expenses.” 

Gina Lopez with resource person Edward MendezFormula for health
Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., shared a simple formula for health and wellness: inner health is equivalent to outer health.

“If inside you are not well, outside you won’t be okay… Inner health is crucial and leads to physical health,” she asserted.

Edward Mendez, author of “Your Dream Body Come True,” presented the science behind “frequent, quality eating” and short but intense bursts of exercise. Light, frequent eating, he pointed out, gives the body fuel to burn food. This should be complemented by short exercises, which have a “48-hour metabolic effect and increases fat burn.”

After a healthful lunch by The Sexy Chef, EJAP members were treated to games, a power yoga session with Ines Garcia of the Rockwell Club and a dance-inspired cardio workout called Wenga introduced by Arnold Trinidad, also of the Rockwell Club.

 Journeys of transformation 

Members enjoyed the booths by BayaniJuan and G Stuff, ABS-CBN Mobile, SKYcable, Asian Eye, Emphasis Salon, Knowledge Channel, Medicard, Unilab, reiki healing and spa services.

The day’s speakers shared their journeys of transformation, encouraging guests to make their own lifestyle shifts. OML summed it up best when he said: “When you start to think if you can still change your habits, just think of me,” challenging EJAP members to climb a mountain with him for the next wellness fair.

iPad winner Lorenz Marasigan of Business Mirror with Boo Chanco and Bong Osorio

LGFI's Angela Lopez Guingona

Arlene Torres and Kane Choa

Ping Galang, Red Samar, Joel Gaborni and Raul Marcelo

ANC’s Salve Duplito and EJAP’s Darwin Amojelar

Lopez Museum's Cedie Lopez Vargas, Chairman emeritus Oscar M. Lopez, Gina Lopez

(By Nathan Valenzuela and Niña Zialcita)