Quijano: Random Walk

Aileen Quijano
Botttoms up

BECAUSE I seriously needed some exercise, I decided to go shopping and walking through the maze of a mall from east to west, top to bottom. I thought of bringing my eight-year-old nephew along so I could run after him while I was at it, but I figured at the last minute that it was already a tad overkill.

So I changed into my most comfortable T-dress which has “Girl Power” written all over it and prepared to strut, glide and dance along the fashion walkways of Ayala. I could feel the warm excitement of my beloved three-year-old Skechers but I couldn’t tell if it was from being reunited with my feet or at the thought of seeing its relatives at the shops. Either way, we decided to sweat it, so walk, away we went.

I realize that as a woman, it is my responsibility to keep myself fit so I was really mindful about getting the most out of my walking time. To warm up, I proceeded to do some stretching exercises. I walked inside 10 shops or more and successively tried on pretty dresses–bending, reaching, pulling my arms, turning sideways, and back again.

Then off I went climbing mountainous stairs, wrestling the mob at the activity centers and pushing the cart at the supermarket. For good measure, I even went jumping up and down inside Fully Booked when I discovered my favorite book was in stock.

As I continue to turn left, right and forward, I found that the mall was not only good for shopping and walking, but a great place for discovery as well:
Hey, it’s Pink October!

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ayala Center Cebu and ICanServe Foundation are painting the halls once more with “pink” activities, silent auctions, beauty and health campaigns. As women, there’s no better time to support and think wellness, as well as take up a cause much bigger than we’ve always lamented ourselves to be.

Scents of a woman

When shopping, there’s nothing I love more than dropping by Rustan’s and breathing in the different scents of a woman–be it sexy, passionate, ice cool, musky or mysterious.

At times we may take our sense of smell for granted, but a woman’s fragrance helps define her. Whether we attract or repel others, there is always that one scent that fits us. Walk around and find your favorite signature. Then, too much or too little?

Here’s a tip from Chanel, “Women should wear perfume wherever they hope to be kissed.”

Dressing your age and size

While walking, it can’t be helped that we sometimes bump into these eye sores: 40-something women trying to dress like teenagers; high school teens wearing corporate heels and makeup; or big-sized women holding their breaths inside skinny jeans and slim tops. Maybe there’s no need to struggle too much. The right fashion style reflects who we truly are. If we just walk enough, we’ll find there are stores and dresses for every age and size.

Makeovers

Why wait for something significant to happen in our lives to get a makeover? It seems there are enough beauty bars for DIY sessions with friends, or makeup counters and salons if we need a little help or inspiration. Feeling and looking good can do wonders for our drive when the going gets tough.

Choices

We don’t have to be stuck in a rut. We always have creative options to keep our juices flowing. There’s yoga, ballet and pilates at the top floors; basketball and air hockey at Timezone; even zumba and dancing in the rain at the Terraces.

I really do not know if I’m doing my body any good walking through the mall instead of jogging at the track. But from this random exercise I find that there are enough interesting things going on for us to move forward. So keep those happy feet walking, ladies!

(aileen.quijano@gmail.com)