M&S Davao Style File: Peabo Taojo & Clarice Lu, Fit & stylish in cool destinations



Ingrid & Clarice, twinning in Winter 2016 M&S Collection. The simplest of accessories can give an outfit a whole new look


 

They are travelers who chase the cold season, fitness enthusiasts who never break their rhythm.

For Peabo and Clarice looking good is just one of the effects of regular work out and proper diet, but during globe-trotting season, how do these women manage to stick to their healthy lifestyle?

It’s not a surprise that Peabo Taojo, 27, ended up managing her own gym. At a young age, she played golf and got serious about fitness after joining the university varsity rowing team. Exercise became an indispensable part of her weekly routine, and fitness goals have evolved massively since then, including teacher’s certificates in yoga and Crossfit.

Clarice Lu, 33 and mother of two, was passionately dancing in the past and elated that she rekindled her love for it today. Dance, along with a new-found interest— Crossfit, are juggled with family and her two jobs as HR officer in a family-owned school and as managing partner of an active clothing brand.

 

Twinning in Winter 2016 M&S Collection, get to know how these sisters in fitness and travel stay fit throughout their journeys to their favorite cool places.

 

What is your regular fitness regimen?

Peabo: Resistance training at the gym three to four times a week and swimming or running for cardio once or twice a week.

Clarice: After a long day, I look forward to working out at CrossFit Cranium with my husband who happens to be my gym/box buddy.

 


Comfort over fashion. Your unique personal style will set you apart from everyone else


 

How often do you travel? 

Peabo: I travel monthly out of town monthly for paragliding and scuba diving, and once or twice a year to different continents. I travel mostly with my family because that’s when I get to bond with them without talking about work and enjoy the outdoors at the same time.

Clarice: Traveling is a must for me. It opens doors to new ideas, interests and passion. It’s my reboot button. I used to travel abroad twice or thrice a year, but with the kids now, it’s trimmed down to doing it once a year.

 

Preferred destinations and for how long?

Peabo: Best ever in my life were Tunisia, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in China, the Loire Valley in France. I’m usually gone from five to fifteen days.

Clarice: We loved Sapporo and Hokkaido. We usually allot a week or two to savor the trip.


 

Favorite cool places- Tunisia & Loire Valley for Peabo, Hokkaido & Sapporo for Clarice


 

Why the cooler season?

Peabo & Clarice: Because I never get to experience cool weather in the Philippines!

 

Travel light? What ends up in the bag?

Peabo: Yes I do. Preferred outfits for traveling are earth or neutral-colored clothes with no print. I get to mix and match them easily and wear them repeatedly and nobody would notice!

Clarice: I try to, but it’s a challenge. You have to be smart in choosing what clothes to pack when traveling to cooler places. I go for cashmere, knit tops, coats, leggings and comfy boots. And hats and scarves, too! It never fails to rev up an outfit.


 

They travel light. Solid colors always work best


 

Does it include the gym outfit?

Peabo: For trips in the big cities where I know we would be staying in nice hotels, yes. Not for expeditions or exotic trips, when the experiences are workouts in itself.

Clarice: Yes, it’s a must!

 

How do you keep fit when on the road? Still manage to hit the hotel gym?

Peabo: When the hotel has a gym, oh yes. I wake up extra earlier than my travel buddies, grab a piece of fruit and do a 20-30 minute resistance workout before having breakfast. When the hotel doesn’t, I do my workouts in the room or in nearby parks. There are workouts you can do even without any equipment or little space.

Clarice: I don’t usually go to gyms when I go on a trip, however I always make sure that I work out even in my hotel room since most of my exercise requires body weights.

 

Any dietary restrictions when far from home?

Peabo: My policy to myself is, when traveling for leisure, it’s cheat day everyday! No restrictions. I’m a big foodie and exploring different cuisines is one thing I really look forward to when traveling. When I get home though, its extra work in the gym and back to my regular low-carb diet.

Clarice: I indulge in food whenever I travel, it’s one thing that excites me. However, I go less on high glycemic carbs.



 

Stay warm by layering light pieces


 

Your fitness tip when on the road.

Peabo: Push-ups, squats, and hip thrusts. A minute each in the best form possible for 4-5 rounds. No equipment and not much time and space required. Very basic but very effective.

Clarice: Do at least 30 burpees, 50 if you can, daily during your trip. It’s a whole body work out and requires no machine nor place to do it.

 

And a fitness enthusiast’s one fashion tip when traveling?

Peabo: Go for neutrals and earth colors with little or no print, that way you get to easily mix and match and you’d look great in any context (restaurant, street, castle, ruin, forest, beach, mountain).

Clarice: Always go for comfort over fashion, when you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing your unique personal style comes out which sets you apart from everyone else.

 


Smart travelers. Go for cashmeres & knot tops in neutral colors with no print



  

Fashion: Marks & Spencer M&S Collection Winter Collection is available at the M&S stores at Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier
Photography: Wizbren Ang
Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado
Location: Seda Abreeza Hotel

 

Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com

Also publsihed in the SunStar Davao newspaper.