Our mission at Lyfest is to serve the community
Meet our Teachers.
Joan
Joan
Joan Christine Soupart, founder of Pure Prana Yoga, introduced SUP Yoga in collaboration with SUP Tours Philippines. She teaches at Fox & the Firefly Cottages, blending Ancient Vedic wisdom for beginners and intermediate practitioners. Her yoga journey began in 2006, earning her certification from Sivananda Yoga Vedanta in 2017 and accreditation as a paddleboard yoga instructor from the UK’s Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI). At LyFest 2024, Joan will open the ceremony with a Satsang and teach SUP Yoga. She is dedicated to building a community of seekers, embodying the transformative power of yoga and Bhakti Yoga through Kirtan sessions with a harmonium. Her classes in Loboc Bohol offer a peaceful, transformative experience for all skill levels, rooted in personal growth and self-discovery.
Experience
Maribeth
Maribeth
Teacher Maribeth Kangleon is a passionate yoga teacher dedicated to sharing her love of the practice with her community. Her journey began in 2013 when she first discovered the transformative power of Ashtanga Yoga. This ignited a passion within her, leading her to pursue teacher training in 2021, where she earned certifications in both Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Maribeth persevered and opened her own studio, Soley Yoga Hub, in 2024. Located in a welcoming space, Soley Yoga Hub provides students with the opportunity to explore the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. Maribeth believes that yoga is more than just physical exercise; it’s a journey of self-discovery and inner peace. Her classes are designed to be accessible to all levels, encouraging students to connect with their bodies and minds in a safe and supportive environment. Through her teaching, Maribeth hopes to inspire others to embrace the transformative power of yoga and find their own sense of well-being.
Experience
Gigit
Gigit
I began yoga 24 years ago in the Ashtanga tradition, then Power Yoga, then Vinyasa...depending on the available teacher. At some point, I needed to level up, but could not find the teacher to take me there. I went to Ubud, Bali, but they were all globally in demand, inaccessible, and expensive. I went to Rishikesh and became the teacher to Indian yoga aspirants (the irony of it all). I went to Dharamsala but the Tibetan Yantra teachers were in their caves in the foothills of the Himalayas. It dawned on me that I had to be the teacher I was looking for. I read books, listened to podcasts, made a lot of notes, experimented, and fused other established disciplines. I saw my continuing practice evolve. It continues to evolve as I pursue my search for what else is out there. I decided years ago that instead of a 9-to-5 corporate existence, I'll simply pursue and deepen my yoga. I have a core practice that I've been refining for years and this is what I'd like to share in this class - activating dormant energies from its deep slumber. I look forward to meeting you all. Namaste.
Experience
Reds
Reds
For years, Reds battled a series of ailments that severely affected his way of life, including a left knee injury, lower back pain, kyphosis, mild scoliosis, neck pain, spondylitis in his elbow, and Bell's palsy. Searching for relief, he discovered the healing power of yoga and integrative bodywork. Among the practices that helped him recover was Acroyoga, which not only alleviated his lower back pain but also became a key element of his teaching. Reds pioneered the teaching of Acroyoga in Cebu, blending this dynamic practice with his expertise in anatomy and fascia work. He holds dual certifications as an E-RYT 500+ Yoga Alliance and ECYT 500+ Global Online Yoga Association instructor, with a specialization in body alignment and the precise anatomical analysis of yoga poses, or "asanas." He is also a certified myofascial and cupping therapist, seamlessly integrating deep anatomical knowledge into his yoga teachings. In his classes, Reds focuses on the importance of proper alignment, often providing insights into anatomy to ensure students understand how their bodies move. As a co-teacher in several Yoga Teacher Trainings, he has contributed to the success of over a hundred graduates. Through his workshops and classes, especially in Cebu, Reds aims to build a community that prioritizes body and mind well-being, helping others on their path to healing and wellness.
Experience
Melissa
Melissa
Melissa’s yoga journey began four years ago, sparking a deep passion for the practice. She pursued her teacher training in India, where the extended pandemic lockdown allowed her to immerse fully in yogic tradition and culture. Melissa emphasizes the holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit for overall well-being, with a focus on breathwork. She teaches pranayama, the yogic practice of controlled breathing that enhances physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional calm. Melissa also incorporates Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation technique that induces deep relaxation and inner stillness, promoting healing and stress relief. Combining traditional methods with modern insights, she helps students cultivate mindfulness and explore inner peace.
Experience
Annie
Annie
A dedicated yoga practitioner with a deep passion for holistic wellness, embarked on her transformative journey to India in 2020, where she completed her Traditional Hatha Yoga teacher training at the Sivananda Ashram in the Himalayas. With a focus on authenticity, spiritual growth, and community connection, Annie has continued to bring the teachings of this ancient tradition into every aspect of her practice. Now, as the founder of Sadhana Wellness, a new yoga studio committed to nurturing both the body and soul, Annie offers a safe and inclusive space for self-exploration, healing, and empowerment. Join Annie at LyFest 2024, and allow yourself to bask in the authenticity, wisdom, and nurturing presence she offers, inspired by her personal journey through yoga, life, and love.
Experience
Ara
Ara
- Afro-Latin Dancer and Teacher with focus on Bachata Ladystyling - Bachata Ladystyling Instructor: Essence Community - Pole Dance Enthusiast - Certified Yoga Instructor (500H) - Main Flyer: USC SAS Cheer Squad (2012, 2013) - Green belt: Capoeira
Experience
Ara’s passion for artistic movement has been key to overcoming her shyness. Her journey began as the main flyer for the USC SAS Cheer Squad, where two years of cheerleading honed her discipline and laid a solid foundation for her dance career.
In 2016, she discovered Afro-Latin, and what began as a hobby quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. Today, Ara is the only local artist specializing in Bachata Ladystyling in Cebu, sharing her love for dance with students and the wider community.