Fristine on a green smoothie high
A couple of weeks ago told me that it was high time for a follow through raw food workshop. Going high raw for a month can leave a girl scraping the bottom of the un-cooking creative juice pot. There were days I certainly felt depleted of life force–in less fetching words, I gave in to katamaran and simply stuffed veggies in the juicer or blender with anything I can find in the fridge.
Just like the average cook/chef, there are days where inspiration seems to have mercilessly turned its back and hiked to Jolo for a vacation. But, I have no fear as my rawkin’ community is always to the rescue!
MISSION: Introducing better and creative raw food preparation to BOL
Finally, after half a year of searching, I finally belong to a small group in our church. I now part of a group of lovely women whose names I’ve yet to engrave in my heart (give me another week ladies, I’m awful with names) God’s timing is impeccably perfect, everyone in the group has embraced healthier living and committed to making better food choices like eating more vegetables if not go at least 51% raw.
That’s what you get if you belong to a wonderful church who focuses on holistic spiritual practice which includes taking care of the soul’s vessel just as we would take care of the spirit. Its program involves an arsenal of wake-up-you-processed-food-junkie-cluelessly-assailed-by-inflammation-24/7 videos and books such as Food Matters; Eating by Mike Anderson (3rd edition); Superfoods by David Wolfe; Sugar Shock by Connie Bennett and more!
With so much excitement, I shared where I get my certified organic produce and where they can learn how to prepare raw food. Of course, I contacted Asha who was nice enough to pencil it in her calendar even if she’s running out of time to pack for her two-month study time in Bali. Unfortunately though, these ladies were undisposed. But anyway, there is always June! can’t wait to usher in these ladies to one–perhaps a few–of Asha’s workshops to learn how to take a step forward from salads, just as I have.
On The Road To Raw 2
Taking a leap of faith, Asha did a repeat of her phenomenal whole day workshop on April 2 (with 30+ attendees) and from the original group of 5 who committed to join, we naturally expanded to 22! isn’t that awesome? 
Aside from learning how to make 5 new drinks, 10 entrees and 5/6 desserts, the workshop also focused on nourishing the community we all belong to and treat it as a lifeline for new raw foodists and of course, the movement.
The group is pretty diverse. Some of us are people who have been rawkin’ for quite some time but are not getting ample support from our respective families or friends; some are more experienced and would like to share, learn more and infect everyone with their passion for raw food; there are people who want to go further than the benefits of green smoothies and people who want to influence their loved ones to adopt the best way of eating.
Such amazing energy all these people had and I’m so blessed to be part of it all. Food is made even more delicious with awesome energy from great company, who would have known? Raw food allows you to taste with your soul, it’s challenging to put to words how much excitement and vivacity eating this way can give one person.
I thought I’m just going to do this for a month but now, I’m unable to see myself going back to how I used to feel. So, I’ll see you guys in June, my rawkin’ homies! 
Please feel free to check out our workshop photos in Dahon Kusina.
It’s encouraging to hear that there’s a solid group locally that supports raw food. It’s hard enough to continue doing so if you don’t have support at home.
I’m constantly being inspired by you, Fris. You don’t go all preachy and lecture-ry like some advocates I’ve come into contact with (not just of food, but of other things). Sometimes I find that a person’s quiet conviction speaks much louder than one who just mostly talks a lot. Thanks for sharing this.
I agree with Kat! With you, hindi nakakawalang-gana sumubok nang mga bagay na ganyan because there’s no pressure, only encouragement and inspiration.