Yoga Lover

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Stop The War in Yoga World

I’m extremely tired and my eyes sore these few days. Seems like no time to have a good rest over the long weekend as busy monitoring and filtering this blog. What happened? Instead of having a long holidays break, I took my 3 days off at home to read all the published and unpublished (filtered and censored) comments and a number of emails from the bloggers (yoga teachers, yoga practitioners from KL and Malacca and other yoga centers) and other blog’s owner as well. I spent time to read every comment and email carefully and replied accordingly. Never being that busy and hard working on all these non-work related and non-profitable activities, just because of interest and “I love yoga”.

I might not right all the time (otherwise I won’t be conned by YZ as well), but I think I’m at the position that need to say something after receiving so many emails and comments (both published and unpublished due to unethical) from different groups of people.

- I found that some people kept on trying to misuse other people’s name or identity to post all the nonsense and garbage here. It was not co-incident that different person having with the same name or the actual person written the comment. They misused the ex-YogaZone teachers’ names to start the war. Ken Lim (ex-YZ’s chief pilates), Ethan (pilates teacher), Ethan’s wife / Siew Ming, Serena (ex-YZ yoga teacher), Leric (ex-YZ yoga teacher) and Mr. Jason from yogaloft names have been misused. All the posts by these culprits been censored.

- The same comments kept on being posted repeatedly by different names. The culprits kept on trying to post the same comment with different identities due to I have filtered and censored some of the unethical comments.

Some talking bad about yogalofts on how the tricks similar like YogaZone but also few came out and told that someone trying to take advantage by jeopardizing yogaloft. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Anyway, below is my personal view towards this yogaloft’s incident and in fact I have posted the same in replying one of Zen’s comment.

- etsu wellness is being responsible on whatever their internal problems that caused the delay in opening and need to closed in Dec for renovation. They reacted fast and got the matter solved within a week. All the members are allowed to opt for full refund in cash. Although this full refund couldn’t reimburse the members’ intangible loss such as mentally stress, at least they didn’t con members’ monies and made the members relief from further worries. Unlike YZ, never got the problems solved in months while members trusted YZ & TJ so much and were patiently waiting for it… (Doubt: etsu wellnes is not that irresponsible…)

- As per Zen’s comment, the company paid the salaries to everyone except 2 teachers. (Doubt: If the company refused to pay and playing trick, they should hold all the employees’ salaries like YZ…)

- I’m not here to query or doubt on Zen’s comment neither siding etsu wellness/yogaloft. But noticed that too many conflicts on all the comments and emails and each party told different story - “公说公有理，婆说婆有理” (not good in Chinese and hope don’t quote wrongly).

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To all my dear yogalover friends,

We don’t really know what was actually has been happened in between both parties. So, as a third party, I think we are not in the good position to comment or just to side either party (to be fair). Let time to prove everything and the justice will tell one day.

Since all the members have got back the cash refund and a little compensation (yoga mat @ RM1 and a free serum), you would not lose anything if yogaloft really can’t open their studio. Although your intangible loss such as mentally stress over the week and your time could not be compensated, they never con your money. If you are the ex-YZ members, you should remember how bad the incidents was compared to this and none of us got back a single cent of refund after suffering for months (in term of mentally stress, time consuming and monies – traveling here and there for checking and some even paid up additional RM99 hoping there would have a change). I’m sorry that not intentionally to remind about this sad experience but just would like all to be positive looking at this incident which considered much lucky where all the refund are in cash within a week.

If yogaloft can be opened as told by their management, then just you further judge and decide whether to join or not. It is your decision.

If we really start the war here, it will only make the yoga in Malaysia looks ugly and create a bad cause or karma in influencing some practitioners losing their confidence in yoga. Then, the yoga war creator would be the winner that achieved their goal in screwing up the peace of yoga world here.

We just want yoga and hope no further complication in yoga. So, please again look forwards and let hands in hands to rebuild the confidence and the yoga world in Malaysia. The little good effort from every yoga practitioner (teachers and students) will contribute towards this goal which I believe all of us wish to have it achieved.

I will continue posting other yoga centers information here (in fact found another yoga center in Puchong and PJ) and will try to get more yoga relevant articles or topics to discuss. Let start a POSITIVE force from now onwards. CHEERS ^_^

Thursday, December 4, 2008

yogaloft (5) - Refund is Allowed

Dear yogaloft members,

Just received a call from Ms Ellen (in fact she is the PR & Marketing of etsu wellness for beauty product and help in yogaloft setup). She clarified that:

- They have appointed a consultant team for the yogaloft setup project. This consultant team in charged in the design, construction, renovation and webpage design. But there is something happened between etsu well and this consultant team and they have to close the outlet temporary and also the webpage shown blank and they couldn't do anything as this webpage is registered under this consultant and controlled by them.

- Only one of the staff was terminated due to mis-conducted while other teachers and ambassadors were resigned by temselves. All the cheques are cashable and not bounced (I think only the cheque receivers know about this...)

- They are busy calling all the affected members to offer either refund or leave the deposit with them till the yogaloft opening but will offer them a compensation package if choosing this option.

- Initially refund is in term of checque but due to some negative comments in my blog and members' worries, they agree to refund by cash as well now.

- etsu wellness is taking legal action against the consultant team and will engage another new team to continue the setup. But due to the festive season now, believe everyting will be delayed as most of the contractors are busy.

I did ask her to claify this in my blog here to give an assurance and comfort the affected members but she said they don't want to make this issue more complicated. They have called the affected members and ready to refund. Action will be taken.

I found a lot of negative comments and some people trying to put on fire here. I'm not siding yogaloft (otherwise I won't post this issue here and glad that they are willing to refund) but just only concern all my yoga friends' benefits. So, I would say those affected yoga friend better take an immediate action to contact Ms Carine from etsu wellness @ 03-7880 2210 to arrnge for a cash refund since they willing to do so at the moment. If whatever etsu wellness claim is true and you still interested to join them, you can pay them again upon their official opening (when you can see something solid from them).

I would apprerciate those affected members do update us here that whether it is true you manage to get a full refund as Ms Ellen assured me they are doing so but some people keep on saying the members are conned without any refund from etsu wellness. I just hope fairness and truth. Otherwise, those simply accused are te one causing the worries to the affected members.

This is the best we can do at the moment.

p/s: please do offer your helping hands instead of putting on anymore fire to the affected members as we should sympathise to them being caught in this situation again. Hope they can really get a full refund on their hard earn money.

yogaloft (4) - Closed in Dec for Renovation?

Got a big SHOCK this early morning when login to my blog read all the comments that yogaloft is wind up; closed in Dec for renovation; members tried calling yogaloft (03-7875 5848) for the past 2 days but no one picked up the calls; all the dedicated teachers such as Dawid, Zen, Sean and etc were terminated by the company without prior notice; the ambassadors' email accounts were removed and etc. Is it True?

My first reaction was have to call Ms Ellen from yogaloft for clarification. She was the one got my contact number from an ex-YZ teacher and contacted me for the first time on 5th Nov morning with a courtesy request to remove the press conference invitation from my blog due to some typo error [which I posted on 4th Nov 2008 with the title "yogaloft (1)"]. She also gave me another courtesy call on Monday morning (1st Dec) that requested not to publish the studio photos first as it is still under renovation (I did ask permission when taken the photos).

Anyway, have called her and been told that it is not true that to wind up yogaloft but it is closed for the month of Dec 2008 for full renovation. It will be reopened in Jan 2009 and all the members are already being notified via calls from yogaloft and none of the teachers is being terminated. But I was in doubt why the members were so anxious and worried with the above comments if they were already being notified. So, I asked for a contact number which allow members to call for further clarification. She is kind and helpful during the conversation and gave me the HQ number @ 03-7880 2210 [same number as given by an Anonymous posted in the post of "yogaloft (2)] and look for Ms Carine who is the HR Manager. I just wonder why to contact a HR Manager instead of a Sale or PR Manager... But, I didn't ask further as my mind was so busy thinking so much thing - what happen to the members that have signed up and paid such an expensive deposit. I don't hope this would be the second YZ case that Money is Conned in Yoga. It is not easy for those yoga practitioners that being conned one time and regain the confidence to join another yoga center just with one objective, i.e. continue yoga practice. PLEASE, PLEASE, don't hurt them for second time.

Thereafter, I login to my Gmail to check whether any update (as some of the bloggers are nice to update me via emails from time to time) about this issue before I could post it here. I got a second SHOCK.

One of the regular bloggers here (she is an ex-YZ member who has recently signed up and paid to yogaloft) sent me a long email telling about this issue. Just to summarise it, Zen (ex-YZ teacher who is working with yogaloft) called her late last night and told that she has just lodged a police report against yogaloft. She also told that TJ was one of the team helped in setting up the studios but was being kicked off now. The ex-YZ teachers (of course Zen and believed others could be Dawid, Sean and etc.) are siding TJ and already resigned and etc.

It was a long story like another drama after YogaZone. In fact, I don't intend to mention anything about TJ as every time his name appear here, for sure a war will start. Anyway, don't wish to reveal any of their politics there but only CONCERN about the members that have signed up and paid. It would be better to further clarify with them as members were told that they would enjoy unlimited free classes in Dec if they signed up. The package sound nice as "attend first and pay later". But, upfront members already paid a huge sum of deposit, 1 month downpayment and some administration fees. So, it would be better to have a clearer picture of this yoga center as they should take care of the signed up members' benefits.

Dear yogaloft members, please do update here if anyone of you manage to find out further reliable clarification from yogaloft as all the signed up members are worried. Hope everyone would be fine and appreciate if any of the yogaloft personnel or the teachers that beinng claimed that have been terminated by the company could post your comments here as clarification. THANK YOU!

May GOD bless everyone. Yogis just want yoga for health, so please don't fool us...

Sunday, November 30, 2008

yogaloft (3)

Finally able to schedule my time to visit yogaloft at Plaza Kelana Jaya, PJ this morning. However, a bit disappointed as the outlet has nothing much to view as mainly is under renovation. Only one studio is ready for classes. Anyway, Sean is very helpful in briefing the package and brought me to visit the whole outlet although it is in a mess. He tried his best to describe, so I have to try to visualise and imagine it. Should be nice when it is ready.

According to him, it will be ready and officially launch in Jan 2009. So, just wait for it and to visit again when it is fully renovated. Below are some information and guide to the place as there is no banner leading to their studio yet. I have to ask around to reach the destination.

Google Map showing the location of Plaza Kelana Jaya

Please click on the above map to enlarge it for easy viewing

From LDP-Puchong highway, you will pass by "Western Digital" on your left and no far later you will see a football field and "PKNS" on left as well. Please keep to the left lane and be ready to turn left once you see a small sign board states Plaza Kelana Jaya. You will see some shoplots before the junction.

Once you have turned left, the right side is a nice garden and the left side is Plaza Kelana Jaya. There is a big sign "PLAZA Kelana Jaya" as shown in the photo below, turn left and this is "Jalan SS 7/13A" which leading to the car park of Plaza Kelana Jaya.

The main entrance is at first floor. So, you may walk up through the staircase next to a restaurant named "Rumahku". Once you reached the first floor, you may see a new building under construction next to Plaza Kelana Jaya on your left (as shown in the photo). Turn right and you will see the yogaloft big logo placed outside their shop (refer to the photos below).

This is the main entrance view where you can see a very nice yogaloft words placed in front of their shop.

This is the reception. You will see it once you enter from the main entrance. It is at first floor of the shop and the only ready studio for classes now is located at this floor.

There are four indoor studios where only one is ready for classes now while the other three are still under renovation. According to them, they are planning to have an outdoor studio. If not mistaken, I read about this outdoor studio in their earlier webpage.

The only ready studio is nice and facing to the lake view. All the studios are located at first and second floors while the ground floor are the shower and changing place (not ready yet as it is still under renovation and in the dark, no light at all and can't see anything).

The biggest studio facing the lake view and the flooring is white colour. There is another small studio for Yin and Meditation classes. There is also a Hot Yoga studio with heaters. The flooring is brown colour and it is different from the other 3 studios' flooring. Anyway, it is still under renovation.

[NOTE: Modified on 2nd Dec 2008 @ 2:00pm and the photos of the studios are removed as it is still under renovation. Might re-post it in future when it is ready, if there is an opportunity. Anyway, apologise for any inconvenience caused to you and if you wish to view it, you may actually pay a visit personally. A brief roadmap and guide are provided above. THANK YOU ^_^ Yogalover]

The 3-storey shop is facing the lake and here have few snapshots taken outside the studio (it is a back view).

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Package

I hope I can remember the whole package and some important points that really need to take note as they disallowed me to have the brief copy of the package. I'm not as lucky as some friends here that have some powerpoint slide show to view. Anyway, I'm not to disclose any of their material as no brochure nor leaflet been given, so just can share as much as I know and what I can remember. For further detail, then you have to visit them personally...

RM128 (1 month prepayment, will be offset the last month fee when termination happened)

RM200 (Refundable Deposit)
RM100 (Yearly Administration Fee)
RM50 (I-Card)
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RM478 (Total) + Optional RM1 (for a mat which worth RM199)
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Note:
- First time enrolment charge is at a total of RM478 and plus another RM1 for a Yoga Mat worth RM199. For those practitioners that yet to have a mat, be reminded to take this RM1 offered mat if you decided to sign up as their stutios don't provide any mat.

- Basic monthly fee is RM128 but it is only valid for a maximum of 10 hours. Additional hour will be charged @ RM10 per hour. Please note that certain classes would be 1 and a half hours.

- They told that their concept is similar to Maxis and touch&go where deposit is needed and total bill will be sent to the members by end of the month based on the total usage such as total hours of classes attended, other facilities used and other consumption. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card.

- Early Bird will enjoy FREE unlimited classes for the month of Dec 2008 as their outlet is not fully in operation. Besides, members will also enjoy RM100 credit limit in their Deposit account.

- Please take note on the purpose of this "Refundable Deposit". The deposited amount allow your I-Card to swipe freely on whatever charges beside the RM128 monthly basic package. Once you exit the limit, the I-Card would not allow any transaction and you have to pay by cash or credit card on that particular transaction. Sounds complicated. Okay, example:

If you are an regular practitioner have attended 35 hours classes and have a credit of RM50 for any of the facilities, and you wish to attend another class but your I-Card would not get the transaction thru successfully as your credit limit is hitted (similar to our Credit Card Limit).

Reason: Your Deposit of RM300 (RM200 paid by you upon registration and RM100 credit limit given by yogaloft for Early Bird members). First 10 hours classes @ RM128, additional 25 hours classes @ RM250 plus RM50 usage on facilities. Once you have settled your total bill of RM428 (RM128 + RM300) by end of the month, then your Deposit amount resume at RM300 again.

This Deposit is like our Credit Card limit and you may top up the Deposit amount to more than RM200 as required if you think you may have heavy consumption there.

Hope the explanation above is clear...

This is a sample of free etsu wellness caviar luxe mask for any first time visitor.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Yoga Ban

I was just out of town for 3 days and is shocked to know such a big news this morning that Fatwa Council banning Muslim for yoga practice as worshipping and chanting are prohibited in Islam. This subject make me recall a post in Yogajess with the title "Christianity and Yoga". It seems YOGA become a religious topic.

Today's STAR paper with the subject "Yoga Fatwa on Hold" that the implementation of the fatwa (edict) banning the practice of yoga by Muslims has been put on hold in two states - Selangor and Perak. The other subject "Give alternative version of yoga, says Perlis Mufti" where Perlis Mufti Dr Asri Zainul Abidin said the National Fatwa Council should have offered an alternative version of yoga instead of banning Muslims from practising the ancient form of exercise. He said “Yoga practitioners who are Muslims should be given an alternative by practising a version of yoga that does not resemble the version practised by other religions,” he said, adding that chanting while practising the exercise should also be stripped.

I'm NOT here to post this topic for debating the Fatwa, but just concern and caring about the Muslim yogis teachers and friends. I just read a comment from a Muslim friend at my earlier post "yogaloft (2)" as below:

ramuna bt arun said...
or try to create a flow of yoga that can be completely non-chanting,non-woshipping. actually as a democratic country, i believe government should set the rules to govern the yoga studios than banning Muslims to practice yoga, i have been practicing yoga for 5 years and it made me more faithful to my religion and more loving to my family. I believe yoga is a teaching, just like "pendidikan moral" in school, nothing more than that.
November 23, 2008 2:18 PM

I think those comercialised yoga centers are teaching yoga as one of the fitness or health features. I found the classes they have mainly on asana (physical movement - exercise) and could have few pranayama classes. May be some of those small individual groups of non-profit yoga teaching that focus and concentrate on meditation could have involvement on worshipping and chanting...

You may find more relevant articles are posted in Ninie's blog.

Friday, November 21, 2008

yogaloft (2)

Everyone is so excited and concerned about yogaloft's packages. I just received an e-letter from them and believed those have ealier registered at their website received the same. It briefly tells about the package and also their introduction trial calsses called "HELLO" classes from 21th to 23th Nov 2008. So, plan your schedule ahead and attend their "HELLO" class to experience it and share with us thereafter.

Below is the e-letter received and please click on it for better viewing. You may also find the same from yogaloft's website now as they just uploaded it.

Just be updated that there are slight changes on the schedule for Sat (22nd Nov) and Sun (23rd Nov) noon and evening classes. The 7:00pm class is cancelled but additional 1 class at 12:30pm. I have re-attached the revised e-letter below for your easy reference. [updated on 21 Nov 2008 @ 10:00pm]

Please click on the above image to enlarge it for easy reading

Beside the e-letter, I have also received an email from SH (my regular visitor) who is so kind to share the details of yogaloft's package. Below is the email content:
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The fee structure is quite similar to Astro or telephone bill.

Initial Package Price
The package comprises of :
1) Admin fee @ RM100
2) Refundable deposit @ RM200
3) I-card @ RM 50
4) 1month deposit @ RM128
5) December fee @ RM128

In total, an initial charge @ RM606 and you may pay RM1 to purcharse yogaloft mat which retail price @ RM199 (washable in washing machine. It is white colour and limited stock available.

You can get - Free class during November & unlimited class in December. Once you have signed up, you have to commit to 1 year. Otherwise, a penalty fee is imposed for breach of contract! (plese further clasrify this term with the consulatant there face to face for a better understanding).

Monthly Basic Package
Basic package: RM128/month for 10 hours (RM128 is minimum charge even if you attend less than 10 hours)
Additional hour after the 10th hour, will charge @ RM10 per hour

Example:
If you attend a total of 15hour in the month of Dec, they will charge you RM128 for the 1st 10 hour and subsequent 5hour @ 5hour x RM10 = RM50. So they will send you a bill of total RM178 in the end of the month or following month.

I-Card
yogaloft practices paperless. All the expenses will be using I-card. Every time your entry to class, u need to swipe the card including the massage, cafeteria & purchase of book from their store. All will be using that I-card. At the end of the month, they will bill according to your spending which recorded in the I-card.

Points Collection
You will also get points on your spending (like Genting point or Bonuslink). So you can redeem gifts by the points collected. If you recommend friend to join, extra points will be given.

Easy e-Booking Services
If you have signed up the membership, you can book the class through online even the place you want to be at (the mat location in the studio). A maximum practitioners per class is at 25, not more than that!

Actually very soon, yogaloft will be getting more outlet, but Nicole refuse to let me know!

Ok, this is the general information and their colour is WHITE!

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Hi SH,

I have slightly modified your email but content remained. Hope you won’t mind… Once again, thanks for your useful information. CHEERS ^_^

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Message to all my dear readers,

I will be attending a 3 full days seminar from 22th to 24th Nov. As such, would not be able to further update you all during this period but will definitely revert as soon as I'm back on 25th Nov (Tue).

Wish you all enjoy your weekend calsses at your respective studios including the "Hello" Classes at yogaloft and also have a nice weekend. CHEERS ^_^

Monday, November 17, 2008

Yoga Centers at Klang Valley

The yoga business is getting more competitive since the official closure of YogaZone and YFitness. There are so many new established and upcoming yoga and fitness centers within Klang Valley these few months since August 2008, such as Life Yoga (Cheras), Light Yoga (Cheras), Yoga Mind (Kepong), Ojas Yoga (Bukit Jalil), YingYang Yoga (Poolside at Bukit Ceylon, KL), Urban Yoga (Kepong, Plaza Damas and Cheras), Yogasana Studio (Puchong), CHI Fitness (Centro Klang) and yogaloft (PJ).

At the same time, some of the existing yoga centers are also refurbishing, relocating or expanding their studios and this may help to grab some of the ex-YogaZone students.

Les Studio was shifted from Klang to PJ and so coincident it is located near to yogaloft's new setup studio. Believe it will be very competitive for them now as yogaloft is backed up by a well known established beauty company (etsu wellness) with huge capital (RM2.8 million investment as announced). Anyway, all consumers have different kind of needs and each business targets at their niche market. Like what "Blue Ocean" teaches to create own niche market and don't be caught in Red Ocean. Air Asia is a very good success story. (Ops... sorry that out of topic)

One Yoga was earlier informed their members that they are going to shift their studio from Kuchai Entrepreneur Park to Esplanade Arcade, Bukit Jalil due to the landlord at Kuchai Lama didn’t want to further extend the rental agreement. Moreover, the new 3-storey shoplot at the Esplanade Arcade is fully owned by them. They originally planned to open this new studio in Nov but later postponed to Dec 2008. However, just received a good news from them that they will remain the outlet at Kuchai Lama while the new studio at Bukit Jalil will be opened in Jan 2009 (instead of Dec 2008) as headquarter. Sounds great!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Yoga Events from 9th to 16th Nov 2008 - Klang Valley only

Hi my dear yoga friends, sorry for late update today as busy visiting Ojas Yoga (Mezzanine Floor is completely renovated), Yogasana (new studio in Puchong) and also went to One Utama for the yogaloft's yoga performance. Just managed to compile it....

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Outdoor Yoga by Penny and Felix
(Free of charge to the Public but please bring your own mat)

Date: 9th Nov 2008 (Sun)
Time: 7:45am
Venue: Plaza Kelana Jaya lakeside (outside the shops and facing the lake)

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yogaloft participates in the "Female and nuyou bumper rewards 08" performace at One Utama. There are five gurus involved in the short 5 to 10 minutes performance. Below are the details and some snapshots. Please click on the photos to enlarge it for better viewing (sorry that I'm not a professional photograher and unable to snap the best view... just okay to glance thru...)

Event: "8energy" Yoga Performance by etsu wellness
Performed by: Kamal, Felix, Sean, Thomas and Siew Mei
Venue: One Utama (New Wing)
Date & Time:
- 8th Nov 2008 (Sat): 2:30pm-2:40pm and 6:30pm-6:40pm
- 9th Nov 2008 (Sun): 12:15pm-12:25pm and 6:30pm-6:40pm (just be informed that the evening perfomance is cancelled - updated on 8th Nov 2008 @ 9:15pm)