Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Drinie’s interest in spirituality began at a young age. In 1999, she was introduced to yoga as a physical practice to cross train as a martial artist and dancer not knowing how yoga would eventually change her life.
The physical effects of flexibility and strength were felt together with a sense of peace and well-being; as she began to explore beyond the asanas, she started to find answers to the spiritual questions she had been asking. Left with a deep desire to learn more, Drinie decided to leave a career as a sportscaster in 2008 to dedicate herself to the yogic journey. The next year she completed 500 hours under Yoga Alliance schools from two distinct styles. Her 200-hour teacher training was from Patrick Creelman at Pure Yoga, Singapore in Anusara - a Tantric philosophy that marries scientific principles of biomechanics with artistic expression of the human heart. The other 300 hours were from Shiva Rea at Venice’s Exhale Center for Sacred Movement in Prana Vinyasa Flow – a creative approach to experiencing prana – our life-force energy.
The experience led her to soul-search even further learning from different yoga and meditation teachers in places like Bali, Maui, and Brazil. Getting lost in the foreign lands is also what brought her to find her Self, a spark of the Divine – which she then started to see in every single living being.
“Yoga is an empowering way to live from our highest potential. When we connect to our true nature, our Self, we live the life we want to live – free to create from our true purpose. What’s even more beautiful is that when you empower yourself, you end up empowering other people too.” -Drinie
The two-year nomadic journey transformed her life and brought her to live in a new city, Santa Monica. She was drawn not only to the yoga community and lifestyle, but to a sacred space she connected with, the Bhakti Yoga Shala. Through the guidance of Govindas’ teacher training, Drinie immersed herself in kirtans and embraced the path of love and devotion, cultivating a stronger connection to the heart space. It is from this heart space that she teaches her classes - a creative blend of asana sequences that focus on flow and alignment, pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, sacred chanting, and inspiration from ancient teachings, her teachers and personal life experiences. Her love for music brings an eclectic soundtrack, and her love for life brings an upbeat attitude.
“It is in my best interest to hold a fun-filled space where we can free our bodies, still our minds, and come back to our natural rhythm starting with the tide of our breath. I welcome everyone with love and gratitude. See you in class.”
Namaste,
Drinie
May All Beings Be Happy and Free.
Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu.