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This is an excerpt from MEGA February-March 2026 Experience Feature
It’s been a little over half a year since Sama Sanctuary in Salcedo Village, Makati, opened, and it’s already gotten rave reviews. Just a few weeks ago, somebody said online, “It has been a while since I picked up my practice, and I’m glad I got to do so with this Flow & Focus (Vinyasa) class. It was a gentle reminder of the importance of breathwork while being a strong revival of flow and movement. I honestly felt refreshed. My head became clearer and my body became more ready for the rest of the day. The instructor’s guidance is empowering, warm, and free of judgment. I hope to be back soon!”
One student shared that Sama became the one place in her week where she felt safe enough to slow down. She first arrived feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, searching for a way to return to meditation. Over time, she found a sense of steadiness, both physically and emotionally.
Malou Araneta, 46, one of Sama’s founders, says she’s been in the wellness industry for a long time. “I really never thought that I would be a facilitator or a teacher or even opening this space, but it happened. During the pandemic–although I’d been doing a lot of inner work, but just on my own–I was doing yoga, which I’d been doing for over 15 years already. I was reflecting on what was going on in the world and I realized that I wanted to help. There was a calling or need to help others. And then a friend of mine invited me to take an online shamanic breathwork class. It was really such a transformational and transcendental experience that made me want to learn more and bring it here in the Philippines. So I did. In May of 2021 I flew to Peru for Shamanic Breathwork then I started facilitating outside the Philippines. Eventually, I built this space, which offers a holistic approach.”
Sama Sanctuary has a main studio for bigger group classes for yoga, mat pilates, breathwork, mindful meditation and workshops and a smaller room called the Resonance studio designed to enhance the frequency of bowls or any instrument for sound healing. The sanctuary is for people who want wellness that works in real life, says Araneta. “Our students range from beginners to experienced practitioners, but they share a common thread: they are curious, open, and seeking balance. Many are professionals, parents, creatives—people navigating full lives who want practices that support them holistically, not just physically.”
Its difference is in its intention. Every class, teacher, and offering is carefully curated to support mind-body-soul alignment. Sama values nervous system health as much as strength, community and individual practice. The sanctuary is not about trends but about timeless, embodied well-being delivered with clarity and care.“At Sama, we believe that wellness goes beyond the physical body. For us, true well-being is the integration of mind, body, and soul. While we offer yoga, pilates, breathwork, sound healing, and restorative practices, these are simply the entry points. The deeper intention is to create a space where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate balance that supports their everyday lives. The end goal is not just feeling good after a class, but living with greater clarity, resilience, and presence.”
Read more about Sama Sanctuary in MEGA’s February-March 2026 issue now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photographed by SELA GONZALES. Art Direction TROY NONATO. Makeup BABA PARMA. Hair RONNIE TUMAMAK
Shot on location at SAMA SANCTUARY
