Author: Toto Manie

From Deficient to Optimal: My Omega-3 Journey — and How I Finally Earned My Place in the 8% Club

By Toto Manie | Health & Wellness | May 2026

I want to start with a question that most people never ask about themselves:

Do you actually know your Omega-3 level right now?

Not a guess. Not an assumption based on the fish you ate last week or the supplement you take “sometimes.” An actual, tested, verified number.

I didn’t know mine either—until I got tested in 2024. And what I found out changed how I think about my health.

Where This Story Begins

In October 2024, I attended the Yoli annual conference in Utah and was among the first wave of people to try the newly launched Yoli Vital Omegas+ Starter Kit—complete with an Omega-3 Index test powered by OmegaQuant Analytics, one of the leading fatty acid testing laboratories in the world. OmegaQuant is an independent, CLIA-certified lab based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, founded by Dr. William S. Harris, PhD—a professor at the Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, President of the Fatty Acid Research Institute, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on Omega-3 research.

I was also the first Yoli independent distributor from the Philippines to get tested when this program launched. I didn’t know what to expect. I’d been active, eating reasonably well, and taking care of my body as an ultra-distance runner and wellness advocate.

My result: 5.18%

The optimal range is 8–12%. Anything below 8% is considered deficient.

I was below it. Way below it.

(Full blog post about that first test: Read here)

What Happened Next—And Where I Dropped the Ball

I went home to the Philippines, continued the 4-month Yoli Vital Omegas+ supplementation protocol—and saw it through. But here’s the honest part: when the bundle ran out, I stopped taking it consistently. Life got busy. And since Omega-3 Index testing wasn’t yet available in the Philippines at the time, I had no way to measure whether the supplementation had made a difference.

No test. No data. No accountability.

That’s the problem with “I think I’m okay.” You end up guessing.

Test #2: September 2025 — Testing Comes to the Philippines

When Omega-3 Index testing finally became available in the Philippines in 2025, I didn’t wait. I got tested in September.

Result: 6.03%

Still below optimal. Still in the deficient range. But at least now I had a number to work with.

It confirmed two things: (1) the supplementation had done something—my level had moved up from 5.18%—but (2) my inconsistency after the first bundle meant I never fully got there. The gains were real, but incomplete.

I made a decision right then: no more gaps. I went back on Yoli Vital Omegas+, this time consistently and without interruption.

Test #3: April 2026 — The One That Amazed Me

Seven months after Test #2, I got tested again.

Result: 9.66%

That’s inside the optimal 8–12% range. Not barely—comfortably.

The science backs it up: 60 to 90 days of consistent supplementation is enough time to see a meaningful increase in your Omega-3 Index. I knew the numbers would move — because this time, I didn’t miss a single day. And they did. From 6.03% to 9.66%. The difference in how I feel — in recovery, mental clarity, and energy during training — tracks exactly with what the research says should happen.

Why This Matters More Than You Probably Think

Omega-3 is the most studied supplement in the world, with thousands of peer-reviewed studies and decades of clinical research behind it. And yet most people—including most people who already take it—are still deficient.

Here’s what the science, presented by Dr. William S. Harris and OmegaQuant, says:

The deficiency problem is massive.
Over 90% of the U.S. population is Omega-3 deficient. In Southeast Asia—including the Philippines—while formal population-wide data is limited, the pattern mirrors other countries where seafood consumption is lower or inconsistent (particularly in urban areas). The global Omega-3 Index map shows most of the world sitting in the orange-to-red range: deficient.

Taking a supplement isn’t enough.
This one surprised me. About 70% of people who are already taking an Omega-3 supplement are still testing deficient. Why? Because not all Omega-3 products are created equal. Absorption, formulation, dosage, and bioavailability matter enormously. You can swallow a capsule every day and still be nowhere near optimal—and have no idea, because you never tested.

The Omega-3 Index is a better predictor of fatal heart disease risk than cholesterol.
This is the finding that stops people cold when I share it. A meta-analysis of 10 studies involving over 27,000 subjects (Harris WS, et al. Atherosclerosis 2017;262:51–54) found that people with an Omega-3 Index of 8% had a 35% lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease compared to those at 4%. Meanwhile, the Framingham Offspring Study showed that as Omega-3 Index levels rose, the risk of death from any cause dropped significantly—while cholesterol levels, in the same model, showed no statistically significant relationship to that risk. We’ve been watching the wrong number.

The benefits go far beyond your heart.
Research has associated optimal Omega-3 levels (8–12%) with meaningfully lower risk of:

  • Cardiovascular disease and fatal coronary heart disease
  • Death from any cause (all-cause mortality)
  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Macular degeneration (eye health)
  • Pre-term birth
  • Testing positive for COVID-19 and being hospitalized from it

For athletes specifically, adequate Omega-3 levels support joint health, reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, and improve recovery time—all things that matter deeply to anyone training consistently.

Why Yoli Vital Omegas+—And Why OmegaQuant

Two things make this approach different from picking up a random fish oil bottle at the pharmacy.

1. Full-spectrum formula with Vitamin D3.
Yoli Vital Omegas+ is a full-spectrum Omega-3 supplement, meaning it provides the complete range of fatty acids your body needs—not just isolated EPA or DHA. It also includes Vitamin D3, which is important on its own: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread globally, it plays a critical role in immune function, bone health, and mood regulation, and many people—especially in indoor-heavy modern lifestyles—are running low without knowing it. Pairing D3 with Omega-3 in one supplement is a thoughtful combination.

2. Test-based supplementation through OmegaQuant.
Yoli partners with OmegaQuant Analytics (omegaquant.com) to provide a clinically validated Omega-3 Index test—the same lab trusted by Harvard University, Columbia University, the NIH, Duke University, the University of Oxford, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Olympic Team, GSK, AstraZeneca, and major professional sports teams across the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB.

OmegaQuant measures whole blood Omega-3 levels using a dried blood spot method (a simple finger prick, no lab visit needed), converting results into a Red Blood Cell (RBC) Omega-3 Index. RBC measurement reflects your Omega-3 status over the past 3–4 months—a much more accurate picture than plasma tests, which can be temporarily inflated by a recent fish meal or supplement dose.

Very few companies in the world offer this kind of integrated test-and-supplement approach. The ability to start with a baseline, supplement with intention, and then retest to verify results is what separates this from guessing.

The Tagline I Keep Coming Back To

Test. Don’t guess.

It sounds simple, but it changes everything. When I had no test, I had no real information. I was making decisions about my health based on assumptions. The moment I had actual data—a number—I had something to work with, something to measure against, something to improve.

That’s true of your Omega-3 level. It’s true of your training. It’s true of most things worth caring about.

My Three Test Results at a Glance

DateOmega-3 IndexStatusNotes
October 20245.18%⚠️ DeficientFirst test ever.
September 20256.03%⚠️ DeficientImproved, but inconsistent supplementation post-bundle
April 20269.66%✅ Optimal7 months of consistent Yoli Vital Omegas+

Want to Know Your Number?

If you’re in the Philippines and you want to get your Omega-3 Index tested—or if you want to learn more about Yoli Vital Omegas+ and how the test-based supplementation process works—I’d love to walk you through it.

You can reach me directly:

📩 manieandbern.yoli@gmail.com
📱 Facebook
🌐 https://yoli.com/totomanie

Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a professional pushing hard every day, or someone who just wants to know they’re doing the right thing for their long-term health—this is worth looking into. Get a baseline. Know your number. Then do something about it.

TEST. DON’T GUESS!

Disclaimer: I am an independent Yoli distributor and a wellness advocate, not a medical professional. The information shared in this post is based on my personal experience and publicly available research. The studies referenced are real and cited from peer-reviewed publications, but individual results vary. This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine or health plan. Results shared are my own and are not guaranteed.

Research references: Harris WS and von Schacky C. Prev Med 2004;39:212–220 | Harris WS, et al. Atherosclerosis 2017;262:51–54 | Harris WS, et al. J Clin Lipidol 2018;12:718–727 | McBurney, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2021;114:1447–1454 | Harris WS, et al. for the FORCE Consortium. Nature Comm (2021) 12:2329 | Harris WS, et al. AJCN 2023;117:357–363 | Schaefer et al. Arch Neurol 2006;63:1–6 | Schuchardt JP, et al. Prog Lipid Res 95 (2024) 101286

One Student. One of the Best Sessions I’ve Ever Had.

Discussing different light sources and qualities.


The people who show up are the ones who chose to be there. That changes everything.

The difference between teaching at the university and running a workshop is vast.

Standing in front of 30 to 40 students sounds impressive — until you realize many of them are only there because they had to be. The energy is different. And the weight of having to quantify someone’s passion with a grade, knowing it can shape their future — that never sat right with me.

Workshops are a different world entirely.

The people who show up are the ones who chose to be there. They come with fire, curiosity, and a genuine hunger to learn. That’s when teaching feels less like a job and more like a calling.

Yesterday, only one student came to the Film Talk.

And it was one of the most rewarding sessions I’ve had.

We went deep into cinematography — light, lenses, framing, angles, and how filmmakers craft the illusion of reality in every frame. We stepped outside, read the daylight, studied shadows, and talked about how a scene shot at night can feel like high noon.

It wasn’t just a lesson. It was a conversation between two people who love the craft of storytelling.

And after the workshop, we kept talking — about books, mentors, self-development, and the journeys that shape us. Those moments reminded me why I do this.

One student or twenty, the purpose is the same.

I’ve always believed in quality over quantity. Yesterday proved it again.

— Toto Manie | Filmmaker. Race Director. Storyteller.

The Story Behind WRITE, SHOOT, CUT, PLAY™

Digital filmmaking as we know it began taking shape in the late 1990s, when Digital 8 and Mini DV formats started gaining ground. Cameras became smaller, more accessible, and non-linear editing software finally reached the consumer market. But “accessible” was relative — I still remember spending ₱119,000 just to build my first editing machine, running an ADVC100 capture card and AVID Express DV. It wasn’t cheap, but it was a start.

Then in 2004, something bigger happened. I met the late, great Francis Magalona.

Together, we built Filipino Pictures, Inc. — a small but purposeful production house that handled our own personal projects and collaborated with student filmmakers from various universities. It was humble by design, but it was ours.

The mid-2000s, I believe, marked the golden era of digital filmmaking. When Panasonic released the DVX100 — the first consumer camera capable of shooting in 24p — it changed everything. Suddenly, content was sprouting everywhere. Aspiring filmmakers had a real tool in their hands, and the creative floodgates opened.

But with that surge came a pattern I kept noticing: brilliant concepts, powerful stories — shot poorly. Not because the ideas weren’t there. But because the craft hadn’t caught up with the passion. Everyone wanted to make films, and honestly, that energy was unstoppable.

Francis and I talked about this a lot, with other filmmaker closest to our circle. We all saw what was coming — a generation of storytellers who needed a foundation, not gatekeeping. We asked ourselves: if we can’t stop people from making films, why not teach them how to do it right?

That question became the seed of WRITE, SHOOT, CUT, PLAY™.

We pulled together a team of our most passionate friends — all working, established filmmakers — each a master in their own lane. Together, we mentored the very first WSCP batch in the Summer of 2008. The rest, as they say, is history.

If you’re part of WSCP — whether as a student, a mentor, or a sponsor — know that you are part of something that matters. The name WRITE, SHOOT, CUT, PLAY™ itself was penned by Francis Magalona. That alone tells you what this is.

You’re not just learning filmmaking. You’re carrying a legacy.

Visit WSCP Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/writeshootcutplay

The Starting Line Is Not Always Loud

There is a quiet kind of beginning.

It does not always come with fireworks, a perfect plan, a grand announcement, or a dramatic change in life. Sometimes, it begins with a simple decision:

I will start.

That is where I am today.

I have spent years telling stories through film, moving through mountains and roads as a runner, organizing events that bring people together, and learning from life as it keeps shaping me. But I realize that many of the lessons I have learned were never meant to stay only with me.

Some lessons were earned through tired legs.
Some through failed plans.
Some through quiet mornings.
Some through conversations with people who reminded me why purpose matters.

This blog is a place for those lessons.

It will not be perfect. But maybe that is the point. We often wait for the perfect timing, perfect confidence, perfect website, perfect writing voice, or perfect version of ourselves before we begin.

But movement teaches us something different.

You do not become a runner by thinking about running.
You become a runner by taking the first step.

You do not become a storyteller by waiting for the perfect story.
You become one by paying attention to life.

So this is my first step.

This blog will be about movement, creativity, purpose, health, discipline, family, faith in the future, and the beautiful struggle of becoming better one day at a time.

Not from the perspective of someone who has figured everything out.

But from someone still running, still learning, still creating, still becoming.

And maybe that is enough.

Because every finish line begins with one honest start.

Welcome to my starting line.

Understanding My Omega-3 Levels: Why Testing Matters for Better Health—Especially as an Athlete

Hello, everyone! I’m excited to share a recent experience that has opened my eyes to the importance of knowing our Omega-3 levels, especially as an athlete. I recently received my Omega-3 Index test results after more than a week of waiting, and, as expected, my levels are below the optimal range. Given that more than 90% of people in the U.S. are Omega-3 deficient, I wasn’t surprised. In the Philippines, while there’s no official data, it’s likely many people there also have low levels, particularly in urban areas where seafood is less accessible.

My Omega-3 Results:

My Omega-3 Index came in at 5.18, but the recommended range is between 8 and 12. This has been eye-opening, especially as I learned that Omega-3 benefits the body far beyond heart health. It plays a critical role in brain function and supports various systems in the body—making it essential for anyone, but especially so for athletes like me.

Why Omega-3 Matters for Athletes:

For athletes, Omega-3 can make a big difference in performance and recovery. It supports joint health, which is crucial for high-impact activities, and has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery times. Omega-3 is also beneficial for cardiovascular health and endurance, giving athletes the stamina to train harder and longer. It’s no wonder that having optimal Omega-3 levels is often linked to improved athletic performance!

Yoli Basic Omega 3 Test Kit powered by Omegaquant bundled with Yoli Omegas+

Why Testing Matters – “Test, Don’t Guess”:

What I appreciate about the Omega-3 Index test is that it provides a measurable result. There’s a big difference between assuming you’re meeting your Omega-3 needs and knowing where your levels actually stand. For athletes, this is key because even with supplementation, there’s no guarantee you’re getting enough Omega-3. Some of my friends here in the U.S. have been taking Omega-3 for years, only to find their levels are still low. This shows that not all Omega-3 supplements are created equal.

My Plan for Improvement:

To raise my Omega-3 Index, I’m using Yoli’s newly reformulated Omega-3 supplement. Based on initial testing, users have seen an average increase of 3% in their Omega-3 levels, which is a significant improvement. I plan to retest in 60 to 90 days and see where my levels stand. I’m excited to see the impact this could have not only on my health but also on my athletic performance and recovery.

The Importance of Knowing Your Baseline:

As an athlete, knowing my baseline Omega-3 level feels empowering. It gives me a starting point to measure improvement and allows me to set specific goals for health and performance. Having real data ensures that my training and recovery are supported by a solid nutritional foundation.

Omega 3 index data from selected countries.

In conclusion, if you’re interested in your health and athletic performance, consider taking an Omega-3 Index test. It’s a small step that can yield big benefits by helping you understand your body’s needs and guiding you toward better health and performance.

Thank you for reading, and I’ll keep you updated on my Omega-3 journey! Let’s all work toward healthier bodies and stronger athletic performance by taking a little time to “test, not guess.”



For more information about Yoli Omegas+ check this link: Yoli Omegas+
If you want to try Yoli Omegas+ with a Test Kit, shop now: shop.yoli.com/totomanie

Cardiovascular Health and Longevity: Test, don’t guess. My Journey with the Yoli Vital Omegas+ Starter Kit

Hello, everyone! I’m excited to share a quick unboxing with you today. I just got back from the annual conference in Utah, and I couldn’t wait to talk about this new product—Yoli Vital Omegas Plus Starter Kit. This was one of the exciting announcements at the conference, and I’m thrilled to try it out!

This product is an enhanced version of what we’ve seen before, but with a special twist: it’s test-based, meaning you can measure your progress with an Omega-3 index test. That’s what makes it stand out from other supplements—you’re not just taking it blindly; you actually get to track the results!

Why Omega-3 Matters

Omega-3 is widely known for its potential benefits, especially when it comes to supporting cardiovascular health. While I’m not a medical expert, studies presented at the conference highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy Omega-3 index, and how it may be associated with various aspects of overall well-being. Some research suggests that improving your Omega-3 levels could support long-term health, including heart health.

The Test-Based Approach

This kit includes:

  • Four bottles of the newly formulated Omega Plus, designed to last 3-4 months
  • One free test kit that allows you to test your Omega-3 index at the start and after completing the bundle
  • Postage for mailing the test kit is included!

The idea is that after 3-4 months, you can retest to see how your Omega-3 index has changed. This kind of test-based supplementation helps provide a more measurable approach to improving your health, which is something I’m really looking forward to.

My Journey Begins

As someone who’s into fitness and health, I’m always looking for ways to optimize my well-being. Omega-3s are often overlooked when we think about our overall health, but they’re a key component of cardiovascular care. While we often focus on things like cholesterol, I’m eager to see how my Omega-3 index progresses as I use this product. It’s a good reminder that there are multiple factors involved in staying healthy, and I’m excited to see what kind of impact this can have.

I’ll be updating you on my journey with this product over the next few months, so stay tuned for future blog posts and videos where I’ll share my experience and results. It’s important to remember that results can vary from person to person, but I’m hopeful that this kit will help me along my path to better health.

Currently, this product is only available in the US (sorry, to my friends in the Philippines and Canada), but I feel fortunate to be among the first to try it out after attending the conference.

Thanks for reading! I can’t wait to update you all as I continue this journey. Stay healthy and take care!

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

If you’re as excited as I am to improve your cardiovascular health and explore the potential benefits of Omega-3s, the Yoli Vital Omegas Plus Starter Kit is a great place to start. Whether you’re aiming for better heart health or just looking to boost your overall wellness, this test-based kit allows you to track your progress and make informed choices about your health.

Take the first step on your journey today and discover how optimizing your Omega-3 levels could support your long-term well-being!

👉 For US customers, please check here.

Just Push Play

I just discovered recently that this video was blocked by YouTube due to a copyright issue. I sent them a letter of dispute and I am glad they lifted it and made this public once again. This is FrancisM’s last music video. These footages were originally meant to be for a documentary he wants to release along with the album where this song is included. He would call me for the schedule and I would come to the studio with my gaffer, Adonis (may he also rest in peace) a light, and a camera.

I met him in 2004 and we founded Filipino Pictures, Inc. together. He is one of the brains behind WRITE, SHOOT, CUT, PLAY. He would have done a lot more of great things if he is still around. He would call any time of the day including the wee hours of the morning to discuss ideas that would pop in his head. Vlog was not yet a thing then but we already have shot one but weren’t able to release it. I’m thinking of uploading it in the future.

Last March 6 marks the 12th year since he was gone but he’s still very alive in the hearts of every person he touched in his generation. I remember when we last interviewed him in the hospital he said that whatever happens he will stay alive forever, we JUST have to PUSH PLAY.We miss you Kiko.

#RememberingFrancisM

My Little Scuba Diver

When I was small my dad and uncle would make me toys out of bamboo, old slippers, tin can or wood. It could be a car, bow and arrow, scooter, etc. I remember my uncle made me a very detailed dump truck made of wood, G.I. wire and tin can. I didn’t ask for it. I just saw him carving the wood and bending the can every day. I didn’t know what he was doing until one day, he assembled it and formed a very nice dump truck where I would carry sand and transfer it from one place to another like a real one. I grew up watching my dad do all the handy works at home. He would make his own tables and chairs and would fix his own tools. Maybe that is where I got my skills and interest in being a handyman myself. I love to buy tools and would fix almost everything at home. I could spend the whole a day checking stuff at hardware stores.

This is Ramie’s 3rd award for Best in Costume. But I made this without that intention in mind, honestly. I don’t like that kind of competition. I enjoyed doing this and making him excited wearing what we have worked for is more satisfying than the award itself. I just hope that I will forever have the time and excitement in making more of this as he grows up. And I hope that when he’s capable enough, we will enjoy doing this together.

 

P.S.
Making a costume for Ramie is not an easy task. One important consideration must be its durability because sometimes he would just rip or pull any parts off. Glue will not be enough so this costume also have nuts, bolts, screws and cable ties. Besides the mask and sandals (thanks to Decathlon for a cheaper option) which anyway he would also be using come summer and my running vest, I spent maybe just more than a hundred pesos for other materials.

PSUEDO CHAMP

August 26, 2012. Immuvit Fearless Challenge Trail Run. It was a nice challenge indeed. I joined the 10K category. There were 5 kinds of obstacles on the route, the fire jump, log hurdle, tire skip, military wall and the mud wall.

I registered on the 1st wave of the 10K which has 8 waves in total. After the 3rd kilometer, I was leading the group up until the finish line. It was a nice experience because the track doesn’t have so much mud I was the first one to pass through it. Many of the marshals was still sleeping when I passed them by. It was a very peaceful route inside the La Mesa Water Reserve forest. It was drizzling so it was really cool.

When I crossed the finish line, everybody was looking at me and asked question about the route. The first wave of the 5K category was just about to start. Suddenly my name was called from the stage as the first finisher. I was so happy. Bern was surprised when she heard my name. She wasn’t expecting that I could finish that fast. she was just about to go and wait to take pictures of me crossing the finished line. She missed it.

It was one of the great experiences I had in running. Of course I didn’t win because chip time was being considered and there are lots of elite runners on other waves. But even then, after I crossed the finish line and all eyes were looking at me, some cheering. I experience how it feels to be the first one to cross the finish line. And for a short moment imagine what it feels like being a champion.

I finished 10th overall.

 

Immuvit Fearless Challenge Trail Run 2012 – LEG 1

Image

This will be tomorrow. I’m excited. But I’m only half as excited as the moment I learned about this event. I was supposed to run with my fiance Bern for the 10K category.

This would have been her 2nd 10K run.

This would have been our 2nd run together because I promised to run with her on categories longer than 5K which is her comfortable distance at the moment.

I could see the spark of excitement in her eyes the moment I told her about this race. She was jumping when we were watching the Spartan Race Miami to where this race was inspired.

She loves the trail much more than the road. The obstacle make her more excited. But sadly, the lack of training makes me decide the last minute not to let her join. For months, she stopped running. Two weeks ago, I’ve been pushing her to start preparing for this race. I train in the morning but she’s not a morning person. So I wanted to adjust my training. Do the half in the morning and the other half is with her in the afternoon. It was hard because it rains in the afternoon. She doesn’t want to run in the rain also. So, I ran out of option. I decided not to let her join.

The moment I was signing the registration form, she was very sad. I felt the pain. It was also very painful for me. But I couldn’t risk her safety. There are still lots of trail runs coming. I just have to be more creative in designing a training scheme that could make her hit the road again. Maybe after I bought her favorite Salomon trail running shoes.