Every new year, we hear it time and again: This year will be different.

It’s a chance to quit those bad habits, tackle long-standing goals, and build a healthier future. With each January, we’re inspired by the promise of a fresh start—an ideal time to stop smoking, adopt cleaner habits, and finally prioritize well-being.

Yet, more often than not, these resolutions fizzle out. Plans that feel achievable in the moment tend to fade, proving unsustainable or simply out of reach. The truth is, waiting for the perfect time often leads to wasted opportunities.

That’s why investing in your health now is the best course of action. Seize this moment to make lasting changes, because the future you’re working toward deserves more than a fleeting resolution. It's about building the foundation for a healthier, stronger life—not just for this year, but for all the years to come.

As the Philippines grapples with an alarming rise in dengue cases, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are calling for a renewed focus on prevention and the adoption of forward-thinking solutions to address healthcare gaps in dengue management and prevention.

Exacerbated by rising global temperatures, dengue fever has become an increasingly critical seasonal challenge in the country. Frequent typhoons and heightened annual rainfall create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly in vulnerable grassroots communities. From January to October 2024, the Philippines reported 314,785 dengue cases and 3,000 deaths, making it the country with the highest number of cases and fatalities in ASEAN. [1]

In an interview, Dr. Florentina Ty, the immediate past President of the Philippine Pediatrics Society (PPS), emphasizes the necessity of proactive dengue prevention strategies. "We must move beyond a 'ningas kugon’ (hardworking or great at first, but eventually, no longer continues what was started.) approach of reacting only when outbreaks have escalated, especially at the community level—and instead embed sustained, proactive measures into our healthcare system to combat dengue effectively."

Fighting with one hand tied behind our backs

The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to report a dengue epidemic in 1954. Since then, the country has consistently struggled to curb dengue cases and prevent hundreds of deaths—mostly children—each year. Furthermore, subsequent dengue infections pose a greater risk of developing severe symptoms such as hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Despite all this, the Philippines has long been at a disadvantage in fighting dengue. While 24 other nations, including neighboring ASEAN countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, have successfully classified dengue as a vaccine-preventable disease through comprehensive strategies, the Philippines continues to lag behind. [2]

The absence of an FDA-approved dengue vaccine in the country creates a critical gap in its efforts to address this decades-long public health challenge, leaving the nation vulnerable to repeated outbreaks and preventable deaths.

The controversy surrounding the previous dengue vaccine has further compounded the issue. While allegations against the first generation of dengue vaccine were ultimately unproven, the politicization of the situation eroded public confidence in vaccines and created a lasting setback for the country’s healthcare system.

Hope for a better tomorrow

Emerging regional strategies offer a promising blueprint for the Philippines. Through comprehensive public health interventions, neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Singapore have demonstrated remarkable progress. Sri Lanka, in particular, has dramatically reduced dengue case fatality rates from 5% in 1996 to near-zero levels in 2024.[3]

Health experts highlight these nations’ integrated approaches—combining targeted vaccination programs, aggressive vector control measures, and widespread community education—as a model that the Philippines can adopt to address its own dengue burden.

Central to this success is the introduction of the second-generation dengue vaccine, which offers renewed hope in the fight against the disease. Already approved in several ASEAN nations, this vaccine overcomes many of its predecessor's limitations by providing protection regardless of prior exposure to the dengue virus.

“The second-generation dengue vaccine has a higher safety profile,” emphasized Dr. Ty. “It can be administered to patients even without previous exposure to dengue.”

The new dengue vaccine, developed using a dengue virus backbone rather than the yellow fever virus used in its predecessors, marks a significant advancement in the fight against all dengue serotypes. Particularly, this vaccine has shown efficacy against dengue type 2 (DENV-2) —the strain responsible for the most severe cases.[4] By eliminating the need for prior screening to determine exposure and addressing the side effects associated with first-generation vaccines, this second-generation vaccine offers a safer, more accessible solution for widespread immunization efforts.

Achieving zero dengue death

The Department of Health's 5S Preventive Dengue Campaign—Search and Destroy, Self-Protection, Seek Early Consultation, Support Fogging, and Sustain Hydration—remains the cornerstone of dengue prevention in the Philippines.

However, Dr. Ty stressed the critical need for a dedicated champion in each community to proactively monitor grassroots situations, ensuring the sustainability and continuity of initiatives and policies despite changes in leadership. She emphasized that combating dengue effectively requires a collective responsibility and a whole-of-community approach.

The Philippine medical community remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving “Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030,” which aligns with the World Health Organization's sustainable development goals. “Achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030 is possible if we work together—other countries have done it,” said Dr. Ty. “By prioritizing vector control and the possibility of integrating the use of vaccines, we have a stronger chance of reducing dengue cases and reaching zero mortality.”

Dr. Ty also underscored the lessons from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which demonstrated how widespread immunization and robust public health strategies can effectively reduce infection rates and save lives. She noted that the success of these campaigns provides a valuable framework for dengue prevention, highlighting the parallel significance of integrating vaccines to complement existing healthcare practices and mitigate disease burdens.

Healthcare professionals continue the call toward sustainable actions and innovative solutions to combat dengue effectively. Just as neighboring countries have made significant strides in reducing dengue mortality, Filipino healthcare professionals hope for a better future where our communities are safeguarded from the devastating impact of this preventable disease.

References:
1.https://www.adva.asia/dengue-dashboard/
2.https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/second-gen-dengue-vaccine-found-24-countries-2024-07-29
3.https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/14-08-2024-sri-lanka-successfully-conducts-capacity-building-program-in-clinical-management-of-dengue--for-bangladeshi-health-staff#:~:text=Dengue%20is%20a%20public%20health,time%20to%200.07%25%20in%202023
4.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1477893923000583 .

 

In a remarkable display of collaboration between public and private entities, SeeYouDoc (MA) Analytics recently hosted an event where Barangay Health workers and Doctors from 16 Barangays in Parañaque City shared their experiences in utilizing telemedicine. This innovative approach to healthcare delivery has not only proven its effectiveness but has become a beacon of success in the post-pandemic era, showcasing the power of cooperation in advancing health services.


The event, attended by representatives from WHO Philippines, highlighted the significant strides Parañaque City has made in promoting health and ensuring access to quality services. Dr. John Juliard Go, the National Professional Officer of WHO Philippines, commended the pilot barangays in Parañaque for their dedication to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare.

“Overwhelmed, happy, and proud!”

This is how Ms. Krystal Tecson-Garalde, the CEO and Founder of Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center when asked how she felt after the anniversary and contract signing event.

“As I always say, we at Dear Self aspire for greatness in the field of beauty and wellness, that’s why when I see things unfold and as we reach our goals, kahit paunti-unti, napakasaya sa feeling, this is unbelievable,” Ms. Tecson- Garalde continued. The RENEW event aimed to celebrate individuality and to promote love for others that begins from love from within.

“Dear Self Aesthetics and Wellness Center believes in taking action to love oneself. The inner voice that reminds us to accept flaws and imperfections while advocating self-improvement keeps us grounded and near to our goals,” Mr. Kenneth Tecson, the brand’s VP for Marketing said in his message.

This also marked their first year operating independently and creating their own name in the beauty and wellness industry.

 

As summer approaches, children are looking forward to spending more time outside and playing in the sun. It can be challenging for parents to come up with fun and beneficial activities to keep their children entertained. Fortunately, the Batang Matag Bus has arrived just in time to provide children with a day of play and lots of exciting learning experiences.

Although the pandemic's impact is diminishing, parents remain vigilant in ensuring that their children remain healthy and safe as they explore the world around them. However, beyond maintaining good hygiene practices, the most crucial step is ensuring that children are healthy from the inside out. This is because 70% of the body's immunity is derived from the gut.

 

Uratex, the top foam company in the Philippines, celebrates World Sleep Day (WSD) and continues to promote the importance of a good night's sleep. WSD, which took place last March 17, emphasizes the value of quality sleep for everyone.

Research conducted by Milieu Insight and Intellect revealed that many employed Filipino adults experience poor quality of life due to stress, leading to difficulty sleeping. The National Nutrition Council in the Philippines also reported that a lack of sleep is linked to several health problems, including brain function and depression. Therefore, it is necessary to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to boost the immune system.

To address sleep problems and provide sleep solutions, Uratex is committed to developing and innovating products that enhance the sleep experience of every Filipino family. Uratex has spent more than five decades creating sleeping essentials to meet everyone's needs, becoming a trusted sleeping companion for every Filipino.

 

We’ve all been there–raring to eat healthy but falter when we do our grocery runs. With the sea of available food choices, navigating through the aisles can be a dizzying chore. Here are a few tips to help you skip the stress and fill your cart with healthier food choices!

Lemons pack a punch
Looking to level up your cooking? Lemons help you lose weight and boost your immune system–one lemon alone contains half your daily dose of vitamin C. Squeeze them on top of your favorite dish to add extra zest, or dunk a few slices in a jar for a refreshing glass of lemon-infused water.

Honey never spoils
Honey lasts forever. Its low moisture content keeps bacteria from surviving and it’s acidic enough to ward off most bacteria. It is also rich in antioxidants and is good for your blood sugar levels. Try replacing sugar with honey in your coffee, tea, and morning bowl of oatmeal.

“Low fat” means “added sugar”
When striving to live a healthier lifestyle, it’s natural to gravitate towards labels that say ‘low fat’ or ‘light.’ However, you might want to think twice. It usually means the food contains added sugar which can actually make you gain weight. Sugar, not fat, is your diet's main enemy. Try to opt for food with low sugar content instead of low fat.

"Organic" does not always mean healthy
In recent years, 'organic' and 'gluten-free' have become diet buzzwords. However, just because something is promoted as such doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Truth is, organic sugar is still sugar, and gluten-free junk food is still junk food. Make it a habit to read nutrition fact labels to help you pick your food wisely.

Not all chocolate is bad for you
Here’s a bit of good news: you don’t have to give up chocolate to lead a healthy lifestyle. Dark chocolate is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and can help lower your blood pressure and risk of heart disease. When you’re craving something sweet, reach for a bar of dark chocolate. It's actually good for you. Hooray!

Start your healthy journey with AIA Vitality

The journey to eating better can be overwhelming but AIA Vitality is here to make it easier!

AIA Vitality is AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health, and comes bundled with various AIA products.

Members earn points with each health task they accomplish. The healthier you get, the more points you earn and the higher your AIA Vitality status becomes, the bigger your rewards.

Simply log in your results in the app as you accomplish certain health goals to earn exciting discounts from health and wellness partners such as special rates on medical services, fitness apparel and devices, and more. You can even earn insurance benefits of up to 50% additional coverage, 20% premium discount or 100% loyalty boost on your AIA policy!

Click here for more information about AIA Vitality and the Total Health Solution offered by AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

Bad posture always comes because of our bad habits and undisciplined exercise. Sometimes our posture causes some body pains and if untreated it might cause much more damage to our body. 

Physical therapy clinics are now being recognized because of the treatments they provide. Thus, we should always look out for qualified and certified ones. 

Buela, one of the most advanced physical therapy clinics in the country, has opened another branch in the Metro East Area at the Garden Walk Mall in Cainta, Rizal. Buela boasts of cutting edge technology in their clinics using the latest machines in physiotherapy. Coupled with well-trained physiotherapists and in-house medical doctors, Buela offers a complete and holistic approach to physical therapy.

 

The uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed put us all in a situation where we realized the importance of many things. One, in particular, is the value of our health. 

Filipinos who are eager to secure their health and ensure a brighter future will find an ally in Sun Life, as it launches a campaign dubbed “Partner in Health.”

Featuring Charo Santos-Concio, Matteo Guidicelli, and Piolo Pascual, the campaign consists of digital videos where they will talk about lessons from past experiences which paved the way towards their brighter future. One of these is investing in their health. The videos will be shared on Sun Life’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SunLifePH) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/SunLifePH).

Complementing the videos is “Safe Space,” a series of webinars focusing on mental health to be conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA). The pilot stream, entitled “Love 'em, Hate 'em, Stress 'em: Mental Wellness for the Family,” will be held on April 9. It will be followed by “Imperfect Balance: How Mental Wellness Bridges Work and Life” on May 14. The series will close on June 18 with “You are Worth It: Illuminating a Path towards Holistic Health.”

To make the learning series more fun and interactive, Sun Life will also engage followers of its Facebook page through bite-sized content dubbed “Mind Your Health,” which promotes holistic wellness and mental health.

Sun Life is also collaborating with education technology platform Edukasyon.ph to spread its health advocacy to the younger generation. This will be done through a nationwide awareness campaign featuring articles, quizzes, and informative social posts promoting holistic health. Learning Quests, a gamified online learning module, may also be utilized by those who wish to learn more about the topic.

Meanwhile, for those ready to own a health protection product, they may choose from Sun Life’s diverse offerings such as SUN First Aid Plus, SUN Fit & Well Advantage, and Sun ICU Protect. Those who wish to know more about these products may avail of a free consultation with a preferred Sun Life advisor or they may connect with one through www.bit.ly/advisormatch.

“As we continuously endeavor to bring our lives back to normal, let us not forget the lessons we have learned from the past two years. Our health is an important factor in securing a brighter future, and so keeping ourselves healthy is truly worth it,” says Sun Life President Alex Narciso. “It would be Sun Life’s honor to walk this journey with them. With this campaign, we are reemphasizing our commitment to be the Filipino’s partner in health.”

 

I actually heard of Fern-C but haven't heard about Fern-D, This was actually my first time to read about Fern-D. It's great that there's this vitamin that would actually give you what you need from the sun. We should be having this since the pandemic started most of us are confined inside of our houses. Good for those who have gardens but too bad for those who only stay in the four corners of their home. 

 

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) recently held its 10th edition of "Usapang Puso sa Puso" (Heart to Heart Talk). It is one of the many informative programs of the association where people can watch and learn. In this edition, the program discusses the heart health of our fathers, thus, titled "Puso Ni Daddy Sintigas pa ba ng Haligi?" Aside from the discussion, it also aims to educate people entirely about heart issues and problems. Experts also share their insights and practices on how to prevent having heart problems. Panelists from different expertise were present to share their knowledge about the subject matter, namely, Dr. Jorge Sison, Dr. Badette Arevalo, and Dr. Benjamin Quito. Mayor Richard Gomez, an advocate of CPR, is also part of the panel but was on official business.

There were questions relating to heart problems were raised in the program, and our panel of experts addressed them accordingly. Aside from their insights about the subject matter, they were also generous enough to share some of the practices they believe can help prevent heart problems.

What interests me more was the ways to know or detect symptoms or changes in our body that contributes to developing heart problems or if we're having problems already with our heart. So, what are the things to watch out for us to know if we're at risk of having a heart problem or already experiencing a heart problem?

• 1. If you're having difficulty breathing with a few activities.
• 2. Sudden unexplained pain in the chest.
• 3. Obesity, Dad bod, or abdominal obesity can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• 4. Inactivity or no physical activity.
• 5. If with vices like cigarette smoking and drinking. According to Dr. Sison, men are more prone to cardiovascular diseases.

This list is just some of the many things to watch out for to prevent having cardiovascular disease. So, if you're experiencing some of these, maybe it's about time for you to visit your friendly neighborhood doctor for a check-up.

PHA always has programs for the public to give awareness about cardiovascular diseases and how to prevent it. It is the organization's way of helping out in every possible way. So, if you want to know more about its plans and activities, you can visit their website Philippine Heart Association (philheart.org), or their Facebook page Philippine HEART Association

 

For a country that thrives on innovation, it is no wonder that Taiwan is already recognized as one of the top countries in the world that truly excels in manufacturing and exporting products that will help improve people’s lives for the better.

Founded in 1993, Taiwan Excellence continues on its mission to showcase what Taiwan is made of with regard to best products and even manufacturing practices that can be the envy of even the most progressive countries around the world.

A spirit of innovation and creativity

At Taiwan Excellence, it is about fostering a spirit of innovation and creativity in almost all industries, including machinery, building materials, infrastructure, medical/health care, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, smart technologies and others.

Leonor Lin, President and CEO of Taiwan External Trade and Development Council (TAITRA), said Taiwan Excellence is dedicated to looking for outstanding products based on research and development, design, quality, marketing, and strong spirit of innovation. Awarding these products with the Taiwan Excellence Award means that the products displayed superior innovation and quality, which can help the enterprises that created them to attract the attention of a worldwide audience and expand their territory in the global market.

To showcase these industries and their capabilities, Taiwan Excellence embarked on an aggressive campaign to showcase Taiwan’s industries. Even amid the pandemic, where events and face-to-face contact is not allowed, Taiwan Excellence continued the campaign through a series of webinars where the industries and enterprises presented their products to potential buyers and the international media for them to witness first-hand what these products and services were all about.

Battling a crippling pandemic

To date, Taiwan continues to be the benchmark in handling the pandemic, and Taiwan is even willing to share its expertise and own experiences in handling the virus without so much disruption, particularly with regard to trade. Taiwan Excellence even tapped local artists such as Gloc-9, an outstanding Filipino rapper, together with indie song artist Keiko Necessario, to create a music video that shows Taiwan as a good role model on innovation, how it is battling a debilitating pandemic, and its vision for progress.

The Taiwanese government also altered its trade promotion policies where it worked closely in monitoring changes and market tendencies, even assisted industries in helping restore business activities as early as possible. Businesses were also helped to survive the pandemic through multiple approaches such as new business activities, especially connecting them to business partners all over the world. They were provided trade support through insurance, professional marketing to reduce costs, diversify their export reach, and helped them break through the crisis with new concepts for global trade or international marketing, with focus on digital transformation, providing more digital capacity and capability.

The pandemic even made Taiwan more resilient, says Simon Wang, TAITRA EVP. A digital platform was created to share how Taiwan handled the crisis and overcame challenges through https://www.anticovid19tw.org/ This medical and healthcare virtual pavilion is where Taiwan showcased tools and demonstrated its expertise in battling the virus through Taiwan’s medical and healthcare ecosystem, which also served as a new marketing strategy. The pavilion severs the boundaries of time and space and even social distancing rules where countries can interact with companies whose products they are interested in.


Beyond COVID-19

Having quickly controlled the spread of Covid-19 domestically, Taiwan is now exporting its expertise in technology and medical hardware and was hailed as a role model for pandemic prevention. Taiwan received many procurement requests for medical supplies, where it gladly responded on humanitarian grounds, with a sense of responsibility to share its experiences to help other countries battle this pandemic. If COVID-19 is the desert, then Taiwan can be the oasis with the way it battled the pandemic in terms of health, safety, as well as industry.

Taiwan was able to handle the pandemic well despite because it has a good government, people are disciplined enough and followed safety protocols set by the government, and technology that was well applied in terms of control and management. Its robust ICT industry also allowed Taiwan to grow its exports to 2.4 percent for the first 9 months of the year despite the global economic slump where many countries suffered in their export growth; and though many countries’ GDP growth slowed, Taiwan GDP is expected to hit 1.5 percent this year and grow by 2.9 percent by next year.

COVID-19 has been constantly changing people’s lives, whether for work, study or play and it has become a daily routine to keep social distancing as a common guideline. Like all the other countries, Taiwan was confronted with the pandemic, but it made a quick recovery where its medical industry, particularly its epidemic prevention products, has won high praise worldwide.

Post-COVID-19, Taiwan Excellence will continue to look and develop more Taiwanese brands so they can create more integrated, expandable and customizable products, particularly in the field of AI solutions and cybersecurity, to make smart life become a reality in the very near future. It will also engage and encourage more Taiwanese companies to pursue excellence and innovation. That is the essence of Taiwan Excellence, to make amazing dreams by recognizing the best in Taiwan and help create a healthy world and a better future for all.

Who would have thought that these two winners of Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 Winners will have a similar name or nickname. Yes, you got it right, in this landmark event of Century Tuna, hailed as a strong and successful finish amid the pandemic, Century Tuna Superbods 2020 named nursing student and ESL instructor Samantha Ashley Lo and fitness coach and professional model Sam Ajdani as the Century Tuna Everybod Superbod title holders. The most anticipated health and fitness event of the year was also a momentous occasion as it set the standards for future online events in the new normal. 

Held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City, the finals event followed strict adherence to the FDCP-DOH-DOLE safety protocols for film and audio-visual shoots.

“We needed to rise up to the challenge. We knew it was going to be tough but we stayed focused and if we’re able to pull this off successfully then at least we are able to provide a template for the industry to learn from and use. We soldiered on despite the challenges to show that it can be done,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon. He also added, “It’s important to stage the event to provide inspiration and a good benchmark for the country to put health, wellness and fitness as the top priority.”

The success of the event amid the pandemic made their victory even more memorable for both Samantha (27) and Sam (30). Sam, who is a professional commercial model, admitted that one of the most challenging part of the competition was trying to stay healthy given the restrictions of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Samantha, who is a former Miss Grand International Philippines winner, had to strengthen her focus and remain creative in her home workouts, even when she could not go the gym. Their persistence and commitment to stay strong and focused paid off when they were proclaimed winners of the biggest health and fitness competition in the country.

Samantha and Sam bested 25 other Superbods candidates and will each take home Php 500,000 tax-free cash and other amazing prizes. Both winners passed rigorous digital challenges required during the competition to emerge as the new ambassadors of Century Tuna Superbods 2020—health and fitness advocates who are passionate in promoting health and wellness as an everyday commitment especially during these trying times. They are also exceptional individuals who remain optimistic and believe in getting back up again even after falling so many times.

Meanwhile, the runners-up were Superbod 2020 Stunner Candice Ramos and Superbod 2020 Ageless Erie Matic. Other candidates who took home special awards were Shirley Garcia, Zai Ebido, Enzo Bonoan, Samantha Purvor, Philippe Magalona, Nelson Banzuela, Key Trajano, Albert Lorenzo, and Grace Del Rosario.

The 25 finalists were all strong contenders, showcasing inspiring traits and skills to encourage themselves and their fellow Filipinos to keep going, and remain healthy and strong during these trying times.

The finalists were judged by a distinguished panel of judges. Joining Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon, Century Tuna marketing director Carlo Endaya, triathlete and SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, GMA Network senior assistant vice president for alternative productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Isabelle Daza, AliceDixson, Sarah Lahbati, Ina Raymundo, and DJ Toni Tony.

The health and fitness competition was relaunched last July 25 with a more inclusive and relevant #StayStrongPilipinas theme. To signal its resumption, Century Tuna released a rousing video via its official Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna), featuring Century Tuna celebrity ambassadors Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards with the Superbods finalists urging everyone to stay strong and to continue pursuing their dreams of a healthier future through proper diet and exercise.

To relive the “Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020” finals, visit and follow Century Tuna’s Facebook page, @centurytuna or Instagram @centurytunasuperbods