A new movement is changing how Filipinos experience health and well-being. Joyful Wellness, launched by NEXT, is a multi-platform campaign that aims to shift the conversation around wellness—making it less intimidating, more empowering, and deeply rooted in both science and joy.
Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all solution, Joyful Wellness encourages individuals to explore what health means for them. Drawing insights from health professionals and grounded in the principles of Functional Medicine, the campaign promotes self-awareness, small actionable steps, and daily habits that can lead to lasting change. Its message is clear: wellness is not about perfection—it’s about intention, consistency, and embracing joy along the way.
Booboo Atayde Alvendia, Head of Business Development at NEXT, describes the movement as a way to meet people where they are and guide them forward with optimism. Through science-backed tools and relatable inspiration, the campaign hopes to help Filipinos see wellness as something personal and sustainable rather than clinical or overwhelming.
The movement was officially launched with a gathering that introduced the campaign’s champions—seven individuals who each represent one of the pillars of the initiative: Nutrition, Beauty, Mental Health, Longevity, Disease Prevention, Health Innovation, and Joy. These champions bring both professional knowledge and lived experience, making the message of Joyful Wellness more relatable to a wide audience. Hazel Calawod was introduced as the Nutrition Pillar Champion and the campaign’s main ambassador, joined by Danie Laurel for Longevity, Daphne Dionisio for Beauty, Lordy Angelo Santos for Mental Health, Dr. Dex Macalintal for Disease Prevention, Jayvee Fernandez for Health Innovation, and Paula Grace for Joy and Happiness.
During the launch, a heartfelt panel discussion titled “Impact Stories” featured Joyful Wellness Ambassador Hazel Calawod, gastroenterologist and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Kathy Mercado, and LifeScience patient and wellness advocate Atty. Edsel Tupaz and ROMLAS Group CEO Mitch Genato. Each shared how the principles of functional medicine and a joyful approach to health helped transform their personal and professional lives—offering real insight into how proactive, personalized wellness can address stress, burnout, and chronic conditions.
Guests were also introduced to a key tool in the campaign: the A Better You Journal. Designed to encourage reflection and progress, the journal provides guided prompts and practical advice for building better health habits. Attendees were given a glimpse of how journaling could be a powerful first step in reconnecting with themselves. The hardcover edition is now available for ₱888, with a softcover version priced at ₱688 launching soon online.
Looking ahead, the Joyful Wellness campaign will continue to expand through interactive platforms and community experiences. These include on-ground and online workshops focused on the campaign’s seven wellness pillars, as well as a large-scale event titled ALIVE, a gathering that combines music, movement, and mindfulness. The campaign also continues to offer content, tools, and updates through its official website and social media pages.
By inviting people to understand their own bodies, make informed choices, and embrace wellness as a joyful and shared experience, Joyful Wellness hopes to ignite not just personal transformation, but national progress. This movement is for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by wellness trends or disconnected from their health. It’s a call to thrive, not just survive—one joyful step at a time.
