Meet Your Fitness Goals at Your Own Pace at These 24/7 Gyms in Manila

There’s always that sense of guilt post-holiday season, after splurging on the finer things in life and overindulging in delicious at Christmas parties and family gatherings.

But as the holidays are winding down, we’re here to remind you that it’s the perfect time to recalibrate your fitness goals and reassess your health and beauty journey. New Year, New You, right? And what better way to do that than to get back into shape?

Belo, one of the Philippines’ leading medical aesthetic clinics, just launched the “Belo Body Reset” program which allows you to take hold in your own hands your beauty journey and define what beauty looks like for you. Designed to address individuals’ diverse body goals, The Belo Body Reset is a personalized, sustainable, and medically-supervised weight management program. The program helps you achieve and maintain your body goals through healthy and safe means and provides treatments that you can realistically maintain consistently over an extended period.

Now you might be thinking, is it just another slimming treatment? Dr. Vicki Belo, renowned dermatologist and visionary of Belo Medical Group, hosted an intimate gathering at her home in Makati last Jan. 27 to introduce the new program, defining it as more than just a way to slim down, but to achieve whatever body shape you believe reflects your true and beautiful self.

A Safe and Sustainable Way To Be Beautiful

As with any medical treatment, the program starts with a consultation. We’ve got to speak with one of the doctors at the event and the first thing he asked us was, “What is your goal? What do you want to achieve?”

This question encapsulates what the Belo Body Reset program is all about. It focuses more on weight management and learning how to achieve and maintain your desired weight goal or body shape. The consultation is then followed by an intensive lab test to check your history and other physical signs and symptoms. This part emphasizes safety and you can be assured that any treatment you undergo in this program is medically-supervised and safe for you. Dr. Vicki Belo explained that before they recommend treatments to their patients, they always look into their history to know if there are any underlying issues.

She said, “The reason why we did this was because we wanted everybody to be safe. We do a complete checkup on you. We do your thyroid because sometimes the reason you can’t lose weight is because your thyroid is just sluggish or sometimes it’s a mitochondrial problem. The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and it metabolizes everything.”

Afterward, the doctor will then create a suitable program for you that may include one or a combination of their treatments. Dr. Hayden Kho further summarized the Belo Body Reset as a program involving three things: injectables, infusions, and devices. It doesn’t mean, however, that you have to take all three. Each program is tailor-made for individuals and you can choose what works for you. More importantly, what is comfortable for you. There are three main programs in the Belo Body Reset:

Program 1 is “A Dose of Change” which is ideal for those seeking sustainable weight loss. This program combines target therapies to help reset the body and achieve a healthier, more energized life. This includes sessions for Semiglutide, an injectable weight loss aid; Exilis, a painless slimming treatment done by a machine that melts unwanted fat; and the Body Reset Drip, which gives you a metabolic and energy boost.

Program 2 is ideal for those who want to focus on fitness improvement and tighten the skin. “The Lean Path” involves contouring treatments such as V-Contour Ultra and Prime Contour X, which will give you a more toned physique.

Lastly, program 3 is “Peak Performance” targeted at those with active lifestyles and who are aiming to achieve a lean, muscular physique with minimal body fat.

“Body reset is a hyper-personalized program. I cannot simply say ‘This is it.’ [Do] you want to restart your body or start the year well? I always compare myself to a priest. You come to me and confess your sins. *laughs*” Dr. Vicki joked, reiterating that the program is completely up to you and that the Belo team is here to support and guide you through it.

Experiencing The Reset

If you’re still wondering if it’s worth it embarking on this beauty journey with Belo or if it even works, take it from Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, who graced the event as the brand’s ambassador. The beauty queen told us all about her experience with the Body Reset program, and how it helped her achieve her body goals.

“The Body Reset is almost like a partnership that collaborates with you asking, 'What is it that you envision for yourself? What does your best self look like for you? And how can we help you achieve that?'” she said.

“It was quite educational for me when I was able to talk with Vicki and the doctors at Belo. They took my labs so it was medically supervised, and that education process gave me the feeling of being equipped as I’m taking steps toward being my best self. I just felt so guided.”

As a model and public figure, Catriona pursues and maintains an active lifestyle to stay in shape and keep herself healthy. She told us about how she tries to move every day, incorporating workouts into her busy schedule or turning them into social gatherings. She admitted to being a fan of Pilates, and would often go running or play pickleball with friends. This shows that proper diet and exercise are needed in order to fully take advantage of the program.

“I try to be sustainable about it. Consistency is a big thing. I really want to tone and tighten. Those were the two words that I wanted to achieve for myself,” she shared. “It’s a comprehensive type of approach. It needs to go hand in hand [treatments and exercise].”

Other beauty queens also graced the couch session with Dr. Vicki such as Miss Universe Philippines 2022 and 2023, Celeste Cortesi and Michelle Dee, who both received love and care from the Belo team which gave them the confidence to put their best foot forward when they were still competing.

“I tried to lose the weight myself first, but I needed that extra love. You really need the assistance. If you have Belo, you will always stay beautiful and youthful,” Michelle said.

Throughout the Q&A session, Dr. Vicki also gave the floor to some of their patients who went under the program and boasted amazing results. While listening to these success stories, you can see that Belo isn’t in the business of merely wanting you to achieve a certain beauty standard but rather encouraging you to strive for the body in which you feel the most beautiful, confident, and comfortable.

“We’re just here to help you,” Dr. Vicki said. “Please don’t feel pressured to do anything. We’re not trying to make you feel ashamed that you don’t have the body of Catriona or anything. It really comes from my heart, sincerely from my own struggles. I needed help then and I had no one to help me. So I became my own mentor. If you need us, we’re here.”

The Body Reset Program is a testament to her desire and promise to guide those who wish to slim, tighten, tone, or all of the above through non-surgical energy-based treatments. One of which is the Exion, which he had to privilege to try. The Exion is a 4-in-1 skin platform that melts unwanted fat and tightens the skin. Think of it as Exilis 2.0. The machine can be used on your targeted body parts such as legs, back, abdomen, and arms. It can also be used for your face to reduce double chins or wrinkles.

The treatment itself is painless and more relaxing as the device is rolled across your body, emitting heat and slight vibrations. It was like getting a massage except you know you’re also melting fat at the same time. There’s no downtime or any pain after, which proves just how non-invasive these treatments are.

Other favorite machine services they're currently offering include the EmFace, their non-surgical facelift, and the EmSculpt NEO, which is ideal for muscle toning.

Bottom line is this program is for those looking to achieve their ideal shape through safe and sure means. To quote the face of the campaign herself, “Beauty is about empowerment. It’s your body, your beauty, and your confidence, and only you should define what that looks like for you. Beauty should be a process that should be enjoyed. It really shouldn’t be something that should be navigated with a lot of negativity. We should embrace it, we should find joy in it, we should be educated and guided by our medical professionals, and who better to trust than Belo?”

Follow Belo Medical Group on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram to learn more about their fantastic treatments that will help you start your beauty journey this 2025.

While they aren’t meant to be taken as medicine, dietary supplements are a useful health tool for millions worldwide. This is because studies have consistently shown that some diets are lacking in important nutrients; while this can be due to cultural norms, for some it can also be due to dietary restrictions or limited access to nutritious foods. It can even be due to a medical condition wherein the patient simply needs more calories or nutrients.

For whatever reason that the diet may be lacking, supplements are here to provide what’s missing. For adult women, these are some of the most important supplements you may wish to consider taking, especially as we age. But don’t forget! It’s always best to consult with a doctor before adding to or taking away from your current lifestyle or diet.

Multivitamins

The pandemic has certainly taught us how important multivitamins can be. Multivitamins are designed to carry a range of important vitamin requirements – from Vitamin A to Zinc – and can support a healthy lifestyle. With a good diet and exercise, multivitamins can increase energy, strengthen the immune system, aid memory, and support overall health. Taking them consistently is important to see the full benefits.

A fantastic option for multivitamins is one that the entire family can take! For that, look at none other than Mary Ruth’s. This US-made, vegan supplement brand has finally landed in the Philippines, and for good reason. Their wide range of supplements include the ever-popular Liquid Morning Multivitamin which can be taken by babies as young as one year old to adults older than 14. It includes everything you might need and covers common nutrient deficiencies such as Vitamin C for immune health, folate for red blood cell formation, thiamine for energy conversion, and even biotin for hair. As it comes in liquid form, it’s also easy to ingest and can be taken as is on an empty stomach, or even mixed into juices for fickle children.

Shop Mary Ruth’s Philippines

Iron

Did you know that iron deficiency anemia is common among Filipinos? While pregnant women are most likely to experience it, older males are susceptible as well. This can often manifest as tiredness, fatigue, sallow skin, and or shortness of breath. This may be due to the rice-heavy diet of Filipinos; unfortified rice often carries phytate which is in fact an antinutrient and inhibits iron mineral absorption.

Nature’s Bounty offers local customers two iron supplement options to choose from. They carry “Gentle Iron” capsules with 28mg of iron and standard iron capsules with 65mg. Both will be effective in battling iron deficiency but dosage will depend on the needs of the patient as well as their age and weight. Remember, it’s always best to consult with a doctor before taking additional supplements.

Shop Nature’s Bounty on iHerb

Collagen

Collagen has been the hype word for a couple of years now. While most people choose to take this supplement for beauty purposes (i.e. to avoid wrinkles), collagen can also help improve joint health and muscle mass. As a protein, collagen helps in building important connective tissues that make up the skin, bones, muscles, and cartilage. Unfortunately, collagen production does slow down at around 1% per year starting in our mid-20s which is why it’s important for some to take supplements.

Vitanature+ is a leading Thai health brand that offers many different kinds of collagen to support their consumers. One of their most popular new offerings is the V-Collagen Gummies which is made with 500mg of fish collagen peptides, 60mg of melon extract, and 20mg each of Vitamin E and C. They taste just like candy which makes it easy and fun to eat!

Shop Vitanature+

Calcium

With the growing number of people turning to veganism, it’s become clear that calcium supplements are becoming necessary. A vital requirement for strong bones (which can weaken due to age), calcium supplements are also a good option for lactose intolerant patients who may not be able to consume milk or dairy. To protect against osteoporosis, calcium supplements may be helpful alongside proper diet and regular exercise; calcium can also help to increase bone density.

There are many different kinds of calcium available on the market, most of which is calcium carbonate (which is popular due to its affordability). It may surprise you to know that calcium carbonate is in fact, derived from fossilized coral reefs, animal skeletons, and or marine shells and may contain harmful heavy metals.

That’s why lately, people have been turning to a different source of calcium: that sourced from algae! Studies have shown that calcium from algae has better bioavailability than calcium carbonate and can be absorbed by the body better. It’s also a more sustainable option as algae is abundant and can be harvested simply by hand.

Those turning to algae calcium can look to Super Nutrition, which offers algae-based calcium made from Icelandic red algae and a mix of fruit and veggie extracts such as those from organic carrots, broccoli, raspberry, and pomegranate.

Shop Super Nutrition on iHerb

Folic Acid

A B-vitamin that’s incredibly important for cell growth and function, folic acid (also known as folate) is critical for prenatal care. Even the healthiest pregnant woman is encouraged to take folic acid supplements to support the healthy development of their babies, especially during the early stages of pregnancy. Some doctors even recommend starting folic acid supplements up to three months before conception to ensure that the body is equipped during these crucial times.

Folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects and works hand-in-hand with other B-vitamins such as B-6 and B-12 to control high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can lead to heightened risks of heart and blood problems.

Thorne’s Basic Prenatal Capsules are a good choice for mothers-to-be as they emphasize folic acid but also add other necessary vitamins into the formula. With one capsule, women are also upping their intake of Vitamin A, C, D, E, and K along with folate.

Shop Thorne on iHerb

Looking to upgrade your fur babies’ wardrobe? Whether it’s a stylish outfit for a special occasion or an adorable matching ensemble, pet clothes are just one of the ways we can pamper our four-legged pals and show off their personalities.

With the growing number of pet owners in the Philippines, pet boutiques, grooming salons, and doggy daycares are more popular than ever, providing infinite ways to show our love to our pets. For this list, we’re unleashing the paw-some shops and designers offering made-to-order pet apparel that’s both fashionable and functional. Read on to learn where you can order custom pet clothes and make your furry friends the most chic and dapper companions!

Pawtelier de Melon

Named after the owner’s adorable Pomeranian, Melon, this Pasig-based boutique specializes in bespoke designs, tailored ensembles, and exclusive ready-to-wear apparel for pets and their humans.

The name literally means “paw+atelier of Melon” and is managed and produced by one artisan who originally started the business as a hobbyist's creative space in 2019. Her interest in pet wear began the year before, and she made her first jackets and dresses for her puppy while on Christmas holiday from university.

Armed with skills passed down by her mother and refined with summer courses, Pawtelier de Melon designs and produces a range of outfits from charming doll-style and regal formal attire to versatile two-way barkday gowns. The IG shop gained traction mainly for its strawberry dresses and custom matching dresses. We especially love the seasonal collections too, which can be found on their prêt-à-porter (or should we say pet-à-porter) page here. So, if you ever wish to upgrade your pet’s wardrobe, have a dress made for a special occasion like a birthday, or even get them aisle-ready for a wedding, you can DM them now to order!

Custom Jackets are priced at P2,300 while dresses range from P3,200 to P4,900 (long gowns). You can check out the full price list here. Although mainly based in Manila, the shop offers worldwide shipping.

Follow Pawtelier de Melon on Instagram and Facebook.

Willow Pet Couture

This online shop provides customized designer dresses for pets as well as fashionable vest harnesses. One look at the page and you’ll immediately see a flurry of tulle and premium fabrics on adorable furry friends, which goes without saying that this boutique specializes in creating enchanting pet dresses, dapper suits, and magical accessories like bowtie collars and sparkly harnesses that will surely make head turn once your fur baby walks into the room!

For orders and inquiries on prices, you can message them directly on their official pages.

Follow Willow Pet Couture on Instagram and Facebook.

Club Thread

Bandanas are some of the cutest pet accessories and Club Thread offers a range of paw-some bandanas with patterned fabrics and custom name prints for pets. Established in 2017, Club Thread was created by pet owner, Sam, who had a passion for fashion. After enrolling in a fashion design school in Makati and being inspired by the colorful fabric prints she witnessed on a trip to Seoul, Sam began creating colorful home items such as pillowcases and water jug covers. It was only when they got Granny, their adorable little Schnauzer, that she expanded to making bandanas. According to their website, they tested out making bandanas and handed them out to Granny’s friends in the village they lived in, and sure enough, they were a hit!

The great thing about these bandanas is they’re reversible, so you get two designs for the price of one! Prices vary depending on the size: P150 (XS), P170 (S/M), and P200 (L/XL).

Additionally, Club Thread also sells “Hooman Tees,” tote bags, statement caps (for pets and owners), hoodies, and patches. You can check them out on their online store or DM them for orders.

Follow Club Thread on Instagram and Facebook.

Pawculty PH

From the name, which is a play on the word “faculty,” this small local business provides pet owners with the opportunity to dress their beloved fur children in work or school-inspired outfits.

Pawculty PH is known as the original maker of pet uniforms and scrubs. Yes, you heard that right. Can you imagine your pets wearing a polo paired with a plaid skirt or slacks? Or imagine them in a lab coat or medical scrubs. ADORABLE!

Show your school or work pride by wearing a coordinated outfit with your fur babies. Apart from custom uniforms and scrubs, they also make university jerseys perfect for a game, graduation togas so your fur babies can celebrate the milestone with you, as well as other custom shirt designs. Their uniforms and shirts can cost as low as P199 and are available for purchase on their official Shopee page. You can also message them directly for custom orders.

Follow Pawculty PH on Instagram and Facebook.

Life is Pawsome

This Filipino social enterprise makes pet accessories and furniture. Founded in 2017, Life is Pawsome (LiP) started out in GK Enchanted Farm and is now based in Bulacan. They make premium quality pet accessories that can be custom-made, as well as pet furniture that supports local community artisans and animal shelters.

One of their most popular products is their custom bandanas, as well as the made-to-order Barong Tagalog bandanas, which are available in a range of designs and colors.

Follow Life is Pawsome on Instagram and Facebook.

Fil Dog Scarf

Speaking of Barongs, the first to make them for pets is this boutique. Fil Dog Scarf by Dress Code by A.Y.A. offers a wide variety of modern Filipiniana apparel and accessories for women, men, dogs, and cats. It goes to show that pets aren’t left behind especially when it comes to fashion.

The Barongs are all personally embroidered, locally made, and are available in a variety of colors and styles. You can check out their design catalog here. According to their official Shopee store, their pet Barongs start from P600.

You can also message them directly for customization. Apart from these gorgeous pieces, they also sell scarves, dresses, and polos — all of which can be shipped anywhere in the world!

Follow Fil Dog Scarf on Instagram.

There are plenty of good reasons to go vegan, whether that’s for your health or for sustainability goals. But of course, going meat-free can be intimidating too.

Fortunately, there are now a growing number of vegan restaurants in Metro Manila (and NCR) offering alternatives to your favorite food. These eateries make veganism not just accessible, but enjoyable too! Try these delicious, award-winning restaurants whenever you’re craving something healthy and meaningful.

Pipino Veg

Though the restaurant is vegetarian in nature, a lot of Pipino Veg’s recipes are vegan too.

In fact, their version of halo-halo is made with eggless leche flan, almond milk, and coconut cream! Aside from dessert, the restaurant’s “bagoong” rice made with black beans is a definite must-try, not to mention the restaurant’s specialty, plant-based kare-kare.

Location: Pipino Veg, 39 Malingap St., Teachers Village East, Quezon City

Wabi Sabi Noodle House

Vegan ramen? Yes please! Wabi Sabi Noodle House presents a lineup of vegetarian ramen that can also be made vegan if specified.

All the “meat” used in their ramen is made of vegetables; whether it’s the minced meat in their tantanmen ramen or the chasu in their shoyu ramen. They even have vegetarian appetizers such as the Sweetcorn and Cream Cheese Tempura, and Mushroom Siomai. If you choose to dine-in at their restaurant, you can even avail of vegan frozen foods such as Vegan Caldereta, Sisig, and Siopao.

Location: Wabi Sabi Noodle House, POS Building, 305 Scout Madrinan, Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City

WILD Plant Based Café Bar

Looking for a plant-based mid-day snack? Check out this BGC café and bar. WILD's affordable menu makes eating vegan easy and accessible, with food items all priced below P500. Try their Beetroot Hummus Dip, a colorful alternative to traditional chickpea hummus, or their Protein Waffles, especially if you’re looking to reach your protein goals. Of course, the café’s mainstays remain to be their sandwiches and burgers: try their Classic Cheeseburger or “Chck’n” Burger flavored with BBQ, gochujang, maple butter, or bang bang sauce.

Location: WILD Plant Based Café Bar, G/F Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City

Greenery Kitchen

Awarded by PETA Asia as “2024’s Best Vegan Filipino Restaurant," Greenery Kitchen is proud to transform traditional Filipino favorites into healthy alternatives. They have an incredible menu that features Liempo, Dinuguan, and Caldereta all made vegan!

Their menu is flexible too and can accommodate diners for dine-in and take-out; those looking to take-out can even purchase party trays for up to 15 people. The Greenery Kitchen also has a weekly vegan meal plan and frozen foods for delivery, making veganism accessible for all kinds of lifestyles.

Location: Greenery Kitchen, 2078 E. Pascua Street, Kasilawan, Makati City

iVegan

An unassuming restaurant located across Greenbelt, iVegan serves us homey, nourishing food that’s good for body and soul. A personal favorite is their Shitake Mushroom Soup, which is made with goji berries, roasted white onions, and carrots. This healing broth works as a fantastic appetizer to their meals.

To get the full vegan experience, we recommend going for a classic: either the Black Bean Burger or the Portobello Mushroom Steak followed by a Smoothie Bowl for dessert. Don’t worry; it’s all good for you!

Location: iVegan, Unit 106, Plaza 100, VA Rufino, Corner dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

Shaka

A tropical favorite that’s since become a mainstay in Manila, Shaka Café serves the best smoothie bowls in Manila. Made with fresh tropical fruits blended together in perfect harmony, Shaka brings the best of healthy island living across multiple locales.

We also recommend their mains such as the Vegetable Lasagna made with red lentils, Mushroom Stroganoff made with cashew sauce, or the Birria Tacos made from jackfruit.

Location: Shaka Café, 117-107 L.P. Leviste Street, Makati City

Cosmic

This Poblacion staple remains on the top of our list for vegan restaurants. Specializing in Filipino comfort food, Cosmic brings plant-based alternatives to the forefront of a traditional local diet. Their Sisig has been lauded as one of the best vegan alternatives in the metro, and is made with both seitan and tofu. Their Vegan Isaw, Kare-Kare, and Silog meals are flavorful must-tries that will make you forget about meat altogether.

Location: Cosmic, 4980 P. Guanzon Street, Poblacion, Makati City

Green Bar

This cozy café located in Legaspi Village, Makati is the perfect hangout for those looking to get healthy. Green Bar's menu is extensive and covers breakfast foods, desserts, and drinks – all made vegan! The restaurant’s hot bowls are a great option for those looking to try it out; you wouldn’t know that you’re eating tofu, seitan, or mushrooms!

Of course, you have to have their fluffy Vegan Donuts for dessert afterwards. They have a rotating daily menu of delicious flavors that range from Lemon Chia to Boston Cream-filled.

Location: Green Bar, 106 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

It’s always a good idea to get to know yourself better. Perhaps that’s why personality quizzes seem to be on the up lately, especially online. Among these tests is the ever-popular MBTI, which classifies people into sixteen different personality types.

Known as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), MBTI looks at four key dichotomies that include: extraversion versus introversion (E vs I), sensing versus intuition (S vs I), thinking versus feeling (T vs F), and judging versus perceiving (J vs P). The theory is that this spectrum can describe an individual’s tendency, and knowing where one lies can help one understand one’s self better.

“Being aware of your personality enables you to focus on your strengths and your areas for improvement,” said Clinical Psychologist Ma. Alodia Cueno-Mercado. “If you know your nature, you may be able to describe, define, and control your behavior when exposed to stressful or anxiety-provoking situations.”

Alodia, who’s spent her professional life observing how people act and react, also attests that MBTI results – while often thrown around in the most casual conversations – are reliable indicators of people’s personalities. “The four preference scales on the MBTI assessment have internal consistency reliabilities of around .90, and test-retest correlations are over .80 for periods up to 15 weeks,” she explained. “Basically, this means that MBTI has high reliability and validity.”

This is perhaps why MBTI personality types are so popular: aside from the fact that results are typically easy to access (just take a quiz online!), MBTI personalities tend to be accurate for some time. That doesn’t mean one’s MBTI won’t change, but it does help an individual to be aware of how he or she responds to things at the moment.

To add to that, MBTI results can make something as complicated as personalities easier to understand. They simplify one's tendencies in a way that people find relatable or approachable. This is particularly helpful for those seeking to improve themselves or better their perspective in life. It’s also a helpful step for those looking to be more mindful.

“To be more mindful, observe yourself: how you react to things, how you process information, and how you see the world. Be mindful of your limitations and do something about it,” Alodia advised.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that a person can be reduced to four simple letters. As Alodia has acknowledged, personalities are complex and ever-evolving. They develop through time and are influenced by multiple factors: biology and genetics, environment, and experiences. “The existing needs may also alter the way people prefer to act, most especially when we are talking about survival,” she added.

What MBTI personality types can offer is guidance for people looking to change for the better. This is particularly helpful for the new year when resolutions often come to mind. A helpful tool that Alodia recommends is a journal. Journaling has been proven to have benefits for one’s mental health and it can also be a valuable stepping stone to achieving goals.

“If you want to change or achieve something, you can monitor yourself better if you have a planner that can guide you through your journey in actualizing your plans,” said Alodia.

For this, people can turn to the 2025 MBTI Planner from Limelight Planners. Tailor-made for each personality, this innovative journal promises users 365 days of self-discovery, using tools that are sure to be beneficial to different thinkers.

To know more about the planner, visit their social media pages or grab one from Shopee or Lazada.