Getting sick in the Philippines used to mean one thing: a long trip to the doctor. But 2024 changed that story, along with how Filipinos think about their overall well-being.
The rise of quick wellness
Time is precious, and this year’s biggest trend reflects that reality. Filipinos are embracing “micro-wellness” – short bursts of activity that fit into busy days. Quick 15-minute workouts between meetings, five-minute meditation sessions, and rapid-fire exercise classes are replacing lengthy gym sessions.
“People want results without spending hours at the gym,” says fitness instructor Paolo Mendoza. “We’re seeing amazing results with these shorter, focused sessions.”
This push for efficiency extends beyond exercise. Beauty routines now emphasize products that offer multiple benefits, while meditation apps provide bite-sized mindfulness breaks for busy professionals.
Mind meets body
The old saying “look good, feel good” got a makeover in 2024. The wellness industry has finally caught up with what many have long suspected – mental health directly affects physical appearance. This mind-body connection is changing how Filipinos approach both beauty and wellness.
Local beauty brands now add stress-relief elements to their products. Spa treatments combine skin care with meditation. Even traditional beauty salons are offering “mindful makeovers” that focus on both inner calm and outer beauty.
Reading labels also became a national pastime this year. More Filipinos are checking what goes into their food, beauty products, and wellness supplements. Natural ingredients and clean formulations aren’t just buzzwords anymore – they’re must-haves for many consumers.
The digital health revolution
While these lifestyle changes were taking hold, technology made healthcare more accessible than ever. Over 3 million Filipinos now use mWell, a health app that connects patients with doctors for P399 – cheaper than most clinic visits and without the usual hassles of traffic and waiting rooms. The platform is just one example of how digital tools are transforming healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
For many rural communities, these apps turned what used to be day-long clinic trips into quick video calls. Users can get prescriptions, book lab tests, and have medicine delivered to their doors.
Wearable wellness
Walk through any mall in Metro Manila, and you’ll spot people wearing health trackers. But this year marked a shift – these devices aren’t just for tech enthusiasts anymore. mWell’s launch of affordable smartwatches and rings brought health tracking to a broader market.
These days, customers range from college students to senior citizens who buy these devices not because they’re trendy, but to better keep track of their health. The devices monitor everything from daily steps to sleep quality and heart rate. But perhaps more telling is the growing focus on mental health. The app’s Mind Health Score reflects a changing attitude toward emotional wellbeing, especially among younger Filipinos.
Small businesses adapt
Local wellness businesses are riding these trends, finding new customers through digital platforms. Small gyms offer hybrid services – combining short in-person classes with digital coaching. Beauty salons add mental wellness services. Health food stores expand their natural product lines. Through mWell HealthHub, small gyms, spas, and wellness centers now book appointments and manage services online.
Looking ahead to 2025
Industry experts and healthcare providers are watching several trends as we head into 2025:
Better remote healthcare. 2025 will see more specialists offer online consultations, including cardiologists, pediatricians, even dermatologists.
Workplace wellness programs. Companies like BPO giant Accenture are already combining traditional health benefits with digital services. More businesses are expected to follow suit, especially as mental health support becomes a priority.
Health tracking for everyone. As prices for basic health monitoring devices continue to fall, industry analysts expect to see them become as common as smartphones. There is also growing focus on prevention as apps and platforms are expanding beyond treatment to help users prevent illness through education and early warning systems.
