Kathryn Bernardo is the latest addition to the Biogesic family and she is beyond ecstatic, especially after having done the iconic “ingat” salute.

“I didn’t think they’d have me do it, and when they did, sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘My God, this is really happening…’ Habang ginagawa ko, kinikilig talaga ako. It is such an honor,” exclaims Kath, as she is fondly called, recalling how she would watch award-winning actor John Lloyd Cruz make the symbolic gesture when she was younger.

John Lloyd was the first brand ambassador to popularize the “ingat” salute, followed by seasoned actress Jodi Sta. Maria, Biogesic’s brand ambassador for seven years.

“I grew up with Biogesic in our household, just like most Filipino families. It is our go-to medicine for fever and headaches. Nu’ng bata ako, liquid pa muna, and then as I got older, ’yung tablet na.

It is my mom’s trusted brand, so, ako rin,” Kath reveals.

Now 26, Kath continues to swear by the brand’s spotless reputation. So much so that she makes sure she has stock at home, with some neatly tucked in her first aid kit that she carries in her bag wherever she goes.

“It’s good to be ready especially sa mga panahon na ito na bawal tayong magkasakit, mas lalo na ngayong pandemic. I always bring Biogesic, especially sa taping, in case someone needs it.”

Kath went on to recall the recent event when she and her family sent out Biogesic to their relatives and friends during the surge of cases early this year.

“Ganu’n siya pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga tao. ‘Yun ang fastest and easiest way to get better from headache and fever.”

With her genuine care for others, Kath couldn’t be a more perfect advocate for the brand, especially with its newest campaign dubbed “Alagang Biogesic: Languages of Care.”

We all have different ways of expressing care. For Kath, it’s spending quality time and making her loved ones feel that she cares for them.

Being a celebrity, Kath admits to working long hours on end. Her busy schedule seldom leaves enough time to go on extended holidays.

But when an opportunity presents itself, she makes sure to spend it with the people that matters to her the most.

“I have a very small circle of friends, but that’s my core. I make time for them because I am very busy and nasa akin talaga kung paano ko ime-maintain ’yung friendship. So during my free time, I make sure na maramdaman nila that I am there for them.”

She adds, “I am that type of friend na mahilig mag-video call instead of text. Gusto ko kasi nakikita ko ‘yung kausap ko para feeling ko magkaharap lang tayo na nagchi-chikahan.”

Kath does the same and more for her family. “Sometimes it’s the little things. Like if you need me, or kahit ayaw mo pero feeling ko kailangan mo ako, I would go to you, that’s how I am. Mahilig din akong mang-surprise.”

One of Kath’s care languages is giving gifts in the form of meals. “I love sending food, especially when I know that they crave it. Or simply because I remembered them with the food. Kasi iniisip ko parati, ganon din ako. I like ’yung feeling na inaalagaan and may nagke-care, so ‘yun ‘yung ginagawa ko.”

But Kath knows that to be able to continuously care for others, she also has to take care of herself that’s why she is an advocate of self-care.

Without fail, she starts her day with a workout to get her endorphins kicking. She also loves a good pampering at a nail salon or having a facial. Or simply trying out a new recipe at home.

“Gustung-gusto ko ang ‘me’ time. I would go to the mall and I would buy myself clothes that I’ve been eyeing for a while… Nagtatrabaho ako para sa mga mahal ko and, of course, para sa sarili ko so hindi ko kinakalimutan na i-reward and sarili ko once in a while. That works for me.”

Kath does not shy away from asking for free days too. Especially when she feels like she’s already been working days on end. This she does to be able to go out with friends and keep everything in her life balanced.

“I like to be spontaneous. Kung feel ko biglang mag-out-of-town, ite-text ko ’yung mga kaibigan ko ‘overnight tayo’ or tambay lang sa bahay and then may pupunta du’n na mga kaibigan. Nakaka-recharge na ‘yun for me.”

However, fatigue, lack of sleep and stress can sometimes wear her down and make her sick.

In times like these, she likes to be with family, specifically her mom. “I’m clingy when I’m sick. I like the feeling that someone is taking care of me… Tapos request ko parati, sopas, yung maraming butter, ‘yung kulay yellow na ‘yung sabaw sa dami ng butter.”

Kath further adds: “And kung kailangan, inuman din talaga ng medicine like Biogesic tapos mafi-feel mo na napapawisan ka and you’re getting better.”

For Kath, family and friends, ample rest and proper nutrition are a powerful arsenal. “Listen to your body. Relax and take things slow. You also need to eat food that will help your body heal faster.

And surround yourself with people who will look after you while recovering.”

She also stresses how important it is to take a trusted and proven effective medicine for headache and fever, like Biogesic, which can be consumed on an empty stomach and taken by pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, and the elderly.

“Over the years, the brand has proven how reliable it is. If you feel like you’re coming down with something, inuman mo na agad ng gamot. It’s also one way of protecting your loved ones, by keeping yourself healthy.”