Give Your Liver a Break This Holiday Season

Essentiale Forte P and Ogie Alcasid remind everyone to look after their liver health this festive season

The holiday season has arrived—and with reunion dinners, noche buena feasts, and celebratory toasts filling the calendar, one vital organ is quietly working overtime: the liver. Amid mouthfuls of lechon and rounds of festive drinks, it’s easy to forget that the liver does most of the heavy lifting to keep the body balanced and energized.

This is why Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P), the No. 1 liver care product, is urging Filipinos to take a proactive approach to liver health this festive season. To amplify the message, the brand has partnered with OPM icon Ogie Alcasid, who understands the importance of staying strong and healthy through the years.

At 58, Alcasid is intentional about caring for his body. Much like the word forte in music—meaning strong and powerful—he gives his liver the support it needs with Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P). His approach reflects a deeper truth about liver health: unlike the heart, which signals distress through pain, the liver often remains silent until damage is already advanced. As doctors often say, “You don’t feel liver disease—you discover it.”

Staying Ahead of Liver Stress

The liver plays a critical role in filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and producing bile to help break down fats—functions that become even more crucial during the holidays, when rich food and alcohol are part of nearly every celebration.

“When your liver is healthy, your metabolism, hormones, and immune system function better,” explains Dr. Dex Macalintal. “But when it’s compromised, toxins accumulate, energy levels drop, and inflammation increases—raising the risk of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and even mood-related issues.”

Despite its importance, liver health is often overlooked. Many people only pay attention once lab results show elevated levels or subtle warning signs appear, such as persistent fatigue, dull skin, dark urine, or reduced tolerance to alcohol and fatty food.

Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P) helps rebuild, strengthen, and protect liver cells using natural soya-derived phospholipids, offering added support during periods of indulgence. “Its high bioavailability allows efficient absorption for faster results,” shares Midha Mulyaningrum, ASEA Zone brand lead. “When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it can reduce liver fat up to 2.5 times more effectively than lifestyle changes alone.”

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Following this philosophy, Alcasid takes Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P) as part of his daily routine, alongside balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and regular exercise. This holistic approach supports not just his physical health, but also his mental and emotional well-being.

“Social interaction steadies our mental state,” Alcasid says. “Praying and worshiping keep us balanced and grounded.”

Science-Backed Support

While a healthy lifestyle may be enough for many, those experiencing liver stress due to illness, medication, stress, or poor diet can benefit from additional support. “Think of Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P) as nutrition for your liver’s daily repair process,” Mulyaningrum explains. “It’s not a replacement for healthy habits, but a scientifically backed supplement. Liver care isn’t only for those diagnosed—it’s a responsibility for anyone who wants to stay well, especially during the holidays.”

The familiar reminder, “everything in moderation,” holds particular weight this season. Dr. Macalintal advises eating slowly and mindfully, hydrating well—especially when drinking alcohol—and scheduling “nutritional recovery days” with fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Adequate sleep is also essential, as the liver’s detoxification process is most active at night. He further recommends a baseline liver function test at least once a year to stay ahead of potential issues.

“At my age, it’s important to set limits so you still have energy for the days ahead,” Alcasid adds. “Otherwise, you end up feeling depleted.”

Education and Advocacy

Beyond offering supplement support, Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P) actively champions liver health awareness. With more than 18 million Filipinos affected by or at risk of fatty liver disease, education has never been more urgent.

Filipinos can take the Essentiale Liver Health Check Test—an online assessment that evaluates fatty liver disease risk based on age, lifestyle, and existing health conditions. The brand is also rolling out educational initiatives with health experts to emphasize that small daily habits—moderation, hydration, movement, and liver support—can lead to meaningful, long-term benefits.

This holiday season, while celebrations may stretch the budget, liver care remains within reach. Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P) is offering special promos nationwide: purchase the 10s pack and receive a ₱20-off voucher at Mercury Drug, or enjoy discounts at Watsons and Southstar Drug. The supplement is also available online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

“Through education and clinically backed support, Phospholipids (Essentiale Forte P) helps Filipinos celebrate responsibly without compromising wellness,” Mulyaningrum concludes. “Our goal is to make liver care simple, accessible, and part of everyday life—even during the most indulgent time of the year.”