A new year often sparks the drive to begin a "balik-alindog" routine and step into a better version of oneself.
But for Kris Bernal, the perfect moment to start isn’t marked on a calendar—it’s simply whenever you choose to take that first step.
Kris shared with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview: "Alam mo, any time naman puwede naman ang balik-alindog. Pero siyempre, laging 'new Year, new me,' di ba?
"So, it's always a good start naman talaga ng bagong taon. I hope lang na, yun nga, maging consistent tayo sa goals natin. So consistency is the key talaga."
The "balik-alindog" topic came up as Kris spoke with PEP about her wellness routine during Travertine Longevity Clinic’s pocket event held on January 26, 2026, at EDSA Shangri-La Plaza.
Kris shared she began her journey last year, when she decided to make her showbiz comeback after giving birth to her daughter, Hailee Luca, in August 2023.
KRIS BERNAL: FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE
These days, however, Kris admits that getting her pre-pregnancy bod has become more challenging, especially now that she’s busy with her comeback series House of Lies, where she stars alongside Beauty Gonzalez, Mike Tan, and Martin del Rosario.
Kris shared, "Grabe yung schedule kasi nami...It's four times a week so I only get to spend, like two free days for my baby."
And she does this on top of her responsibilities as an entrepreneur and, most importantly, her roles as a mom to Hailee Luca and wife to her husband, Perry Choi.
She continued, "Talagang ipit na ipit yung schedule ko kasi siyempre I have other responsibilities. I have a business... siyempre I'm a wife rin. There's so much that I really need to do in a day."
When asked for tips for moms who struggle to squeeze in "me time" amid their busy schedules, Kris said it all comes down to finding the right balance and practicing good time management.
In her words: "Sa akin kasi, it's all about balance.
"So when it's my free day, as in free day na whole day, wala akong gagawin, talagang I make sure that there is a time for my baby, there is a time for the things that make me happy.
"For example, iyon nga, yung mga daily routines ko na nagpapasaya sa akin, like working out... yun nga, mag-edit.
"I don't know, it makes me happy mag-edit, mag-post ng mga photos on social media, update yung social media platforms ko.
"And, at the same time, siyempre, spend time with my husband rin. Simple lang yung mga ano ko, e, yung mga nagpapasaya sa akin.
"Mga dopamine boosters ko, ganun lang. Pero ang talagang nagpapa-happy talaga sa akin, siyempre yung baby ko."
KRIS BERNAL'S WELLNESS ROUTINE
“Working out has always been part of Kris’s routine—she even squeezes in quick sessions at home or on set whenever she has downtime.
What does her "me time" typically look like in a week?
She replied: "Ako kasi, since now I'm very... parang very organized na with my time or parang mas valuable sa akin yung oras ko ngayon kasi konting-konti na lang, e, dahil nga nagte-taping na ako.
"So talaga naka-sckedule sa akin kapag spa day ko, talagang every week may schedule na iyan. So dito sa Travertine, every Sunday, nandito ako."
Massage has always been her go-to remedy for stress, but she has also grown fond of the Vital Dome—a high-end infrared wellness device that promotes detoxification, relaxation, muscle recovery, skin rejuvenation, and overall well-being.
Kris told PEP: "Aside from massage, kasi favorite yung massage nila, favorite din yung Vital Dome.
"Kasi for example, sobrang busy ko, hindi ako makapag-workout, yung Vital Dome kasi as in talagang ano ka... Pawis na pawis ka na para kang nag-workout.
"Na wala kang effort, hihiga ka lang. Favorite din kasi tuyung-tuyo talaga ako. "
She also loves hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which helps with oxygen circulation, boosts energy, and supports overall recovery.
"Yung Hyperbaric naman, for ano din, parang overall ano siya, e, health improvement din na ini-improve yung oxygen mo, yung blood pressure mo."
Kris’s wellness day also includes a NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) IV drip, which helps support cellular energy production, improve metabolism, enhance recovery, and promote overall vitality.
She said: "Favorite ko din yung, NAD na IV drip. Kasi nung una parang I didn't believe na, 'Ano ba? Totoo ba na yung NAD ganun yung effects niya?'
"Pero ang ganda ng benefits niya kasi aside from anti-aging, ang na-appreciate ko talaga is ang effective niya for energy boosting.
"As in ang lakas ko mag-workout. Parang lagi na akong energetic mag-workout every time nakapag-NAD ako. Parang, saan galing yung energy ko?
"Kahit puyat ako ganun, kahit pagod."
For those curious, each Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Vital Dome session at Travertine Longevity Clinic costs PHP 7,000.
"Meanwhile, no pricing details for the clinic’s Regenerative Drips are available online.
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