This Valentine’s Day, Show Your Love and Get Protected Against Cervical Cancer

This is an educational message sponsored by MSD Philippines.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. But what if this year, you and your partner focused on something different? What if you celebrated your love by looking after your health and well-being?

This Valentine’s Day, consider a new kind of love language: the language of health and protection. Let’s explore how couples can make this day special while taking a proactive step toward a healthier future together.

HPV: A shared concern for couples

While often associated with women’s health, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a concern for both men and women. It is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health problems, including cervical cancer in women and other cancers in both sexes.1 While most HPV infections clear up on their own, persistent infections can lead to serious health problems, including cervical, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.2 

The good news is that HPV is preventable through screening, vaccination, and certain healthy lifestyle choices. To stay protected, remember to observe the ABCDVs of cervical cancer prevention – Abstinence, Being faithful to one partner, Condom use, Doctor consultation, and Vaccination against HPV. 

Cervical cancer is one of the only preventable cancers. HPV vaccines can prevent infection with disease-causing HPV types, helping prevent many HPV-related cancers and cases of genital warts.3 By prioritizing your own protection, you’re also safeguarding your partner’s well-being, fostering a healthier and more secure relationship.

This Valentine’s Day, consider making a joint decision to discuss HPV prevention with your doctor–together – as a symbol of your commitment to each other’s health.

HPV prevention methods for couples

Alongside abstinence, being faithful to one partner, and condom use to prevent the spread of HPV and the diseases it causes, regular screening and early detection also play a crucial role in preventing serious health complications related to HPV. Routine check-ups and consultations with your doctor can help identify potential issues before they develop into more severe conditions. 

For women, Pap smears and HPV tests can detect abnormal cervical cells early, allowing for timely intervention. Men, while not having a standard HPV screening test, can still benefit from regular health consultations to monitor for any HPV-related symptoms. By staying proactive with screenings, couples can take control of their health together, ensuring a future that is not only loving but also healthy.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females, ideally before they become sexually active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests routine HPV vaccination for boys and girls at age 11 or 12, though it can be administered as early as age 9, with a two-dose series for those who start before 15 and a three-dose series for those who begin at 15 or older.4 However, even if you’re already sexually active, the vaccine can still provide protection.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the HPV vaccine is highly tolerated and effective, helping prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers.5 By getting the HPV vaccination as a couple, you’re investing in your future together, reducing the risk of HPV-related health complications.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a healthy twist

This Valentine's Day, consider these health-focused activities with your significant other:

1. Consult your doctor about HPV vaccination.

Why not make an appointment with your doctor to discuss this as a couple? Today, it’s easier than ever to get the HPV vaccine, either from local pharmacies with certified immunizing pharmacists, or from hospitals and specialized clinics with obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyne).

For example, specialized clinics such as Kindred and the Healthway Vax Hub offer a wide range of vaccination services for children and adults alike, including HPV vaccination. You can also book your HPV vaccination with a local pharmacy near you through the following links: Mercury Drug, Watsons Pharmacy, and Southstar Drug Just make sure you have your doctor’s prescription with you before scheduling your HPV vaccination. 

2. Get screened.

If you’re sexually active as a couple, consider getting screened for HPV. Early detection and treatment of HPV-related conditions can significantly improve health outcomes. While there is no specific routine HPV screening test for men just yet, couples can prioritize their sexual health by getting screened together.6

Women can get regular Pap smears to detect abnormal cells in the cervix early before they become cancerous.7 Starting at the age of 30, it is also recommended that women undergo regular HPV screening every 5 to 10 years as part of overall cervical cancer prevention.8

You can also discuss your health history and HPV risk factors with your healthcare provider. This proactive approach fosters open communication and empowers couples to make informed decisions about their health.

3. Start meaningful conversations about your sexual health.

A romantic candlelit dinner is a good setting as any to discuss your overall health as a couple. Open communication, especially about sexual health, is vital for romantic relationships. Couples can foster a safe and supportive environment by initiating conversations about their sexual history, concerns, and preventive measures. 

Maintaining open dialogue about sexual health helps reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promotes overall well-being.9 Couples can start by sharing their knowledge about STIs, including HPV, and discussing their HPV vaccination status. 

The gift of health: A lasting expression of love

Remember: love is a journey, and health is an integral part of that journey. Prioritizing your health is one of the most profound ways to express your love for yourself and your partner. By prioritizing your health, you’re ensuring that you can enjoy many more Valentine’s Days together, filled with love, laughter, and good health.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself and your partner from HPV and cervical cancer, visit https://guardagainsthpv.ph/ today.  

Valentine's Day Deals: Get 30% Off GrabCar, P200 Off Flowers & More!

Love is in the air, and so is the unmistakable buzz of Filipinos gearing up for the biggest date night of the year. 

Whether you’re a hopeless romantic planning an extravagant surprise or a low-key lover looking for thoughtful gestures, one thing’s for sure — all you need is Grab! With its suite of safe, reliable, and convenient on-demand services, Grab is ready to make sure you have a memorable celebration that is powered by just a few taps on your phone. 

Exemplifying this promise from Grab are its recent viral online videos. In the comedic, real-life surprise videos, Grab ingeniously personifies a Grab Delivery Bag, delighting unsuspecting Filipino couples with unforgettable experiences crafted through a range of Grab services. From popular Valentine's Day orders such as cakes and flowers on GrabFood and GrabMart to a fully curated experience enabled by the platform's extensive range of offerings and reliable transportation, Grab highlighted the comprehensive scope of its on-demand services.

Sweetheart Deals You Can’t Resist

Grab is the perfect partner for Filipino lovebirds, providing safe and convenient GrabCar rides, a wide selection of romantic gifts from GrabMart, and delightful dining options through GrabFood—all in one seamless experience. To make these offerings even more accessible, Grab is launching irresistible promotions just in time for Valentine's Day:

GrabCar: Use LOVEGRAB from February 14 to 16 for 30% off on your GrabCar rides, with a discount of P100 for minimum fares of P250.

GrabMart: Use FLOWERSFORYOU until February 16 for P200 off flower purchases, with a minimum spend P2,000.

GrabFood: Use FEBIBIG on Heart’s Day for P100 off your Valentine’s feast (min spend P1,000).

GrabFood Dine Out Deals:  Use LOVEDINEOUT all Fridays and weekends of February for an additional 20% discount (max discount P100, min spend P500) in select Grab-affiliated restaurants.  

Valentine’s Day should be about love, not logistics. Whether it’s planning the perfect date, surprising your special someone, or simply making someone smile, Grab is here to make sure that love is always delivered—seamlessly, affordably, and right on time.

Because this February 14, #AllYouNeedIsGrab. 💚

Sweeten Your Valentine's Day: Taho Story at SM Food Court

Some love stories begin with a grand gesture, others with a whispered yes. But for Taho Story, love is best shared—one creamy, velvety cup at a time.

Now open at SM City Grand Central’s Food Court, Taho Story reimagines the Filipino childhood favorite with flavors that cater to every kind of love. Whether you’re savoring the comforting warmth of Ube de Leche, indulging in the richness of Oreo-holic, or falling for the fruity delight of Mango Graham, each spoonful is a reminder that love—like taho—comes in many flavors.

More than just a sweet treat, Taho Story brings tradition and innovation together, offering both the nostalgic joy of classic taho and exciting new ways to enjoy it—hot, chilled, or topped with ice cream. And just like the best relationships, each cup is simple, comforting, and made with love.

And because love is best celebrated over great food, diners at SM Foodcourt in SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela can make their foodie dates even sweeter with the Eat, Love, Match Promo! From February 8 to 28, every P399 single-receipt purchase, with any Coca-Cola product, gives you a chance to win limited-edition Valentine’s matching shirts.

So this Valentine’s, skip the cliché and say yes to a different kind of love story—one that’s warm, nostalgic, and undeniably sweet. Head to SM City Grand Central Food Court, grab a cup of your favorite taho, and ask yourself: Bakit hindi?

Celebrate love with the best deals only at SM City Baliwag’s 3 day plus 1 extra day SALE

Get ready as the love month brings not just thrills but a lot of savings awaiting at SM City Baliwag’s 3 Day Sale happening on February 14,15, and 16 plus 1 extra day on February 13.

Shop all you want for 4 days straight with longer shopping hours from 10 AM to 10 PM as delightful fare, festive selling, and great discounts of up to 70% awaits on countless items mall wide. Check out the latest finds from The SM Store, SM Hypermarket, Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, Surplus and Miniso.

Purchases could even bring you a heap of chances to bring home a brand-new SUZUKI S-PRESSO GL AGS! To join, shoppers may avail P1000 worth of purchases to earn 1 e-raffle entry. Increase your chances of winning by getting additional coupons on Saturday (February 15) and Sunday (February 16) to double the entries.

While shopping, also check out awesome dining deals at affordable prices from selected food tenants at the mall.

Dig the best deals only at SM City Baliwag’s 3 Day + 1 EXTRA Day SALE on February 13, 14, 15, and 16!

Love is in the Air (and at SM!) This Valentine's Day

Love is in full bloom, and SM Supermalls is making sure that this Valentine’s season is filled with unforgettable moments. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a fun outing with friends, or a little self-love session, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela have curated the perfect experiences for you. From unique date ideas to thoughtful gifts, here’s your ultimate guide to make your heart skip a beat. 

A PICTURE-PERFECT DATE. Capture love in its most beautiful form with Instagram-worthy photo spots around the malls. Whether it’s a dreamy love-themed installation or a scenic backdrop, these picture-perfect corners make every moment worth remembering. For an added romantic touch, pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers from SM’s Love Market or surprise your special someone with a birthstone necklace from Diagold in SM City Grand Central or an elegant locket from SM City Valenzuela’s Tala By Kyla or cute earrings from SM Center Sangandaan’s Unisilver. 

A CINEMATIC LOVE STORY. Take your classic movie date up a notch by watching the latest blockbuster or a timeless romantic flick at SM Cinema. Cozy up with a tub of popcorn, sip on your favorite drinks, and let the silver screen set the mood. Whether you're watching with your significant other, best friend, or even flying solo, a trip to the cinema never goes out of style.  After the movie, surprise your date with a “photo booth sess” at SM City Grand Central’s Hello Photo PH and SM Center Sangandaan’s Oldmoon Photography Studio to hold a snapshot of your night together. 

TABLE FOR TWO (OR MORE). Food is the universal love language, and SM’s wide selection of restaurants is ready to serve up delicious Valentine’s exclusives. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a casual brunch, or an indulgent dessert run, there’s something for every kind of foodie couple.  

LIGHTS, MUSIC, LOVE. Nothing sets the mood like live music. SM’s LOVE Bops will serenade shoppers with romantic melodies performed by talented local artists. Sit back, enjoy the music, and let the love songs create a soundtrack for your Valentine’s celebration.  Make Valentine’s even sweeter with a limited-edition cake from Mary Grace Café at SM City Valenzuela or Red Ribbon at SM Center Sangandaan. For a fun twist, treat your loved one to heart-shaped donuts from Krispy Kreme at SM City Grand Central!

CUPID’S ARTISTRY: DIY LOVE TOKENS. Nothing says “I love you” like a heartfelt, handmade gift! This Valentine’s, unleash your creativity at SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan’s Love Lab with workshops designed for every kind of love. Craft a blooming bouquet at the Floristry Workshop (Feb 9, SM Grand Central), paint a wine glass for your bestie at the Galentines Art Date (Feb 14, SM Grand Central), or design a stylish Love Cap for Single’s Day (Feb 15, SM Valenzuela). Couples can get crafty with Tote Bag Making (Feb 8, SM Valenzuela) or a Date Craft session (Feb 8, SM Sangandaan), while moms and kids can bond over Bento Making (Feb 14, SM Valenzuela). Whether for your sweetheart, your best friend, or yourself, these DIY love tokens prove that it’s the thought—and effort—that truly count!

ME, MYSELF, AND I: A SELF-LOVE AFFAIR. Love isn’t just about couples—celebrate yourself, too! Take advantage of SM’s Valentine’s promotions for some much-needed self-care. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day, a wardrobe refresh, or a solo dinner with your favorite meal. Because the best love starts with self-love, a signature fragrance from The SM Store’s Beauty Section is also the perfect finishing touch. 

PAWS AND KISSES: A FURRY VALENTINE’S DATE. Who says Valentine’s is only for humans? Treat your furry friend to a paw-some date or FURst date on February 8 at SM City Grand Central and February 9 at SM City Valenzuela and SM Center Sangandaan! Let them run free, meet new furry pals, and even pose for adorable pet portraits. Don’t forget to pamper your pet with stylish accessories or gourmet pet treats available at SM City Grand Central’s Pet Express. Because love—especially for our fur babies—deserves to be spoiled.  

Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a fun day out with friends, or a solo adventure, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela have everything you need to make Valentine’s Day unforgettable. Mark your calendars and celebrate love in full color at SM!