Building Connections and Bridging Fun, Fitness, and Sustainability

by A.R. Arias, Jr., PhD, M.A. Villapol, MD and M.P. Santos, MD, MPH

As part of the 99^th Founding Anniversary Week of Mapua University, the School of Health Sciences in the Makati Campus held a series of activities to kick off a campaign to promote sustainability and healthy lifestyles by combining social interaction with recreational activities that support physical, mental, and social well-being.

Rhythmic Wellness: A Campus-wide Zumba Session 

In the vibrant celebration of Mapua University’s Foundation Anniversary on #MapuaRoadTo100, the School of Health Sciences took the lead in orchestrating an exhilarating Zumba session. Led by the dynamic Ms. Karen Buenvenida, a seasoned Zumba instructor and graduate student in Master of Arts in Psychology, the event transcended mere physical exercise, embodying a holistic approach to wellness and vitality.

Ms. Buenvenida, with over a decade of experience in Zumba instruction, guided participants through a fusion of dance and fitness moves, drawing students from diverse disciplines including Psychology, Nursing, Medical Technology, and Media Studies. Against the backdrop of pulsating beats ranging from hip-hop to salsa and reggaeton, the Zumba session became a vibrant expression of unity and camaraderie.

Beyond the dance routines, Ms. Buenvenida shed light on the myriad health benefits of Zumba, emphasizing its role as a comprehensive full-body workout. With esteemed university deans such as SoHS Dean Dr. Maya Santos and SoN Dean Dr. Joy Mejia joining the session, participants experienced firsthand the uplifting effects of rhythmic exercise on mood and well-being.

As Mapua University journeys towards its centennial celebration, events like the School of Health Sciences’ Zumba session underscore the institution’s commitment to holistic wellness and community engagement. Through promoting rhythmic wellness on #MapuaRoadTo100, Mapua University continues to inspire and empower its community towards a vibrant and thriving future. 

Social Bingo Safari, Health Sciences Edition

This Social Bingo activity took place in the afternoon of Jan. 24, 2024. Students of the Health Science programs joined this activity in pairs, and raced against time to have people sign their Bingo cards. The signatories could be found anywhere in the building, from the cafeteria to the classrooms and faculty rooms, and included professionals such as a Nurse, Psychologist, and Doctor-to the-Barrio, among others. The pairs who collected the most signatures won the game.

A short nutrition lecture on “Eating Well for Mental Health” followed the game. This timely topic highlighted the importance of starting early with a healthy diet for both physical and mental health. It also focused on the impact of the Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid and some proven nutrients on mental health and well-being. Prizes awaited the attentive students who could answer some questions based on the lecture, and this was then followed by the announcement of the Social Bingo winners.

Jen Krizia Mae Agripa and Christian Jared Cruz, second years from the Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Psychology program, won first place and a P3,000 cash prize.  Lance Robert Cablar and Marc Luis Angeles, second years from the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, won second place with P2,000.  And Nica Aleah Monsanto and Arne Jeanine Lagazo, first years from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, went home with P1,000 for third place.

To wrap up the activity, closing remarks were given by Niño Daryl Atienza, Internal Vice President of the Alpas: SoHS Student Council, and Dr. Malaya Santos, Dean of the School of Health Sciences. It was truly a productive and socially engaging afternoon for all the students and faculty members.

Linking Sustainability to Health and Wellbeing

Through regular and sustained physical movement and social engagement, the aim is to encourage participants to make healthy choices to adopt active lifestyles and prioritize their own health and wellness. This in turn supports sustainability by reducing sedentary habits, encouraging outdoor pursuits, and fostering community bonds that can lead to a stronger sense of environmental responsibility and social unity.

This activity kicks off a long-term campaign to promote awareness about the importance of good nutrition for mental health, with the goal of encouraging healthy habits, improving overall well-being, and nurturing a culture of health and environmental consciousness that will benefit individuals and society as a whole.