Women’s Fitness Asia celebrates movement, mindfulness, recovery and community at the AWR Asia Lotus Wellness Retreat & Switchplay Yoga
MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of Global Wellness Day, more than 400 women gathered recently at Makati Shangri-La Manila for the AWR Asia Lotus Wellness Retreat & Switchplay Yoga by Women’s Fitness Asia.
Bringing together leading yoga and meditation facilitators, wellness advocates, community partners, purpose-driven brands and women from all walks of life, the event transformed Makati Shangri-La Manila into a vibrant wellness destination where attendees could pause, reconnect and prioritize their well-being.
Throughout the day, participants immersed themselves in a diverse lineup of movement experiences designed to meet women wherever they are on their wellness journeys. Yoga sessions included Vinyasa Yoga, Advanced Yoga Inversions, Inside Flow and Power Yoga, offering opportunities to build strength, confidence, mobility and body awareness through mindful movement.
Complementing the yoga sessions were meditation experiences designed to encourage reflection, restoration and nervous system regulation. Through Inner Child Connection Meditation, Sleep Meditation, MUNI Meditation and Somatic Meditation, participants were invited to slow down and reconnect with themselves amid the demands of daily life.
Leading the day’s movement and mindfulness experiences were respected teachers and wellness practitioners from across the local wellness community, including Sheila Plete of Kalinong Yoga & Wellness, Kitkat Cuenca, Lulu Lucindo, Nina Defensor, Michelle Fernando, Pat Santos and Libni Fortuna.
The retreat also featured a panel discussion on Wellness and Motherhood. Speakers Via Antonio, Paulyn Quiza, Eunice Jardiniano Eguia and Bea Tan shared personal insights on balancing well-being alongside the responsibilities of motherhood, caregiving, leadership and entrepreneurship.
A second panel discussion brought together women from the sports and fitness industry to discuss leadership, resilience, career growth and the evolving role of women in shaping the future of health, fitness and wellness.
Attendees also enjoyed access to Makati Shangri-La Manila’s Health Club facilities, wellness activations, partner experiences, and dedicated spaces designed for rest and connection.
A defining feature of the celebration was the coming together of the broader wellness ecosystem. Women’s Fitness Asia partnered with Slow Grow Wellness, Soul Space, Yoga Pod, Kalinong Yoga & Wellness, Flux by Synapse Wellness, Lihim Garden, OCA Collective and MUNI Co Wellness.
The event was made possible through the support of venue partner Makati Shangri-La Manila and sponsors Hyve Sports Cafe, Goodday Fizz, Herbalife, Fitbar, Energe Wellness, and Unilever brands Cream Silk, Pond’s and Vaseline.
Held in benefit of Voice of the Free, the event also reflected a commitment to creating impact beyond personal wellness. By bringing together women through movement, mindfulness, education and shared experiences, the celebration demonstrated how wellness can serve as a catalyst for empowerment, connection and positive social change.
The AWR Asia Lotus Wellness Retreat & Switchplay Yoga served as a celebration of what modern wellness can look like when women are given the space to move, breathe, learn, connect and simply be.
As Global Wellness Day was celebrated around the world, Women’s Fitness Asia’s flagship gathering served as a reminder that there is no one way to be a fit woman. Wellness is deeply personal, constantly evolving and shaped by the unique journeys of every individual.
Editor’s Note: This press release from AWR Asia Lotus is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
