Content creator Doc Alvin on ‘bawal ‘yan’ catchphrase: ‘Actually, lahat puwede’

Because of his reach and popularity, content creator and doctor Alvin Francisco has become part of every Filipino’s daily algorithm, debunking health myths and using his viral catchphrase “bawal ‘yan.”

Occasionally, Francisco’s catchphrase “bawal ‘yan” resonates with netizens in a specific way, humorously lamenting what options are available if everything is restricted. “Lahat na lang bawal, Doc. So baka pati hangin ay bawal na rin?”

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Francisco explained the famous everyday medical advice and why he feels the need to capture Pinoys’ attention in today’s fast-paced news cycle.

“Tanggalin natin ‘yung word na bawal. Actually, lahat puwede, eh. Lahat puwedeng kainin. Magiging bawal lang siya kapag naging sobra. Kunwari, sa isang sasakyan, kapag nilagyan mo ng gas na sobra, bawal na siya. Ganoon din sa katawan natin na mayroong limit,” Francisco told ABS-CBN News.

“‘Yun din ang advocacy ko — na mayroon tayong limit. Kapag sinagad natin ‘yung limit natin, doon na magpapakita ‘yung iba’t ibang sakit,” Francisco added.

With 8.5 million Facebook followers and 4.5 million TikTok supporters, Francisco views his rise to fame as both a gift and a responsibility — as netizens can literally ask for advice without having to pay a medical fee.

“Sa social media, ang daming puwedeng sabihin. Kahit sino, puwedeng magbigay ng advice. Ang ginagawa ko is research pa rin. Gusto ko ‘yung mga binibitawan kong messages ay evidence-based, pinag-aralan, at may studies talaga,” he shared with ABS-CBN News.

“Although [gumagamit ako] ng hook minsan sa videos para mag-catch ng attention. Pero kung tatapusin mo ‘yung videos, andoon ‘yung mensahe,” he added.

In response to his viral videos that have helped so many netizens with their health, the Pinoy physician went on to say, “Mahilig lang talaga ako mag-edit ng videos. Ginawa ko siya as a form of hobby. Ginawa ko siya at nagtuluy-tuloy na. Hindi ko in-expect na magbo-boom siya.”

“Nakikita kasi nila na relatable ‘yung mga sinasabi at ginagawa ko. Sa comments nga, maraming nagsasabi na wala na [raw] silang ginawang tama. Marami raw bawal. ‘Yun siguro kaya maraming nakaka-connect sa akin,” he added.

Meanwhile, the viral doctor recently launched his own wellness brand, Healthmate, in a sporty style, attracting lifestyle influencers and pickleball enthusiasts to Marikina City.

Offering supplements for immune system, hormonal wellness, and stamina support, Healthmate stressed the value of integrating exercise into daily routines, emphasizing that wellness involves taking proactive measures to maintain general well-being rather than just reacting to illness.

Advocating for a healthier wellness journey, the radiologist and social media star concluded his interview with ABS-CBN News, giving advice, “Let’s be intentional na lang with our health. ‘Yung small decisions natin, nagpa-pile up siya. Halimbawa, ngayon, nagpuyat ka, so kinabukasan mataas ‘yung stress ng katawan. Since mataas ang stress sa katawan, hindi tayo makapag-function sa work. Hindi tayo makapag-function sa work so napagalitan tayo ng boss natin. So ‘pag dating ng gabi, stress ka na naman. Kapag na-stress ka sa gabi, mahihirapan kang matulog.”

“So let’s be intentional rather than reactive. Kapag reactive tayo, gumagawa lang tayo ng way kapag andoon na, kapag nakakaramdam na tayo ng kakaiba. Pero kapag intentional tayo, nagbibigay tayo ng effort sa small decisions natin. ‘Yun ang magandang start para sa wellness journey,” he ended.