For Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff, it’s not about grand gestures—it’s about small, consistent choices that ripple into long-term wellness.
As longtime Manulife policyholders and ambassadors, the couple recently joined the Manulife MOVE campaign, which promotes holistic health and financial well-being through expert guidance and digital tools.
Anne didn’t hesitate to jump in first. “I know what you’re gonna say, so I’m gonna say mine first,” she teased Erwan. “That has always been his mantra.”
Her answer? “Walk. It’s as easy as walking. Instead of taking the elevator, maybe take the stairs for once, you know? I know our country’s a bit hot, so people don’t want to get sweaty and everything. But if you have time, walking is so useful and helpful for exercising. No matter your age, you can do that. You have to start as early as you can.”
She added another essential habit: “Checking in on yourself. Because if you’re okay, then you’ll be able to do everything else.”
Erwan—known for his advocacy around food and wellness—built on Anne’s answer with a broader perspective. “Being sick is kind of the most expensive thing, especially here,” he said. “I think I heard a while ago, 60% of expenses are out of pocket for most people. In my company and others I’ve seen, the number one reason people take personal loans is to help a family member in the hospital.”
That’s why he believes health isn’t just personal—it’s communal. “Being that influence for health and wellness not just for yourself but also for those around you is extremely important. People don’t realize how simple it is. We don’t like change, we don’t like restrictions, we’re not fans of discipline. But once we’re a little strict with ourselves, we can see the benefits right away.”
Naturally, Erwan circled back to food. “Food is a big part of what I do. We tend to be Manila-centric in everything, but if you spend time in the provinces, you’ll see how healthy Filipino food can be. In Ilocos or Visayas, people eat vegetables they grow themselves. You don’t realize how special it is to take your pumpkin flowers and put them in whatever you’re making at home.”
He emphasized that simplicity is key. “For people living in cities, that simplicity is actually really good. It’s cheaper, it uses local ingredients, and it’s more hyperlocal to where you live. If you can do that for yourself—and then for your mom, your uncle, your Tita Girly, Michelle, Cherry Nicole, and all of them—then you’re good. You don’t have to get loans anymore, and it becomes cheaper for you, too.”
Erwan also touched on emotional boundaries. “Learning how to say no is important. Prioritizing yourself. We come from tight families with a lot of personal requests. Just take your time to say no, know your worth, know what you’re supposed to be doing and not doing. That can help you be a lot better.”
Anne confirmed with a smile, “Yeah. I knew he was gonna link it back to food, because that’s something he’s always been championing—eating healthy. And I like that he tries to educate people about that. It’s going back to the roots, especially in the Philippines.”
