Mug-making has quietly become a go-to activity for those looking to slow down. The act of shaping soft, formless clay into something functional and personal offers a rare pause, one that feels both grounding and intentional.
That spirit of intentionality defined Because She Can, a creative wellness experience by MSD’s Guard Against HPV campaign, that brought together women from different walks of life, young professionals, mothers, advocates, and individuals navigating their own personal milestones. Despite their different paths, they shared a common reality: the need to make space for themselves amid the many roles they carry.
Shaping More Than Clay
Guided through a hands-on session in partnership with Tahanan Pottery Shop and Studio, participants learned the basics of mug-making, molding, refining, and shaping clay with their hands.
But beyond technique, the process revealed something deeper.
Each mug became a reflection of its maker. Some were carefully structured, others imperfect yet expressive. All carried intention. Much like the roles women take on daily, the mugs symbolized care, resilience, and presence, objects meant to be part of everyday rituals, quietly supporting moments of pause.
Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead of MSD in the Philippines, connected this idea of shaping something meaningful to how women approach their own lives.
“We are constantly planning for our goals, our families, and our future,” she said. “But part of building that future is making sure we stay healthy enough to enjoy it. That’s where intentional choices, especially around prevention, become important.”
Planning for the Future Means Taking Care of Your Health Today
As the session unfolded, the conversation naturally shifted from creative expression to a more personal reflection: how often do women plan for everything else, but not for their own health?
Because She Can reframed this by positioning preventive care as part of everyday life, not something separate or optional, but something that supports long-term goals and well-being.
“Health is not something we think about only when something goes wrong,” Dr. Galang-Escalona emphasized. “It’s something we protect early and consistently, because it allows us to continue showing up for the life we are building.”
Participants were encouraged to view preventive care as a practical, proactive step, one that includes staying informed, consulting healthcare professionals, and making decisions that reduce future health risks.
Why Prevention Matters: Understanding Health Risks Women Shouldn’t Ignore
The session also grounded the conversation in real health risks that women need to be aware of.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), for instance, is a common virus that affects both women and men. In fact, about 80% to 90% of sexually active individuals may get infected at least once in their lifetime. While most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk types is responsible for nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases.
Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern in the Philippines, with around 12 Filipinas dying from the disease every day.
“Many of these cases are preventable,” Dr. Galang-Escalona noted. “But prevention starts with awareness, and more importantly, action.”
Prioritizing Prevention: HPV and Cervical Cancer
Building on this, the discussion focused on what women can do.
Cervical cancer is considered one of the most preventable types of cancer through a combination of preventive measures. These include regular screening, informed lifestyle choices, and vaccination, which can help reduce the risk of HPV-related diseases.
Participants were reminded that prevention is most effective when done early and consistently, not just when symptoms appear.
“We now have the tools to significantly reduce the risk of HPV and cervical cancer,” Dr. Galang-Escalona shared. “The important thing is making these part of your routine health decisions, speaking to your doctor, understanding your options, and taking that step when you can.”
By integrating these conversations into a wellness setting, the experience made the topic more approachable, less clinical, and more connected to everyday life.
Because She Can!
At the end of the session, participants held their finished mugs, each one unique, each one shaped with intention.
More than just a creative output, the mugs became quiet reminders: that just as clay can be shaped with care, so can the choices women make for their health and their future.
“Empowerment starts with recognizing that you have a choice,” Dr. Galang-Escalona said. “And choosing prevention is one of the most meaningful ways to protect the future you’re working towards.”
In creating something with their hands, participants were reminded of something just as tangible, the power to shape their own well-being, because they can. For more info, visit https://guardagainsthpv.ph or follow Guard Against HPV on social media.
