MANILA -- Actress-dancer and entrepreneur Dawn Chang marked her birthday this year not just with celebration, but with reflection, sharing her priorities on health, love, and plans to build a family of her own.
Now 37, Chang said growing older has made her more intentional about taking care of her body and overall well-being.
"Ma-maintain na lang yung health. Kasi pag tumatanda, nakakaramdam ka na ng sakit ng katawan," she shared. "Gusto kong mabuhay ng matagal. Marami pa akong gustong gawin, and wish ko pa makapagbigay ng maraming work sa mga staff namin."
Beyond health and career, Chang also spoke candidly about her love life, confirming that wedding plans are already underway.
"Talagang looking forward na rin to build a family," she said. "Naniniwala ako na mararamdaman mo lang ‘yun kapag nahanap mo na yung tamang tao, and I would like to believe na nahanap ko naman na siya."
While she chose to keep specific details private for now, Chang revealed that a wedding date has already been set.
"Malapit na," she said. "We're just finalizing everything. May date na actually, but I'll share it when it's all finalized para iwas jinx."
This year's birthday celebration also reflected her renewed focus on fitness, with pickleball as its central theme. Chang explained that after her time with GirlTrends, her once-active lifestyle slowed down.
"After nun, na-stop yung physical activity ko. Hindi na ako nagpapawis," she recalled. "Sabi ko, parang hindi tama. Pag tumagal pa ‘to, magsa-suffer yung katawan ko."
Five months ago, she discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the sport.
"Yung community ng pickleball, napaka-bait. They're kind, inclusive, and nag-e-enjoy ka habang nagpapawis," she said. "Pag-uwi mo, masakit yung katawan mo, pero ang sarap ng sakit kasi galing sa workout."
She added that the sport has helped her feel healthier and sharper, even improving her focus in her food businesses, including Love on Duck and Signal Microgram.
Looking ahead to 2026, Chang teased upcoming showbiz projects that are currently in development.
"Niluluto siya since last year," she shared. "Inaayos lang yung script. Once may go signal, we'll share it to everybody. Sana matuloy, sana hindi maudlot."
When asked about her birthday wish, not just for herself, but for the country, Chang emphasized accountability and integrity.
"Kailangan may accountability tayo, especially sa leaders we choose," she said. "We cannot keep complaining. Dapat lumabas yung principles and integrity natin sa bawat desisyon, maliit man o malaki. From the food you eat, sa oras ng tulog mo, hanggang sa mga lider na binoboto mo."