The country welcomed the new year with a steep rise in new COVID-19 infections.
While many linked this with the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant, others also saw this as the aftermath of the holiday season where health and safety protocols were significantly loosened and more mass gatherings took place.
Fortunately, since many Filipinos have already been vaccinated against COVID-19, most of the new cases were only mild cases. This only proves that vaccines truly work in boosting one's immunity against the dreaded virus.
Now, many have been claiming the chance to get extra protection by receiving their COVID-19 booster shots - including local celebrities like Kapuso power couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, and GMA's new gem Bea Alonzo.
'Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune' star Barbie Forteza already got her COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on January 8.
Kapuso actor Jak Roberto and Barbie Forteza's parents also got their COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on the same day.
'Eat Bulaga' Dabarkads Allan K already got boosted against COVID-19 on January 10.
'Las Hermanas' star Yasmien Kurdi got her COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on January 3 at the NPF Drive Thru Vaccination Facility.
'Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune' star Sunshine Cruz, her daughter Angeline, and partner Macky Mathay got their COVID-19 booster shots back in December 27 in San Juan City.
First Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz got her COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on January 4 in Quezon City.
Kapuso news anchor Mariz Umali got her COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on January 3 in the city of Manila.
Mariz Umali's husband and fellow news anchor Raffy Tima also got boosted against COVID-19 on the same day.
Actor Adrian Alandy got his COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on January 4 in Pasig City.
Actor Joross Gamboa got boosted against COVID-19 on January 8.
Miss Universe 1999 First Runner-up and TV host Miriam Quiambao-Roberto and her husband Ardy got their COVID-19 booster shots on January 6.
The Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla got her COVID-19 vaccine booster shot at the NPF Drive Thru Vaccination Facility last January 4.
Actor John Estrada got boosted against COVID-19 on January 5 in Taguig City.
In her recent vlog, 'Artikulo 247' star Kris Bernal shared that she got her booster shot against COVID-19.
'Unang Hirit' host Suzi Entrata-Abrera and her husband Paolo Abrera received their booster shots against COVID-19 on January 29. Suzi also encourages everyone to get vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves and other people.
In his Instagram, 'Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune' actor David Chua shared that he got booster shots against COVID-19.
He wrote, "Got my booster shot! Thank You Pasig city and @lyn_inductivo super fast and hindi masakit."
In an interview with '24 Oras' on Wednesday, January 26, Kapuso Primetime Royalties Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes opened up about the extra protection provided by their COVID-19 booster shots especially since their family recently weathered their own COVID-19 bout.
The couple also underscored the importance of getting boosted against the virus, citing their ordeal as a testament to its efficacy. "Kapag may pagkakataon talaga ay magpa-booster...kung due ka na for a booster shot kasi dagdag proteksyon talaga 'yan hindi lang para sayo kundi para sa buong pamilya mo na rin [at] sa buong community."
'First Lady' actress Cassy Legaspi proudly shared her experience as she got her booster protection against COVID-19 on January 23.
On Monday, February 7, Kapuso star Bea Alonzo posted a snap of herself after finally receiving her booster protection versus COVID-19.