As Davao’s fitness and wellness scene continues to grow, a homegrown brand is positioning hydration as the next everyday habit.
Davao-grown wellness brand Zeal officially launched its zero-sugar, zero-calorie powdered electrolyte drink on September 20 at Pickle Space Davao with “Dink With Zeal,” a private pickleball open play that brought together fitness enthusiasts, media, and content creators.
Katriana Batu, Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Zeal, said the official launch of Zeal represents what the brand is about: movement, community, wellness, and better hydration.
From Davao to nationwide
Zeal claims to be one of the first electrolyte drinks made in Davao, a decision Batu said was natural for its Davao-based founders.
“The founders of Zeal are from Davao City, so building the brand here felt very natural to us. Davao is home. We’ve also been seeing a growing community of people here becoming more intentional about fitness and wellness. More people are running, playing pickleball, doing HYROX, going to the gym, doing yoga and Pilates,” Batu said.
It is currently available at Garage Fitness Gym and Paddle View Pickleball Court in Davao and online via zealnutrition.ph. The brand is also joining fitness events in Manila and plans to expand distribution.
“While Davao is our home base, we’ve already started bringing Zeal outside Davao by joining and partnering with fitness and wellness events in Manila. We’re also planning to expand our distribution there soon,” Batu said.
What sets it apart
Zeal is banking on a cleaner formulation: four essential electrolytes: sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, with zero sugar and zero calories.
“Some electrolyte drinks contain significant amounts of sugar, so it was important for us to create an option that has zero sugar and zero calories. Because it’s zero calories, it’s also an option for people who are mindful of their calorie intake, including those who practice intermittent fasting,” Batu explained.
Zeal offers two variants: Boost (Lemon Lime) with caffeine from green tea, L-theanine, and vitamin B6 for focus and energy; and Glow (Grapes) with hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C, and L-cysteine for beauty and wellness. Both contain taurine, inositol, ginseng, and L-carnitine. It is targeting not just athletes but office workers, students, and everyday Davaoeños dealing with heat and humidity.
“One misconception we’d like to change is that electrolytes are only for athletes. Hydration is an everyday need,” Batu said.
With partnerships already lined up for HYROX races, yoga events, and wellness retreats, the Davao brand is hoping to prove that a national wellness play can start from Mindanao.
