Pantene Stronger Now: The Girl Named Kevin

Pantene Stronger Now: The Girl Named Kevin

Thursday, November 29

It's a tough world and it's tougher for the members of the LGBTQ. 

For many members of the LGBTQ community, pain is a constant companion in their life journey. As they battle uncertainty and confusion, they would also encounter individuals whose only intent is to offend them. Transgenders in the Philippines have to face incredible scrutiny not only from society, but also from members of their family, leaving them no option but to strengthen themselves inside.

Recognizing the struggles of the LGBTQ community, Pantene Philippines is showing its solidarity with the community and is making known its support through the story of Kevin Balot, the first ever transgender beauty queen and the first ever transgender hair care ambassador in the Philippines. As the world observes Transgender Awareness Week, Pantene is also launching a heart-stirring video to celebrate those who have triumphed over their internal struggles and to encourage LGBTQ members to be #StrongerNow.

The #StrongerNow campaign aims to inspire Filipinas to celebrate every scar, every sweat, every struggle that made them the kind of strong they are now. It is a collection of stories of struggles and triumphs of Filipinas from all walks of life—from the celebrities we have grown to love to the everyday women we see on our daily commute. It tells stories of real Filipinas whose strength and resilience allow their inner beauty to shine brighter.

Truly, the girl named Kevin is a perfect face for this movement. Even as a child, Kevin knew rejection from her father who had other expectations from his only son. But Kevin had other plans for herself. Her journey of being accepted by the family and accepting herself was not an easy process. Growing up, Kevin went through a lot of pain and hardships, but she channeled her energy by focusing on beauty pageants, growing strong in the process. Even her triumph as Miss International Queen was a struggle in itself, but she was able to lift herself up and bring herself to where she is today. 

The film highlights Kevin’s struggles, which serve as a message of hope to others dealing with the same feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Its message is uplifting, telling a “young boy, who is sure she is a girl,” not be scared. “When you think it’s the end, it’s not. When people don’t seem to understand, there will be others who do. Find them.”

Just as Pantene strengthens hair by nourishing it from the inside, so can young people focus on working on what is inside them. As Kevin says, “strength comes from the inside – where it counts. Instead, Kevin tells the young child in the film to “do good, be grateful, find the wins in every day. Remember, you are strong and beautiful, you deserve to be heard. Accepted. Loved.” 

In launching the film, Pantene Philippines has become the first ever hair care brand in the Philippines to cast a transgender not only as the star of its video, but also as the face of the brand—smashing barriers in giving the role to someone from the LGBTQ community. In doing so, it is showing that it is #StrongerNow.

Join Pantene as they support the LGBTQ community and join the fight in inclusivity around the country. Watch the video and be inspired to be yourself, to grow and be #StrongerNow. Visit Pantene’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PantenePhilippines/videos/305481486722713/

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HIV awareness must be made more understandable for young adults

HIV awareness must be made more understandable for young adults

Tuesday, October 30

Only 15 percent of young adults aged 15 to 24 years old have knowledge about HIV prevention, a UNAIDS Philippines study showed. The lack of an extensive sex education in the curriculum is seen as a contributing factor—directly or indirectly—to the country’s high HIV growth rate.

Discussions on the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV have always been done in extremes – either it is too technical and clinical or it is peppered with myths and falsehoods – creating a large disconnect with young adults, the audience who matter the most. 

“We believe that education is the best way to prevent HIV, especially among the young adults. If they are equipped with the right knowledge about HIV and its potential risks to their health, we believe that they stand a chance in protecting themselves against the chronic disease,” said (Karol Canlas) Durex Philippines (Brand Manager).

UNAIDS Country Director for the Philippines Dr. Louie Ocampo shares that if the current trend of reported new HIV cases in the country, we are seeing tripling of numbers at about "265,000 cases by the end of 2028-2029."

In September, Durex Philippines took the playful and quirky approach to bringing HIV awareness to mind with the launch of its “Always Come Prepared” campaign. Led by the radio trio of Sam YG, Tony Toni, and Slick Rick, the campaign aims to make the conversation on the threats and dangers of the disease lighter and easier to understand for the general public. 

To pique the interests of young adults on the campaign, Durex also presented a unique visual of a toy soldier using the condom as a parachute. 

“Their openness and tongue-in-cheek manner of talking about sex-related issues and concerns, particularly HIV, is a good way for us to reach the younger audience. Medical experts have long talked about the dangers of HIV, but why is it still rising in the Philippines? The message must have been lost somewhere,” said (Chrisel Segundo, Category Manager – Relief and Wellness).

Condoms are still the only known effective method of preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. With its latest campaign, Durex Philippines aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to take active precautionary measures against HIV.

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UNHCR Get Fit For A Cause 2 Billion Kilometers to Safety Campaign

UNHCR Get Fit For A Cause 2 Billion Kilometers to Safety Campaign

Wednesday, October 24

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launches the 2 Billion Kilometers to Safety campaign, a virtual movement where Filipinos are encouraged to take a step in solidarity with the world’s refugees. 

By committing to run, walk, or cycle, participants are contributing to the global goal of 2 billion kilometers, just as refugees do each year to reach the first point of safety. 

The target distance draws a parallel to the cumulative kilometers walked by an estimated 68.5 million refugees and forcibly displaced persons globally—a connection that will allow supporters, especially those targeting to achieve their fitness goals, to walk in solidarity with some of the most vulnerable people of our time.

Every Step Counts

Alin Nisa is among the 720,000 Rohingya who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar last year. When her village was attacked, she and her family was forced to escape in the dead of the night at 3:00 AM. 

They had nothing but the clothes on their back. With her husband, mother-in-law and two young children, she crossed mountains and rivers. Along the journey, they walked across water-logged paddy fields, in torrential rain, sometimes through the night. 

Finally, after a perilous journey of 10 days and 102 kilometers, they arrived at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh.

Now safe in Bangladesh, the family has built a shelter, using plastic sheeting and bamboo - all provided by UNHCR. They also received a cooking kit, mats and blankets. 

Add your kilometers, lend your voice

If you've been inspired by Alin's resilience and courage you can try walking, running or cycling 102 kilometers. Alin walked that journey to safety, carrying her two children through many nights.

To join 2 Billion Kilometers to Safety campaign, UNHCR encourages supporters to register and add their kilometers directly onto the campaign website stepwithrefugees.org/en-ph/. 

You can choose to sync your fitness apps like Fitbit or Strava to automatically add your kilometers, but you can also add them manually by setting a target up to a maximum of 50 kilometers per entry.

You can also support by encouraging others to join the cause and helping to raise funds. Aside from reaching your own target distance, you can organize fundraising campaigns to help the world’s refugees either through your very own school, sports clubs or running communities.

For more information on the 2 Billion Kilometers to Safety campaign, 

visit stepwithrefugees.org/en-ph/.

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