Modess and Miss Universe Philippines encourage young Filipinas to be stewards of menstrual health

When did you start the “menstrual health talk” with your daughters? Can you believe I started mine when my daughter was only 3? When she was 3, she was so curious about everything I do — including napkin changing time. She called my napkin “Mommy’s diaper”. 😆 So in the simplest words, I told her what menstrual cycle and sanitary napkins were.

Glad I attended this menstrual talk by Modess and Miss Universe Philippines. It reminded me of the crucial role of parents in guiding our girls and little women to be stewards of menstrual health. Sharing more info about the event here on my blog.

As the world continues to open up, following years in lockdown, there is a renewed consciousness to stay healthy. For women, this includes taking charge of their menstrual health. This was the topic at the #BeNextPeriodReady event of Modess in partnership with Miss Universe Philippines.

Awareness of the meaning of good menstrual health is the first step in encouraging more women to pay attention to this important aspect of health. A second critical factor is the support from organizations to provide the resources needed to participate fully in all aspects of life during their menstrual cycle, which includes making quality menstrual products available and providing access to proper information and consultations.

The advocacy to educate and encourage young women to pay attention to their menstrual health is one that is shared by both Modess and reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu.

Reigning Miss Universe, **Harnaaz Sandhu** talked about her advocacy on women empowerment through menstrual hygiene and shared physical, emotional, and social practices that can help teens improve the state of their menstrual health.

Sandhu mentioned that she continues to work with different groups and individuals to convert what she calls period poverty to period powerty, so that women everywhere can have greater access to the knowledge and tools they need to improve their state of menstrual health. She also shared her excitement in working with various organizations in the Philippines to help provide Filipino women, especially the teens, with everything they need for better management of their period—physically, emotionally, and socially.

“Part of achieving good health is paying attention to menstrual health which has long been our advocacy at Modess,” said Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.’s marketing director, Rezel Aquino. “We feel it’s important to ensure that our #GenFree know exactly what to do to keep their menstrual health in check as they take on new challenges and chase after their dreams.”

Marketing Director of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc., **Rezel Aquino** underlined the importance of menstrual health to the overall health and well-being of every Filipina. She continued by sharing that Modess, in partnership with Miss Universe Philippines and ABS-CBN Foundation, will build period-friendly bathrooms and provide kits containing menstrual hygiene essentials to 25 communities nationwide to help teen girls #BeNextPeriodReady.

Highlights of the event were an educational talk on the importance of caring for one’s menstrual health addressed to young Filipina women from reigning Miss Universe Sandhu Harnaaz; a discussion between Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez and Mica Geronimo, a young Filipina teen that addressed common perceptions around a young lady’s monthly period; and a panel discussion between Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe Philippines Bea Gomez, marketing manager for Feminine Care of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines) Inc. Rehi Dimayuga, and program head of Bantay Bata 163 Levi Ambon-Rata that covered different points of view on menstrual health.

In the audience were around 50 teens who are part of ABS-CBN Foundation’s outreach activities for child welfare.

Miss Universe Philippines 2021, **Bea Gomez** was joined on stage by **Mica Geronimo**, a senior high school student who shared the different challenges teens like her face when they have their period. Taking the role of a big sister, Gomez shared her personal experience dealing with menstruation and shared tips on how young Filipinas can continue to make bigger moves towards their passions and dreams even during their challenging red days.

“It’s important for us to empower and enable Filipina teens to take charge of their menstrual hygiene and health,” added Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Bea Gomez. “We can do this by teaching them what to do, providing them with what they need, and helping them build new and healthier habits especially as they slowly but surely go back out into the world.”

Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc., Miss Universe Philippines, and the ABS-CBN Foundation join hands to champion menstrual health through the distribution of #BeNextPeriodReady kits containing menstrual hygiene essentials such as Modess pads, a portable bidet, and door lock.

(L-R) Marketing Director of Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Rezel Aquino; Program Head of Bantay Bata 163, Levi Ambon-Rota; Marketing Manager for Feminine Care of Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Rehi Dimayuga; President and Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Raghu Krishnan; Miss Universe, Harnaaz Sandhu; Senior Brand Manager for Modess, Jason Khu; Senior High School Student, Mica Geronimo; and Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Bea Gomez

#BeNextPeriodReady with Modess

Over the last decades, Modess has worked to educate and encourage young Filipinas to take care of their menstrual hygiene and health through various initiatives that teach healthier habits and help provide the necessary resources. Modess products are part of that equation, offering the #GenFree superior protection and all-day comfort.

“Today’s Filipina teens need a pad that can keep up with them as they conquer the new normal,” said Dimayuga. “With Modess, they can be free from worries knowing they are guaranteed up to zero leaks. At the same time, they can feel more confident to make bigger moves towards their passions and dreams even during their challenging red days.”

To equip the #GenFree girls to be stewards of their menstrual health, Modess has prepared #BeNextPeriodReady kits that contain menstrual hygiene essentials such as a portable bidet, door lock, and Modess pads.

“We have partnered with the ABS-CBN Foundation to further expand our advocacy footprint. In the short term, we will be donating #BeNextPeriodReady kits to 25 communities nationwide to help more teen girls kickstart their journey for better menstrual hygiene and health,” ended Dimayuga.