A week to empower Pinoy teens

MANILA, Philippines - “We recognize that teenage years form a crucial part in one’s personal development,” said Rexona brand manager Mar Corazo of the advocacy behind TeenWeek Philippines. “We realized that personal habits you (formed) during adolescence are carried over to adulthood. It’s very important that the right personal care habits are developed early on in life as these can affect your self-esteem and self-confidence.”

This is the reason why TeenWeekPH has been visiting schools nationwide for the past years to empower the Filipino teens through talks and edutainment modules. 

“We don’t just teach teens on the right personal products and personal habits, but (we show them) how these affect their self-esteem,” said Mar, who also happens to be the president of TeenWeek Philippines Council. “They have to hone their talents and we make sure they have big dreams and ambitions in life. They have to take care of their relationships early on which can last a lifetime.”

Playing ambassadors to the young are Julia Barretto, Elmo Magalona, Enrique Gil, Chris Tiu, Alyssa Valdez and Nicole Anderson who have supported Teen Week and become members of its council. The latest TeenWeek Ph event, held at the SM Aura, was graced by Manolo Pedrosa, Maris Racal, Alyssa, Chicser Kim Suiza, Hannah Sison, Verniece Enciso and Patricia Prieto.

Chicser boys show their ‘idol’ dance moves

“They have to be individuals teens can look up to,” Mar said of the personalities tapped to participate in the annual event.  “Chris is not just a basketball player. He has his own foundation and businesses. He is known to be a pious person. Alyssa is also inspiring because she is able to help her family by playing volleyball, (which is her) passion. Enrique, in his teen talks, would share that he was a shy kid before and had stage fright. Because he kept on practicing, he became confident and was able to overcome that fear. He is confident on stage and when he does an interview. There is Nicole. She is a famous  travel blogger. She also gives talks in schools.”

These talks, which are school forums, discuss teen issues like cyber-bullying that most millennials and members of Gen Z experience since they are social media savvy. The studies conducted by TeenWeek show that 53 percent of female teens and 47 male teens are engaged in cyber-bullying, respectively. These teens are also victims themselves of cyber-bullying. They have been ridiculed for having a bad hair day or have been called “boy baho (stinker).”

TeenWeek has addressed this by giving teens tips “on adopting the right personal care and grooming habits. We help teens to prepare for their future. If they have a job interview or when they are in the workforce, they will have the right confidence to succeed in life,” said Mar.

As a platform, TeenWeek is a success. According to Mar, 4.8 million of teens online and on-ground have been reached. Twenty-eight percent more teens being surveyed are ready to face their future after attending a TeenWeek talk. On the other hand, 20 percent more teens have now bigger dreams and ambitions in life.

The numbers are a good sign for “we have a very young population,” said Mar. “They are the future leaders of this nation. So we have to empower them early on. They (should be) equipped with the right values.”