‘Truly, There Is Hope For Leukemia; There Is Hope For Cancer’ Global Photo Project Inspires CA Warriors

Cancer can be a scary word but as stories of cancer warriors and survivors show, it doesn’t have to be the period in one’s story. “Cancer is really a deadly illness, pero ‘pag inisip mo na lalaban ako lalaban ako, postivie ako, kaya ko, ma-a-achieve mo,” said Jay Alinsurin of Kanser sa Adolescents and Young Adults (KAYA) Community. This was his encouragement in a short recap video for Lavender Ring: Makeup & Photos with Smiles, Shieseido’s global initiative that brings together to support cancer warriors and survivors. This year, Shiseido Philippines partnered with local NGOs I Want to Share Foundation, EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation, Kanser sa Adolescents and Young Adults (KAYA) Community, and Kasuso Foundation.

Alinsunurin, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is considered one of the more aggressive types of cancer said the power of positive thoughts has helped him fight. "I’m in my third year, positive lang ako sa buhay. Do not entertain negative thoughts. Kasi negative thoughts will be your downfall,” he said.

Lavender Ring brought together beneficiaries from 15 to 69 years old and each was treated to a personalized makeup and hairstyling session by certified Shiseido Beauty Consultants and hairstylists. Celebrity makeup artists Mark Qua, Gela Laurel, Iowani Ungpingco, and Muriel Vega Perez and celebrity hairstylists Lourd Ramos, Dale Mallari, Jeck Aguilar, and Justine Ocampo volunteered their craft. The photos were showcased online and each cancer warrior shared an encouragement or message in their photos. Some read “You are not alone with cancer” from Bahay Aruga, “Keep Dreaming with Cancer” from Diana, and “Live life with gratitude in my heart with cancer” from one of Lavender Ring’s ambassadors, I Want to Share Foundation Founder and Chairman Sheila Romero.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami na may mga ganitong company, ganitong platform. Kumbaga nakaka-enhance ng aming confindence, nakakalift ng personality din. Nadadagan yung confidence namin, kasi siyempre once na makita mo yung sarili mo sa salamin iba na yung itsura mo,” said Mary Ann Eduarte of Kasuso Foundation.

Lavender Ring Philippines’ three ambassadors were Sheila Romero, chemist and Progressive Laboratories CEO and Founder Pinky Tobiano, and fashion and lifestyle content creator and entrepreneur Ida Anduyan.

Cancer warriors in the Philippines

Michael Goh, Managing Director of Shiseido Philippines said, “We are delighted to launch the Lavender Ring: Makeup & Photos with Smiles project in the Philippines in partnership with I Want to Share, EPCALM, Kaya Community, Kasuso Foundation, and I Can Serve. This is a project that truly embodies Shiseido’s global mission to provide Beauty Innovations For A Better World and the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals to be the best versions of themselves through the power of beauty.”

Anduyan shared this message for all cancer warriors, “Don’t give up. It’s okay to be sad. But at the end of the day, keep fighting. Not only for yourself, but for all of the people who care for you.”

She adds, “ Understand each other, keep fighting for each other. And it will be more beautiful and worth it when you overcome the mountain.”

Read this story of a mom of two who beat cancer here.

If you want to know more about the NGOs Shiseido Philippines partnered with, click the links: I Want to Share Foundation, EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation,
Kanser sa Adolescents and Young Adults (KAYA) Community, Kasuso Foundation.