Real women, real stories

A preschool teacher, a DJ, an ex-novice, a wife and mother, a single mom, a young widow who has remarried – these are just some of more than 3,000 women who joined Dove’s nationwide search for "real women with real stories to tell."

Alex Dan Tacderas, Unilever Philippines senior brand manager, explains: "The search started in September 2003 when Dove invited women to share their stories of self-discovery after using Dove. The stories were simple declarations of how Dove helped them rediscover themselves or how it brought about a change in the way they felt about themselves."

When Jenny Ortega-Manguiat decided to submit her story, she did not tell anyone, not even her husband or her mother who was a big influence in her life. "It was my mother who introduced me to Dove when I was still very young," she says.

Now, as one of the 10 finalists, she says that one of the things she is proudest of in her life is her decision to join the Dove search.

"We received entries from all sectors of society, from a market vendor to a teacher to a homemaker," Alex relates. "Their simple yet inspiring stories are not unique in themselves but are mirrors of what countless other women have experienced. They all emanate from one source – the need for one to acknowledge the beauty of the moment, whether it is a moment of challenge or a moment of joy."

Anne Feo-Maningo was only 24 years old when her husband, who was a pilot, perished in a plane crash. But she did not remain a widow for very long. An executive of a multinational oil company who was assigned to Davao where she lived noticed her and eventually proposed marriage. "He says he was first attracted to my skin," Anne, a loyal Dove cream bar user, intimates.

Anne was among the 10 finalists from all over the country who were brought to Manila for the final phase of the search. The finalists were introduced to the public in GMA-7’s lifestyle show for women, All About You. The two candidates with the highest number of votes from the viewing public will represent Dove as the new Dove Discoveries. Awarding will be in March 2004 during the National Women’s Month.

The "Ave" in Avegail Alapide’s name comes from "Ave Maria." Avegail was 18 years old when she became a novice, but six months before committing herself to the permanent vows, she left the convent. She now works at the Mental Health Institute where she continues to show compassion and fulfill her desire to be of service.

"We at Dove would like to demystify media’s creation of superficial beauty," Alex remarks. "Dove beauty is beauty with substance; beauty that comes from within."

In the eyes of her students, Pamela Sio, a preschool teacher, was Sleeping Beauty. But beyond the fair skin and radiant smile, they also appreciated her caring ways. Pam enrolled in higher education so that she could teach special children. "There are very few teachers for these children," she observes. "I want to make a difference with children who are mentally and physically challenged."

Saudin Dungog was only 18 years old when she gave birth to her first child four years ago. Now with two kids, she works as a DJ in Cagayan de Oro. She believes it must have been fate that made her join the Dove Discovery search. She found an entry form in the office and she became interested because she felt it was about time she "became kikay again."

"After getting married and having children, naging nanay na nanay na ako," she confesses. Now, she’s feeling pretty again, says this natural morena beauty.

For Shirly Joy Cuyugan, her nine-year-old son is the most important person in her life. "My life has been peppered with mistakes from which I have learned my lessons," she reveals. "Everyone experiences a broken heart. Taking care of oneself is the cure."

It was literally a heart ailment that forced Christine Garcia to give up a career and instead live a sedate and inactive life. She became depressed at the thought of living without fulfillment until one day, she heard about the Dove Discovery search. By sharing her story, she feels she’s doing something good. She could inspire someone in the same predicament. "Enjoy the moment" is her advice.

"Nine years ago, I had the opportunity to write an article which was published in a major newspaper," Wen Raymundo relates. "I talked about how I simplified my life, letting go of ego crutches and focusing on what is really important to me." After assessing her values, Wen decided to resign from the academe in order to spend more time with her children.

It was the balikbayan cousin of Vanessa Teves who read about the Dove Discovery search. Constant ribbing ended in the two cousins playing a game where whoever lost would be the one to enter the search. It took Vanessa some time to write her story but two days before the deadline, her cousin successfully submitted her entry. Vanessa believes, "All women have a story to tell which will make a difference in the lives of others."

Just by looking at Malou Luz Nuñez, you would never guess that she is 41 years old with three grown sons, 20, 15, and 12 years old. It’s not unusual that her son’s classmates would have a crush on the youthful-looking mom. It was her friends who coaxed her to join the Dove Discovery search. She had been using Dove cream bar since puberty. After consulting with her sons, Malu found the courage to enter the Dove Discovery search. She shares that after finding a new love, her life changed and she is happy in her rediscovery.

"These are their moments of truth," Alex remarks. "It is about restoration rather than transformation. This is Dove’s promise. It is beauty that is attainable."

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For inquiries, call Dove Discovery hotline 1-800-10-564-7258 or 564-3333.