Going beyond stereotypical beauty

Beauty is not only about how you look but what you do and achieve," Howard Belton, chairman of Unilever Philippines, remarked at the launch of the search for Dove Bukod Tanging Filipina 2004 held recently at the Metropolitan Museum in Manila.

Last year, three women were proclaimed Dove Bukod Tanging Filipina in recognition of their respective crusades. Florian Infante from Luzon was recognized for propagating nutrition among poor communities; Shirley Sombrador of the Visayas for fearlessly charging a local official who was engaged in illegal logging; and Baicon Macaraya for devoting her time to helping in peacekeeping efforts and youth leadership in Mindanao.

This year, the search will recognize yet other dimensions of achievement. The Search for Dove Bukod Tanging Filipina 2004 aims to honor young women, 18 to 30 years old, who are engaged in the pursuit of excellence in the fields of music, dance, visual arts, literature, science and technology, and business and entrepreneurship.

"These extraordinary young women are not just talented in their chosen field," Alex Tacderas, Dove senior brand manager, explained. "They also extend their passion for their craft to members of their circles, devising ways of converting talent into useful endeavors that benefit otherwise unproductive communities."

To ensure that the search gains prominence and credibility, organizations with extensive networks were invited as search engines to field nominees representing the different fields. Respected names and achievers in their own right graced the launch with their presence and support, namely: Andrea Veneracion of NAMCYA (Music Competition for Young Artists Foundation) for the music and dance categories;

Sid Hidlawa of the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) for visual arts; Carina Bulasco of Anvil Publishing for literature and Sabsy Palanca of the Women’s Business Council for business and entrepreneurship. For the science and technology category, the National Research Council of the Philippines, with Dr. Amelia Arancog, was tapped as search engine. Schools and other organizations and individuals are also enjoined to send in their nominations. Self-nomination, however, is not allowed.

Deadline for submission of duly accomplished nomination forms, together with Dove proof of purchase, is at 12 midnight of Aug. 21. Ten finalists, two from each category, will be announced in September. These 10 extraordinary young women are already considered winners and will immediately be awarded a prize package consisting of P20,000 in cash, a trophy and Dove products. The organizations or individuals who were responsible for fielding the winning nominations will also receive a cash incentive of P10,000.

The 10 finalists will be presented in the Sunday morning lifestyle show All About You on GMA-7. The public will be enjoined to vote for their choice and the cause she represents. The top three with the most number of votes will win an additional prize of an all-expense-paid trip to an Asian destination. The lucky home partner also stands to win a free trip to an Asian destination. Each of the top three People’s Choice will get to choose a beneficiary organization whose cause shall be supported by Dove through a one-peso-per-vote donation or a minimum of P50,000 cash.

"The search for Dove Bukod Tanging Filipina 2004 aims to promote real beauty among women," Tacderas remarked, "which goes beyond the stereotypical and superficial. It is all about breaking barriers and empowering the Filipino woman to believe in herself."

For more information, call Unilever at 588-72-82 or visit www.dovebukodtangi.com.