Let’s talk about sex with Durex’ SEXducated

  In the past few years, Filipinos have started opening up and talking about sex and how it is an important conversation to have in order to engage in safe, healthy, and satisfying sexual activities. But despite the inroads that have been made in normalizing conversations about sex, barriers remain when it comes to discussing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the feelings of shame and stigma remain which prevent people from accessing information and resources that can help Filipinos develop safe sex habits.

The lack of access and conversation contributes to the continued rise in the number of people who test HIV-positive in the country. July 2021 data from the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) showed that 1,045 Filipinos tested HIV-positive while 60 people died of AIDS-related complications. This means 33 people tested positive every day from January to July 2021.

HIV cases in the Philippines continue to rise especially for youths aged 15-24 years old

Faced with these numbers, Durex continues to strengthen its mission to promote safe sex with its new SEXducated video series available on the Durex Facebook and YouTube channel.

SEXducated with Durex

Targeted toward millennials and Gen Zs, singles, and stay-at-home couples, the SEXducated with Durex video series is a fun and creative treatment to lessons on practicing safe sex. The show gives light to HIV awareness and how to improve one’s overall sexual health. 

“It’s part of our responsibility as a brand to empathize with our consumers’ needs and give them safe and practical solutions,” said Matt Davis, Reckitt Marketing Director. “Through SEXducated with Durex, we aim to provide a safe space and have a thoughtful discussion on topics that beg to be talked about.” 

Singles and young people can learn from the boys of Boys Night Out (Sam YG, Slick Rick and TonyToni) and Elijah Canlas as the four debunk HIV myths with hard facts. They can also learn from Dr. Kilimanguru, as he addresses need-to-know information about HIV. While couples can find ways to rekindle their relationships as they explore the topic of seeking pleasure through intimate acts with Dr. Rica Cruz.

With Durex’s SEXducated series, Boys Night Out and Elijah Canlas debunk HIV myths and learn hard facts about safe sex

Dr. Kilimanguru or Winston Kilimanjaro Tiwaquen is a doctor who gained fame on TikTok for his medical advice videos known for being easy to understand and entertaining because of his use of hugot lines and jokes. Through his videos, delivered in colloquial Filipino, viewers learn about the simplest medical issues from the common cold to HIV, and even COVID-19. Meanwhile Dr. Rica Cruz is a sexologist and media personality whose expertise is on sexual pleasure and sexual behaviors. Dr. Rica believes that sexual ownership is sexier than sex.

Protection, Preparedness, and Education (PPE)

Enabling Filipinos to “Always Come Prepared,” Durex fulfills its role as a responsible brand through ongoing partnerships with various organizations. To date, Durex is distributing condoms to the beneficiaries of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), San Lazaro Hospital - Nagasaki University Collaborative Research and Laboratory, Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated (PAFPI), Pasig City Government, Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), The Red Whistle, and LoveYourself, Inc.

The need to connect is very human and so is the need for open conversation about something as natural as sex. And with the isolation possibly triggering more intense feelings, it’s important to protect oneself from risks that can be otherwise prevented.

With its SEXducated campaign, Durex encourages Filipinos to always come prepared and enjoy sex safely. Learn more about practicing safe sex with Durex via their Facebook page.

Inka Magnaye shares her life amid the pandemic and the importance of oral care

 

The pandemic may have turned the world upside down but Inka Magnaye learned to roll with the punches early on. It was during the lockdown when she launched her career as a content creator with the viral video of her and her mother doing the in-flight announcement of a local airline.

She also discovered a few hobbies while spending time indoors. Magnaye says, “in the beginning, I spent my days cooking. I looked around for new recipes to try. Another skill I picked up was putting makeup on. It’s such a useful skill, especially in my current line of work.”

The voice artist and creator may be busy but she still looks out for her health, taking a holistic approach to take care of herself. For her mental health, she takes the time to unplug and sit in silence, or do something she likes.

“The world is different now, so much more stressful, and to be able to navigate our day-to-day as best we can, we need to always take care of ourselves first and foremost,” Magnaye reveals.

She is motivated to be physically healthy because of her polycystic ovary syndrome and asthma.

Magnaye says, “I need to make sure that my body is as strong as possible. That, and discipline to make sure I eat right and keep being active. I work out more now. I take it more seriously, I have better discipline, and I eat much healthier compared to before.” 

Healthy teeth and gums

Oral care and hygiene are important for a voice artist and content creator. According to her, “I need to make sure that my mouth is a well-oiled machine. That means a healthy set of teeth and gums. Also, as a content creator, a bright smile is always an asset!”

Her work has paid off, as her dentist said that her teeth and gums are healthy. She credits a strict oral routine for this.

Magnaye brushes and flosses regularly. She also trusts Sensodyne, the most recommended toothpaste by dentists. For her, the ideal oral care product is something that offers a comfortable mouthfeel and long-lasting protection and freshness.

“I especially need protection from tooth sensitivity. Making videos or hosting events will be much trickier with painful teeth. This is why I always use Sensodyne,” she says.

When she started using Sensodyne, Magnaye reports that her “mouth feels cleaner, fresher, and healthier.”

She counts the Sensodyne Repair and Protect as her favorite variant. This toothpaste contains stannous fluoride, which builds a repairing layer over vulnerable areas in the teeth and protects it from pain. Aside from its lasting relief from sensitivity, Sensodyne Repair and Protect also offers cavity protection.

To further share how Sensodyne helps her as a voice talent and content creator, she went live on Shopee with dentist Dr. Stephen Almonte. He has been practicing his craft for more than 20 years and has served as president of the Philippine Dental Association.

Speaking about her discussion with Dr. Almonte, Magnaye shares, “there are so many myths about oral care that are floating around by word of mouth. It’s always the safest bet to go see your dentist and consult the experts.”

She adds, “I think the products people use can definitely make an impact on their daily lives, especially something like toothpaste. Now I can enjoy anything without even giving it a second thought. It’s liberating.”

It even helps her be more  confident and comfortable, saying, “I don’t have to think twice about flashing people a smile.”

For her followers who also want to improve their oral health, Magnaye has one piece of advice: “Sensodyne has worked for me and it will work for you, too!”

For more information about Sensodyne, visit sensodyne.com.ph or facebook.com/SensodynePH.

A flexible insurance plan to keep Filipino entrepreneurs going

  

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unpredictable economic landscape, which has greatly affected every Filipino, and that includes entrepreneurs. Some had to cut down on their expenses and manpower while some had to temporarily halt their businesses to survive and adapt to the new normal.

During unforeseen events such as the pandemic, it’s important to have a fall back or “rainy day” fund that can help individuals and entrepreneurs get back on their feet. A good example is AXA MyLifeChoice, which serves both as a life insurance and an investment tool that’s flexible enough to allow one to design it according to his/her needs, coverage, investment profile, and earning capacity.

MyLifeChoice also offers policyholders the flexibility to invest to local and global markets without the need to open a dollar account through the Peso-Denominated Dollar Funds. This opportunity allows Filipino entrepreneurs to maximize the growth potential of their investments by giving them access to different growth markets globally with an option to invest in different financial instruments to ideally suit various risk profiles.

"The pandemic is an example of how things can change in an instant. Many individuals, especially small business owners, were caught unprepared by it," said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer. "MyLifeChoice can help them continue with their life and business plans, no matter the circumstances. 

MyLifeChoice fits the needs of individuals and entrepreneurs, allowing them to keep moving forward with their life and business with the guidance of AXA's financial partners who can provide guidance in designing a plan that's based on one’s individual goals and priorities. For individuals, this could either be health, education, protection, or   investment. For owners of small businesses, the priorities might be slightly different -   future business expansion, purchase of new equipment, or a contingency fund in case of unexpected events like the pandemic, disasters or even theft.

Clients can customize their policies on their own terms with flexible life coverage that they can get up to 30x the amount they pay annually.

With the customization and flexible features of AXA Philippines MyLifeChoice, individuals or business owners can keep moving forward with their plans even when circumstances change.

To know more about AXA Philippines MyLifeChoice, visit www.axa.com.ph/mylifechoice or talk to an AXA Financial Partner via landline at +632 8 5815-292.