Loving every part of yourself from your body to your skin is in itself an act of embracing who you are. It's also a way to break those limiting norms and stereotypes imposed by society.
We're now living in a modem society where every figure is beautiful and accepted. Where every body shape is the “norm” and the unrealistic beauty standards no longer have a place.
What matters now is self-love, taking care of your body not to fit into a specific standard but to be an inspiration for other women to stop criticizing themselves and accept who they are.
These women celebrities believe in that and here's how they advocate for self-love and body positivity.
For Gabbi Garcia, working in the public eye means being susceptible to scrutiny. For the Kapuso Global Endorser, she avoids the negativity and uses the harsh words as motivation to prove her bashers wrong. “For me I use those things that they're saying to motivate me. To prove to them that I am confident that I am not like that.”
Gabbi Garcia shares why women should empower one another
For Lauren Young, accepting the flaws means loving yourself. She said, “Its taken me years to truly start loving and taking care of myself again, that I didn't even notice it until a few days ago; I am truly comfortable in my own skin and I am something that I haven't felt in a long time: happy. Sometimes you just have to rip off the band aid, cut the toxic people out of your life and start putting yourself first to get to the place you need to be.”
Iza Calzado started a self-love campaign, #TheBodyLoveRevolution for people to start talking about their insecurities and how to battle these problems.
Rhian Ramos wrote about educating ourselves that we are all unique and respecting each other's preferences and beliefs.
“We all want different things... some more than others. But that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them.. just cause someone else's wants, needs, or values may surprise you, it doesn't mean one of you are wrong or right. You're just different people. The best thing about people is how different we can all be. The fights just happen when we force one side to decide the same as the other. Let's keep in mind that there are many ways to define happiness, success, love, beauty..and just 'cause their idea of it doesn't match yours, they aren't weird or stupid. Their normal is just not the same as your normal. I just agree to disagree. Maybe as the years go by, we can be more accepting and kind to another's beliefs. But in case we have different definitions of what "kind" is, can we at least be gentle?”
In 2018, Dominique Cojuangco wrote how people shouldn't tolerate shaming in any form and just learn how to value the shape, race, and religion of one another.
“None of us should tolerate body shaming or shaming of any sort! Let's not deem this as “normal” - there's space for change. I hope that today and everyday we can be the type of people that lift each other's spirits:) Whether you're less than a size 0 or over a size 12... Happy women's month to females of all shapes, race, age, and religion.”
IN PHOTOS: Celebrities na nakaranas ng body shaming
Mariel de Leon's message of self-love is all about not being swayed by the standards formed by society.
“Ladies (and gents), it's time we love ourselves for who we truly are. Never be ashamed of yourself. Never be ashamed of what or who makes you happy. It's time to show the media and everyone else that we won't be swayed by their standards and the crazy standards set by society. No matter what color, race, religion, shape, or size.”
Andi Eigenmann confessed that she learned to love all the good and the bad parts of her body especially after being pregnant with her second child.
“Now that I am a mother of 2 that I have realized the importance of self-love and appreciation. It took me a while, but now I am able to define beauty for myself and I feel this way regardless of what shape I am in, and regardless of what others think! What motivates me to keep a mindset like this is the hope that by being the best version of myself, I can inspire my children to grow up to be the best version of theirs, imperfections and all.”
Iya Villania promoted self-love by focusing on her improving strength and wellness during her pregnancy. Though a lot of people tried to talk her out of it, Iya reassured women that it's okay if you just listen to your body and get clearance from the doctor.
What did Iya Villania say to mothers who can't workout during pregnancy?
Chienna Filomena stood up for women who are victims of skinny shaming with a message of accepting and loving whatever body shape you are in.
“I eat, by “eat” I mean really eat, you can send me into a buffet and sulit 'yun, PROMISE. I love my body just the way it is, I learned to accept myself for who I am, it took me awhile to do so, but self-acceptance is a process. You don't need to change your body to fit someone's criteria. Love your body, regardless of the comments from others. Always know that you are perfect just the way you are.”
Saab Magalona's story is about being shamed for gaining weight while pregnant. After the incident, she told her followers the value of being polite by avoiding nitpicking on another person's weight especially when they are carrying a child.
She said, “I explained to her that we have no choice but to gain weight (recommended 35-45lbs for twin moms like me) for the safety of our babies and we're already feeling self-conscious about it. I'm glad I controlled myself even with the hormones because I trust that most people don't intend to be mean. They're just pretty dense and that's their version of chikahan or bonding.
Rita Daniela wrote a beautiful message to celebrate the diversity of beauty.
“You are beautiful, my dear. Inside and out. You alone is enough. You don't have to change any of yourself to meet the standards of the wordly things. What you have is okay, it will grow. It's your path, in your own pace. No pressure. Slowly but surely, you will get there. We will get there. Do not be afraid to take the risk, or you will lose the chance. Go out and be proud. Let them be you. Just be.”
#THICC: These curvy girls know how to rock their body right!
Kris Bernal admitted that her workout sessions are her practice of self-love. She said, “Choosing fitness as a lifestyle has been one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Life can be so stressful and having a good workout releases my stress.”
Angel Locsin confessed that she isn't bothered by people telling her to lose weight. In an interview she said, “Ako, wala akong problema. Bakit ikaw ang dami mong issue? Ako nga, walang issue, eh. Katawan ko 'to, ako 'to, sarili ko 'to. Ikaw, okay ka ba?”
Jessy Mendiola wrote an inspiring message how she learned to love herself after overcoming a bout of depression.
“I still see myself as the “pata girl” and it's okay, it is just a matter of perspective. When I decided to shift perspective, everything started falling into place. I may not be the sexiest for others, but I am sexy and beautiful for myself, that alone is enough.”
KC Concepcion was criticized online by a netizen who claimed that she was deceiving her followers by posting an old photo.
She responded with a positive message, telling the netizen to be respectful. “I am my own fitspiration.”
Sunshine Dizon shared how fellow Encantadia actress Iza Calzado helped her love her body more. She wrote on Instagram, “And never forget that we are more than our bodies and skin. Thank you to my idol and inspiration my soul sister @missizacalzado for making me see and understand my body better.”
Max Collins is turning 30 years old this year and she embraces this transition by posting a topless photo of her with the caption, “Finally comfortable in my own skin. Aging can be a beautiful thing.”
Cai Cortez is grateful for her figure and embraces who she is as she writes in her caption, “Due to insistent public demand... eto na po ang entry ko. YES WALA PONG RETOUCH! I. AM. SEXY. I am a woman, I am a mother of two, I have flaws and WALAKOMPAKE because I love the body that God has given me.”
Bea Alonzo also emphasizes that beauty also means taking care of your health. She shares in a recent press conference with Beautéderm, “When you are in your 30s, parang hindi na lang 'yung ganda sa labas 'yung iniisip mo. You always want to be healthy and fit kasi alam mo yun 'yung investment mo. In the future, 10 or 20 years from now, ayaw mong magkasakit and I know that these products are going to help me to invest in my future. Alam ko this is going to help my health.”