INSPIRED by the power of the social media, the youth of today has found new ways of expressing their opinions on issues and problems affecting the nation. Opinions that can even help in solving, or alleviating the situation and lives of others in need.

Maximizing the power of the youth and social media, Avon opened the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Public Service Ad competition. It invited college and university students and young professionals to create a print and TV advertisement that will address the sensitive issue of domestic violence in the country.

The contest recently concluded at the Powerplant Mall Cinema in Makati City with a screening of the top 12 entries of the total 48 submitted entries. It was followed by an awarding ceremony ? led by Avon President and General Manager Kanwar Bhutani and Avon’s local ambassador for its fight against domestic violence, actress Ruffa Gutierrez.

Emerging as the grand champion is Team Tiwala of the Ateneo de Manila University composed of Bien-Bien Tan, Bibien Tan, Leslie Bayona, Sarah Buyco and Trina Khio. The group received P75,000 cash prize for their entry carrying the meaningful catchphrase: “Make-up covers blemishes, not abuse.”

In an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, Team Tiwala shared their inspiration for their print and video campaign.

Team leader Bien Bien shared, “My friend back in high school opened up to me that she was abused by her father. Everyday I see her put on make-up before classes started—on her shoulder and face—to cover up the bruises. We got our concept from this experience. Yes, you can cover blemishes [wih make-up], but you must never cover the abuse.”

Asked how she helped her friend during that period of abuse, Bien Bien answered, “Actually, at that time, it’s really hard for me to do anything because I was still young. But if ever I was not able to help her before, I hope that our video and print will reach out to her now.”

On what they thought was the role of the youth today in issues like domestic violence, team member Bayona pointed out, “I feel that the youth have an important role now because they are the ones who have the tools—the social media like the Facebook and Twitter.”

She added, “And with the rise of social media, they are given the voice [and] a bigger avenue. Our generation can now speak out and people will listen.”

Runner-ups of the competition were the Storm Troopers team and team Be Heard. The two groups received P50,000 and P25,000 cash prizes respectively.

The People’s Choice Award went to Justin de Jesus, Claude Gan and Mcki Oprenario of the Ju Clauki group. They took home P5,000 cash prize and P5,000-worth of gift certificates for leading in the online voting poll.

Learn more about Avon, its products, its advocacies and its meaningful earning opportunities at www.avon.com.ph.