There's nothing like a tear-jerking hair commercial to ring in a new work week. Fortunately, Pantene Philippines has got us covered - releasing their new #StrongerNow campaign which celebrates members of the trans community.
Fronted by local trans supermodel and beauty queen who as 'the girl called Kevin', the campaign follows Balot's journey of self-discovery - and it's emotional stuff.
Highlighting the struggles of Balot's youth, the star tells a “young boy, who is sure she is a girl,” not be scared.
“When you think it’s the end, it’s not," she says. "When people don’t seem to understand, there will be others who do. Find them.”
"Strength comes from the inside – where it counts," Balot continues, speaking directly to her younger self.
"Do good, be grateful, find the wins in every day. Remember, you are strong and beautiful, you deserve to be heard. Accepted. Loved.”
According to , the powerful new campaign makes Pantene the first hair care brand in the Philippines to cast a transgender person - not only as the star of its video, but as the face of the entire brand.
Sharing a campaign photo on social media, Balot encouraged her more than 200,000 followers to watch and engage with the video.
"I'm very happy that Pantene is promoting inclusivity and empowering everyone to embrace who they truly are," she wrote.
With members of the LGBTIQ+ community sharing the video across social media, it wasn't long before it received some much-deserved attention, with the likes of Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo sharing that it made them tear up.
