This Women’s Month, Rustan’s The Beauty Source and these three remarkable artists remind you that self-care is just as important as the pursuit of empowerment and excellence
The Rustan’s GRLPWR event is back in its fifth year to celebrate Women’s Month. This year’s festivities puts special focus on women in art, featuring three exceptional talents from different fields: Clara Benin, the country’s indie darling; Zarah Juan, an esteemed fashion accessory designer and social entrepreneur; and Elle Battung, a versatile freelance illustrator and maker.
Rustan’s GRLPWR 2024 presents not only a unique fusion of art and beauty but a reminder of the value and importance of self-care. Just as how Women’s Month celebrates the victories, efforts, and sacrifices of women all over the world, so is also the time to highlight the necessity of dialing it back. After all, when we’re so focused on our goals and pursuits, it becomes especially easier to lose sight of what actually matters: our well-being.
In celebration of empowerment that goes beyond achieving excellence, Clara Benin, Zarah Juan, and Elle Battung join us to share how self-care figures into their lives and careers.
Clara Benin
As an inaugural artist under Sony’s regional label OFFMUTE, Benin’s serene demeanor and heartfelt performances have captivated audiences across Southeast Asia and beyond, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the music scene.
Her latest album and her first in eight years, “Befriending My Tears,” places herself at odds with the emotions and memories of her past. With tracks such as “Imposter Syndrome” and “Small Town,” she confronts and acknowledges these in a manner that all her listeners can resonate with.
“Art, particularly through music and songwriting, has served as a profound form of therapy for me, allowing me to both express and understand myself on a deeper level. I dream of inspiring young female musicians to find their voice and express themselves through music,” shares Benin.
And yet, serenading her loyal fans and continuously writing and creating music is tough, and at times, exhausting. She admits, “Being a musician, you have to get up on stage all the time and meet new people. Self-care plays a really important role in me being an artist because I have to take care of myself and preserve my energy. How I do that is through spending time with myself before going out into the world and that usually involves me being alone and reading a book before performing.”
Benin also acknowledges the importance of increased recognition for women artists, stating, “Growing up, I didn’t have as many female artists to look up to, so it’s truly inspiring to witness more women being spotlighted in the arts, and I hope our visibility empowers and inspires young girls pursuing their artistic passions.”
Her advice to aspiring female artists: “Believe in your art and your originality, and don’t be afraid to be yourself!”
“Growing up, I didn’t have as many female artists to look up to, so it’s truly inspiring to witness more women being spotlighted in the arts, and I hope our visibility empowers and inspires young girls pursuing their artistic passions.”
Zarah Juan
“I believe in the power of design. I believe in its power to create beautiful and meaningful things, and at the same time, its power to empower artists, communities, and women.”
An accessory designer renowned for her eponymous brand, Juan epitomizes sustainability and Filipino craftsmanship in the world of fashion. Juan shares, “Coming from humble beginnings, I thought where I came was all struggles and challenges. But knowing what I know now, all those struggles were actually beautiful things, beautiful memories that empower me to create bags that relate to a lot of people. And for me that’s really beautiful— sharing my life story through my creation is empowering not only to me but to so many women out there.”
To young or aspiring female artists seeking to make their mark in the art scene, Juan offers advice: “Embrace the journey of self-discovery,” she encourages, “recognize and embrace both the positive and negative aspects, and use it as inspiration to express yourself through your art.”
But she also emphasizes the importance of occasionally slowing down. She explains, “I learned that you cannot give from an empty cup. I used to take myself for granted in taking care of my family, friends, and the communities that I serve first. But then, I discovered that if I do that, I won’t be able to give the best version of myself.”
“I learned that you cannot give from an empty cup. I used to take myself for granted in taking care of my family, friends, and the communities that I serve first. But then, I discovered that if I do that, I won’t be able to give the best version of myself.”
Elle Battung
Battung is a seasoned freelance illustrator and maker based in Laguna, Philippines. Her love for illustration stemmed from childhood dreams of illustrating children’s books, a passion that continues to shape her unique style. “My style is deeply influenced by children’s literature and elements of curiosity, hope, and magic,” she shares.
Her artistic style reflects her personal journey as a woman in the world of art. Battung explains, “A recurring theme in my illustration is being a small girl in a big world, which is how I feel most of the time.” However, amidst this sentiment, she emphasizes the importance of “softness” and the ability for women to be both strong and gentle.
Further talking about her craft, she adds, “My art is also about being yourself and exploring the world. I think it’s really beautiful when you feel confident and when you know yourself apart from your outward beauty. That’s what I try to show in my art.”
However, Battung also underscores the impact that self-care has had on her work. She adds, “It’s hard to create when you’re tired or when you’re stressed. Putting time into my whole self-care, wind down routine has been so important for me to be able to have the energy to keep making the things I like to make.”
Battung envisions a world where women artists continue to carve out space for themselves while inspiring others to do the same. “I hope that more and more girls will grow up seeing this and knowing that their point of view is so important.” She adds, “I want to keep creating hopeful work that reminds people that tenderness and vulnerability are important.”
“It’s hard to create when you’re tired or when you’re stressed. Putting time into my whole self-care, wind down routine has been so important for me to be able to have the energy to keep making the things I like to make.”
Catch Benin, Juan, and Battung at the Rustan’s GRLPWR event, taking place on March 7, Thursday, 5:00 PM, at Rustan’s Shangri-La.
Benin will be gracing the festivities with a live performance, while Juan will unveil the Mobula Bag, inspired by the manta ray, crafted exclusively for Rustan’s The Beauty Source. Battung, on the other hand, will showcase a specially-made mural.
Plus, during the GRLPWR event, the first 100 Beauty Addict members who purchase any amount in the beauty department will receive an exclusive Rustan’s The Beauty Source Macrame Water Bottle Tote.
On a tight schedule? Worry not as the Women’s Month celebration extends far beyond the GRLPWR event. From March 1st until April 30th, Rustan’s Beauty Addict members who shop at least Php 30,000 worth of products and services at Rustan’s The Beauty Source are entitled to a complimentary exclusively designed Zarah Juan Mobula Bag—available in natural white, black, and tan colorways.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Additionally, for every purchase of Php 5,000 at Rustan’s The Beauty Source from March 1 – May 31, 2024, Rustan’s Beauty Addict members are entitled to one (1) e-raffle entry for a chance to win an all-inclusive four days and three nights stay for two in the Garden View Villa of Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao, inclusive of round-trip flights.
From March 8 -31, 2024, Rustan’s Beauty Addict members can also enjoy x5 Beauty Addict points for any purchase at Rustan’s The Beauty Source.
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Take part in GRLPWR 2024 by registering at https://bit.ly/GRLPWR-ResortToBeauty.
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Shop in stores, via the Personal Shopper on Call Service 0917 111 1952 or online http://rstns.shop/RTBS.
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