Bloom Project

Beauty comes in different shapes, colors, sizes, and even stretch marks. Geraldine, Therese, Joan, Mina, and Ashley have three things in common: Beauty, Confidence, and PCOS.

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, impairs the endocrine system and metabolic processes in reproductive-aged women. Women with this medical condition may have a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to: menstrual cycle irregularity; mood swings; bloating; weight gain; depression; anxiety; and, if ignored, an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

However, PCOS doesn’t stop these ladies from blooming into the women they deserve to be.

In between poses for The Bloom Project’s Bloom with Confidence Photoshoot, we asked the models about their journey from learning about their PCOS condition to adapting and accepting life despite the ups-and-downs, stigma, and hardships they had to face because of the said condition.

ASHLEY FLORES

22, Graphic Designer | Student

A working student of an international brand who's pursuing Multimedia Arts in CIIT Philippines - College of Arts and Technology Quezon City.

GERALDINE IRASGA

28, BPO Worker | Artist

A wife, a furmom, and an artist based in Taytay. She does creative digital paint who also engages in church ministries.

THERESE SONZA

20, Model | Student

A student who proudly flaunts her beauty through modeling and prepares for her vision in acting.

ROMINA QUITCO

24, Gamer | Cosplayer

A cosplayer based in Malabon City. She's a gamer who does cosplaying as a hobby and enjoys displaying her passion for performance art at conventions.

JOAN JABIÑAR

25, Singer | Student

A resident of Bulacan City and venturing out her student life as a Computer Science Major while doing gigs as a vocalist of a local band.

By MONICA KUA | September 25,2023

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Mikaela Gonzaga