Alopecia Philippines lauds Ryza Cenon's bald initiative
What Ryza Cenon thought would just be a show of dedication for her next project, actually sparked a much bigger impact on a certain demographic.
Ryza recently wowed her followers when she went for a bolder look of shaving all the hair on her head at once.
Read: Ryza Cenon, nanibago sa wig pagkatapos magpakalbo
In an interview for PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) Cabinet Files on June 21, 2024, this was her first time to go completely bald despite it being in her bucket list for the longest time.
She was finally permitted to make this a reality when she accepted the role of a nun in the horror film Lilim, which is directed by Mikhail Red and producer by Studio Viva.
Ryza Cenon Photo/s: Screengrab from Facebook | Ryza Cenon
The 36-year-old celebrity mom revealed: "Actually, hindi naman po siya nire-require. Ako po mismo yung nagsabi na magpapakalbo ako.
"For me, mas okay siya sa karakter ko at nag-look test po kami, hindi ko trip yung prostethics, hindi ko gusto yung hitsura.
"Parang sabi ko, mas okay kung kalbo talaga. Mas makakatulong siya sa karakter ko," she said, defending her decision.
She added: "Mas mabilis po ngayon, lalo na may Eddie Garcia Law. Kailangan lahat mabilis so makakatulong itong pagpapakalbo ko para mag-save time.
"Kasi ang prosthetics, kung lahat kami iba-bald cap, hindi lang po mga artista, the talents also, matagal-tagal po yon kaya nakabawas po ako."
Prior to taking on the character, Ryza had thought of going bald in 2020, after she gave birth to her son Nate.
However, her talent management — Viva Artists Agency — did not green light Ryza's plan.
Ryza's baldness instantly felt natural to her, even describing how it was now awkward for her to wear wigs: "Mas nanibago ako every time na magsusuot ako ng wig.
"Parang ang feeling ko, hindi ako sanay na may buhok. Feeling ko, mas bagay sa akin ang walang buhok."
Ryza Cenon goes bald Photo/s: Screengrab from Facebook | Ryza Cenon
Read: Ryza Cenon's family home inches closer to completion
RYZA INSPIRES THROUGH HER BALDNESS
When Ryza debuted her new look, celebrity friends and netizens flocked to her social media accounts to praise her edgy style.
Even her three-year-old son thought it really suited her mom's face, with Ryza relating: "Natuwa naman po siya [Nate]. Ayaw niya sa buhok, actually.
"Ayaw po niya ng buhok so nandidiri po siya sa buhok. Kaya nung nakita niya po na kalbo ako, tuwang-tuwa siya.
"Every time na hinahawakan niya ang ulo ko, para siyang kinikiliti, tawa siya nang tawa."
But beyond Ryza's expectations, a more meaningful ripple effect was drawn by her switch in appearance.
Today, June 28, 2024, Ryza published a heartfelt message of appreciation from the Alopecia Philippines organization, recognizing her for her brave move to go bald.
The message read (published as is): "Hi Ms. Ryza, Im lax carrillo secretary of Alopecia Philippines, I dont know if you are aware with our Organization....
"I just wanna let you know that you inspired us by making a huge step of transformation that being bald is okay, having no hair is okay its cool and fine and with the time that is changing the perception of many in the age that difference is highlighted...
"I thank you for making this out in public that us Filipinos should accept no matter what looks you have its not the basis of one's beauty but its a true measure of how good our hearts can be... in behalf of Alopecia Philippines Inc. thank you and we love you..."
Ryza Cenon goes bald Photo/s: Screengrab from Facebook | Ryza Cenon
Alopecia Philippines is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide information and educate the public about alopecia, a condition that causes partial to total hair loss.
Alopecia patients are usually more traumatized by the psychological effects of hair loss. With proper psychological intervention, most of them eventually begin to see the wisdom and maturity in a mindset that embraces beauty and confidence in baldness.
Resonating with what the organization stands for, Ryza responds to it by writing in the caption: "Be Bold, Be Bald, Be Proud"
She tagged the organization, thanking them for the beautiful lesson they impart everyday through their stories.
"To all Alopecia patients, stay strong and embrace your journey. Your beauty shines from within, and your strength will inspire others. You are not alone," she concludes.