Starting a business for women’s periods isn’t for everyone, much more a charitable one at that! But if you’re interested in perhaps doing something for a cause, take inspiration from Raisa, the young woman behind the Happy Days Club, a subscription service that aims to help Filipina women with their monthly Shark Weeks.

Lifestyle Manila: If you don’t mind sharing, may we know how old you are? What did you take in college and/or grad school? When did you graduate?

Raisa: Is this necessary ? I’m 30 years old. I took up Information Technology and graduated in 2008. I initially wanted to take a course related to cooking but my mom told me not to so I ended up taking IT.

LM: How did you come up with the Happy Days Club subscription service idea? 

R: I guess, like every business, this all started with a BIG IDEA. It happened when I was working for a client’s sales funnel. My client was selling sanitary pads, and I was searching for ideas on how we could boost sales. So I went through Google and Pinterest, and found out that there were subscription boxes abroad that delivered menstrual products! And I told myself I wanted it!

So I asked my sister to find out if there were subscription boxes in the Philippines that did the same – and she found nothing!

That was basically how I came up with the idea. But it’s also partly because we’re all girls at home. And there were times that my younger sister’s use of my pads would cause a fight when my stash of pads runs out before my period comes. And there is always that time of the month that we are all super moody! Imagine three girls with periods in one house!

I decided to launch Happy Days Club to cater to women’s needs and help them have a stress-free period.

LM: When did you realize there was a market for this?

R: I actually did not do any market research which I think was a huge mistake. I thought I’d be selling menstrual products because whether we like it or not, we need them, right? So I figured there’s a market for PMS subscription box in the Philippines.

LM: How long did it take you to turn your vision into reality? Who helped you?

R: We kinda rushed everything–from planning to launching. It probably took us 2 months to plan and figure things out. Luckily, I have my 2 sisters to help me out on my Happy Days journey.

LM: What’s your favorite part of your job?

R: When we started 6 months ago I basically did everything, the website, marketing, emails, social media, everything! And then eventually I hired my sisters to help me out. And we now have interns!

I admit it’s kinda hard to juggle between being a business owner and a freelancer. But I can’t complain since I love what I do!

LM: What is the Happy Days Movement?

R: The #happydaysmovement aims to provide free sanitary care/products to girls and women in need. Recently, I discovered there were organizations like Homeless Period and Happy Period that provides menstrual FREE products to girls in the US, UK and Canada. I also found out that most girls in Uganda and India doesn’t have access to sanitary care products and I thought girls in the Philippines might have the same problem.

I conducted some research in our community and according to our barangay health officers, some girls in our community only use 1 or 2 pads a day during their period. Can you imagine that there are girls that can’t afford menstrual products?

Mentrual products are one of the most requested products but least donated in some charities and foundations.

LM: How many people have you helped through the movement?

R: We just launched #happydaysmovement and we were able to donate over 600 pads and 60+ kits.

LM: Are there any lessons on entrepreneurship that you’d like to share?

R: Based on my experience as a business owner and sales funnel expert, it’s important to conduct market research before starting a business. And make sure to think of your best offer that provides solution to your market.

And take advantage of social media and influencers! And when you find bloggers and influencers that supports your brand – take care of them!!

Thank you, Raisa, for sharing your wonderful story!

GOOD NEWS! If you’d like to help Raisa’s charitable startup, take advantage of its Pre-Xmas Promo! It’s bound to be a win-win–you get some goodies from Happy Days Club PLUS you get to help out women in need. Pretty cool, yeah? Just click on the link below and subscribe!

Nowadays planners and journals are trendy, must-have items for the average Filipino. Top coffee shops around the metro feature their own collectible planners this time of year. While Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf help customers make a donation to charity for every planner redemption, I had yet to see an organization donate 100% of planner proceeds to charity until now.

For over a decade, the Lifeline Foundation has been helping the impoverished communities around the world through medical missions, empowerment seminars, scholarships and relief aid.

…Well the planner has been around for ages. But I have only heard of the selfless planner this year.

Portable and lightweight: The change planner measures 7 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ x 1″.

Get inspired with the motivational messages of positivity and encouragement throughout the change planner.

By purchasing a planner for Php775, you get to support Lifeline Foundation’s initiatives in Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines AND at the same time enjoy an awesome planner with sufficient space for jotting down your daily tasks and more! The planner is designed to help organize thoughts so of course it includes:

• Mood chart/meter
• Gratitude list
• Budget and expense list
• This week’s highs and lows
• Special coupons on happiness and selflessness

This Journal Will Actually Change Someone’s Life 2016 is now available at all Fully Booked outlets and will soon hit Powerbooks and National Bookstore branches!

Yes, ALL proceeds go to the Lifeline Foundation’s projects. The journal is available online as well courtesy of Free Speech Publications. Join the #ChangePlanner2016 movement’s happiness revolution and ignite joy in someone’s life.

Thai restaurant Mango Tree celebrated its 2nd anniversary through a very noble gesture, and I can’t believe I totes forgot about this! The restaurant continued its commitment to giving back by partnering with the non-stock, non-profit org Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), to support families who have a child with Down Syndrome. For Ms. Tanchanco-Caballero, celebrating blessings is by “giving back our blessings and supporting DSAPI”.

Mango Tree, with the support of its customers, was able to generate P100,000 from its fund raising program in support of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI).  The fund raised is turned over by Mango Tree’s general manager, Karen Tanchanco-Caballero to DSAPI executives, Agnes Lapena and Tony Pasia. Last summer, Mango Tree helped promote awareness as well as support DSAPI’s free clinic, by launching a special menu for its fund raising program, DOWN for Thai. Thai food lovers were given a chance to be a part of this cause, too, when they ordered from the Down for Thai menu that included Mango Tree’s Crab Festival dishes, Pad Thai Goong, or Gai Hor Bai Toey. The program ran from March 28 to June 1, and proceeds from the menu items became part of Mango Tree’s donation to DSAPI to support them in their efforts to provide quality health care for children with Down Syndrome. For those who automatically assume that those with Down Syndrome are better off being called “Mongoloid” and essentially serve no purpose in society, think again. Below is an inspiration video about an MMA fighter with Down.

Children with Downs often have a lot of flexibility, but seldom have a lot of core strength. But these people also tend to show less inhibition, making them less likely to fear the things “normal” people do. This allows them to use 100% of their power when most of us have mental blocks in the way.   Kudos to Mango Tree, and I’m looking forward to checking out your activities in the coming years!

Every season is the season of giving, and Caritas Manila and Metro Point Mall prove that point with the 14th installation of the Segunda Mana store. Metro Point granted Caritas Manila free space and stall specially for this program. The Segunda Mana store, whose name literally means “second hand”, promotes reducing, reusing, and recycling goods.

Just like the ones sold at the other Segunda Mana branches are all in mint condition, whether used or unused. These clothes, shoes, bags, toys, home and fashion accessories are donated by generous companies, organizations and individuals which are offered at friendly prices which range from Php20- 300.

Photo Op! L-R: Carina Bernaldez (GIK-Segunda Mana), Tam de Ocampo (Caritas Manila Executive Officer), Fr.  Roberto dela Cruz , Atty. Aireen Madrona (Pasay City Council), Rosario Villar (Board Member-Treasurer), Gilda Cortez (GIK-Acquisition Head), Choy Gagalac- (MSS Dept.), May Tiangco- (Social Marketing Division Head)

The Segunda Mana Charity Shop which recently opened is at the 5th Level of Metro Point Mall, Edsa Rotonda, Pasay City.

Other Segunda Mana branches are in Makati Cinema Square, Isetann Cinerama Complex, Harrison Plaza, StarMall-Edsa, StarMall-Alabang, Victory Central Mall, Victory Shopping Center, Victory Pasay Mall,  Farmer’s Plaza, Sta. Lucia Mall, Riverbank Center-Marikina, San Roque Cathedral and in Caritas Manila Head Office.

For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/SegundaMana