Melai Cantiveros embraces teeth imperfection and supports Polident’s ‘Oplan Balik-Ngiti’ campaign
In entertainment, a dazzling smile is often considered essential for success. However, in the Philippines, there remains a certain stigma attached to having veneers or wearing dentures, with those who require them sometimes feeling ashamed or self-conscious. Comedienne and Magandang Buhay host Melai Cantiveros a.k.a. Momshie Melai to many, known for her hilarious antics and one-of-a-kind smile, is breaking down these barriers by partnering with “Oplan Balik-Ngiti,” a program aiming to grant free dentures to Filipinos in need.
Representatives of Polident and highly esteemed dental practitioners
Melai, confident in her unique feature, has often rejected offers to have her teeth enhanced. “Maraming beses na talaga na may nag-o-offer na yung ngipin ko parang baguhin ko na. Pero as long as hindi naman talaga ito bad breath, talagang ipagpapatuloy ko lang ito,” the funny talk show host and actress shared. She expressed fear in undergoing procedure as an added factor. “Wala namang sira ito. Talagang different sizes lang talaga ang pagtubo ng ngipin ko – small, medium, and large,” Melai jokingly said with a straight face that made her statement funnier.
Tuesday Vargas hosted the main event
Melai shared during the launch of Polident’s “Oplan Balik-Ngiti” held last April 12 at the Ayala Malls Trinoma activity center in Quezon City, that her teeth were a target for teasing when she was younger. “Aminin ko, talagang noong bata ako, nakakaapekto talaga siya. Kasi, talagang niloloko-loko nila ako sa ngipin ko,” the well-loved comedienne confessed. However, Melai learned to accept her teeth and found confidence in her individuality. She found power in what others may consider pain.
“Dahil sa panloloko-loko nila, the more na dinahan-dahan kong i-accept, the more na napamahal ako sa sarili ko. Acceptance is the key,” Melai advised. “Kung ano ang binigay sa ‘yo ni Lord, tanggapin mo na lang.” Melai also confessed that she wasn’t always particular about oral hygiene in her younger years. Growing up in GenSan or Geral Santos City, dental check-ups weren’t a regular part of her life.
“Noong hindi pa ako nag-artista, walang dentist-dentist, asin lang ang toothpaste namin dati. Pero ngayon nagkaroon na ng pag-angat ng buhay, nalaman ko na very important pala talaga ang dental hygiene. Kung wala kang magandang ngipin, hindi ka makangiti confidently,” Melai admitted. This realization is what led Melai to join Polident’s “Oplan Balik-Ngiti” campaign, which aims to raise funds for 1,000 sets of dentures for Filipinos in need. As a celebrity advocate, Melai encourages Filipinos to embrace their unique smiles and seek dental care if needed.
Melai made an appeal, “Ipagkalat na may ganitong misyon, may ganitong adbokasiya, na huwag mahiya.” She also asked for us to slowly dismiss the concept that there is shame in using dentures. “Tanggalin na yung stigma na para bang kapag may pustiso ka, nahihiya ka. Huwag nang ganun because acceptance is the key. Kapag na-accept mo na ‘yan, talagang didire-diretso na ang happy life mo. Huwag mong ikahiya ang kakulangan sa ngipin mo, bagkus, aksyunan mo.” She reassured, “Babalik na ang ngiti mo, mapapasaya mo ang ibang tao dahil dito sa Oplan Balik-Ngiti.”
Melai is asking for support to help Polident in its mission to make the Philippines a happier place with improved oral hygiene and information dissemination. Literally and figuratively, Melai continues to restore smiles with her humor and her heart.
