In the quiet hours before dawn, long lines of riders began to form outside the headquarters of Beautéderm Corporation—some arriving as early as 11 p.m. the night prior — carrying with them not just empty fuel tanks, but the weight of rising costs and uncertain days ahead.
On Saturday, March 28, hope came in the form of “Byahe Kalinga,” a fuel assistance initiative led by Beautéderm Founder, President and CEO Rei Anicoche-Tan, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Balibago and BeautèDerm ContriBeaut Foundation Inc.
Around 200 transport workers—including riders from Grab, Foodpanda, and Lalamove, as well as tricycle drivers from various TODA groups—received much-needed support. The first 100 beneficiaries were given full-tank fuel, while the next 100 received ₱500 worth of gasoline and five kilos of rice. The assistance was distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with fuel claimed at a SEAOIL station in Sto. Domingo.
For many of the beneficiaries, the aid meant more than just fuel—it was a lifeline.
Anicoche-Tan said the program was her way of reaching out to those hardest hit by the continued surge in fuel prices, driven by global tensions. “Sa panahon ngayon, hindi puwedeng manahimik lang tayo. Kailangan nating umabot at tumulong sa abot ng ating makakaya—lalo na sa mga rider at driver na araw-araw lumalaban para sa kanilang pamilya,” she said.
Funds for the initiative were raised through an online auction of her pre-loved personal items from her signature brands—turning personal treasures into collective relief.
In a gesture that drew cheers from the crowd, the first tricycle driver beneficiary also received a ₱3,000 cash bonus and a starter livelihood package for his wife to begin selling Beautéderm products.
Many of the riders, visibly moved, expressed gratitude to Anicoche-Tan, describing her as a modern-day “Good Samaritan” in a time of need.
Even as she extended help, the lady CEO called on fellow business leaders to do the same. “Kung sama-sama tayo, kahit maliit na tulong, malaking ginhawa ang maibibigay natin sa sektor na ito,” she said.
As engines roared back to life that morning, so did a renewed sense of hope—proof that compassion, even in small acts, can carry people forward.
