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EXCLUSIVE: Ces Drilon shares story behind smudge sticks business

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Gary Ann Lastrilla

<p>The job of a journalist could be very taxing; hence, it is important for one to allot time for self-care. Such is the case for renowned broadcaster Ces Drilon.</p><p>In an interview with <a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com"><strong>PUSH</strong></a> during Avignon Clinic’s Syndeo Hydrafacial Launch on Tuesday, October 10, Ces talked about how she takes care of her skin and general wellbeing. </p><p>Thanks to Avignon,” she lightheartedly began. “You know why? If I were left to my own devices, you really have to invest eh in taking care… Especially in my age. You really have to find the time. Make it consistent and regular. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung secret. Hindi pwede ‘yung pag naisipan mo lang and then once in a month and a half, that’s like… you’re really not looking after yourself. With all the treatments available, it’s partly, ano na, sin of omission na ‘yun.” </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvWyx0cLZJS/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=506&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A703085.4000000954%2C%22ls%22%3A702343.3000000715%2C%22le%22%3A702853.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="855" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Ces then revealed her struggle with melasma. An online article published on the Harvard Health Publishing site defined the condition as a “pigmentation disorder of the skin mostly affecting women, especially those with darker skin.” </p><p>The 61-year-old journalist shared, “You know, I’ve always been struggling with melasma ever since the pandemic. One mistake of mine was I thought, because we’re just at home, I didn’t use sunblock, so it really worsened. And you know right now, we’re trying the conservative approach lang. Not just lasers, but also induced heat light, so even if mawala after several treatments, it will come back with a vengeance, so I’m just applying, parang a daily routine – morning, night, and then I do [gentle] peels.” </p><p>Has she always been conscious about her skin health? </p><p>Saying that she’s paying for the “sins” of her past actions, Ces said, “I mean it wasn’t a well-known fact that you need SPF, so in my coverages, lahat outdoor, walang protection against the sun so that caught up with me. Pero you know my mom has always been just really looking after herself and it doesn’t even have to be expensive. Just have a routine that works for you. Nakikita ko naman sa mom ko and my mom has beautiful skin, although she also has melasma, which I inherited.”</p><div><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2023/9/26/exclusive-ces-drilon-is-happy-to-make-people-laugh-in-latest-ad-1423"></a><span><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2023/9/26/exclusive-ces-drilon-is-happy-to-make-people-laugh-in-latest-ad-1423"><strong>READ: Ces Drilon is happy to make people laugh in latest ad</strong></a></span></div><p>Aside from being physically healthy, Ces agreed that taking care of one’s mental health is also as important, which brings the conversation to the next topic. </p><p>During the pandemic, Ces ventured into the business of making smudge sticks, which helps in relaxation. She narrated how the whole thing began. </p><p>“Yeah, it really started in the pandemic. I took a Natural Perfumery course, beginning of 2021. And it opened up a whole new world for me because we use all natural products, so smudge sticks are just a form of incense,” she said, referring to the products of her business Provenciana. </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx-PRBTrMeH/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=506&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A771969.1000000238%2C%22ls%22%3A702343.3000000715%2C%22le%22%3A702853.2000000477%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="856" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>“In fact, actually, it’s an ancient practice. Think of diffusers – ‘nung walang diffusers, nung hindi pa yan naiimbento, this was the diffuser of old. They, the ancient people, would try herbs, parang incense, then tie them together and then burn them because the herbs have curative properties.</p><p>“Some cultures, ancient cultures would regard it as medicinal smoke or even sacred smoke kasi like imagining – ancient religions including Catholicism, di ba nagsusunog ng insenso, so it invites serenity, divinity. Parang you’re in the presence of a divine being, parang you’re honoring someone,” she added. </p><p>She then went on to share how her interest became an entrepreneurial opportunity. She said that one of her good friends, fellow journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas, wanted to order from her. “Actually, hindi pa niya alam that I was making smudge sticks. She wanted to order sage. Sage, white sage is used by native Americans in their practices, in their rituals. They believe it prolongs life, drives away evil spirits so she was asking if I was planting sage. And I said, ‘Para san ba?’ ‘Eh kasi gusto ko mag-cleanse?’ ‘Oh, you mean this?’ Pinadalhan ko siya ng picture and said, ‘Bibilhin ko ‘yan.’ Sabi ‘ko: ‘Ayoko. Akin ‘to,’” she laughingly recalled. </p><p>“It was what I made lang in class. And then I said, ‘I will make for you,’ which started me on my journey,” Ces continued. </p><p>The veteran journalist also opened up about her initial hesitation about the business. “And at first, I was very afraid to advertise it because akala ko sasabihin, ‘Ano ba ‘yang bruha na ‘yan? You’re a witch.’ Ganun. In a way, yeah, because witches naman are healers, so I embraced it na lang. It was my son’s suggestion talaga that I sell smudge sticks,” she said, adding that she used to sell a variety of products including potting mix and organic pesticide. She said that it was her son who advised her to focus on one hero product, and from there, the business grew.</p><p>“My sons are my partners here. The one who pushed me is our strategist, and then my youngest is the COO, he handles operations – kasi we’ve grown. I didn’t think – it was a one woman show. </p><div><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2018/9/20/fresh-scoops/ces-drilon-on-her-son-andre-coming-out-as-bisexual-48781"></a><span><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2018/9/20/fresh-scoops/ces-drilon-on-her-son-andre-coming-out-as-bisexual-48781"><strong>READ: Ces Drilon on her son Andre coming out as bisexual, “I never knew that he had an identity crisis”</strong></a></span></div><p>“And what I loved about it kasi we hit a cord that time. Ang daming stress, ang daming anxious. Pandemic eh. And then here’s a natural way to relieve you of it parang… helps in your meditation. Minsan, you need something tangible. A tool to help,” she added. </p><p>As for what’s next for her company, Ces said that they’re taking baby steps, focusing on selling online for now.  </p>

<p>Veteran journalist Ces Drilon talks about the importance of skin care and self-care.</p>

Veteran journalist Ces Drilon talks about the importance of skin care and self-care.