This October, as the world turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spotlight one of our own whose voice blends wit, wisdom, and quiet resilience. Meet Clea Banal – DBS Treasurer, lifestyle blogger, and a woman who’s not afraid to be both soft and strong.
When she is not crunching numbers and handling DBS logistics, Clea is out there living fully, creating content with soul, and treating herself to a concert or a dream bag with the kind of joy that says, “I earned this.”
“Clea is just a simple girl who likes to treat herself every now and then,” she shares.
“I’m working hard, chasing my dreams, and trying to be the best version of myself — just like everyone else.”Clea’s content journey began as a college dream. Back then, her schedule was too full to pursue blogging seriously, but after graduation, she returned to writing and eventually joined the Davao Bloggers Society.
“I started out as a beauty blogger, but shifted to lifestyle because there weren’t many beauty events in Davao,” she recalls.
“Lifestyle let me explore more sides of myself.”
As she evolved, so did her standards. While she used to post often and freely, she now admits she’s more selective and critical — sometimes too hard on herself. It’s a vulnerability that many creators can relate to: wanting to show up, but also wanting to get it right.
When asked what awareness means to her, Clea is clear: it’s about facing everything, even the parts we do not want to look at.
“Being aware means knowing everything about something, the good and the uncomfortable. Awareness starts with honesty.”
It’s a mindset she carries not just for health, but for life. The pandemic forced her to slow down, realign, and rediscover her body, not just in terms of looks, but in terms of strength, care, and survival.
“No one can take better care of you than you can.”
She celebrates the rise of vulnerability among women online. Seeing others share their struggles and fears has inspired her to do the same, showing that real strength often lies in transparency.
Even as DBS Treasurer — a role focused on logistics and numbers, Clea believes her online voice is a form of advocacy.
“Leadership isn’t just about the title. It’s about connection. Your voice matters even if it’s funny, quirky, or soft-spoken.”
Her approach to trends is refreshingly grounded: enjoy what feels right, skip what doesn’t. Because at the end of the day, happiness with your own content is what matters most.
“Being true to yourself and your audience will really make you happy.”
Clea loves strong women stories — especially those that balance kindness with courage.
“Being strong doesn’t mean being tough all the time.
Sometimes, strength is how you stay kind, how you get back up, and how you keep taking care of yourself and others.”
Her favorite form of self-love? Aside from trying to eat well and work out, she saves for her dream bags and splurges on concerts. To her, those are joyful reminders that hard work deserves rewards and that life is better when you allow yourself to feel alive.
A Message to Fellow Women Creators
“Never be afraid to be yourself,” Clea says.
“Your voice, your point of view, and your honesty- that’s what makes your content matter. Your content should show what you care about, not change who you are. Be real. Be rooted. That’s how you’ll connect and stay connected to the people who matter.”
Awareness is not just about illness. It is about wholeness. It is about checking in with our bodies, our minds, and our values.
And it is about women like Clea – leading with clarity, living with joy, and reminding us that wellness starts with being real.
Follow Clea on her blog and social media for more.
