VP/Xclusives | Mark Baranda: Breaking Barriers, Building Communities

Self-care has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. While this concept is gradually being recognized for its importance, there are still aspects of it that people intentionally reject. Self-care is often considered an off-limits topic when it comes to men. Usually deemed feminine and weak, some men refuse to embrace it—fear of shame. This same reason significantly motivated Mark Baranda to advocate for encouraging other men to embrace self-care wholeheartedly.

Looking back, Mark had a friend who struggled with self-esteem due to societal expectations of how a man should be. This experience drove him to stand up for people who are afraid to embrace self-love. Having been bullied in the past by his peers for his weight, Mark took these hurtful words and turned them into motivation for self-improvement.

Filling in the Gaps

Beauty and self-care are solely for women—that’s what they say. Even products and routines are still marketed exclusively to women. But as the world continues to revolve around the sun, we discover that self-care and beauty go beyond what’s between your hips.

So how does Mark achieve this? By blending visual storytelling with meaningful content, he addresses different misconceptions about self-care. Consequently, he presents it as a tool for personal empowerment rather than a gender-specific practice. Moreover, he highlights the transformative power that comes with it. Following this mindset, he ensures his content resonates with the daily lives of Filipinos to make it easy for them to incorporate it into their lives.

This realization motivated me to create content that not only normalizes self care for men but also empowers them to embrace it as part of their daily routine, helping to redefine the narrative around masculinity and personal grooming.
Mark Baranda on the misconceptions about self-care

Given that this is a new initiative, where do we begin this self-care journey? Mark emphasizes that self-care is about health and well-being, not just appearance. The best approach is to specifically start with the basics: daily cleansing, moisturizing, hydration, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Starting something new often feels awkward, cringe, or embarrassing. Mark also acknowledges this discomfort and aims to ease the process by opening minds and normalizing the practice—underscoring its benefits.

I’d suggest starting with small, manageable steps to build confidence and show that self care doesn’t have to be complicated. By starting with these basics, men can gradually incorporate more elements into their routine as they become comfortable.
Mark Baranda on adopting a self-care routine.

Opening up Opportunities

Content creation has its benefits—people remember your name, you have the opportunity to influence others, and you can earn from your content. However, negativity still clings to fame. For Mark, maintaining a balance between authenticity and meeting audience expectations involves defining your values, communicating clearly, and carefully evaluating opportunities.

I stay true to my core values and vision. This helps in making decisions that align with my authentic self, even when I am faced with external pressures… I assess whether opportunities align with my values and long term goals… and consistently reflect my true self in my contents and interactions. By maintaining these practices, I can navigate external pressures while staying grounded in my authentic self.
Mark on maintaining authenticity as a content creator.

Pushbacks are a normal part of the journey. Hence, Mark Baranda reminds himself that not everyone will understand or support his path; what matters is staying authentic and committed to his beliefs.

Through his efforts, he creates opportunities for men to reach self-care content that is both genuine and accessible. As more men embrace these practices, traditional norms surrounding masculinity gradually loosen and evolve.

OPINION: IG thrift shops VS. local ukay-ukays

Redirecting the Future

Above all, Mark envisions a widely accepted and embraced self-care and beauty concept for men in the future. He emphasizes that such concept should not be tied to gender—it’s relevant for everyone. Self-care is a universal need that everyone should recognize as important.

I hope to be a part of this change by continuing to challenge stereotypes and create content that makes men feel comfortable and confident in taking care of themselves. My goal is to help make self-care something every man feels good about embracing.
Mark on his career goals and projected contribution to the community

Furthermore, he is excited to explore new ways to engage and support his audience through his creative agency, EYYYOOO CREATIVES. Moreover, he strives to drive this change by dismantling stereotypes and creating content that helps men feel both comfortable and confident in their self-care routines.

Having struggled with self-improvement in the past, self-care has positively impacted his life by boosting his confidence and helping him feel more polished and put-together.

Now, he advocates for others to embrace the concept of self-love. Mark Baranda shares a piece of advice that helped him through his dark times:

“Huwag mong susukuan ang sarili mo.”

Manager | Jonathan Pitate