Dental clinic partners with Boss Toyo for Tondo outreach

Published by: Cinema Bravo

Dr. Sam Bernardo, the dedicated owner of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic, continues to champion dental health among Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities. Driven by her long-standing commitment to organizing outreach programs, she recently spearheaded her largest dental mission in Happyland, Tondo, Manila. Teaming up with popular vlogger and entrepreneur Boss Toyo (Jayson Luzadas), she aimed to bring essential dental care to those who need it most.

During an interview with select invited media, Dr. Sam shared that she has been passionate about conducting outreach programs since she graduated and began her practice, saying, “Actually every year talaga simula no’ng grumadweyt ako, nagwo-work na ako on my own, nasimulan ko na talaga yung outreach program…”

(Since I graduated and started working on my own, I’ve consistently organized outreach programs every year… I’m truly delighted that we’ve achieved our goal.)

Dr. Sam elaborated on her decision to collaborate with Boss Toyo. She said, “Actually no’ng nalaman ko talaga about Boss Toyo, and then nakita ko talaga yung mga vlog niya, so do’n ko talaga naisip na kailangan—gusto ko ’tong si Boss Toyo, kasi siya yung makakatulong din. Kasi dito sa Pilipinas, actually marami talagang hindi alam kung ano ba ang kahalagahan ng ngipin, ang dental health natin.”

(When I learned about Boss Toyo and saw his vlogs, I realized that I needed him because he could help. In the Philippines, many people don’t understand the importance of dental health.)

“So, through his voice din, at parehas kami ng advocacy na gusto naming makatulong, maka-share ng blessings, so—kaya talaga siya yung una namin—actually siya ang first ambassador talaga namin na influencer… na kilala, kasi gusto namin ma-spread talaga yung awareness about oral health.”

(Through his voice, and since we share the same advocacy of wanting to help and share blessings, we made him our first known influencer ambassador to spread awareness about oral health.)

Boss Toyo also expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Awesam Smile Dental Clinic family.

“I’m a new ambassador of Awesam. I chose Awesam kasi pareho kami ng adhikain… Hindi lang puro perang papasok, kundi magbigay din ng tulong. So before ako kinuha as an ambassador ng Awesam Dental, nando’n yung process na talagang mag-a-outreach program kami do’n sa mga taong nangangailangan talaga ng tulong.”

(I chose Awesam because we share the same advocacy… It’s not just about making money; it’s also about helping. Before I became an ambassador for Awesam Dental, there was a process where we committed to doing outreach programs for those who truly need help.)

He further noted, “Kasi [ang] ngipin, madalas yan hindi napapansin lalo na pag kapos tayo sa pera, kasi mas inuuna nga natin yung mga pangunahing bilihin. So yung sinabi sa ’kin ni Doc na mag-a-outreach tayo. Talagang ikakalat natin na kailangan na pangalagaan din ang ating kalusugan, lalo na ang ating mga ngipin. Basta everything na sa bibig, yan, sagot ng Awesame Smile yan.”

(Teeth often get neglected, especially when money is tight, as we prioritize basic needs. But when Doc told me we’d do an outreach, we agreed to spread the word that we need to take care of our health, especially our teeth. Everything related to the mouth, Awesam Smile will handle it.)

Dr. Sam further emphasized the challenges many Filipinos face in accessing dental services, explaining that financial constraints often prevent people from visiting a dentist. She also acknowledged the difficult choices people have to make between basic needs and dental health.

“Talagang hindi sila nakakapunta sa dentist. Kaya kami, at the same time, habang nagbubunot din kami, talagang natuturuan talaga sana namin sila na proper—kung pa’no ba yung tama.”

(They really can’t go to the dentist. So, while we’re doing extractions, we try to teach them the proper way to care for their teeth.)

“Although siyempre, kailangan rin talagang intindihin na siyempre uunahin nila ang kanilang basic needs katulad ng pagkain, lahat. So, kaya kami, dito namin talaga napag-decide-an na dito kami sa Happyland para lang at least makatulong din lalo na may mga nararamdaman silang sakit ng ngipin.”

(Of course, we have to understand that they’ll prioritize their basic needs, like food. That’s why we decided to hold this event in Happyland to help those who are suffering from tooth pain.)

“So at least ngayon sobrang fulfilling po talaga, together with Boss Toyo, na nakatulong kami…”

(It’s incredibly fulfilling to have helped them with Boss Toyo.)

Looking ahead, Dr. Sam and Boss Toyo announced their upcoming “Balik-Ngiti” campaign, which will include dental checkups and denture services at future events. Boss Toyo encouraged everyone to stay tuned for more events with Awesam Smile, Dr. Sam Bernardo, and himself, as they continue their mission to improve oral health awareness in the Philippines.

He said, “Balik-Ngiti campaign para sa mga kapwa natin Pinoy… So abangan n’yo yan, more event with Awesam Smile, Boss Toyo, and with Doc [Sam Bernardo].” (Balik-Ngiti campaign for our fellow Filipinos… So stay tuned for more events with Awesam Smile, Boss Toyo, and Doc Sam Bernardo.)

As for Dr. Sam: “Tuwang-tuwa talaga ’ko na natupad din yung aming adhikain.”

(I am truly overjoyed that our goal has been achieved.)