From the It Girl you loved from the beginning down to the grounded dreamer we all know now, Belle de Jour (BDJ) Power Planner had a transformative journey that encouraged women everywhere to be empowered enough to chase their dreams. We first met Bella, the famous girl in the cover, as that chic with a vibrant lifestyle and now she’s promoting dreampowerment and even advocates for the environment. This November 2020, Belle de Jour Power Planner is now turning fifteen (15) and for every year it brings out fresh concepts and surprises at the table, for this year, it is definitely loaded with a lot more!

In its 15th year, BDJ’s theme is I Grow With The Earth, a reminder that the roots of the earth hold both nature and humanity in its hands — you are one with it. To be grounded and to be connected with the Earth means embracingly going through tumultuous changes it brings to arrive at transformation. This concept is more than just Bella, the cover girl, exuding vibes of nature, but it also embodies BDJ’s growth and journey throughout the years, both its humble beginnings, potential-driven present, and abundant future.

We Grow With The Earth

Staying true to its Earth concept and women empowerment pillar, BDJ partnered with Centre for Sustainability PH, an environmental NGO from Puerto Princesa City that is led by women. This partnership aims to save 15 million square meters of virgin rainforests in the Philippines. Just as BDJ values community-centered work, Centre for Sustainability PH does, too, with their work that comes from, communities, for communities, and goes to communities. Their mission is to protect PH’s last 3% of the remaining pristine forest through legal establishment of protected areas. Their pillars are land conversation, reforestation, and citizen science. You can participate in this partnership simply by purchasing one BDJ Planner! For every one planner purchased, you get to save 750 square meters of virgin rainforests since a portion of BDJ sales will be going to this cause.

Another environment-centric program initiated by BDJ is the Adopt-A-Tree Program to save Ipo Watershed. 98% of Metro Manila’s water needs are supplied by the Angat-Umiray-Ipo Watershed, which the Ipo Watershed is a vital link of. It covers 7,236 hectares, primarily consisting of public forestlands, within the municipalities of Norzagaray and City of San Jose Del Monte in the Province of Bulacan and the Municipality of Rodriguez in the Province of Rizal. In just a span of years, forest cover has declined from a percentage of 85% to 40% putting the watersheds in danger. The program comes in to action by opening the opportunity to a network or a group to adopt a native tree, which will be planted by a Forest Ranger on their behalf. All reports will then be given to the adopter for this initiative and will be documented via the pages of Eco Exploration.

Lastly, BDJ transforms the pages of the planner for its 15th year by adopting FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper. This means the paper used for the 2021 collection are ethically and sustainably sourced to help manage the world’s forest. Users area well assured that the wood and paper used for their planners are harvested responsibly throughout the manufacturing process. For this year, BDJ gives back and grows with the Earth by promoting an empowered and environmentally active Bella.

Endless Possibilities, Community Focus, and Navigating Through Change

BDJ started as an idea of “the perfect planner for a perfect job” penned by the one who started it all, Dar Ty-Nilo. It was already a challenging start for the girlboss, since the first year of its release the world is faced with the global financial crisis. But with just 1,500 copies and PHP4,000 capital. Dar birthed BDJ and said game! to every challenge that came its way up to today’s global pandemic, it still thrives. From 2007 to 2020, BDJ continues to inspire its community to achieve their goals, live intentionally, and make a difference in their spheres of influence. The Bella Tribe started with a community of planner junkies who fitted the personality of Bella then it grew to a women community with the Women Summit. From a community of women it expanded to a community that empowers each other to dream through the Freedom to Dream summit. Both the Women Summit and the Freedom to Dream Summit are activities spearheaded by BDJ to campaign for women empowerment and dreampowerment.

BDJ has always been fueled by the desire to impact change. It innovates and leads collaboration & campaigns with brands that share the same intention. In 2018, BDJ launched Magic of Kindness in partnership with Goldilocks, which was a small celebration of the joy that simple kindness brings. Participation in this campaign meant empowering the dreams of the underprivileged yet deserving youth across the nation. Part of this program was allotted to conduct a donation drive and give out pastry to strangers. In 2019, Women of the World was launched in partnership with Wacoal, wherein 30 different women but with a common story of going against traditional roles of society were featured.

BDJ is also known for the Passion Series which gathers the community to talk about successes and growths with inspirational people who championed in their respective fields. If you’re a long-time Bella, you may have remembered BDJ’s Beauty Bootcamp, which is a celebration of beauty within every Bella out there. While BDJ’s Women In Action called for every Bella to show how their feathers soared through their personal achievements. Beside these programs, every year, launch weekends are held to accompany the release of the latest planner lineup. Not only does BDJ work towards a planner that would cater and keep up with every needs of a Bella, but also culminating activities within the community to support them with their goals and dreams.

The celebrations of 15 years is a reminder that BDJ has always stood on the ground of empowering women to live by design, with purpose and possibilities, towards their dreams. This 2020, on its 15th year anniversary, BDJ stands as a reminder — cherish this time and realize that without facing challenges with courage and trust, we cannot move forward and grow. Braced with plans for the rest of the year and for the bright future ahead, BDJ is ever-ready to transform and grow with the earth.

Join BDJ on its 15th anniversary by staying plugged for updates via facebook.com/bdjbuzz and shop.ilovebdj.com