Ripples: Sharing Stories, Empowering Communities (December Issue)

December 2020 Issue

DECEMBER 2020

A SPECIAL ISSUE

What’s inside?

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Community in Action: #SaferNowPH Summit reaches its peak on December 2-4

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Community Spotlight: Reflections

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Community in Action: Champion Community Centers collaborates with Paolo Pangilinan and Got'chu Fam cast on #SaferNowPH HIV Testing Day

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Community Spotlight: FPOP Iloilo responds to sexual health and reproductive health concerns through YouRHotline

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Community Spotlight: YCAP moving forward on its first anniversary

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Freedom Wall: An Open Letter: Forgiveness and healing

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Combi Nation seventh episode

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EDITORIAL

December 2020 Issue

EDITORIAL BOARD A message from LoveYourself’s Executive Director, Dr. Ronivin Pagtakhan

Finally, 2020 is coming to an end. After all the challenges that this year has thrown at us, there are some people that may feel a sense of resignation following these events. However, I remain thankful with how Champion Community Centers Network, my LoveYourself family, volunteers and staff have navigated through this year. Together with the support of our generous partners, we were able to do great things.

It never ceases to amaze me how much people can do in a year when they come together for a single goal. This is how the Champion Community Centers Network does - unify to create a single voice and build each other’s efforts to amplify them to the Philippines and the world. As I look back on 2020, we are nothing short of agile in responding to the needs of our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic may have hindered a lot of us from executing what we have planned, but it also gave us the opportunity to challenge ourselves. To innovate and sustain we did all in the name of our community.

This year may live out infamously for all the grief and confusion it may have caused, but let it be known that we did not falter. From novel services and programs to new community centers, as advocates, we never end to find ways to help and fight for our cause to be seen.

The amazing feats that we’ve reached this year is testament to the tenacity and perseverance of our human spirit to dare, care, and share. On yet another year with the Champion Community Center, we look forward to what else we can do as we grow, thrive, and bloom.

Diego Rozul Editor-in-Chief News Editor Edgar Bagasol Jr. Managing Editor Layout Artist Russel Clint Francis So Features Editor TJ Monzon Illustrator (Combi Nation) Contributors CK Sabillo Crissa Joy Mundin Don dela Chica Hazel Ivy Jeremias Jesse Castelano JM Maynes Joy Daguiso Marian Mana-Ay Nadim Lumubos Nicole Silvestre Queenie Mauhay Ron Bugarin Ryan Taborada Tanya Laguing

SHARE YOUR STORY! Create more Ripples by sharing stories of your own communities. This may include your events, activities, research, innovations, or any human interest stories that you think could inspire others in forwarding our cause.

To contribute, you may contact us at ripplespub@loveyourself.ph

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December December 2020 2020 Issue Issue

NEWS NEWS

#SaferNowPH Summit reaches its peak on December 2-4 written by Diego Rozul

In celebration of World AIDS Day, LoveYourself held its first ever 3-day #SaferNowPH Summit on December 2-4, 2020. Held in Club United, Paranaque City, the event aimed to translate global conversations on HIV and AIDS to local action. Catch the recorded sessions on the SaferNow Philippines Facebook page if you haven’t already.

Dare to Change the International Perspective The first day of the summit gathered international leaders changing how HIV is approached across nations. Executive Director of the Institute of HIV Research and Innovations in Bangkok Thailand, Nittaya Phanupak, MD, PhD discussed how we can address the gaps in the 90-90-90 vision for HIV through the Status Neutral Approach. With a responsive testing program that provides same day dispensing of needed services, we can begin to accelerate flattening the HIV curve.

Fritz van Griensven PhD from the University of California San Francisco demystified sexualized drug use and reduction of risk for HIV by highlighting the importance of PrEP and ART adherence. This was further echoed by the regional advisor on PrEP for UNAIDS Asia and the Pacific Healther-Marie Schmidt PhD who shared their experience in scaling up their treatment as prevention and PrEP program in New South Wales, Australia from 2012-2015.

launched; expanding the reach of PrEP to key populations by featuring people of different gender identities and expressions.

Alongside this, Gaya sa Pelikula star Paolo Pangilingan was revealed to be LoveYourself’s newest ambassador for National HIV testing day on December 12, 2020.

Care for the Local Community On the second day, the summit highlighted country-wide innovations in the HIV advocacy. From allyship, testing, to even treatment, the speakers of the day brought the discussion closer to home. Dr. Rossana Ditangco, head of the AIDS Research Group of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine gave a comprehensive introduction to the new anti-retroviral (ARV) drug coming to the Philippines – Dolutegravir.

In conjunction with this new ARV, LoveYourself Director for Operations Danvic Rosadiño then further explained how LoveYourself has adapted to keep HIV services accessible, and clients empowered during the pandemic. With structures that enable individuals to take care of their sexual health, Miss Universe 2018 and LoveYourself Ambassador Catriona Gray emphasized how allyship can be a powerful motivator to enable people access already available services.

Echoing the continuous growth of allies in the HIV advocacy, the #SaferNowPH Campaign for awareness was unveiled featuring local LGBTQIA+ vlogger Inah Evans.

Alongside other queer personalities, the Following these international standpoints, campaign aims to debunk HIV myths and the #QueensOfPrEP Campaign was misconceptions in their own unconventional way.

Share the Advocacy Within Our Communities Lastly, the dialogue shifted to actionable ways on how everyone can share the advocacy with more people. Flourish Circle Program Consultant Bro. Noel Cabigting highlighted simple ways on how each one of us can be a compassionate ally with our brothers and sisters living with HIV. Miss Universe 2015 and LoveYourself Ambassador Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach then emphasized the importance of support in the context of HIV from accessing HIV services to living with the virus. Co-founder and CEO of Lauvette Atty. Renz Rollorata showed how the HIV advocacy can be amplified as a corporate organization through corporate social responsibility programs like them.

The Summit was culminated with the season finale of the SpacesMNL online show: Kweeens Noight where Manila-based drag queens were able to perform on stage in front of a physically distanced audience.

Local queens such as Viñas Deluxe, Mrs. Tan, and Lady Gagita shook the night celebrating their participation in the #QueensOfPrEP Campaign.

The current situation may have restrained how the HIV advocacy usually delivers its services, but by sharing simple and replicable innovations, we can create a concerted effort towards uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos living with HIV, and those afflicted with its stigma. Indeed, no one is safe until everyone is safe, not only from our co-occurring pandemic, but from the social repercussions of prejudice brought about by misinformation.

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REFLE REFLECTIONS

FEATURES

December 2020 Issue

written by Hazel Ivy Jeremias

The ACER project which stands for “Accelerating Community Engagement and Response on HIV-AIDS Prevention” is almost at its end. JM Maynes, ACER’s Program Manager, shared his insights on the future of the community-based organizations (CBOs) that make up the Champion Community Centers (CCC) network.

Champion Community Centers is a national network of community-based organizations (CBO) that delivers HIV services to key populations, managed by LoveYourself as the a Global-Fund sub-recipient. CBO performance in service delivery is measured through indicators such as reach, enrollment, screening, testing, and adherence.

Like any other program, the project had its ups and downs. Maynes shared that achieving CBO targets and indicators proved to be more difficult compared to establishing the network. “Producing the target numbers was one challenge for this project. These CBOs shined on their own with their own efforts, and we had to escalate this effectively,” Maynes said.

CBOs that performed well shared their best practices to other CBOs through the network. This is one way to ensure that all members of the network learn from each other, thereby strengthening collaboration. This further highlights the importance of the network and CBOs themselves in the delivery of HIV services on ground.

When asked what lessons his team learned throughout the project’s implementation, Maynes had this to say: “For me, the collaboration of the CBOs within the network was something that inspired me. By collaborating effectively, they did not only make their efforts more effective but also sustainable. And it is their strong commitment to the advocacy that ties this solid collaboration.”

Since its inception, there are 18 CBOs that make up the network. Its reach extends from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao. The network is expected to expand to 30 CBOs as a call for new CBOs to join ensues with a new grant coming. Maynes looks forward to this and he sees a bright future for the program. “What I want to see from the CBOs in the future is to continue nurturing the newtork itself. They should continue working together as a network, championing initiatives, and inspiring other CBOs with their works,” he mused.

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ECTIONS

December 2020 Issue

FEATURES

JM MAYNES

Program Manager, ACER

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FEATURES

December 2020 Issue

The most important thing in doing advocacy work is putting your heart into it. Know the purpose of what you’re doing; go back to your core and use that as a motivation to help others. LoveYourself, through the Champion Community Centers, helped me realize that.It’s empowering to work with people who have the same love for the advocacy.

TANYA LAGUING DIOSSA head

Life can give you a lot of things that will be your frustrations or hesitations, but these should not be a hindrance. What matters is how you stand up and rectify your mistakes. I learned this the moment I devoted myself as a volunteer to LoveYourself after being diagnosed with HIV. My life was a mess at that time when I found out about it, yet my partner, Denis, stood by me throughout the process of treatment.

I felt that it was my destiny to volunteer in LoveYourself for it became a safe space for me and my fellow blood sisters and made us realize that we can still live a beautiful life after having HIV. It gave a whole new meaning to what it’s like living with HIV.

RON BUGARIN PLHIV client

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Issue DON December DELA2020 CHICA

FEATURES

HIV testing client

I’ve been a regular testing client since I moved here in the Philippines from Italy. I’m very conscious about my health. That’s why I always want to ensure that everything is fine, especially with my sexual health.

LoveYourself has always been a safe space for me. The counselors also eventually became my friends who taught me to also become a safe space for my friends.

For me, HIV testing has to be normalized. It’s not something that anyone should be ashamed of. I recognize that not all people are as confident as me but I tell you, getting tested is a critical step in taking care of your overall health.

CK SABILLO PrEP client

When I started taking PrEP, I became more confident with my sex life. It somehow lessens the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty whenever I engage in sex. When I encounter people who don’t have any idea about the medicine, I always take that as an opportunity to educate them. It feels good that you are not only protecting yourself but you get to protect others too by educating them. I believe that PrEP is neither something to be ashamed of nor something to be proud of, but for me, I’ve never been afraid to share it to other people to help them protect themselves from HIV.

My desire to live a meaningful life and become an inspiration to others encouraged me to join the organization.

LoveYourself has become my platform to advocate just representation and treatment to our community. I wanted to show people that being a trans person is not just about all the glamour and beauty. I wanted to advocate for programs and policies that would empower us and protect us from all forms of discrimination, and LoveYourself made that possible more than I have ever imagined.

This family has helped me realize that we are powerful human beings; that no matter how we are being belittled and discriminated against, here we are standing and fighting for our place and rights.

NICOLE SILVESTRE Trans advocate

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NEWS

December 2020 Issue

Champion Community Centers collaborate with Paolo Pangilingan and Got'chu Fam cast on #SaferNowPH HIV Testing Day #SaferNowPH HIV Testing Day pushes through on December 12, 2020 overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Together with Gaya sa Pelikula star Paolo Pangilingan and the cast of Got'chu Fam, the Champion Community Centers highlight three ways one can get tested for HIV while minimizing risk for COVID-19 infection - facility-based testing, community-based screening, and self-testing.

written by Diego Rozul and Edgar Bagasol Jr.

Get tested inside a facility As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, everyone can still take charge of their sexual health by getting tested for HIV in nearby community centers and social hygiene clinics with the use of their appointment system.

In Pampanga, YCAP and LAKAN community center intensified the promotion of the testing campaign on-the-ground. In time for the World AIDS Day celebration on December 1 and their 1st anniversary on Staff and volunteers of LAKAN Community Center in Pampanga participated in the #SafDecember 12, booths were set up outside erNowPH HIV Testing day. Aside from conducting testing, they also distributed campaign materials to their clients. Photo grabbed from @LAKANCommunityCenter the facility to accommodate more clients.

Testing clients were also given educational materials on HIV and PrEP, as well as free each community center’s Facebook page December 10-12, they conducted physical condoms and lubricants. for their respective online appointment and online community outreach in Iloilo, reaching over 80 clients, only through this LAKAN Community Center, meanwhile, procedures. testing modality. took the campaign online by posting materials encouraging people to get test- Community-based screening (CBS) Meanhwile, DIOSSA conducted a full-day ed and access other HIV services in their is another option outreach activity in Muntinlupa City durcommunity center. They have also published directory facilities where people can Following COVID-19 safety protocols, cli- ing the testing day. They facilitated discusaccess HIV services. These activities coin- ents may set an appointment with a CBS sions on HIV, SOGIE, and the HIV Policy cided with the Central Luzon Regional HIV motivator to conduct the HIV screening Act with the 30 residents who attended Testing Month led by the Department of wherever they feel safe and comfortable. their outreach activity and conducted CBS CBS is done to cater clients who are not operations thereafter.

Health Regional Office. comfortable getting tested inside a clinic/ For clients who want to access CBS serDue to the pandemic, most community community center. vices, they may contact nearby community centers operate on an appointment basis to control the number of people inside the Along with the other testing modalities centers and social hygiene clinics to set an facility at all times. This is also to ensure that they offer, volunteers and staff in appointment. Please consider and practice proper physical distancing among staff Rajah Community Center and kNOwTELL COVID-19 safety measures in setting CBS and other clients who avail the services Wellness Lounge stepped up their CBS op- appointments and during the process, reof each of the centers. Clients may check erations during the HIV testing day. From spectively.

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December 2020 Issue

Know your status with self-testing

meanwhile were immediately linked to treatment and were educated about the concept of treatment as prevention. By encouraging people living with HIV to adhere to their treatment, they may be able to achieve undetectable status, which means they can no longer transmit the virus to other people. This concept is also known as undetectable = unstramsittable (U=U). Know more about these methods and concepts by following the SaferNow Philippines Facebook page (attach link).

HIV testing has now been made more convenient for clients. When people are confined in their own homes or struggle to access facility-based testing due to travel restrictions, LoveYourself thought that an HIV self-screening service would be the best option to ensure testing continuity. Hence last March, the organization launched “SelfCare,” the first HIV self-screening program in the country.

Through this program, clients can now access an HIV-screening kit, along with an in- Overall, the #SaferNowPH testing day was structional and counseling guide, and con- another feat for the Champion Community duct the testing themselves at their own convenience.

Promotion of the program was heightened during the #SaferNowPH HIV Testing Day. LoveYourself mobilized ambassadors to promote the program, including BL artist Paolo Pangilinan and the cast of Got'Chu Fam BL sitcom. Its seven community centers, including LoveYourself White House in Cebu, are offering SelfCare at an affordable price. Interested clients may send a message to https://m.me/SelfCare2S and to purchase a SelfCare kit.

With the same strategy and goal, the Rajah Community Center is also offering “IScreen,” an HIV self-screening program supported by the Department of Health and World Health Organization. Implemented as a demonstration study, the IScreen program began rolling out last March. Persons interested to do self-screening only need to register in the IScreen’s online portal: tinyurl.com/iScreen2020.

NEWS

Centers. It did not only increase their testing reach this year, but have also increased people’s awareness on options where and how one can get tested for HIV, especially on the relatively new testing modality, HIV self-screening. The influence of Paolo Pangilinan, the GotchuFam cast, and other influences was a big help in achieving this goal.

The #SaferNowPH campaign was initiated

by LoveYourself through SKPA Philippines.

SKPA Philippines works hand-in-hand with the Champion Community Centers to target and reach key populations to HIV in different regions in the country.

Paolo Pangilinan.

Photo by Owl Right Studios Inc.

Testing is Prevention Regular monitoring of one’s status is also one way of preventing oneself from acquiring HIV and passing on the virus to other people. With this in mind, the Champion Community Centers campaigned the three types of HIV testing processes, along with HIV combination prevention methods, including condoms and lubricants, PrEP, PEP, and adherence to treatment.

In their testing procedures, particularly for those who tested non-reactive to HIV, they made sure that clients are sufficiently educated about the HIV preventive methods. Information on the methods are also incorporated in the campaign materials that they distributed during the testing day. Condoms and lubes are also always available in all community centers and are attached to HIV screening kits during distribution.

Clients who were tested reactive to HIV

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NEWS

December 2020 Issue

LoveYourself White House commemorates World AIDS Day through fashion written by Ryan Taborada

“Fashion for a Cause” is LoveYourself White House’s program in commemorating World AIDS Day 2020. Tapping on InDep, a group of independent Cebu-based fashion designers, LoveYourself White House will have an exhibit of World AIDS Day-inspired couture pieces at the 2nd floor atrium of Robinsons Galleria Cebu from December 5 to 11, 2020.

InDep members Dexter Alazas, Lorenzo Ceniza, and Hanz Coquilla each have created new collections specifically for this endeavor. Alazas celebrates the independent spirit with a breezy, luxe-resort theme, Ceniza uses red to show boldness and rage, mirroring the turmoil and strife in a global pandemic, and Coquilla showcases

Models for the "Fashion for a Cause," campaign. Photo by Hanz Coquilla

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strength and vulnerability by merging aggressive ‘30s military motif with soft, delicate silhouettes. Their pieces will be up for auction throughout the month of December, with a portion of the proceeds going towards LoveYourself’s relentless efforts in fighting the spread of HIV.

tel, Services for Key Population in Asia (SKPA) Philippines, Champion Community Centers, Macare Medicals, Inc., Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, PhilHealth, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Sonny’s Mannequin Shop PH, Premiere Ads Print Solutions, Bai Hotel, Romero Vergara, Dexter “We picked functional art like fashion Maneja, Mooleaf, Pret Tea Milk Tea, Nails to be able to send a message and at the Dot Glow, Virtucio, Campos Jewelry Creasame time raise funds for our community tions, and Crimson Resort & Spa. center,” says Jan Shaltiel Vincent Estrada, clinic manager of LoveYourself White LoveYourself is a volunteer-driven, not-forHouse. “In one way or another, hopefully, profit, non-governmental organization that we are able to embrace this year’s theme offers free HIV counseling, screening, and of ‘Global solidarity, shared responsibility’ treatment, among other services targetwith the help of some of Cebu’s much-cel- ed towards key populations. LoveYourself ebrated fashion designers.”

White House is its first community center outside Metro Manila. It is located at #6 “Fashion for a Cause” is in partnership Avelino Morales St., Kamputhaw. with Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Quest Ho-

FEATURES

December 2020 Issue

NEWS

FPOP Iloilo responds to sexual and reproductive health concerns through youRHotline

written by Nadim Lumubos and Crissar Joy Mundin

The official hotline of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), youRHotline, was launched to cater for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns.

It is a safe and open space aimed at providing humane care to all.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hits the Philippines, sexual and reproductive health services were stalled, due to community quarantine which prohibits non-essential workers to leave their residence.

women to experience IPV. youRHotline, as a response to the community quarantine-induced services reduction on SRH, is an adolescent-friendly hotline service that offers SRH information and consultation available on different platforms. It offers a wide range of services such as general check-up, gynecological consultation, information on contraception (types of contraceptives available, correct usage, etc.), information on Sexually Transmitted Infection and prevention, HIV and AIDS and prevention, Pregnancy Care, and Counselling for victims of Gender-based Violence.

These services are also supported by the mobile clinic conducted right at the heart of the community where Doctors, Nurses and Midwives are always available to answer your needs.

According to the University of the Philippines Population Institute, the unmet need for family planning increased by 67% due to community quarantine-induced service reduction hence an additional 218,000 women age 15-49 with an unmet need for family planning every month of the quar- To date, youRHotline services are availantine. able nationwide. You may avail of SRH services wherever you are by contacting The Commission on Population also youRHotline social media platforms (Faceshowed that there will be an addition- book, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr) at @ al 700,000 expected babies to be born youRHotline.PH or visit Facebook Page, in 2021 due to unintended pregnancies. FPOP Your Hotline Philippines at www.

Maternal mortality also increases with an facebook.com/yourhotline.pg, or call estimated 60 maternal death every month through the youRHotline mobile numbers of quarantine. Further, as the quarantine at +63 996 988 8826 or 0918-673-1111 forced people to stay at home, the inci- for SRH Concerns, 0918-673-4444 for the dent of intimate partner violence (IPV) Post Abortion Care Hotline and Violence also increases during these times. Data prevention hotline at 0996-988-8826. You shows that every month under the quar- can also email your concerns at fpopyourantine, there were an additional 12,100 hotline@gmail.com.

Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.

Noam Shpancer

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LITERARY FEATURES

December December 2020 2020 Issue Issue

YCAP moving forward on its 1st year anniversary

written by Nadim Lumubos

Celebrating its 1st Year Anniversary and World AIDS Day 2020, the Youth Center for AIDS Prevention (YCAP Community Center), an FPOP Pampanga Primary HIV Care Clinic based in San Fernando, Pampanga conducted various activity to raise awareness, stop stigma and discrimination against HIV/ AIDS and promotion of Telemedicine Hotline of the Facility including the PrEP and PEP Services.

December 9, the team went to Porac, Pampanga to conduct HIV Awareness among the Indigenous People. They were taught how to use condom and offered free screening. It was followed by Mass Testing on December 10 held at Candaba, Pampanga to which attended by more than 50 LGBTQ++ Participants. The team introduce the YCAP Services among the YKPs of the said area and given talk about STI, HIV/AIDS and promote the Local and National Hotlines. After the activity, more than 30 YKPs were screened and the rest YCAP Community Center established De- availed free condoms and lubricants. cember 5, 2019 is a HIV Treatment Facility managed by the FPOP Pampanga. It was On December 11, the Virtual Meeting and first thought to be a Youth Center cater- Orientation was conducted with the 1st ing the needs of the Young People to Sex- Batch of Partner LGUs, Organizations, and ual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Communities. The meeting with partners and Family Planning Services but with the is for the Planning of Activities for the Accontinuous effort of Mrs. Valentina S. Da- tion Plan of YCAP on 2021. It was attended vid, Chapter Program Manager of FPOP by SKs, President of the Organization, and Pampanga, Youth Volunteers and Staff, it representative from the LGBT Communiwas turned into a Treatment Facility. To- ty. The 2nd Batch will be on December 19 day, with more than 30 Enrolled Clients with other partners outside Pampanga. and counting and with linkages with other LGUs, Organizations and Communities On December 15, YCAP went to Porac, outside Pampanga, the YCAP Community Pampanga to conduct Medical Mission Center is achieving its purpose as to high- with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, light HIV Advocacy and be one the Treat- Police Regional Office 3, National Commission on Indigenous People Region 3 ment Center in Region III. and Tulong Sulong Organization. Along It started December 1, where volunteers with the Services Offered are HIV 101, and staff distributed condom and lubes in Free Condom and Lubes and hot to use it. front of the facility among the passerby. The team also give HIV screening among They set up a booth to which they deco- the IP Communities. rated with campaign materials on HIV, promotion of the chapter hotlines, and PrEP On December 16, YCAP and FPOP invitservices. On its first day, they were able to ed Mother Elena Felix, 62 years old, living distribute 1,000 condoms and screened at least 8 members of the Young Key Population.

with HIV since 1994 to share her life-story, views and opinion on stigma and discrimination, coping with difficulties and her success story in an Online Talk Show entitled NightTalk: Through Our Eyes. Along with the Online Activity, the Advocacy Video to Stop Stigma and Discrimination against HIV/AIDS of the Facility was simultaneously uploaded to YCAP Facebok Page.

Among the major activities conducted by YCAP and FPOP are the promotions of the Local and National YouRHotline. It is a Telemedicine Project of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines where it offers Free Consultation with a Doctor and Nurse on Reproductive and Sexual Health Concerns, Violence Prevention and Post-care Abortion.

By the Year 2021, with the wide range of Partners and Pool of Volunteers and with Plan of Action rendered by Partner LGUs, NGOs, other Organization, and Communities during the Virtual Meeting, the YCAP Community Center will surely emerge as one of leading treatment facility in raising awareness in HIV and continue its mandate for early detection and early treatment among its target individuals.

The YCAP Community Center and FPOP Pampanga would like to thank YouRHotline, a Global Affairs Canada Project by FPOP, TLY, SKPA, Champion Community Center, SaferNowPH and the DOH Region III for their continuous support on our activities and effort as we end HIV by year 2030.

On December 4, the YCAP-FPOP trained 10 Youth Volunteers to continue with the Chapter Advocacies and its Services. It was facilitated by the representative from the DOH Region III. The first anniversary of the YCAP Community Center was held December 5, with a Motorcade and continuous Distribution of Condom and Lubes. The Motorcade went to 5 Barangays that surrounded the Community Center with the help of Barangay Maimpis and the Maimpis Drivers Club.

Meanwhile, honored guest from LoveYourself Inc. and Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros were invited to grace on the said activity.

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YCAP Community Center volunteers distributed condoms and lubricants during the World AIDS Day commemoration. Photo grabbed from @YCAPCommunityCenter

December 2020 Issue

LITERARY FEATURES

International Volunteer Day: The Rewards of Volunteerism written by Ryan Taborada

my twenties not knowing what my status was, and this constantly loomed over me. It made me wonder if others were the same way, in the dark about their status, not informed and empowered enough to go out there and get tested.

When an organization such as LoveYourself is primarily made up of volunteers, it can be quite a challenge to keep it going for as long as it has. Even with paid work, people come and go, how much LoveYourself, like other non-profit organimore when most of your people zations with the same advocacy, became are not paid at all? for me a safe haven to readily avail of the services that previously were close to In my case, not only am I not getting paid, unheard of. This shift provided a sigh of I also am not bound by any contract that relief. My community is finally given the compels me to stay. Yet I choose to stay, much-needed safe space to go to. I had to alongside many others, for reasons that go be a part of it. I had to be a part of this beyond monetary compensation. endeavor that was missing when I was in my twenties.

When I started volunteering for LoveYourself, I did not think I was at that stage in my Volunteering turns out to be a blast. It life when I was ready to give back. What may not be a walk in the park, but it’s that gravitated me towards the organization refreshing sprint in incredible directions. was the advocacy that affected me much Soon after joining LoveYourself I formed deeper than I had thought. I am part of precious bonds with people who had their a generation that did not have access to own various reasons for volunteering. convenient, rapid, and free HIV screening. Some of them are all about serving the There was not enough information avail- community that we are a part of, and there able to somehow alleviate the fear that are others who saw how difficult it was for comes with getting tested. I went through persons living with HIV (PLHIV) to receive

the care they needed back then, and a few had lost loved ones because of the virus.

Call it helper’s high, or some fulfillment of a sense of purpose of sorts, but the feeling is nothing short of rewarding. In those days when we used to be able to be in each other’s presence, I would look around and feel gratitude and immense awe towards those that stuck around, unpaid, exhausted, fighting for a cause not a lot would.

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was observed last December 5, 2020. Mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985, IVD is a yearly observance that encourages volunteerism, building on the impact volunteers have in communities, both locally and internationally. It was of significance for LoveYourself and its volunteers. Even for just a day, the world gave the spotlight to those that offer their time and effort without expecting anything in return.

To my fellow volunteers, this isn’t much, but I would like to say thank you.

Central Luzon CBOs unite for WAD In 1988, to address the media visibility gap of HIV/AIDS, James Bunn and Thomas Netter collaborated to design and implement the annual World AIDS Day (WAD). It is globally celebrated every year on December 1st to raise awareness, express support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those we have lost in the fight against the epidemic. Since then, it has been the longest-running initiative in the history of public health and the first-ever global health day.

The themes over the years included testing, linkage to care, individual rights, and community responsibilities. This year, WAD highlights "Global solidarity, shared responsibility." The global HIV response has been deeply affected in concurrence with the COVID-19 pandemic. It exaggerated the importance of maintaining HIV/ AIDS services amid a global threat as it re-

mains a public health crisis. WAD calls for HIV service providers, global citizens, and front liners to band together for solidarity and ensure that the needs of vulnerable groups and key populations are kept at the center of COVID-19 responses.

Locally, various NGOs, CBOs, and support groups came together to celebrate WAD 2020. Remarkably, HIV clinics and centers from Central Luzon initiated an online solidarity campaign in observance of WAD 2020 alongside their Regional HIV Testing Month celebration. This awareness initiative aimed to raise public interest and bridge the gap in sexual health education among Filipinos. In the recent report by the Department of Health, Region 3 is included in the top five regions with the highest number of newly reported cases (13%, 84). In totality, there are 8,089 (10%) cases recorded from Central Luzon alone. These numbers reflect the existing HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination that fuels

written by Jesse Castelano

the ongoing epidemic.

To combat this, a pool of organization members from DOH-Region 3 AIDS, STIs & Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Program participated in the campaign.

There was a total of 8 advocacy videos that covered multifaceted themes. Some discussed the basics of HIV/AIDS, treatment and adherence, PLHIV stories, combination prevention strategies including PrEP and PEP, condoms and lube, and HIV testing. These efforts add up to shape a future free from HIV-related stigma and discrimination and ultimately end the HIV/ AIDS epidemic.

The coming together of these organizations from Central Luzon is a reminder of the power of hope and solidarity. Their sense of global togetherness and shared responsibility is an act of great social impact that responds to the global HIV/AIDS challenges.

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LITERARY

December 2020 Issue

Art from Freepik

An Open Letter: Forgiveness and Healing written by Queenie Mauhay

First, I want to forgive the friends who made me feel invalid. It's not that you did not treat me as your friend, but I was so dependent of the friendship that we had that I built a dream that I want but I forgot to see what you need. We have different views to respect and most of our ideals collide very much often, with that, it creates toxicity among us which suffocates everyone. I want to forgive you for making me feel hopeless in times that I even questioned my existence. I held onto your promise that you’ll always be there whenever I needed a shoulder to lean on, and I got lost when you let go. However, forgive me too for not noticing your struggles. We got different enemies to fight and I got blinded by my own monsters. I was not the friend you deem as strong and independent. Deep inside, I’m just me.

Second, I want to forgive the parents that I have. I want to forgive my father for telling me hurtful words that almost made me feel less of a person. I want to forgive him for not being the ideal father that I wanted and needed. I was so afraid of failing you that I worked hard all my life hard so that I can see that you’re proud, yet I ended up being a failure to myself. I wanted to forgive my father for not being the ideal person I wanted to adore. You may not be the father that everyone wants, but you still did your part as a parent. I want to forgive my mom for not being the mother of the year where other moms can be jealous of. I want to forgive her for not being the wisest, the sweetest and for not being the loveliest of all. I want to forgive her for the times she did not stood up for my sake; for not protecting me from everyone even to her husband. I want to forgive her for not being a mom when I needed to be. I want to forgive her because she deserves to be loved the way she gave everything she had. Thus, forgive me too, for being the imperfect son you ever had. I know that I did my best and hopefully, you see it too.

I managed to stand up on my own. I learned to fight for myself, for my beliefs, for everything that I know, when you showed how unfair life is. I built the “Me” that I can finally be proud of after feeling unappreciated in the family.

Third, I realized that before I can forgive those people who have wronged me, who made me see the world in its despicable side, who made me feel unloved, I should forgive myself first. I want to forgive myself for being the weakest in my parents' eyes. For being the "dramatic and helpless one" to my friends, for being stubborn to the society, and for being the hateful one to my very own self. I must forgive myself for not being the “Me” that everyone wants. However, despite being imperfect towards everyone else, I managed to find myself. I found peace in my workplace. I found love from people I averted my eyes on. I found acceptance from people who openly loved me without expecting anything in return. I found my solace away from the world I built so hard for, I see my redemption in the people I ignored before.

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With these, I can finally forgive you as I forgive myself.

What I hope for this year written by Marian Mana-Ay My name is Marian Mana-Ay, a 28 year old transgender woman.

What I'm hoping for this year is to achieve all of my goals in life, as I know everyone else would be hoping for whenever a year ends, let alone at the start of a new decade; to continuously do the things that I love and get the things I want in life.

I'm also hoping to return the love and support I got from the people who has been there for me, especially through this rough year we had.

And not just for me, but for everyone, good health and prosperity. That together, we can stay safe and become stronger in order to survive this new way of living. All the events leading to the end of 2020 has been rough, but being able to share this hope to everyone, we're testaments that we can still manage to live a hopeful life having our faces painted with a smile for every reason we can find, despite all the bad things that had befallen us.

With that, I hope and wish that all of us can achieve our goals and live happily.

And after all the lows we went through, there’s no way but up, and we all deserve a good and better year thus 2021.

Stay strong, stay happy, and stay wonderful.

December 2020 Issue

LITERARY

Time to Move Forward written by Russel Clint Francis So The past year has been palpably stagnant yet fast-paced at the same time. Back in March 2020, we were just preparing for the enhanced community quarantine then in a blink of an eye, we’re preparing for the holiday celebrations in our new normal. As we hope for transformative interventions to be implemented by the government, it seemed like a never-ending wait for rain during a deadly drought. We’ve lost friends.

We’ve lost family members. We’ve lost colleagues. We’ve fought hard. It As we enter a new year, I only wish that we don’t lose hope. I know I won’t because I still dream of that perfect date with my Mama. Although I do feel we have gotten closer, since we’d regularly check in with each other, I still wish it’d be more than that. She lives in Western Samar, Visayas miles away from me because I’m based here in Metro Manila. I’ve constantly reminded her to take good care of herself and her health by practicing quarantine protocols.

In times of hopelessness, I would remind her of that planned date we have.

After graduation, we haven’t had the healthiest mother-son relationship. To say that it was a difficult moment would be an understatement. That is why I promised myself, I promised her, that I would make it up to her. The year 2020 would have been our year. We had everything planned out.

She’d visit my siblings and I here in Metro Manila and I’d go home for the holidays.

We’d discuss our life and journey in this world including how we’ve morbidly prepared for our inevitable end. I don’t want it to end just yet. So, I cling to the very little hope I have that this can be resolved in time. I still want to fly her in and take her out on a proper date. I don’t want to lose time with her, not anymore, I’ve wasted enough.

For the year 2021, I want to move forward by making time for my Mama. Although navigating through this pandemic is difficult enough and may seem bleak, I refuse to be devoured by pessimism and hopelessness. So, here’s newfound hope for the new year.

Art by Lee Asuro

In moments of uncertainty, we thrive written by Joy Daguiso As 2020 ends, we look forward to a better future – a more humane society where kindness, compassion, and respect exist unconditionally. Where one can live with peace within themselves. Where the community fosters a safe and nurturing environment for all its members. Where everyone cares for each other’s welfare.

Where equality and justice always prevail. (Aha! Wishful thinking!)

situations leading to responses that addressed our needs. As the months passed by, we slowly adapt and navigate our lives into something meaningful such as re-connecting with one another, expressing ourselves, appreciating the little things we can do, and re-establishing ourselves little-by-little. We also learned that there are like-minded individuals and organizations that have the same intentions and mission – to help. Through this, we were able to gather our strengths, resources, and thus, It is safe to say that the year 2020 taught survive together. And when we say survivus a lot of lessons. Since the beginning, al it is not about the fittest but how much it has taken us on a roller-coaster ride of we care for one another. uncertainties. We took some detour from our usual daily route and along the ride, Our thriving journey does not end here. It we experienced overwhelming forces that is perhaps taking another detour where we led us to where we are at this very mo- choose another path to take. In the choicment. These included emotions that ini- es we make for ourselves, it is also sweet tially spurred through isolation then later, to consider the welfare of others as well. we realized that it is a collective feeling There are three questions we can always of grief, fear, frustration, and longing. In ask ourselves on this journey. First, ‘where grief, we learned that it is not just about have you been?’ Let yourself answer, and losing someone we love but it can also be hopefully, it will be filled with memoa sudden change in our environment. Fear ries that allowed you to grow and recogoccurs because we are unaware of what nize your younger self. Second, ‘Where might happen to us which leads to feel- are you?’ At present, acknowledge your ing frustrated with the things happening thoughts, feelings, surroundings, relationbeyond our control such as being distant ships, and current options. Lastly, ‘where from the people we usually interact with do you want to go?’ In the next few months, every day, or the mere fact of going out of know the places you want to visit, situations that you want to see yourself in, and the house simply because we want to. the people who stand beside you. HopeThankfully, we are not alone in times of fully, we can all choose a life worth living difficulty and uncertainty because, during because we believe in our own strengths the moments when feelings of helpless- and our ability to thrive as lifelong ness occur, we learned how to thrive. We learners and travelers. made ourselves informed and assessed our

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December 2020 Issue

BEATEN

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Artwork by TJ Monzon

December2020 2020Issue Issue December

COMICS

To be continued.

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December 2020 Issue

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