Ripples: Sharing Stories, Empowering Communities (September Issue)

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SEPTEMBER 2020

kNOwTell explores telemed to cater mental health concerns of youth written by Roberto Figuracion

As the COVID-19 continues to cause fear across the Philippines, mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety became more visible, following the exponential increase in new cases. To combat the spread of the virus, local authorities imposed stricter demands such as border restrictions, quarantine protocols, general advisories on public health, and even curfew for minors. When malls were locked down in the early months of the community quarantine, the kNOwTell Health & Wellness Lounge, stationed at the Robinsons Mall-Iloilo, was affected. While it could have simply stopped its operations due to the lockdown, it chose to move its operations to the Rajah Community Center. kNOwTell did not stop catering to its clients, despite the lockdown, it could have just been a lucky thing for a 14-year old girl who has been suffering from anxiety while preparing for the opening of classes. The uncertainty and stress brought about by the threat of COVID-19 made the girl unable to properly function at home. “Tell Me,” the online platform of kNOwTell, suggested contacts to the client that can help her connect with a social worker and a psychometrician. Her connection with youth leaders did not end when she slowly learned to manage her current circum-

A youth volunteer of kNOwTell Health and Wellness Longue talks to a fellow youth client about mental health concerns. Photo by JMontelibano

stances. The peer educator integrated her into the community center so that she can relate her experiences with other youth volunteers. When the information dissemination of the local transmission of the virus was still in its infancy, FPOP along with its supportive partners, were already in the works. Not only did they communicate the necessary actions through proper channels, but they also boosted their telemedicine mechanism to cater to clients who could not be serviced by hospitals as they were filled beyond capacity with COVID-19 related cases. Another case is of a minor who sought help through the telemedicine platform that he has been experiencing distress, having problems on his private parts. With the prompt intervention and case management of the in-house social worker, the clinic nurse was able to schedule an appointment with the kNOwTell doctor who eventually made an online prescription for the client. The client was diagnosed with an STI infection. The case proved to have more obstacles since the prescribed medicine was an injectable. The kNOwTell staff was transported by the mobile clinic to administer the treatment in the patient’s location. This is a classic example of a blended service delivery where online demand generation translates to onsite services... continue to page 3

What’s inside? 3

Community in Action: LoveYourself enriches volunteers online

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Community Spotlight: AVES celebrates 1st anniversary of “I am Fearless” campaign

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Community Spotlight: Moving Forward (A trans advocacy statement)

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Community in Action: Volunteers fuel YCAP Community Center operations amid pandemic

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Community in Action: DOH intensifies PrEP promotion in Central Luzon

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Freedom Wall: What we need to know

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Community Comics: Combi Nation (4th episode)

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EDITORIAL

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

More than six months into this situation, I have to be blunt and honest. The COVID pandemic takes its toll on our community. The twin pandemic of HIV and COVID is a backbreaking battle, presenting more and more challenges as days unfold. Our community felt the difficulty of the “new normal” situation even though we have found a way to circumvent it and quickly bounced back with our innovations. But still, these unexpected turn of events have slowed down our regular programs, and the sustainability of our novelty programs remains to be thoroughly tested. But our Champion Community Centers are committed. Despite the adversities before us, we uphold to continuing our noble works to advance the delivery of HIV services in the country. We are fueled by our dream that the twin pandemics will be a thing of the past one day. “Paninap,” which literally means a dream in Kapampangan, exemplifies one of our visions. We are excited about this short film of the Lakan Community Center to materialize to show to everyone how stigma and discrimination impact the mental wellness of people living with HIV. In another part of Pampanga, the YCAP Community Center strives to be a safe space for youth seeking sexual health services, which was once a yearning in any traditional Filipino province. Moreover, after mounting the laborious #SaferNowPH campaign, the volunteers of LoveYourself recently received the necessary training to support the organization’s physical and digital services. In Cavite and nearby areas, the AVES Community-Based Organization continues to engage hundreds of individuals to be stronger than their weaknesses with their “I Am Fearless” campaign. Also, during episode 5 of “Hola Chika,” the Mujer-LGBT Organization, Inc. involves public servants in Zamboanga in our ways forward in light of the current situation. Our community also stood up against oppression with our statement on trans lives and that any person’s life matters. In this issue, you’ll be reading more of our community’s efforts and initiatives in pursuing our shared goal amidst the persisting global health threats. I know the pandemic besets us without clarity of what the future lies ahead. But our determination drives us to soar above the challenges. Our community’s pandemic-enduring HIV services and awareness campaigns show our courage, passion, and perseverance to complete the enormous task ahead. I can proudly say that we have conquered most of our setbacks. I know we did, and we will sustain our pacing together.

Diego Rozul Editor-in-Chief News Editor Edgar Bagasol Jr. Managing Editor Layout Artist Russel Clint Francis So Features Editor Ria Briñes Creatives Editor Contributors Andy Sabado Asha Gutierrez Eda Catabas Fahad Kadir Jesse Castelano Jess Montelibano Nadim Lumubos Patrick Bonales Queenie Mauhay “Raven” Roberto Figuracion

Raybert Domingo Adviser

Onward, Champion Community Centers!

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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NEWS

With the growing treatment clients, we envision to beef up our pool of life coaches from all of our active HIV counselors, thus the need to equip them with information that enable them to function as life coaches as well,” Maynes said. LoveYourself provides holistic care to almost 7,000 clients living with HIV through its innovative life coaching program. These life coaches guide clients in the biomedical side of managing HIV and also address the psychosocial needs of the client in adjusting to and accepting their HIV status as well. With only 55 active life coaches, 29 volunteer counselors heed the call to become life coaches.

All trainings conducted for the LoveYourself volunteers were held online. Photo by EBagasol

LoveYouself enriches volunteers online

written by Diego Rozul

In nourishing its advocates’ volunteer experience, LoveYourself holds a series of training opportunities for its members this month.

Parts of the Crayne’s training include the types of stakeholders, the messaging tools and strategies, and the things to remember when engaging in a conversation or interview with a stakeholder. According to LoveYourself founder and executive direc- Crayne, these are tools to effectively comtor Ronivin Pagtakhan genuinely shared, municate the organization’s advocacy, es“our volunteers, in synergy with our staff, pecially in today’s context. are shaping our organization to what it is iCOMM, the Community Wellbeing, SKPA now.” Philippines, and Champion Community “We hope to return the favor by equip- Centers network also spearheaded a comping them with the necessary knowledge munity management team (CMT) handling and life skills relevant to their functions to training on September 20 of the new social help further our larger society,” Pagtakhan media warriors for partners’ online platforms, such as the pages of the National added. HIV Prevention Month, SafeSpacesPH, On September 5, the Integrated Commu- Champion Community Centers, and PrEP nications (iCOMM) and Ministry of Fun Pilipinas. committees of LoveYourself, together with the EON Foundation as the training facil- Running parallel to this is the launch of itator, conducted a spokesperson training LoveYourself University’s (LoveU) online for volunteers representing the organiza- life coach training program every Saturday until October 10. tion externally. EON Foundation’s advocacy lead, Adam Crayne, stressed that speakers should be aware of the organization’s core values, stakeholders, and stand on any concerns raised. Crayne also discussed the importance of being informed with national and international issues, affecting the different aspects of communicating for the organization’s causes, like HIV awareness and care.

Since most of the committee’s activities are considerably a social gathering, LoveU is feeling the brunt of COVID-19 pandemic. To adapt to the situation, LoveU also shifted to online platforms to keep up with the volunteers’ need for training and development. LoveU chancellor JM Maynes said, “LoveU managed to adjust and continue learning sessions for the volunteers, using Google classroom and Zoom sessions.”

Despite the pandemic keeping our volunteers apart, LoveYourself ensures that it is not only able to connect with its volunteers but also enrich their experiences. With over a thousand volunteers expanding its reach and care on a national scale, LoveYourself is eternally grateful for their time and effort in spreading the organization’s message of daring to be oneself, caring for oneself, and sharing oneself with others.

continuation: kNOwTell explores... The telemedicine strategy proved to be efficient and effective in delivering healthcare services for the young key population while navigating their way into the intensely strict regulations and protocols brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was strengthened by the active social media engagements and complemented with the operations of the mobile clinic offering sexual and reproductive health services, not limited to HIV and AIDS. Other clients that can’t be reached by the mobile clinic were referred to partner agencies and Adolescent Friendly Health Facilities. The kNowTell Health and Wellness Lounge is one of the Champio Community Centers supported by the Global Fund - ACER through LoveYourself. It is a brainchild project of the Department of Health CHD6 together with Robinsons Malls and The Family Planning Organization of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter.

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FEATURES

AVES celebrates 1st anniversary of “I Am Fearless” campaign written by Patrick Bonales

Various influencers and peronalities from different fields participated in the “I am Fearless” campaign last year. Some of them include Mindanao Politician Samira Gutoc (in white) and Drag Artist Luka (in orange). Photo grabbed from @AVESCommunityBasedOrganization

The organization utilized its social media platforms to post the portraits. These portraits have reached out to different demographics who needed more information about HIV and about the importance of getting tested. On September 12, 2020 AVES celebrated the campaign’s anniversary through “I Am Fearless: The Reunion,” an online event live streamed on Facebook where advocates and personalities who joined in the campaign shared their insights and experiences as ambassadors. “It was a turning point for us to be fearless and in empowering people and make the best out of it. This 1st year milestone gave us the opportunity to meet new people and share moments together,” Cua recalled.

most importantly with the same goals for the community,” he further expressed. During the event, Zena Bernardo Bernardo, a mental health advocate discussed the importance of taking care of oneself during the pandemic. Vice President Leni Robredo, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and Macoy Dubs also shared their messages of support for the first anniversary of the campaign.

AVES Community Based Organization Inc. is a SEC registered non-profit organization that focuses on HIV awareness and prevention. It is founded on the principles of awareness, volunteerism and equality. To know more about AVES and their advocacy, follow them on Facebook: @AVESCom“I am honored and proud to be with peo- munityBasedOrganization and on Twitter: ple with the same fire inside of them but @AvesCbo.

In the advocacy of HIV and AIDS, being “FEARLESS” goes a long way towards achieving your goals. This word inspired AVES Community Based Organization Inc. to launch their awareness campaign photoshoot “I Am Fearless”. The campaign started in September 2019 and since then it has featured prominent personalities such as Quezon City Rep. Kit Belmonte, Samira Gutoc, James Deakin, and Dr. Vivian Sarabia in raising HIV awareness. “Although the organization has been around for more than three years, this project greatly impacted the organization and the community,” AVES Executive DirectorJoseph R. Cua said.

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FEATURES

“Paninap”: Lakan Community Center’s dream for a fearless future written by Russel Clint Francis So To amplify HIV and AIDS awareness to the public, LAKAN Community Center conceptualized a short film entitled “Paninap” (Kapampangan for “dream”) that will premiere later this year. Paninap Director Mac Cabuso shared a synopsis of the short film. He narrated, “Joseph is an ordinary employee who goes about his way without acknowledging the risks of his actions. He is known to be carefree among his friends and peers. His sexual exploration involves unprotected sex everyday with both the male and female sexes. He is aware of the news about rising HIV cases but dismisses them. The dream will make him realize the importance of getting tested, knowing your status, and the access to treatment.” Paninap will star John Michael Niedo as “Joseph,” the short film’s protagonist. The film will also feature the doctors and nurses of Lakan Community Center as Joseph’s support system in his journey. Paninap is an eye opener in the community emphasizing the power of knowing one’s

status. It will also bring forth mental health aside from HIV infection as a relevant topic to be addressed. Joseph is a simple guy that will encounter these issues that will lead him in choosing between to wake up and face reality or to remain silent and apathetic. A catastrophic event will go his way as he embarks into a journey of an intangible future. But little did he know, he will be surrounded by people who are ready to help him during his distress. When Lesther Sibunga, Executive Director of LAKAN Community Center, was asked about the importance of this direction for LAKAN, he said, “HIV and AIDS awareness is important to us as a community-based organization. Providing the right information regarding HIV and AIDS is our mission”. Sibunga furthered that addressing mental health with HIV is crucial, since PLHIV are afraid of disclosure and being judged by the community. “Through this short film, our organization would like to send a message to our community, that stigma and discrimination affects the mental health of PLHIV. We believe that with the right information we can end stigma and discrimination and in return more people will want to know their HIV status,” he said.

PANINAP official film poster. Photo from @LAKANCommunityCenter

LAKAN will produce the film from September to October through the help of their volunteers. It will premiere on LAKAN Community Center’s official Youtube channel and will be published some time during the last quarter of 2020. LAKAN is a community-based organization based in Pampanga. It aims to establish a solid task in promoting HIV and AIDS awareness to the public and reinforce sexual health education through credible information. Know more about their causes at @LAKANCommunity Center.

Save the dates for OCTOBER! 2020 on ASRHR 03 LYLA and HIV Advocacy

04 ChikkAdvocates An online talk show on HIV

EDM NOIGHT! 03 KWEENS Live performances of Philippine

11 ChikkAdvocates An online talk show on HIV

A webinar engaging youth leaders in adolescent sex and reproductive health rights and HIV Advocacy @familyplanning1969

Drag Queens. Know more at @spaces.mnl

awareness featuring Miss and Mister Kagayan PLUS 2020 candidates @kagayanplus2015

awareness featuring Miss and Mister Kagayan PLUS 2020 candidates. Know more at @kagayanplus2015

25 #TuloyPH Benefit concert for different Mental Health organizations across the Philippines. Know more ate @flourishcircle

Help us improve our newsletter! You may send your suggestions or concerns to ripplespub@loveyourself.ph.

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FEATURES NEWS

From page 1: Lakan Vloggers storm...

Artwork by Ria BriĂąes

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FEATURES

Moving Forward NEWS

written by Jesse Castelano

The “homicide” case of Jennifer Laude (a Filipina transgender woman) has risen to the surface once again after convicted killer, US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was granted absolute pardon by President Rodrigo Duterte on September 7, 2020. This “blatant sell-out” provoked indignation among the LGBTQIA+ community and human rights defenders. Advocates, allies, and protesters took it to the streets to demand for reform and justice surrounding Laude’s case. Equally, civil and political rights activists are continuously confronting the Philippines’ criminal justice system and its absence of laws and policies that safeguard the human rights of transgender, even sex workers, and gender-diverse people. As we look back on the long fight for justice for Jennifer Laude and the other victims of hate crimes, let’s study the events and proceedings that we have witnessed and use that as a benchmark to take the right direction in lobbying for social and political change. The progress we have made since the movement in 2014 would have not happened without people in the frontlines fighting the injustices, oppression, and discrimination experienced by LGBTQIA+ folks. Let that be our source of encouragement to continue to serve as allies and advocates for the protection of our human rights. There is a clear road that was left for us to continue to build and as we go forward, it is critical that we create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ people. We should seek to dismantle the culture of violence based on SOGIE among sexual and gender minorities. We must demand the passage of SOGIE Bill and protective laws that safeguard transgender and gender-diverse people, because as long as abuse and discrimination is allowed by the law, equality will not be achieved.

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NEWS

Following COVID protection protocols, a YCAP volunteer counsels a client in one of their HIV testing community drives. Photo grabbed from @PUSHYCAP

Volunteers fuel YCAP Community Center operations amid pandemic written by Nadim Lumubos

The Youth Center for AIDS Prevention (YCAP) is a Pampanga-based Community Center managed by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) Pampanga. Launched on December 5, 2019, the community center serves youth in the province.

wards Optimistic Leadership or CAPUTOL spearheaded the facility services, helping and protecting the sexual health and rights of youth in the region. On a regular basis, volunteers and staff conduct regular outreach activities to different adopted barangays in Pampanga and partner establishments.

Valentina S. David, Chapter Program Manager of FPOP Pampanga, dreamed of providing a safe space for the youth in the FPOP facility. Using the resources of the Chapter, they finally established the youth center last year, which they named, YCAP.

online counseling and information drives through Facebook and other social media platforms. In support of the recently concluded National HIV Prevention Month 2020, online promotions of the concept of treatment-as-prevention were also conducted. They carrtied out series of talks and engagements on PrEP and Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U), including their “Wheel of Advocates”, which were done via Facebook Live with audiences from partner Sangguniang Kabataan and other youth groups in Pampanga.

Currently, YCAP offers various HIV treatment and management services such as free HIV screening, testing, counseling ARV refills, psychosocial support services for people living with HIV, among others. Along with these services, the community center also provides assistance to adYCAP aims to cater adolescent’s informa- olescent health concerns, family planning As FPOP Pampanga and YCAP Communition needs and guide them towards safer services, pre-natal consultation and paps- ty Center adapt to the new normal, they sex life and family planning. As the youth mear. are prepared to continue empowering center progressed, with assistance from every Filipinos to enjoy quality of life and the Department of Health Region III and During the pandemic, the team adapted help them decide freely on their sexualiprivate partners, it was converted into an to the government procedures in provid- ty and well-being. The community center HIV primary care clinic. ing health services. Volunteers and staff is operated mainly by volunteers who are utilized online platforms for their service prepared to lead in creating a society withTrained and experienced volunteers of the delivery. For instance, they facilitate ARV out discrimination and where sexual and Chapters’ Youth Core Group, the Capam- deliveries to PLHIV clients through google reproductive health and rights are fulfilled pangan Advocates Positively United To- forms/sign up-sheets. They also conduct through advocacy and service delivery. written by Fahad Kadir

HASH conducts ARV 101 online

HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH), in partnership with Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), conducted its first ARV 101 online class on September 5. With 60 attendees, the online class was held to provide basic education on HIV treatment, particularly on the use and benefits of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to people living with HIV (PLHIV). Attendees were diverse composed of CBS motivators, treatment hub nurses, and

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community workers. SHIP Coordinator Ed Simpauco faciliated the said online class, covering topics on the importance of adherence to HIV medications and guidelines when undergoing treatment.

This is the first online class conducted by the organization, making a good baseline of numbers for its next ARV 101 online classes. At the latter part of the online class, a live discussion was held to further address queries and concerns of the parInitiatives like this give community mem- ticipants. bers opportunity to ask questions and clarify concerns about ARV medicines. It With positive outcomes from their first also updates them on the current and best implementation, HASH is now looking practices, as well as innovations related to forward to the next ARV 101 online classHIV treatment. Having adequate know- es this coming October. Follow HASH on eldge on ARV also strengthens people’s Facebook and be updated on their classes' understanding on the concept of unde- schedules at @HASHPilipinas. tectable equals untransmittable (U=U).


NEWS

DOH intensifies PrEP promotion in Central Luzon written by Edgar Bagasol Jr.

risky behaviors to protective behaviors; and eventually in making Central Luzon a prime mover for providing a client-centered approach for PrEP services,” Manlutac explained.

By the end of the year, the region will conduct a follow-through activity with the first batch of PrEPPY Peers to gather their insights, and share best practices and issues in offering PrEP services in the region. The DOH will also continue to provide capacity-building activities for service To measure the participant’s learnings, the providers in the region to produce more PrEPPY Peers produced IEC materials for a PrEPPY Peers in the future. sample PrEP campaign. They then criticize each other’s work based on what they’ve In his assessment as the Regional Program learned from Junio’s discussions. Coordinator for AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis, “PrEP uptake is very low despite the According to Manlutac, this training will availability of services and access points prepare the PrEPPY Peers in facing the [in the region].” He attributed this issue to “new normal” implementation of services the lack of awareness on PrEP among key in light of the ongoing COVID pandempopulations (KP), expensive cost of the ic. With community restrictions in place, medicine, and ineffective approaches in Manlutac sees the strategic use of social PrEP promotion employed by PrEP service media both as an opportunity to make PrEP providers. services more accessible and as a platform to reach more KPs, especially that HIV casThese findings surfaced the need to inten- es continue to increase in the region. sify promotion of PrEP in Central Luzon. In partnership with the Regional TB-HIV In the first quarter of 2020, Central Luzon Support Network and SKPA Philippines, holds the third most number of reported the DOH-CLCHD thought that capaci- HIV cases with 11% or over 7,500 cases in tating PrEPPY Peers on social marketing the country based on the DOH’s HIV/AIDS would be a sustainable strategy to realize and ART Registry of the Philippines. Men this mission. who have sex with men and sex workers still account for most of these cases. The 2nd leg of the #PrEParingCL training Manlutac shared that the social marketing focused on the use of social marketing training will be helpful in targeting these concepts and techniques to better offer KPs for PrEP promotion, given that most and promote PrEP as a service. Facilitat- of their engagements are transactional, ed by PrEP Pilpinas social media manager which involves the use of social media. Paul Junio, the training specifically tackled campaign frameworks and models, “With the right strategy in the campaigns the do’s and don’ts in service promotion, and the use of social media, the output of awareness and strategies on the use of so- the activity will be helpful in translating cial media applications, and development our efforts into the numbers; in changing Intensify PrEP promotion. A challenge posed by Joseph Michael Manlutac from the Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health and Development (DOH-CLCHD) on PrEP service delivery in the region to the 60 PrEPPY Peers during the 2nd leg of the #PrEParingCL training held last September 4.

of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials for social media. Project Kalasag convenor Danvic Rosadiño meanwhile, provided a brief orientation about Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to provide perspective.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton

Around 60 from the original 110 PrEPPY Peers in the first leg attended the 2nd leg of the #PrEParingCL training series. Photo by EBagasol

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What We Need To Know

LITERARY

written by Raven

We’ve been in a situation where we’re being mocked by our relatives and the most painful part is that your parents agree with them. They treat you as a non-existent relative that doesn’t excel in anything even in studies or sports, because you are someone who’s good in art. And art for them, is just a hobby that no one takes interest in. You can’t fight back regarding what you believe in because you will be deemed as disrespectful and a disgrace to the family. We’ve been in a situation before where we felt ousted in a conversation by our friends. A situation where we felt awkward and unwelcome even though they were your friends who you relied on most of the time. Sad to say, sometimes you wonder if they really see you as a “friend” or you’re just there to fill an empty chair. We’ve been in the situation where we don’t even know our own self. We don’t know what we like, what we want or what we even seek in life. We’re just so frustrated in ourselves because we can’t achieve the things that other people, with the same age as we are, achieve in life. We feel dismay about not owning a car at the age of 25. We can’t get promotion in a job despite working overtime, yet we know a person who already reached the zenith of his or her dream. We are devoid of sublime happiness in life despite following our parents’ dream. We are unable to achieve an inner peace by doing what other people expects of us. You know what, graduating in a four-year course in college after 7 years is okay. Getting promoted in a job at the age of 30 is still a promotion to be proud of. Learning to draw or write a poem at your teenage year is still an achievement. We can’t force ourselves to be something we are not. We need to accept the fact that every person has different struggles and pain they need to process in order to be that someone they can be proud of. We need to understand that we have differences, and these are unavoidable. We need to know that dreams don’t expire, you just must try again and not lose your fire.

The Unconquered written by Queenie Mauhay

(Inspired to the “Invictus” of William Ernest Henley)

Flourish written by Asha Gutierrez

How far will you go when life seems so hard on you—road seems endless, stairs look like a high mountain to climb. The feeling of being breathless that impales you as you stand on the imaginary cliff, wanting to end everything at once. How far will your dreams can go every time the darkness shrouds your vision and stains your cheeks as you ask yourself on how to move forward and continue what you seek; blinding every steps as you walk

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on the road you don’t know at all, yet you have this unconquerable soul that guides you—lighting your pathways as you run freely in the middle of nowhere. How far will you let yourself be battered with pain by the uncontrollable circumstances that even the wisest person can’t avoid, yet not a single wince nor cry has been made aloud—battling silently, yet bravely. Rage, agony and loath looms inside you’re your heart, however the menace find you unmoved. Unbowed. How far your hands can reach as you continue to move forward no matter how tattered your appearance is, no matter how shattered your soul should be, and no matter how painful you’ve gone through. People watched you with discrimination and malice; however, you straightened yourself, adjusted your belt, and looked up as the same person who met the ground before, walked proudly.

I’ve made numerous mistakes, Yesterday up until today, But with your message or smile, It brings out my better way. Your encouragement, Is what boosts me to stay To be of value to others, Your positive relay. It is never too late, To say, Flourish, this is my day, And let go users of hate, Finding loving growth, this May.


COMICS

Artwork by Andy Sabado

to be continued...

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Permission to Reproduce The information in this publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, in part or in whole and by any means, without charge or further permission from the network, provided that due diligence is exercised in ensuring the accuracy of the information reproduced; that the institution is identified as the source of the information; and that the reproduction is not presented as an official version of the information reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or with the endorsement of the Ripples Community Publication.

Sharing STORIES Empowering Communities 12 12

@ChampionCommunityCenters | @skpaPH | @loveyourself.ph


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