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Showing posts from January, 2013

HIV Advocacy Turns Sexy: LoveYourself's project Indulge

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UDPATE: The recently concluded Manila and Cebu Check-In HIV testing events were well attended, with a total of 245 and 99 participants respectively. Those that turned out positive for HIV are currently being assisted to treatment. The recently concluded Manila and Cebu Check-In HIV testing events were well attended, with a total of 245 and 99 participants respectively. Those that turned out positive for HIV are currently being assisted to treatment. -------------------------------- LOVE YOURSELF , the country's fastest-growing, 100%-volunteer HIV advocacy group, launched its 2013 visual campaign dubbed Project 'Indulge'. It's like no other HIV Awareness drive in the country and probably in the world. Collaborating on this project are multi-awarded advertising agency Campaigns and Grey , and top-ranked photographer Jeanne Young . "We wanted to contribute to HIV awareness and encourage HIV testing and we found out that Love Yourself has a good understanding of the

Makati, Quezon City, Lead in Implementation of World-Class HIV Counseling and Testing Programs

The local Health Departments of Quezon City and Makati lead the pack in actively implementing world-class HIV prevention programs, particularly HIV Counseling and Testing.  In a report published by the World Health Organization in the last quarter of 2012, the Philippines was praised for the use of best methods in containing the epidemic. “Existing interventions draw on international best practices such as peer learning, networked outreach, internet chatting, and connecting risk groups to health services,” the report says. In particular, the report cites a key strength of the Philippine response to HIV which is the different models now made available by different groups in the provision of HIV counseling and testing (HCT). “ This diversity is a strength of the response in the Philippines, and should be embraced. There is no single, perfect model for delivering HCT because sites vary in terms of potential clients, available resources, and the site’s experience in providing… HCT, ” the r

HIV Programs in the Philippines ‘World-Class’, according to WHO

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Amidst the rapid rise in the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases in the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) lauds the Philippine response to the epidemic as “world class”. In a report published during the last quarter of 2012, WHO praises the use of “existing interventions (that) draw on international best practices such as peer learning, networked outreach, internet chatting, and connecting risk groups to health services.” Ronnievinn Pagtakhan , founder and President of Love Yourself, a non-governmental organization involved in HIV prevention, education, and counseling comments, “We are very grateful to the international community for the vast amount of resources already available for us as we fight our own HIV epidemic.” Pagtakhan celebrates the fact that the Philippines need not reinvent solutions, “There already exists a good number of evidence-based interventions, we just need to study and understand them, and if found appropriate, tweak and roll-out. Our challenge now i

Makati City Names Love Yourself as its NGO Partner in its Local AIDS Council

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By unanimous vote of Makati City's Sangguniang Panlunsod , the following City Ordinance was enacted on third and final reading: CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2012-036  Authors: Councilors L.M. Magpantay, V.V. Hilario, A.C. Magpantay, F.T. Eusebio, T.C.P. Ramos, M.A.SJ. Casal—Uy, R.C. Medina, M.C.M. Yabut, M.T.N. de Lara, M.A.M. Ortega, N.S.Yabut,Jr., M.R.C. Tolentino, N.S. Pasia and S.D. Pangilinan  AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE MAKATI CITY LOCAL AIDS COUNCIL AND PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, SUBJECT TO ALL LAWS AND EXISTING LEGAL RULES AND REGULATIONS. The same ordinance, Section 4 (1) names Love Yourself Inc. as its NGO partner. Full text of the ordinance is downloadable here: Makati City Ordinance No. 2012-036

Fastening Fragments, a workshop for those waiting to exhale.

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FASTENING FRAGMENTS ('Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break even) Relationships end for various reasons. But whatever those reasons are, sitting alone in a corner drowning in blame, rejection, and feeling sorry for oneself is not the answer. Nor is it about distracting oneself with tons of work, hoping that as long as one is busy and running around, the pain will disappear, the sorrow muted, and the heart splinters shall neatly be swept under the rug. In this seminar-workshop, you will be challenged to face the reality of your break up by understanding the most important key to moving on - YOU! As a preparatory step towards the transformation and healing of a broken heart, this seminar-workshop shall explore questions about the self that could help you gain insights as to why you are the way you are in your relationships. We shall explore what you were truly looking for in your past relationships, why you seem to gravitate towards a specific kind of person, why you find

Platinum HIV Testing in February

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The initial offering of Platinum HIV testing ended last Friday, January 25, 2013. We had 3 sessions, all on Friday evenings, January 11, 18, and 25. What is the difference when you come for Platinum? First, the location is a very discreet venue at the heart of the Makati Central Business District. Second, when you register, a coordinator will closely and confidentially communicate with you regarding the details of your appointment. Third, during your appointment, you arrive and a private room is reserved for you -- where you will meet your counselor, and a medical technologist who will do the test for you. Lastly, you receive the results within 2 hours, also in the privacy of your own counseling room. Perfect for people who do not want to be seen taking their test. Everything is mindfully prepared and ensured to be smooth-flowing for the most discreet and delicate clients. Due to great reviews from those who experienced the January offering, we shall have another set of Platinum HIV te

Makati SEB: HIV prevention program held at MediCard Lifestyle Center

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A LARGE turnout of young men attended the HIV Prevention program held at the MediCard Lifestyle Center organized by The Love Yourself Inc, a non-profit organization that aims to help prevent the spread of HIV through awareness, counselling and education. During the event, a seminar led by experts on the disease along with group discussions were held and resulted in getting nearly 200 men to avail of the free test. Through the tireless efforts of the core group, they were able to gain the support of the Makati City Health Department and Department of Health-Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM). Both agencies provided the medical manpower to administer the free test and conduct educational seminars regarding HIV at the MediCard Lifestyle Center.  “MediCard Philippines is proud to be part of this noble endeavour by providing a venue for volunteer organizations such as Love Yourself that helps create a healthier nation through education.” says Dr. Nicky D. Montoya, president

Equality in Beauty

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It's great to know we're in great company. Mr. Boy Abunda (MYNP) and Ms. Bemz Benedito (LADLAD) sport their LoveYourself shirts on this new Calayan "Equality in Beauty" billboard near the EDSA Guadalupe bridge.  Portraits by LoveYourself's very own Ian Felix Alquiros. Calayan: http://drscalayan.com/ LADLAD: http://www.facebook.com/LadladPartyListOfficial

TLY Cebu Joins Sinulog 2013

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The Love Yourself team in Cebu joins the rest of the world in celebrating the Sinulog Festival in Cebu. Come join us at DOCE BAR (Mango Avenue) on January 19, 2013, 10 pm onwards. Get a chance to meet the TLY Cebu team members, ask questions about the team, and just talk about anything and everything under the sun. This is a perfect opportunity for you to come face-to-face with the men and women behind the team.

Loveyourself Nominated for 2013 Twitter Shorty Awards

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Loveyourself is nominated for the 2013 Twitter Shorty Awards  under the category of  #socialfitness how to vote: Vote with a tweet.  Votes  must  have a reason after "because..." or they won't count! Click to vote: Nominate LOVEYOURSELF Inc. for a social media award in the Shorty Awards What is #socialfitness? The #SocialFitness Shorty Award, in partnership with  Health. Join In.  and their social fitness projects Real Health and  WellPower , honors an individual who helps others make healthy choices in their lives through their influence on social media. The ideal #SocialFitness award nominee uses Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, or the social web to motivate others to champion health by taking actions like sharing milestones, healthful recipes, safe weight-loss strategies, exercise tips and motivational support from friends and followers. The #SocialFitness Shorty Award winner will be selected by the newly launched  #SocialFitness Jury  on the Real-Time Academy

Loveyourself Hub Clinic Schedule 2013

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To serve you better our dear lovers, we are posting our CLINIC Schedule GUIDE for 2013: Love Yourself Hub CLINIC Schedule for 2013 Mondays, Thursdays Fridays & Saturdays  11 AM to 7 PM. (Cut-off at 5:30 PM)  Sunday  9 AM to 4 PM. (Cut-off at 2 PM)  Tuesdays & Wednesdays Clinic is CLOSED Please share to your friends :) Thank you. --- The Loveyourself HUB: The Love Yourself Project, a community-based advocacy group which aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS opened ‘The Love Yourself Hub’ last July 8, 2012 at 1850 Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila (at the back of PWU). The Love Yourself Hub will serve as a resource center to further increase the levels of awareness and knowledge, counseling and education, wellness, prevention, cure and rehabilitation of the communities it serves specially the youth and LGBT-MSM in response to sexually transmitted infections (STI and HIV) and other sexuality-related concerns. One of the main key programs is to conduct HIV Counseling and Testing (HC

MENFRIENDS (Conscious Partnerships): Seminar/Workshop

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In a relationship? Happy but somehow can't help but think, is this it?  Perhaps doubt has crept in, can man-to-man relationships really work? Yes you've heard of long-term relationships among guys, but still you wonder, is there a secret to long, happy, and fulfilling same-sex relationships?  MENFRIENDS (Conscious Partnerships) A Two-day Seminar/Workshop This is a two-day seminar/workshop for gay couples who wish to explore deeper understanding about the nature of interpersonal relationships. It will guide couples to understand the roots of their attraction for each other (chemistry), help them identify and clarify their common goals as partners and individuals, and make them understand the dynamics of effective communication. This involves short lectures, discussions, and sharing of experiences. The workshop is patterned after the perspective of the  Conscious Marriage Model  by John Lucas and Lorna Benjamin's  Structural Analysis of Social Behavior , facilitated by AJ S

LoveYourself NEXT GEN : Be part of our 2013 League of Lovers

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Do you want to be part of Love Yourself and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines? Love Yourself Manila is gearing up for 2013. We are calling for new volunteers to join our ranks. If you're interested, kindly sign up ASAP. We will be contacting volunteers within the next few days to invite for a special training. Step up and be counted!

Best Kept Secret | Platinum HIV Testing

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A special kind of HIV testing, organized for the most discreet of clients. Afraid to be seen? Worry not. Here's the most discreet, by-appointment-only, premium quality HIV testing service in the country today.  On January 11, 18, and 25, 2013 -- at a very discreet location in Makati CBD (near Ayala Avenue and V.A. Rufino Street) -- Friday after-office slots available from 5 to 9 PM. To support this platinum quality service, we will appreciate voluntary donation of P500 and above for each client. To set appointment, register via this link:  http://go.loveyourself.ph/platinum  -- someone will contact you to confirm your appointment, and you'll be all set. Your information will be handled with strictest confidentiality.