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By LoveYourself Communications The fight on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues alongside the battle with COVID-19 as the nation observed the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (PIACM) on May 17 for the Light Up, an online concert ceremony. Following the imposition of the physical distancing, the Philippine HIV community gathered virtually for “Light Up” in commemorating the lives of people we have lost to HIV and celebrating the progress we have made through the years in our fight against the disease. Hosted by Tim Yap and Patrixia Santos, the online event was streamed on the PIACM Facebook page. Highlights of Light Up included the inspirational messages from UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and staunch HIV advocate, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Wurtzbach said, "Despite these trying times, we light up each candle as a symbol of our stronger faith and serves as a pint of hope that we all need ri...

By LoveYourself Communications To break stigma and discrimination, this year's Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (PIACM) asked the community to share their distinct, and compelling stories of HIV online through a photo essay contest called "Light Up My HIV Story." Nearly 50 stories were collected, and most of them are genuinely moving and inspirational. Some talked about their own HIV journey while some talked about how they become a supporter of the community. The Light Up My HIV Story photo essay contest winners were announced during the celebration part of the PIACM 2020 event last May 17. Winning the first place was Anthony Louie David with his photo essay entitled: " Unconditional Love ." This entry talks about Anthony's HIV journey as someone living with HIV. He likened his status into being swallowed up by the waves or play along with it. Anthony described that he felt like huge waves crashing over him following the death of his partn...

LoveYourself Communications MANDALUYONG CITY (May 14, 2020) – Advocacy queens Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray will be leading side by side the first-ever online concert ceremony of the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) on Sunday, May 17, at 4PM. Dubbed as " Light Up ," the online concert ceremony has two parts: Commemoration and Celebration. UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach will head the Light Up's commemoration part alongside community movers, government officials, and private institutions. One of the highlights of the commemorative event is a ceremonial candle lighting to be led by Miss Universe - Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados. Staunch HIV advocate, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, will top bill Light Up's celebration part, showcasing a free online concert. Performing at the show are exceptional Filipino artists: Katrina Velarde, Nina, 4th Impact, Jed Madela, The Company, Ice Seguer...

By Tino Lagardo As the world wrestles with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue fighting a battle we have begun – our war against HIV. After all, the need for public awareness, education, and treatment has never taken a backseat even in these unprecedented times. More than ever, we need hope now, and we’d love to spark a glimmer of light in you through “LIGHT UP: The 2020 Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (PIACM) Ceremony” on May 17, 2020, at 4PM Themed “We remember – We take action – We live beyond HIV”, this candle-lighting and online concert centers on care and compassion, coinciding with the annual International Candlelight Memorial, happening every third Sunday of May. LIGHT UP aims to express our undying love for and unwavering support to those who have lost their lives to HIV and to celebrate the great strides the community has made to advance HIV advocacy. With the shift to online streaming, this year’s celebration is uniquely special as we forge on and beat...

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray Leads HIV Mass Screening MANILA, PHILIPPINES – After Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray visited LoveYourself, Inc. on Wednesday (27 February), the Filipina beauty queen invites everyone to get tested on 2 March 2019, Saturday  at LoveYourself community centers and its partner community-based organization. Dubbed as THIS IS ME: The Silver Lining HIV Screening Day, the purposeful event is a simultaneous HIV testing in Metro Manila, Cavite, Pampanga, Palawan, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up at  http://go.loveyourself.ph/ThisIsMeCatriona . Joining LoveYourself on this endeavor are Decent Image of South Signal Association from Taguig, Juan AVES Love and Light, Cavite Positive Action Group The JCH Advocacy Inc., Posi+ive Movement and Project H4 in Luzon, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines – IloIlo in the Visayas, and Kagay-an PLUS - Preserving Life, Uniting Society Inc., Olympus Society of Dav...

Long before Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach exponentially raised HIV and AIDS awareness in the country, many Filipino individuals have been working hard to change the landscape of the HIV and AIDS advocacy in the country. Ten (10) of them will be recognized this World AIDS Day on 1 December during the first-ever “Love Gala.” The Love Gala, as unveiled Wednesday (9 August), is the Asia’s Premier Charity and Awards Gala event, which will honor outstanding individuals and their immeasurable contributions at “The Ripple Awards.” The organization believes that “a single person's act of love can start a wave that can save millions of people.” The Ripple Awards nomination period is open until 31 August 2017. Visit the Love Gala page: http://lovegala.org/nominate-now/ to nominate someone who has created ripples of positive change that greatly influenced the domestic and global movement towards the HIV and AIDS advocacy. Potential nominees can be a repre...