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By Tino Largado The threat of COVID-19 still looms, and we’re all encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible. This, of course, doesn’t mean LoveYourself’s commitment to provide private and confidential HIV testing services have to be affected. LoveYourself Community Centers continue to operate amidst the community quarantine restrictions and challenges of the pandemic. But adapting to the situation means providing more innovative options to our clients. One of which is SelfCare . Officially launching this October is SelfCare, the first ever unassisted self-testing service in the country. Initially opened in a limited capacity back in April 2020, SelfCare now caters to clients who would like to know their HIV status quickly, safely, and securely in the comfort of their home. Mainly aimed at addressing client’s concerns about privacy, convenience, and availability, the timing of SelfCare couldn’t be any more perfect particularly at a time when pandemic restrictions are in place. Gett...

By LoveYourself Communications What a June it has been. Pride Month certainly went by so fast, but the celebration doesn't stop just yet. On June 30, 2020, Miss Universe 2018 and community ally Catriona Gray hosts a special episode of The Universe Speaks featuring sensational guests including Gretchen Ho, Nicole Cordovez, Zephanie, and many more! Naniniwala akong hindi ako nag-iisa sa karanasang ito. Lahat tayo, ano man ang pinagdaanan natin ay may matatanggap sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay. - Catriona Gray Catriona shared her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the act of giving has been a way for her to not only mediate the healing of others, but herself as well. She reflects on how we find meaning in life when our individual pursuits intersects with the needs of others. She further on exclaims that we need to continuously close the gap between ourselves and the "othering" of people different from us so we can become a united community. Following Zephanie'...

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...

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...

MANDALUYONG CITY (21 April 2020) – Miss  Universe Titleholders Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray headlined the Rise As One: An Online Concert that happened last April 12 at the Champion Community Centers' Facebook page. The Champion Community Centers, alongside the movers in the HIV advocacy, have banded together to send a message of hope and love to the country, amidst the COVID-19 and extended community quarantine situation. Wurtzbach, also the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific, encouraged the people to prioritize their physical health. She advised to continue following measures to avoid COVID-19, and for people living with HIV (PLHIV) to keep a stock of their antiretroviral medicines to secure an undetectable status, since undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U). Gray, an HIV advocate, empathized with the members of the HIV community for the medical assistance they need despite the ongoing enhanced community quarantine. She also advised reaching out and getting...

By Carlos Diego A. Rozul Complementing the operations and communications efforts of LoveYourself are its engagement activities for both its internal and external stakeholders. It is with the volunteers that LoveYourself maintains its place in the public’s consciousness as an affirming place to start loving themselves. Truly, the volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. As such, LoveYourself goes out of its way to show its appreciation and enrich its volunteers. They’re after all the heart and soul of the advocacy. Enriching Volunteers The year began with Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) training for volunteers, especially in Victoria by LoveYourself to be more sensitive to people of different SOGIEs. LoveYourself recognizes that even though its volunteers are allies of the LGBTQIA community, that not all may be fully aware and knowledgeable about SOGIE. Trans Deaf LoveYourself volunteer Disney Aguila enthusiastically shared her knowledge on Basic Fil...

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Now more than ever, we need to be brave in expressing our love. Staunchly proving this is Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who headlines the Love Gala 2019: Courage Amplified . Love Gala is Asia's premier charity and awards event that supports HIV awareness and education, which will take place on 11 May 2019 at the ASB-CBN Vertis Tent, Quezon City. Following on the success of the first Love Gala in 2017, this year’s gala night is set to produce an even louder voice for the HIV advocacy. To join this movement, tickets are available here . Pia is a prominent and vocal advocate of HIV awareness – She is the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia & the Pacific and was also named as an HIV Prevention Ambassador for non-profit organization Aid for AIDS. Pia is also joined by reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray for the Love Gala. Catriona also champions the HIV-AIDS advocacy by volunteering at LoveYourself, who recently encouraged the women to brave the HI...

By Bet Domingo Over the years, the world has become a more gender inclusive realm, seeing an increase in women’s recognition and contribution to the modern society. In observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD) every 8th of this month, the Philippines celebrates the National Women’s Month every March. Its battlecry since 2017 up to 2022 is “We Make Change Work for Women.” In support for this movement, LoveYourself aims to empower and give a stronger voice to our sisters, mothers, nieces, grandmas and granddaughters as well as our transgender women friends, who can definitely make a great impact in the development of a more accepting and progressive society. We believe that the women, particularly the Filipinas, can surely give the appropriate perspective to the pressing issue of HIV and AIDS, not just in the country, but to the world over. This calls for a great discussion, since women account for 51% of the total global number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) or about 17.4 mil...