{thepurplemanchronicles}

(Manila, Philippines). Long before Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach exponentially raised the HIV-AIDS Awareness in the country, many Filipino individuals have been working hard to change the landscape of HIV-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-AIDS advocacy.

Potential nominees can be a representative from the following sectors:

• Business (HIV policy in the workplace, companies, programs for business)

• Youth (program for the youth sector, youth-initiated)

• Academe (educational institutions, school organizations, program for schools)

• Government (legislators, LGUs, government organizations)

• Media & Advertising (digital, media organizations, media programs)

• Influencer (individual)

• NGOs (NGO-led programs)

• PLHIV (support groups, individual)

• Medical (hospitals, doctors, clinics, medical practitioner)

• Arts (films, stage play, artworks, artists)

Additionally, the gala is a collaboration of private and public institutions and youth-oriented organizations to augment the efforts in mainstreaming the HIV-AIDS advocacy to a larger audience.

Institutions and organizations coming together for Love Gala are the following: AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Black Maria Productions, Decent Image of South Signal Association (DIOSSA), Dentsu, Pinoy Plus Association Incorporated, Positibong Marino Philippines, Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), Taguig City Government, Team Mag, The Red Whistle, The LoveYourself Incorporated and the US Embassy.

Behind this extensive collaboration of Filipino organizations is Better Together.

Better Together, an initiative founded by Dr. Antoine Bondaz and Mr. Kenneth Kwok for the purpose of empowering the future generations in Asia and beyond, is a founding member of the Love Gala.

Uniting for a single cause, the gala will also feature a concert headlined by artists who are also HIV-AIDS awareness advocates, and a mini auction that will raise funds to further HIV-AIDS education.

With the Philippines peaking its HIV infection incidence, “We have to firmly stand together in fighting this pandemic, not only for the Philippines, but for the rest of Asia and beyond,” the organization concluded.

Let’s #TestMNL This May!

A TestMNL ambassador, together with LoveYourself volunteers in the booths, engages the youth passing by in the alleys of Boracay

to provide HIV 101 education during the Labor Day weekend.

Leading advocacy group on HIV Testing and Treatment, LoveYourself, Inc. started on Labor Day in Boracay its series of activation and HIV testing activities this month of May through its TestMNL (testMNL.org) and Philippine Business Sector Response (PBSR) programs.

“We prepared a series of activities this May to instill in the consciousness of the key target populations the importance of taking care of one’s self, especially in terms of their sexual health,” said LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan.

Pagtakhan informed “Last March, there are 968 new cases of HIV infection according to the latest Department of Health data, which inspires us to stand firm on our advocacy to resolve this still evolving problem.”

On 28 April to 1 May, the TestMNL team, supported by BLISS, initially went to the majestic island of Boracay during the #LaBoracay2017 weekend to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS among the tourists who flocked in the island.

Creating a major buzz on its straight forward campaign tagline: Suck F*#k Test Repeat, Pagtakhan clarified “The tagline is blunt, because we want to emphasize to the people the importance of repeating the test and protecting themselves more than anything else. Many people are still stigmatized, so we needed an aggressive campaign to rally against this disease.”

Last Monday (8 May), the TestMNL and PBSR in partnership with the University of the Philippines-Manila College of Nursing Student Council have conducted an HIV101 and testing in the said institution with more than 70 students got themselves tested.

“We envision to make HIV testing in the country to be treated as a regular medical routine erasing the stigma attached to it, especially for the vulnerable populations to further protect themselves and their love ones,” said Pagtakhan.

He added “We are specifically targeting the youth sector due to the rising vulnerability of this population to HIV infection, in which 830 individuals aged 15 to 24 are diagnosed with HIV in the first quarter of the year alone.”

Entertaining the students lining up at the TestMNL booth for the HIV 101 and testing are LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin Pagtakhan (2^nd from left)

and LoveYourself PBSR and Caravan Program Officer Earl Patrick B. Penabella (rightmost).

This coming 21 May, the TestMNL will have an HIV 101 activity during the Art Rally MNL at the Commune cafe in Makati City.

Moreover, on 28 May, TestMNL will offer its biggest HIV testing day from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.at Victoria Court, Malate dubbed as Let’s TestMNL. Interested individuals may register at this link: go.loveyourself.ph/testmnl to avail of the free, fast and anonymous HIV test.

The TestMNL campaign is an adaptation of the TestBKK in Bangkok, Thailand funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation through the APCOM, a regional organization that promotes HIV issues that affect the lives of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, including rights, health and well-being.

The PBSR is an Anvil awarded program in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. dedicated to businesses or enterprises which entails HIV awareness, testing and facilitating the creation and implementation of an HIV Policy in the Workplace.

LoveYourself, Inc. is a non-government advocacy group offering free and confidential HIV testing and treatment, counselling and peer education, and initiating programs and projects towards HIV/AIDS awareness. The organization, in cooperation with the Department of Health- Research Institute for Tropical Medicines (RITM), has two operational testing facilities- the LoveYourself Anglo along Shaw Boulevard, and the LoveYourself Uni in Taft Ave.-Gil Puyat.

For more details on other LoveYourself’s services, individuals may visit the group’s official website at www.loveyourself.ph or follow and like its social media channels: Facebook- @loveyourself.ph, Twitter- @loveyourselfph, and Instagram- @loveyourself.ph.

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This is the part two and the last of the series I will be making for the Mister Gay World Philippines pageant where two of my closest friends will be featured. The first one entitled Got SWAG? introduced Jerome Lacsa.

Now let us get to know about Khalil Vera Cruz.

I had a chance to send him some questions while he was on his way to Manila from Spain for some work stuff. Luckily, there was an in-flight wifi at the Etihad.

Hi Khalil, I know we have been friends for the longest time but for the sake of our readers can you give us a few background about yourself?
I'm 33, was born and raised in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. I studied in San Beda College (BS Accountancy). I also took short courses in the Executive Program of the Asian Institute of Management.
I'm a CPA and currently leading the Statutory and Tax Compliance for Asia Pacific of an advertising holding company. Previously I was a Director in one of the biggest auditing firms in the Philippines and worked in countries like Singapore and Switzerland.

Given the circumstances of your busy work and love life, what made you decide to take on this challenge and join the contest?
It took me a month to decide if I have the capacity to take the grueling challenges of the pageant. This is because I want to give my full commitment and dedication. But what made me decide was my realization that the agenda of Mr. Gay World about LGBTQIA rights is very close to my heart. Among my very close friends, they know how passionate I am with these issues.

What inspired you to adopt the AWE advocacy?
Only a very few of my friends know that my grandfather is Filipino American labor hero in the US. He fought for equality, respect and helped liberate the minority farm workers in the US. He was my inspiration for my adoption of Acceptance without exceptions. I want equality and respect to be deserved by all people across the gender and sexual spectrum. No one should be left behind.

I know you have been traveling a lot for work, you just arrived from Spain, what preparations have you done while away?
Since I joined the quest for Mr Gay World Philippines, I’m preparing myself in all aspects. Naturally, I enjoy working out but lately I leveled up my physical training. In terms of mental training, I have close friends whom I discuss on a daily basis about various current events and issues that concern the community. By the way since I'm a foodie it's a struggle to follow a strict diet.

Who do you think is your biggest competition?
Every candidate of Mr Gay World have something to offer. Honestly, after I met all the candidates, I felt this is no longer a competition. It's actually a celebration of LGBTQIA community. It’s a celebration of who we are and our unity in diversity. You know, all of us came from different backgrounds and experiences, and learning about their stories is just special. So, I guess every single candidate is a competitor. But as I have said, it doesn’t feel like it anymore. It’s just fun!

How do you get along with a bunch of equally gorgeous gay guys from around the country? What are your bonding moments?
Mr. Gay World Philippines is actually a family to me. I learned so many things from them, especially about their understanding of LGBTQIA topics. We all came from different walks of life but I believe that one thing that unite us is we want to show to the Philippines that to be out and proud is the first step for acceptance.

Any message to your supporters and fans?

Actually I didn't expect I'll have supporters and fans for this quest. They actually inspired me because I receive messages everyday telling me that I'm a good example and that I’m an inspiration to them. Some of them are discreet (closeted) and would even ask my help or advice.
I want to tell my supporters and fans that I'm very thankful because they are here to support me all the way. In return I will keep on being myself and trying to do things that inspires them as well. I want to tell them that beyond the face, body and the grace, there is a higher calling to push for more boundaries in the fight for acceptance without exceptions for the LGBTQI community.

And just like that guys, the eloquence of Khalil shows in his answers. I think Khalil is more than ready to go on stage and show everyone that he is more than just the looks and the brains, but a person of top caliber personality willing to be of service and inspiration to the community.

***Update

The pre-pageant was held last night and based on the feedback, Khalil has good chance of making it to the top. To make that happen, vote for him on the link below

TO VOTE: http://mrgayworldphilippines.ph/c02.html

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/KhalilVeraCruz/?fref=nf

FB Account: www.facebook.com/KhalilVeraCruz

Instagram: @khalilveracruz

#AcceptanceWithoutExceptions

#AwE #KhalilForMGWPh2016

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