December 1 is World AIDS Day and while the Philippines is not yet on the list of countries with the most number of reported cases, there has been a recent increase in the annual reported number of new HIV cases in the country, according to the United Nations AIDS Epidemic Update as of 2007. Reported cases rose from 193 in 2003 to 309 in 2006.
Along with the reported cases are stories of people living with and affected by the life-threatening disease. SPOT.ph turns the spotlight on some of the HIV/AIDS awareness advocates, each with their own stories to tell and revealing why they are baring it all for AIDS awareness:
CARLOS CELDRAN - Performance artist, sought-after Manila guide
- "Be responsible for your choices."
Celdran's youth was marked by living a carefree life in New York City, which he discloses included a bi-sexual lifestyle.
"I was living and working in New York in the '90s. Back then when you met someone at a bar, the line of questioning was always: 'What's your name? What do you do? Where do you live? And are you HIV positive?' We might have been a bit promiscuous, but always careful and used condoms."
Celdran continues, "There are a lot of advancements that have been made in the field of HIV/AIDS in the last decade, and it's true that the infection is no longer a death sentence, but it's not something to be taken lightly either. There are a lot of people now who don't protect themselves because they are ignorant or complacent."
"Information is power and silence equals death. Don't be ignorant about HIV. Not only to protect yourself, but also the ones around you. HIV is a journey that affects everyone you love and who love you back.
Hopefully, the MSM community/other bisexual men out there will learn not be ashamed or confused about who or what they are and most of all, be careful in what they do."
Too much focus on gay people. Where are the straight men like Robin? He should pose naked too.
I think most of them are straight. Carlos is married. Karen Kunawicz is also straight with a child. It seems only Wanggo Gallaga and "Harry" are the gay ones. And who is "Harry" anyway? I only wish they chose more interesting people.
haha. the shoot venue seems familiar. Victoria Court - Moulin Rouge! :)
Is it now an imperative to ask "what is your HIV status?" as a pick-up line? What ever happened to "Do you have a light?" or "What's your sign?" The world has really changed since the advent of this deadly virus. It takes courage for men and women regardless of their sexual orientation to stand up and openly support this cause in a country filled with bigoted and quasi-religious people. HIV AIDS is not a gay vs straight issue. It is present, it is happening and we all must do something about it. Otherwise what will kill us is ignorance. Can a cologne be a red ribbon substitute?
uhhmmmm.... i don't think this person is gay... he talks about unwanted pregnancies...
PS. Great photos! I don't mind having it as a desk calendar.
I know I am off topic but please get out of your stereotype closet. Not because a person is married makes him/her not gay. Not because a person talks about unwanted pregnancies makes him/her not gay. Not because a person has a string of bf/gf makes him/her not gay. That is too 1970's if not 1980's thinking. Anybody can be HIV positive.
Exactly my point, Ginger.
Thank you to those who saw what this is all about. Ginger, Carlos- I echo your sentiments. Carlos- it was nice meeting you at the shoot! =)