LoveYourself Anglo Community Center Opens June 22

LoveYourself Anglo Community Center Opens on June 22

Offers Free HIV Testing and Counselling on Shaw Boulevard

LoveYourself, a volunteer advocacy organization is opening LoveYourself Anglo, its second free HIV testing hub located along Shaw Boulevard near the Ortigas central business district. An opening ceremony is set on June 22, 2014.

LoveYourself Anglo shall offer free and confidential HIV testing services and counseling specifically targetted for men who have sex with men (MSM) and the youth populace which is considered as the two demographic groups that are most vulnerable to contracting the virus, based on official health data.

Designed by award-winning architect Dan Lichauco of Archion Architects, and with a bigger and roomier space and better accessibility in terms of its location, LoveYourself Anglo is looking to build on the success of its pioneering HIV testing clinic, the LoveYourself Hub in Malate which was established in 2012.

Ronivin “Vinn” Garcia Pagtakhan, president of LoveYourself has disclosed that “ over the last two years, the LoveYourself Hub in Malate has extended its services to over hundreds of clients every week and with the continuing increase in numbers, there was indeed a need to scale up our mission in another demographic location. And through the financial assistance from the Department of Health’s Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, a grant from the Global Fund through the Department of Health and Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc., contributions from the LoveYourself organization, and personal donations from private citizens, the LoveYourself Anglo was finally opened. The new hub shall provide a safe and affirming venue for young men and MSMs where they can learn how to take care of oneself, and have a safe and private place for HIV testing.”

Volunteers of LoveYourself live by the mission of embracing and nurturing self-worth, inspiring others, and creating ripples of positive change in the community. They work together to create a model community of MSM and friends who empower and affirm the self-worth of youth and MSM in the Philippines through various services, including free HIV testing and counseling. Through the unwavering courage and dedication of its volunteers, the organization was recognized nationally as one of the finalists to the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations.

A launch ceremony will be held on June 22, 2014 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. to be attended by key personalities from the Department of Health, non-governmental organizations involved in HIV advocacy, and peer educators and counselors of Love Yourself.

The free HIV testing and counseling services will be offered to the public starting June 25, 2014 from 12:00 nn – 7:00 p.m,, Wednesdays to Sundays.

Visit LoveYourself Anglo at Units 2-6, 3/F 715-A Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. (at the back of Star Mall and a 3-minute walk from MRT Shaw Station.) 

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Free HIV Testing for Men #BoomPatest

Love Yourself once again is bringing back its HIV testing service offering to all young men in the most private and confidential way -- and FREE OF CHARGE.

Happening on a Sunday, 29th of June 2014, the event is being organized exclusively to cater to young men (no age limits) who would like to know their status once and for all. Volunteer peer counselors, all well-trained and with friendly disposition, are going to be assisting the participants of the event to ensure everyone feels supported. Those who would like to join, kindly register below so you can be sent timely reminder and detailed information regarding this event.

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Open for New Volunteers: Come Join Us!

Amidst the usual hustle and bustle of everyday living, do you sometimes feel you want to do something a little different from your usual mundane stuff? You may have been caught off-guard with that singular awareness, of an urge to express, reach out, and do something for purposes much bigger than yourself.

You aren't alone. Many of us were drawn into this advocacy because we felt the same way. We sensed that we needed to do something, we knew we could do something different, to contribute something relevant and significant for the community. And when we became part of Love Yourself, when we allowed ourselves to feel that something within, and moreso when we let that feeling break through -- that allowed us to do amazing things.

Feel it inside you. 
LoveYourself is a growing community of passionate, committed volunteers who are taking on the issues that matter to people like us: self-worth, being MSM, and the escalating situation of HIV in the community. Our volunteers have one thing in common: they all recognize that deep inside, there is an innate force that inspires them to reach out and help.

At LoveYourself, you are welcome to create positive change however you can. Whether it's through being an HIV counselor and helping people through the experience of getting tested, or in another way, there's opportunity for all of us to unite our diverse talents behind our common mission of embracing and nurturing our self-worth, inspiring others to do the same, and creating ripples of positive change in the community.

Let it break through.
Do you think you could allow yourself to act on that urge of doing something for a purpose that is much bigger than yourself? Are you committed to helping our community, while enjoying its fun camaraderie and warmth? 

VOLUNTEER WITH LOVEYOURSELF TODAY. 

Join Batch Sensation. 
LoveYourself has always been a 100% volunteer-led organization. We are what we are today because of the passion that inspired our volunteers. And while we've grown in numbers, we've still kept that fire -- that spirit that makes us who we are -- alive. Today, we're looking for talented volunteers who have started to sense that fire inside them: who are passionate about our purpose and can commit time, pour energy and invest love into our advocacy.

Want to be a part of LoveYourself? Sign up to volunteer on our website: go.LoveYourself.ph/VOLUNTEER and block the 14th of June, 2014 (Saturday) for the LoveYourself Sensation Batch Orientation. We'll be in touch with those who sign-up about the details.

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Discreet Meet (Final Details)

A one-of-a-kind wholesome group meet-up for discreet men. On Saturday evening, 24 May 2014, 6-9 PM. Classy venue on Taft Ave., Malate, Manila. P300 door fee, includes dinner.  Only selected participants (maximum 30) shall be sent invites and venue details. Limited slots - please register now. Final confirmation - go to at http://go.loveyourself.ph/dm24

If you have questions, email migs@loveyourself.ph

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Call for Expression of Interest: Contractors for LoveYourself Anglo and UNI

TLY 3S EOI #05 Call for Expression of Interest 

Project: Construction of HIV Testing Hubs in Mandaluyong and Pasig Cities.

Loveyourself, Inc. in partnership with Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) are in the process of developing and constructing clinics for HIV testing and prevention under the 3S Project at two locations; one in Mandaluyong City, and one in Pasig City.

PAFPI, on behalf of Loveyourself, Inc. hereby request for expression of interest from eligible and competent contractors to submit pre-qualification information for construction / refurbishment of two clinics at Mandaluyong City and Pasig City, which includes the following major components:

a.                  Make measurements of the rented space for the clinics

b.                  Design effective floor plan for efficient clinic operation

c.                   Construction of the space and interior finishing

d.                  Refurbishment and installation of fixture (air-con, etc.)

e.                  Electrical Installations.

All companies that wish to participate in the process are encouraged to submit an expression of interest (EOI) letter via email to info@loveyourself.ph and rvinn@loveyourself.ph (cc: positiveactionfoundation@yahoo.com) on or before May 10, 2014, addressed to Mr. Ronivin Pagtakhan, Executive Director, Loveyourself.

The information provided will be used to access your company suitability to qualify for invitation to participate in the future procurement process for the services mentioned above. Interested applicants must provide the following documents:

·     Legal registration of the company and all statutory registration with required government agencies.

·     Full corporate profile of the company showing their detailed experience on similar assignment especially on irrigation scheme

·     Evidence of similar assignment implemented in the last 3 years especially relating to construction/refurbishment – Evidence can be contracts, Job completion certification, reference letter e.t.c

·     Other relevant supporting documents.

The closing date for submitting a complete pre-qualification application form and the supporting document is 10 May 2014 12.00 m.n.

As part of the prequalification process, Loveyourself, Inc. at discretion may visit the office location of the contractors to further access the capacity of the companies.

All submission received after the deadline shall be rejected.

The Loveyourself, Inc shall contact ONLY companies that meet its requirement of the services as advertised and ONLY those companies shall be invited to participate in the subsequent procurement process.

We thank you for your interest in doing business with us.

Admin / Finance Officer

Loveyourself, Inc.

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LoveYourself Cafe: Dating Dudes (Olongapo Edition)

The Love Yourself Cafe presents...

http://go.loveyourself.ph/DDolongapo

Are you still waiting to exhale? Do you want to let go of the fear, shame, doubt, or grief that keep you from finding love and letting it in? Join us as we dare to explore and start to break down the things that keep us from enjoying a fulfilling, lasting relationship with another man. Together, we shall unlock our minds and hearts and allow ourselves to love and to be loved.

This cafe is intended to be experiential, experimental, and inspirational.  We will endeavor to have fun, of course, but at the same time have a chance to look deeply into our own patterns of thinking and behavior.  We will attempt to uncover stories and wounds that remain unaddressed, and keep us from living a happy life.

We’ll have an opportunity to talk about sex, dating, eroticism, intimacy, exclusivity, open relationships, trust, balance, passion, magic, spark, and anything that we feel is related and important as we converse. Our discussions shall be open and conversational.

It is in the spirit of daring to be one’s authentic self – whole, creative, and deserving of a life full of joyous moments – that we endeavor to create a self-empowering mindset, to care for oneself, to love oneself, believing that it is a great platform on which to build a loving and fulfilling relationship with another.

Sign up: http://go.loveyourself.ph/DDolongapo

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The Most Discreet and Premium HIV Testing Service

LOVEYOURSELF PLATINUM - the most discreet and premium HIV testing service in the country today.
Happening on May 15 & 29 (Thursdays) | 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM only.

Limited slots. Book your appointment today: http://go.LoveYourself.ph/PLATINUM

Who deserves LoveYourself Platinum?

This is perfect for people who do not want to be seen taking their HIV test in a center, clinic or hospital. Everything is mindfully prepared to run smoothly for the most discreet and delicate clients.

What is the difference when you come for Platinum?

Testing happens somewhere along Shaw Blvd in Mandaluyong City. When you register, a coordinator will closely and confidentially communicate the details of your appointment with you, including the exact location and address.

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. You receive the results within 2 hours, also in the privacy of your own counseling room.

Need to know more? Click here:http://www.loveyourself.ph/2013/06/loveyourself-platinum-what-happens.html

What do past clients say about Platinum? Click here: http://www.loveyourself.ph/2013/11/certified-platinum-peek-into-most.html

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Job Opportunities

Love Yourself is currently implementing a specially-funded program that started in April 2014, and to execute this, we are looking for the following project-based employees:

• Clinic Manager 
• Administration and Finance Assistant
• Nurses
• Medical Technologists

The project duration will be for 12 months starting on July 1, 2014. Below are the qualifications for each job opening.

TLY 3S EOI #1 CLINIC MANAGER

Perform administrative and other tasks to make sure the clinic is operating smoothly.. (More details of the job duties and candidate requirements can be found here.) 

TLY 3S EOI #2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCE ASSISTANT

The assistant shall assist the program team in the development and/or implementation of administrative and financial process for the program... (More details of the job duties and candidate requirements can be found here.) 

TLY 3S EOI #3 NURSES
Prepares all consultation rooms; checks for the completeness of supplies needed; ensures the cleanliness and orderliness of the consultation areas... (More details of the job duties and candidate requirements can be found here.)

TLY 3S EOI #4 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Preparing samples of body tissues... (More details of the job duties and candidate requirements can be found here.)

• Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an expression of interest (EOI) letter and updated CV/resume (with list of character references), via email to info@loveyourself.ph and ronnievinn@loveyourself.ph (cc: positiveactionfoundation@yahoo.com) on or before June 21, 2014, addressed to Mr. Ronivin Pagtakhan, President/CEO, Love Yourself. Kindly mention in the subject line of your email the position you are applying for.

Candidate screening will be facilitated and the most qualified applicant will be contracted by Love Yourself.  Please take note that this is for immediate hiring to be based in Metro Manila, and contract period is for 12 months from July 1, 2014 .

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Call for Proposals: Advocacy Grant for HIV, SOGIE, and Human Rights

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: ADVOCACY GRANT FOR HIV, SOGIE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Expression of Interest No. : EOI No. TLY-05

Date Issued : March 24, 2014 (Monday) 

Closing Date and Time : April 20, 2014 (Sunday); 5:00 PM

Subject : Call for Proposals – CBO Advocacy Grant Support 

E-mail Address : info@loveyourself.ph (cc: pngoc.iseanhivos@gmail.com)

Introduction:

In 2010, to address the increased vulnerability of men having sex with men (MSM) as well as transgenders (TG) to HIV transmission, especially in the context of South East Asia, the Insular Southeast Asian Network on MSM, TG, and HIV (ISEAN) and the Humanist Institute for Co-operation with Developing Countries (Hivos), jointly submitted a regional proposal to the Global Fund Round 10. The grant agreement was approved and the contract for the grant was signed on October 6, 2011. This grant, has since then been called, the ISEAN-Hivos Program.

For more information about IHP, visit: http://me.isean.asia/final/about

About the Advocacy Grant:

One of the major strategies of the program during Phase I was to provide support for MSM and TGs CBOs through a granting of initial funding for engagement and project/activities implementation. The CBO Support Grant successfully provided eleven (11) CBOs with grants. These grants were used for the CBOs’ organizational development and engagements with local stakeholders in the HIV response.

As the epidemic continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, there is a bigger need for community-led advocacy initiatives. Therefore, there will be three rounds of grants for the three-year duration of Phase II that will focus on funding innovative advocacy projects/activities. 

This grant mechanism is called, “Advocacy Grant for HIV, SOGIE and Human Rights.”

The Advocacy Grant’s themes are: 

1) advocacy, 2) demand generation, and 3) equity. 

It also has the following objectives:

1. Provide equitable funding opportunities for various MSM and TG CBOs, including hard-to-reach subpopulations; and,

2. Implement game-changing advocacy projects/activities in the HIV response, SOGIE advocacy and Human Rights.

For the first round, a total of six (6) grants will be given to successful CBOs. All IHP P2’s sub sub-recipients will handle two (2) grants each.

Eligible CBOs:

MSM and TG CBOs that are/have:

1. Registered or government accredited (i.e. SEC, DSWD, LGU) as non-profit organizations implementing programs/projects/activities that address the issues and concerns of males having sex with males, transgenders and HIV; 

2. Existing organizational bank account; and,

3. Established accounting system;

CBOs that do not meet requirements #2 and/or #3 shall be required to look for a conduit that would meet these requirements.

Requirements for Proposal:

All applicants should submit the following requirements (The proposal should not exceed to 3 to 5 pages using Arial font size 11):

a) Cover letter/Letter of Intent explaining how the proposed activity would meet the grant objectives

b) Proposal/concept note should contain the following:

• Title of the Project
• Implementing Organization / Contact Person / Address
• Rationale / Background of the Grant-supported Activity
• Objectives
• Key Activities / Expected output
• Budget (include counterpart contributions)
• Activity workplan using the IHP template (to be provided by IHP Staff)

c) Organizational Profile (i.e. VMG, history, list of activities implemented, names of board members, officers and staff)

d) Certified True Copy of Registration/Accreditation Certificates (SEC, BIR, etc.)

e) List of local partners (i.e. government, NGOs and private)

f) Two letters of recommendation from local partners (scanned)

g) Certification of NO legal or administrative case pending in court against the CBOs and its key officers (IHP format)

h) Financial report of the previous year signed by the Chair and the Treasurer

Allowable Activities:

a. Demand-generation events (e.g. AIDS Candlelight Memorial [ACM], World AIDS Day [WAD] activities)

b. Advocacy Fora (e.g. multi-stakeholders meeting, dialogue with local policy-makers)

c. Evidence-building (e.g. documentation of SOGIE and HIV-related human rights violations, etc.)

Project Duration and Allowable Support:

The project should be completed in four months (May to August 2014 ONLY). 

Each CBO may only be awarded one (1) grant per annual grant cycle. CBOs may submit up to two (2) proposals.

The maximum grant for each successful applicant is 100,000 PHP.

Submission Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) Cover Letter, together with the all required documents via email to info@loveyourself.ph (cc: pngoc.iseanhivos@gmail.com on or before 5:00 PM on April 20, 2014 (Sunday), addressed to Mr. Ronivin Pagtakhan, Executive Director of Love Yourself, Inc.

Technical review of all applications and approval will be done by the review team of the IHP-Philippines. All approved applications will be made known through official communication. Approved grants of CBOs will be contracted by Love Yourself, Inc.

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What to Do After Being Diagnosed As HIV-Positive

HIV Care and Support Groups

If you've just found out that you're HIV-positive, you may feel many overwhelming emotions--fear, confusion, disbelief, anger,...--but one feeling that is sure to come is this: the feeling of being alone. Know that you are not alone. Many people in the Philippines are now living healthy, productive lives, and they are like you: a person living with HIV. 

Remember that being HIV-positive is not the virtual death sentence it once was. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), yes, but being HIV-positive does not necessarily mean that you already have AIDS. With a healthy lifestyle and the right medical care, many HIV-positive people are living long, productive lives, without AIDS.

You are considered HIV-positive once you receive your confirmatory results, which in the Philippines, come from a central laboratory (NRL-SLH SACCL, or National Reference Laboratory San Lazaro Hospital STD AIDS Cooperative Center Laboratory). The next step after confirming your status is to go for Baseline Testing, so as to assess the current status of your health, specifically your immune system.

Here below is an infographic showing an easy, breezy way of going for your Baseline Tests at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (AIDS Research Group) in Alabang, one of the 3 public HIV treatment hubs in Metro Manila.

For the high-resolution PDF version: DOWNLOAD HERE

Credit for the infographic: Raymond del Rosario

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