LoveYourself Open Photoshoot Returns With More Love On September 5 and 6

The annual LoveYourself Open Photoshoot returns bigger than ever this September 5 and 6, 2015. (Previously August 29 and 30, but was moved due to unforeseen INC gathering near event venue.)

Sign up now to get a studio-quality portrait while wearing the iconic LoveYourself shirt. Slots are limited so make sure to register early.

For a P1,200 donation, you will get:

• Grooming and make-up services led by celebrity make-up artist Renen Bautista
• 1 beautiful digital portrait from photographer Joyce Valerie Jacinto
• 1 classic LoveYourself shirt
• Exclusive chance to pre-order the new LoveYourself sando, as seen on volunteer Mike Chan below (Sando sold separately from P1,200 fee.)

Refresh your photo
Already have a LoveYourself shirt and portrait? Refresh your photo for 2015 and proudly show off the lovable new you.

Duo and group shots added
This year, LoveYourself also expands the shoot options to include duos and groups. Take a timeless group photo with your family, friends, partner and LoveYourself batch mates.

A life-saving cause
You’ll not only look good, but also feel good after the photoshoot. All proceeds from the event will help fund LoveYourself's life-saving free HIV testing services and community-building activities.

Be part of a celebrated tradition
Over the past three years, the LoveYourself Open Photoshoot has become a celebrated and empowering tradition.

We’ve taken hundreds of photos of A-list celebrities, actors, directors, fashion designers, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, activists, students, and everyone else in between.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, and whomever you choose to love, the LoveYourself shoot welcomes you like family. You'll walk away with a memorable photo brimming with self-confidence and positivity -- one you'll cherish and proudly display as a profile picture.

In good hands
After signing up, you'll literally be in good hands during photoshoot day. Celebrity makeup artist Renen Bautista and pro photographer Joyce Valerie Jacinto work together to bring out the most beautiful, photogenic you.

Renen Bautista is a professional makeup artist who has done covers for fashion and high society magazines like Preview, Meg and Philippine Tatler. In 2013, Renen was named by Preview as one of the best make-up artists in the making.

Joyce Valerie Jacinto is a professional photographer with nearly a decade of experience behind the lens shooting for advertising campaigns, fashion shoots, special events and outdoor sports competitions. Her photographic works have been shown in the "Not Just Fifteen Minutes of Fame" by the Female Artists and Musician's Evolution.

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LoveYourself Marks 4th Anniversary Plus A Thank-You Message From Founder Vinn Pagtakhan

On July 21, 2011, LoveYourself was officially formed as a response to the alarming spread of HIV in the Philippines. And in just four years it has grown into a volunteer-powered movement that spreads love and positivity as a counter-force to the epidemic.

To date, LoveYourself has provided free HIV testing services and confidential counseling to thousands of clients through its two community centers, helping reclaim their confidence regardless of their status with an approach rooted in self-worth instead of fear.

LoveYourself's efforts have been recognized as a shining success both locally, as a finalist in the 2014 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations and through newspaper features, and internationally through recent visitations from the likes of the World Health Organization who want to find out what we are doing right.

On this anniversary day, LoveYourself founder Vinn Pagtakhan has a special message specifically to its passionate volunteers, the "modern-day heroes" that keep the heart of LoveYourself beating stronger than ever.

Thank-You Message From Founder Vinn Pagtakhan

Gratitude. One word that will describe how I feel. 

It’s LoveYourself's 4th anniversary. So many things happened in the last 4 years. We were able to build a family from 1 to 6 to almost 700.

We now have 2 clinics - Hub in Malate and Anglo in Mandaluyong - our community centers. 

The successful projects and events that we had from successful mass testings, parties, camps and cafe's. It has been and will still be a roller coaster experience diba - the fun and adventures, learning and growth, love and drama, love teams and break ups, optimism and negatrons, and above all the analogies syempre, the greater purpose and magnamity.

So many people to thank, you know who you are maraming salamat (pasensya na kung di ko maisa-isa.)

Butch, Bamba, Tony, Neil, Von, Antzy -- who have been with me in every step ever since LoveYourself started until now.

Kuya Jun and Daddy Rod, Kuya Ken, Ninang Annie, Mother Marvi, Doc Eden, Mother Loyd, Jonaly Viray and mga fairygod mothers ng LoveYourself for the guidance and support.

Finally, sabi nga sa result ng Google search ng phrase na "kindness quotes": "Your greatest test is when you are able to bless someone else while you are going through your own storm.”

To my modern-day heroes, my dear dear lovers from our first batch of lovers (Originals), Next Gen (the mask), Synergy (retasong divas), Impetus (the horses), Vanguard (golden tutubi), Ignite, Ascend, Sensation, Absolute, Hiraya and the newest batch Bigkis, salamat sa oras, sa passion, sa tiwala, at sa pag-mamahal sa LoveYourself.

Love and light,

Princess Ronnievinn “Vinn” Pagtakhan

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Registration Begins For The 4th LoveYourself Counselors’ Convention On July 25

LoveYourself's once-a-year learning and training convention dedicated to counselors returns this July 25.

All counselors are invited to sign up for free and attend the 4th LoveYourself Counselors’ Convention to be held at Amelie Hotel, Bocobo St., Malate, Manila City.

Register here for a guaranteed slot.

The convention welcomes counselors from all LoveYourself batches. Spend a fun Saturday building your counseling know-how and forging stronger bonds with your fellow counselors.

Refresh, Revive, Reach Out

This year’s theme is “Counselors’ Convention 4 The Win: Refresh, Revive, Reach Out,” and aims to energize the ever-growing family of LoveYourself counselors.

The convention will be a whole-day event from 8AM to 6PM. Counselors will get to interact with expert speakers, gain new knowledge, and discover insights to improve their counseling skills.

Convention Schedule

Below is the full day schedule, including sessions and expert speakers:

7:30 AM - Registration
8:30 AM - Opening Prayer
8:35 AM - Opening Remarks
8:45 AM - RA 8504 Redux: Revisiting Confidentiality and Ethical Standards in Counseling
10:00 AM - Morning Snacks
10:30 AM - HIV Response in the Philippines: Outlook and New Programs in the Horizon (Dra. Annie Ditangco)
12:00 NN - Lunch
1:00 PM - Caring for Carers: Dealing with "Counselor's Burnout" (Dra. Kate Leyritana)
2:30 PM - Afternoon Snacks
3:00 PM - Simulation/Group Facilitation: An Interactive Session On Counseling "Difficult" Clients (Rolin Obina)
4:00 PM - #Ask4TW: An Open Forum On Counselors' Concerns and Client Feedback (Ronnievinn Pagtakhan or Chris Lagman)
5:15 PM - Closing Remarkds (Ronnievinn Pagtakhan or Chris Lagman)
5:30 PM - Awarding of Certificates of Attendance

Feedback Forum

The 4th LoveYourself Counselors’ Convention will also become more interactive through a new feedback discussion forum. Concerns and issues that have been raised regarding LoveYourself’s testing and counseling services will be addressed in this dedicated forum.

Register now for a guaranteed spot in the convention.

Early registration will also help the organizers prepare for the number of potential attendees.

Thank you and see you all on July 25!

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What Is The Normal Heart? A Review Of The Philippine Production Of 'The Normal Heart'

by Jay Fernando

(Note: The opinions expressed in this review do not necessarily reflect the views of LoveYourself.)

“We must love one another or die.” 

W.H. Auden hated that line and struck it out of the poem he wrote where the phrase The Normal Heart came from. But the line remained on various published versions of the poem and these words must have resonated with Larry Kramer, playwright of The Normal Heart when he wrote that powerful exchange between Ned Weeks and his brother Ben as Ned confronted him about his homophobia:

     BEN: Agreeing that you were born just the same as I was born isn't gonna save your dying friends.

     NED: That is exactly what is going to save my dying friends!

This may be debated upon – that it is an incessant belief that homosexuality is a crime and a disease that is killing us off and not HIV – is only one among the various points made by the play, arguments that could not be resolved overnight.  It wasn't about the answers though, as about the hard questions asked.

The Normal Heart is set in the past, but doesn't belong comfortably in the past. It is set in New York City, but is as relevant to its Manila audience.

To Bart Guingona, the local production's director and lead actor, Manila 2015 is not so different from New York 1982. With an alarming increase of reported HIV cases in the country, we may be losing the battle that started in the early 80’s.

The Normal Heart though is more than just about AIDS. It is about the medical industry, research and access to healthcare; it is about activism, politics, power and the conflict between personal and political agenda; it is about family and friends, and the differences that break them apart; it is about leading an ethical life and how one would want to be defined either by convention or conviction. The Normal Heart is a war story and like all war stories, it is about the human spirit’s desire to survive.

Ultimately, The Normal Heart is about love. About finding and keeping it and being changed by it. We may or may not agree with the play’s protagonists Ned and Bruce, with how they behaved and acted, how they argued about finding a way to stop the gaping hole that is the AIDS epidemic from gobbling up all their friends and lovers. What was true for both was that both experienced love and fought hard, even against each other, because of that. These characters are fictional but who they are and what they stood for is very real.

There was a storm during the last night of the production's very limited run but theater enthusiasts all over the metro braved the rain to see the play. They know it is important that they see it and support it, as The Normal Heart is one of the plays you do not merely watch, but experience. In the end, the play deserved the standing ovation it received but what it truly deserves is funding and sponsorship as it is one of the most relevant plays ever mounted at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium.

In one of the play’s final few scenes, Felix, the one whom Ned didn't manage to scare away, turned to him and said “you cannot force the goddamn sun to come out!” But we cannot just drown in the rain and not try to do anything.

---

Jay Fernando is a writer and loving father to two cute dogs. He is also a volunteer for LoveYourself, an advocacy that offers free HIV testing in the Philippines. It also champions the values of self-worth and positive change to galvanize the community against the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. 

The Philippine production of The Normal Heart had a limited run from July 3 to 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza in Makati. 

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LoveYourself Gathers New Volunteers As Batch ‘Bigkis’

LoveYourself welcomes a new batch of brave volunteers collectively known as Batch Bigkis, the second group to be enlisted by the free HIV testing advocacy this year.

The batch name comes from the Filipino word bigkis which means “to gather,” and signifies the coming together of volunteers from different walks of life.

Batch Bigkis volunteers will receive training to become counselors in LoveYourself’s two HIVtesting clinics, the LoveYourself Hub (RITM Satellite Clinic) in Malate, Manila City and LoveYourself Anglo along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

They will also join the organization in helping spread awareness for HIV testing in the Philippines and champion positive change in their respective communities.

Smaller But Stronger

Batch Bigkis underwent the same stringent recruitment process as previous batches of LoveYourself, which has formally inducted more than 500 volunteers to-date.

But compared to more recent batches, Batch Bigkis was formed with a smaller number of volunteers in mind.

LoveYourself’s recruitment team explained that a smaller group could gel better than if it were a larger one. He says that based on previous batch experiences, a more tightly knit group was likely to foster more engaged and committed volunteers in the long run.

Strength In Unity

The Batch Bigkis logo was inspired by the images of linked arms, which signify strength in unity, and the sepak takraw ball which is a solid structure made from several intersecting bands.

"The sepak takraw is always reminiscent of our childhood and our being Filipinos. And just like in sports, we are reminded to come together for a specific goal. The intertwining rattan strips are the LoveYourself volunteers working together. The representation of the hands all the more reinforces unity and fraternity," said Geno, LoveYourself creatives lead and creator of the Batch Bigkis logo.

"The logo also continues our appreciation for Filipino weaves. This time, we're featuring the Yakan weave from Zamboanga City. Known for its geometric patterns and colorful threads, the Yakan weave is truly unique and worthy of recognition," he added.

Earlier this year, LoveYourself welcomed Batch Hiraya, the first new group of volunteers to join the advocacy in 2015, whose batch logo also featured a Filipino weave. Dozens from Batch Hiraya have already undergone training to become HIV counselors.

Call For Volunteers

If you are interested in helping LoveYourself as a formal volunteer and join its future batches, kindly fill up the form at go.loveyourself.ph/volunteer.

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Celebrate LGBT Pride Month At LoveYourself Pride Carnivale 2015 On June 20

LoveYourself invites everyone to join LoveYourself Pride Carnivale 2015 on June 20, a day of festivities at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.

Rainbow Race: Fundraiser For A Proud Cause

LoveYourself Pride Carnivale 2015 will be staging a Rainbow Race, a fundraising challenge where participants will compete in fun games while helping HIV testing and care organizations.

Interested participants can register for the Rainbow Race with a PHP1,000 fee which will grant a racing kit, inclusive of a limited-edition shirt, towel, eco bag and bottled water. Racers will also receive redeemable coupons for the LoveYourself Pride Carnivale fair.

The first-place finisher will be named the Rainbow Race champion and receive an iPad Mini. Other top finishers will bring home trophies and medals.

Register now to secure one of the limited slots for Rainbow Race. Everyone regardless of their gender and sexual orientation are invited to join this fun race.

All registration fees will benefit LoveYourself Inc., The Project Red Ribbon (TRR) and Sustainable Health Initiatives Philippines (SHIP) Foundation -- three organizations which help support the community through HIV testing, counseling and care.

LoveYourself Pride Carnivale: Free Food And Fun Booths

Coinciding the Rainbow Race is the LoveYourself Pride Carnivale community fair filled with food and activity booths. Entrance is free for everyone with registration beginning at 1:00 PM.

All Pride Carnivale attendees will receive food coupons which can be redeemed at designated booths which open at 2:30 PM. While munching on the free food, attendees can have fun in the activity booths, and watch the live program in the center stage at around 6:00 PM.

We would love it if you could bring your partner, family and friends -- see you there!

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The Bold and the Beautiful: LoveYourself Hosts An Amazing Race And Bulaklak Ng TLY Pageant

Twenty-five LoveYourself members participated in the ultimate test of speed, endurance and wits in the organization's first-ever Amazing Race held last Saturday, May 23.

Patterned after the popular The Amazing Race reality TV competition, the LoveYourself Amazing Race grouped the 25 participants into 5 competing tribes and took them through a gauntlet of tasks around Metro Manila.

The race began at the Kilometre Zero marker in Luneta Park and from there the groups were put through a gauntlet of challenges such as purchasing items in the crowded Divisoria market, taking selfies with pythons and monkeys in Malabon zoo, and answering tricky quizzes on HIV information at the LoveYourself Anglo testing and community center.

After 10 hours of racing, the teams arrived at what they thought to be the final pit stop at Amelie Hotel. But teams were met with a surprise final challenge: Field a contestant for that night's Bulaklak ng TLY beauty pageant.

Five brave participants from each team dressed up in makeshift gowns and were transformed into beautiful ladies for the night. Bearing extreme grace under pressure, the Bulaklak ng TLY contestants shone on stage while parading their team's pride and answering questions from a panel of judges.

After the points from the race proper and Bulaklak ng TLY competition were combined, Team Candor emerged as champions. 

Congratulations to all the winners, race participants, LoveYourself Events team organizers, staff volunteers and sponsors!

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LoveYourself Free HIV Screening Day: What To Do and What To Expect

 

Updated on November 6, 2015

With the alarming rise of HIV/AIDS-related cases in the Philippines, it is vital that more people get screened for HIV.

Aside from LoveYourself screening centers, people can get tested through one-day events like the “Ito Ang Tamang Panahon: Free HIV Testing Day" to be held on November 29, 2015 at Victoria Court North EDSA.

Is It Absolutely Free?

LoveYourself free HIV screening day will not charge for any services. You will only need to spend for the transportation going to venue.

Is It Open For All?

This event is open for all ages and genders. Clients younger than 18 will have to bring their parents for consent.

How Do I Sign Up?

Register for free at go.loveyourself.ph/tamangpanahon to secure a slot during our May 17 event.

How Do I Go To The Venue?

Here's the map and directions on how you can get to Victoria Court North EDSA.

Why Should I Get Screened At A One-Day Event Instead Of A Clinic?

Clients can expect the same quality of service and confidentiality when they avail their HIV screening either through a one-day event or a clinic. But there are three main reasons why you would want to attend a one-day event:

1. The event venue may possibly be near or accessible to you. For our November 29 testing day, it will be held at Victoria Court North EDSA. 
2. You are free that day and want to secure a guaranteed slot. Simply register at go.loveyourself.ph/tamangpanahon and show up before the cut-off time.
3. You want to get screened with a lot of your friends. LoveYourself HIV screening days will accommodate you and any number of your friends who may want to know their status.

What Happens In A One-Day Free HIV Screening Event?

This special LoveYourself event is held in a single day at a convenient location and aims to bring free, confidential HIV screening to as many people as possible. It is held in a non-clinic-based setting to allow for a more casual and light atmosphere.

Almost identical to walk-in testing in LoveYourself clinics, the special screening will involve the following steps.

1. Pre-registration: Participants will be asked to sign up online go.loveyourself.ph/tamangpanahon where their information will be kept confidential.
2. Registration: Once at the venue, clients will fill out a NEC form with their most basic information and other data relevant to the testing. Client information is strictly kept confidential at all times.
3. HIV101: Clients will then be guided to a room where trained educators will teach them the basics of HIV such as what it is and how it is transmitted, and other vital information related to HIV prevention.
4. Blood extraction: A small sample of blood will be collected by trained medical professionals.
5. Waiting period of 2-3 hours: While waiting, clients can participate in a group facilitation session where they can learn more about safe sex and how to improve their self-worth.
6. Post-test counseling: Any questions the client may have will be accommodated by the counselor 1-on-1, and the actual results will be discussed afterwards.

What Happens After I Find Out My Results?

If the result of the HIV screening is reactive, it will be sent to DOH/STD AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory for confirmatory tests while the client is referred to RITM Alabang for further baseline tests. A client can freely ask questions about the process with their assigned LoveYourself counselor.

It is highly recommended for the client to use his or her real name, so he or she can get the maximum benefit of treatment options available without complications. For those concerned about the privacy of their personal information, rest assured that the client’s identity will be treated with utmost confidentiality. A numbering system will be implemented to identify clients to keep their real names and other personal information protected.

If non-reactive, a discussion between the counselor and the client will be conducted on how to make sure they can remain non-reactive by reducing their risky behavior and becoming more responsible in protecting against the virus.

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How To Get To Victoria Court Malate For LoveYourself Free HIV Screening Day On May 17

Congratulations for #finally taking courage to know your HIV status during LoveYourself's free HIV screening day on May 17. Before anything else, make sure you register to ensure a slot. 

On the day itself, proceed to Victoria Court Malate between 10AM to 5PM. You are encouraged to print the map below or save the photo on your mobile phone for reference. Read on for more details on how to get to the location.

Exact Address

Victoria Court Malate 2184 Madre Ignacia Street corner Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila.

From the LRT - Quirino Station / Taft Avenue

- It is a 10-minute walk from LRT-Quirino Station / Taft Avenue

- Or you can take a public transportation vehicle going through Quirino Avenue and ask them to drop you off at Victoria Court Malate. It should be on the right side.

From Roxas Boulevard

- It is a 5-minute walk from Roxas Boulevard

- Or you can take a public transportation vehicle going through Quirino Avenue and ask them to drop you off at Victoria Court Malate. It should be on the left side, and you might need to cross the street.

Landmarks

Victoria Court Malate is facing the Manila Zooligical and Botanical Garden.

Google Maps

Search for "Hotel Victoria De Malate" on the Google Maps app or website to get a detailed map of the vicinity.

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LoveYourself Provides #Finally Free HIV Screening For Me On May 17 In Malate

In celebration of the National HIV Testing Week, LoveYourself will be conducting a free HIV screening day on May 17, Sunday, at Victoria Court Malate. This event is open for all ages* and genders. Register now at go.loveyourself.ph/finally.

Register For A Slot

Registration ensures you have a slot during the event. Please come on time between 10AM and 5PM, after which you may no longer be accommodated.

First Free HIV Screening Day? Read These Helpful Guides

1. If you need directions to the event, here's a detailed map on how to get to Victoria Court Malate.
2. Know what to do and what to expect during a free HIV screening day.
3. Have no fear - learn how to prepare for your first HIV screening.

Support #Finally Free HIV Testing For Me!

Realizing that people in Manila may not get screened for HIV because of its cost in private clinics, LoveYourself brings free HIV testing in a very accessible location in the center of the metro.

With a message of “#Finally! Free HIV Testing For Me”, LoveYourself encourages people to finally to know their HIV status and to adopt a confident, positive outlook in life. The organization is at the forefront of the fight against the alarming rise of reported HIV cases in the Philippines at nearly 21,000 since 1984.

In January 2015, there were 536 people reported to be newly infected with HIV, 20% higher compared with the same period last year, according to Department of Health data. Around 95% of the new cases were male with 42% of new cases located in the National Capital Region.

LoveYourself believes that knowing your HIV status can not only help prevent the virus from spreading to other people, but will also empower you to take care of yourself and become a force of positive change in your family and community.

*Clients younger than 18 can avail free HIV screening but will have to bring their parents for consent.

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