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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Meet the new game-changers in HIV advocacy in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific

Meet the new game-changers in HIV advocacy in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific

Love Gala celebrates its fourth edition with the announcement of the Ripple Awards' newest winners

Published Dec 13, 2023 03:09 am

“When there is love, heroes emerge,” Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan, the brainchild behind Love Yourself Inc., said as he welcomed everyone to the fourth edition of the Love Gala and Ripple Awards. In celebration of World AIDS Day, the latest installment of the bi-yearly twin activities was the grandest one yet, following its online gathering in 2021 due to the pandemic.
 

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Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Beverly Lorraine Ho, and Drag Race Philippines Season 2: M1ss Jade So


The events aim to highlight the community’s wins against HIV and its attached issues. To further cement its stand and initiative, this year’s gala and awards ceremony played with the theme “Heroes Emerge,” honoring the unsung heroes in HIV advocacy in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific.
 

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Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, and Drag Race Philippines Season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole 


Last Dec. 4, advocates, volunteers, and game-changers came together wearing their take on the Filipiniana dress code at The Podium Hall in Ortigas, Pasig City. Apart from Ronivin, leading the event were former Miss Universe winners Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, who are staunch supporters of Love Yourself Inc.'s mission of providing free HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and life coaching in the country. The Filipino beauty queens have joined forces for the non-profit organization’s #WhatWorksForU campaign, which “empowers individual choices by knowing that what works for you is living a life that enables a safer society for all.”
 

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Phi Palmos and Ripple of Inspiration Awardee Angel Batongbuhay

The highlight of the event was the announcement of Ripple Awards’ winners. The “Ripple of Inspiration” award was given to Dr. Angel Batongbuhay, Batangas City mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha, educator and health worker Ryan De  Torres, actress Mela Habijan, and TV host Boy Abunda, whose kindness, brilliance, and bravery are uplifting lives affected by the HIV epidemic.
 

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Ripple of Inspiration Awardees Mela Habijan and Ryan De Torres 


Bagani Community Center, IBM Philippines, and Wagayway Equality, Inc. took home the “Ripple of Activation,” an honor given to communities essential in curbing the HIV epidemic. While the “Ripple of Global Action,” an award that recognizes organizations within the Asia-Pacific region, was given to The Greenhouse from Singapore.
 

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AHF Philippines Country Director Nenet Ortega, Bagani Community Center's Carlz Libo-on, Raymond Kilayko receiving the Ripple of Activation Award, UNAIDS Country Director Louie Ocampo, and Ronivin 


 “I’m so grateful that they embody community leadership and responsibility. We rejoice in our accomplishments in providing crucial services in Asia,” Ronivin said. “Let’s carry forward the message of Pinoy Pride and the spirit of collective action that this gala embodies. To all our heroes, advocates, and supporters, your presence and dedication fuel our journey toward an AIDS-free tomorrow.”

Photos from Mark Ryan Alvarez

 

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