Ripple Awards, the most anticipated award-giving body for the HIV movers in the Philippines and beyond, is back on its third installment despite the persisting COVID-19 pandemic.
LoveYourself, Inc., SKPA Philippines, and the PROTECTS Project, together with the SaferNow Philippines movement, are campaigning for the recognition of the game-changers in the HIV and AIDS landscape of the country by restaging the Ripple Awards.
“We are bringing back the Ripple Awards because so many things have changed since the pandemic. So many people have stepped up to make ends meet, especially for the people living with HIV and HIV frontliners,” LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin Pagtakhan expressed.
Pagtakhan added that even in these difficult times, we could find individuals and organizations relentlessly helping their communities, and we hope the third time’s a charm for them for this 3rd Ripple Awards.
This year, the 3rd Ripple Awards will be honoring five individuals, three organizations, and two projects, which will fall under three awards themes.
The Ripple of Inspiration is the theme for the individual category, honoring their kindness, brilliance, and bravery in uplifting lives affected by the HIV epidemic. Ten Ripplers or finalists will be shortlisted in this category.
Organizations that created and brought change to the HIV advocacy by activating people, volunteers, and others to be agents of change should fall under the theme of Ripple of Activation. Only five finalists will be shortlisted in this category.
The last theme is the Ripple of Innovation. Under this theme are the two projects, which can be related to the ongoing pandemic or non-pandemic. The project should have brought an impactful and positive change to a specific target audience through an innovative solution.
To nominate, visit bit.ly/RIPPLEAWARDS. The deadline for nominations will be on October 29, 2021.
The 3rd Ripple Awards also includes a campaign on the stories of the Ripplers for people to take inspiration and emulate within their respective communities.
The awarding of Ripple Awards usually coincides with the holding of the Love Gala, a charity and awards gala, gathering advocates, organizations, and people of influence and authority in the HIV community. However, due to the persisting COVID-19 pandemic, the Ripple Awards organization pursued a standalone awarding, which is tentatively scheduled for December 4 to support the celebration of the World AIDS Day (2021) commemoration and celebration.
Winners will receive the meaningful Ripple Awards trophy designed by artist Tokwa Peñaflorida. Some of the notable Ripple Awardees are Dr. Enrique Tayag of the Department of Health, Senator Risa Hontiveros, and Angelina Mead King.
“When we held the first Ripple Awards in December 2017, there were never any second thoughts. It is about time to honor and celebrate those who made an impact and continue to work hard for the HIV advocacy here in the Philippines,” Ripple Awards program lead Kurt Silvano said. The Ripple Awards vision is to amplify the works of individuals and communities to create greater awareness and encourage movement for the advocacy, Silvano added.
The first Ripple Awards was held at the BGC Arts Center, and its second installment was conducted in ABS-CBN Vertis Tent in 2019.
In support of the 3rd Ripple Awards, global HIV advocacy ambassador Pia Wurtzbach said, “Together, let’s celebrate the life, love, and selfless service of the HIV champions in the Philippines. Now more than ever, let’s continue to create ripples of positive change in the community.
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