As the world wrestles with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue fighting a battle we have begun – our war against HIV. After all, the need for public awareness, education, and treatment has never taken a backseat even in these unprecedented times.
More than ever, we need hope now, and we’d love to spark a glimmer of light in you through “LIGHT UP: The 2020 Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (PIACM) Ceremony” on May 17, 2020, at 4PM.
Themed “We remember – We take action – We live beyond HIV”, this candle-lighting and online concert centers on care and compassion, coinciding with the annual International Candlelight Memorial, happening every third Sunday of May.
LIGHT UP aims to express our undying love for and unwavering support to those who have lost their lives to HIV and to celebrate the great strides the community has made to advance HIV advocacy.
With the shift to online streaming, this year’s celebration is uniquely special as we forge on and beat HIV using the best tool at our disposal —our solidarity. Amid all the uncertainties hanging over us, we need to show grit and optimism, defying the limitations of distance.
It also features the “My HIV Story” which is a photo essay contest that talks about one’s experience for the people in the HIV advocacy work. All Filipinos are qualified to join and tell their compelling HIV story. “My HIV Story” winners will be announced on May 17 during the Facebook Live Light Up Concert Ceremony on this page.Prizes include: 1st: ₱25,000.00, 2nd: ₱15,000.00, and 3rd: ₱10,000.00.
Celebrities supporting this event are Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, Gazini Ganados, Regine Tolentino, Adrian Lindayag, with special performances by Katrina Velarde, Zeus Collins, Anna Ramsey, and other surprise guests.
Allow us to brighten up your Sunday as we all unite to bring back the light in our lives! Let this also be a moment of togetherness as we fervently pray for healing and an end to the battles we are facing today.
This event is brought to you in partnership with the Department of Health, Project Red Ribbon, LoveYourself Inc, Pilipinas Shell Foundation and sponsored by Sustainability of HIV Services for Key Populations in Asia (SKPA), Teleperformance Philippines, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Champion Community Centers, Camber Pharmaceutical Inc. | Hetero, The Red Whistle and the National Youth Commission for our supporting the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Ceremony 2020.
Join us by hitting that “Going” button here https://bit.ly/LightUpPH2020.
Let’s continue the fight against HIV. Get tested, get treated, and LHIVe free. Also, don’t forget to like and share the page.
Text by Ulysses Konstantin Largado
