HIV-Free in the New Normal

Inevitably, there are numerous issues of importance that have taken a backseat because of the ongoing pandemic. One of them is HIV, which has not only been a cause for concern for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, but the entire human race as well. And while the DOH recently announced that HIV cases have gone down by an astounding 68% in the 2nd quarter of 2020, they also note that it is no cause for celebration.

Whether the number of cases has truly gone down or is simply unreported due to lockdowns across the country, the fact remains that there are still new cases daily. In fact, before the pandemic, DOH statistics revealed that the country averaged 35 cases on a daily basis.

While we have movements and events like Pride Month that promote HIV-awareness alongside gender equality, bringing awareness to this cause, even while on lockdown, should not stop. There are actually some ways to raise the alarm and bring the issue of HIV to the fore. Here are a few:

Accept

A good first step—especially for those who are still on the fence and have reservations on the matter—would be to acknowledge and accept that people are free to identify themselves as they wish and that there is no one way to express one’s self and one’s love—not to mention that HIV exists. With this first step, individuals will have a much easier time trying to understand and empathize with each other and possibly help each other overcome challenges such as HIV, gender inequality, and other similar issues.

Educate

One of the many benefits of this fast-paced, digital world we live in today is that seemingly-unlimited information is readily available within our fingertips. This is key because part of creating an HIV-free world also entails learning more about it, the groups of people who usually contract it, and ways in which the virus can be eradicated.

Advocate

With a clear understanding on HIV, creating a world without it would mean spreading the word, engaging in discourse, and spreading your knowledge to uninformed people. In advocating, one can also learn more through likeminded people looking to express themselves as well.

Heed

Lastly, in order to disseminate information and knowledge further while building a sense of community, it would be good to take action and support calls and campaigns such as Durex’s “No One Way Love All Ways” Campaign that supports and promotes all ways of living and expressing.

“A big challenge in the fight against HIV has always been the lack of acknowledgement and proper education on the matter.” Said Dr. Rica Cruz, Licensed Psychologist, Sex Therapist and Educator. “While our current situation presents difficulties as physical events cannot be staged, the opportunity to use available technologies such as social media and online webinars can also be utilized to our advantage. These are excellent tools for spreading the word to a wider audience from the comforts of our home while still being safe in more ways than one.”

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Because your skin matters, Hello Glow products contain safe extracts such as Papaya, Peony Root, Strawberry Begonia and powerful whitening ingredients such as Kojic and Gluthatione. Additionally, their products are vegan, sodium & sulfate-free, hydroquinone & tretinoin-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and no mercury!

 

Hello Glow comes in four key items: the 4-in-1 whitening soap for cleansing, clarifying toner for toning; sunscreen cream for additional protection to the skin, and whitening cream to moisturize. Products can be bought in set (P360) or separately.

“Hello Glow is specially formulated for all skin types, giving the best glowing transformation while still being kind to the skin,” says Denice Sy-Munez, Ever Bilena chief sales and marketing officer.

 

Launched last February to help its employees amid COVID-19 pandemic, Hello Glow can be found on Hello Glow’s page on Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph). To know more about Hello Glow, like and follow its Facebook page (@helloglowofficial) and Instagram (@helloglowofficial).

 

BPI celebrates 169th anniversary with purposeful banking

 

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is celebrating its 169th anniversary by revitalizing its commitment to be a lifeline for Filipinos and continuing to help build a better Philippines with purposeful phygital (physical and digital) banking. 

BPI President and CEO Cezar P. Consing, who delivered his anniversary message online, highlighted the Bank’s steadfast mission to provide financial services to Filipinos amid the challenges and confusion brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The combination of our branches, bravely manned, and our digital channels have allowed millions of Filipinos and thousands of businesses to conduct essential banking transactions throughout this challenging period,” he said. 

Consing emphasized how the limitations, imposed by the lockdown, have demonstrated the strength of BPI’s digital platform. “Our 169-year history has seen us make a real, positive difference in difficult times. We are seen as leading in the market not because we’re bigger, but because we are professional, inclusive and forward looking, and have a brand that defines trust, stability and nation-building,” he said. 

To kick off the Bank’s month-long celebration, Rev. Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer of Society of St. Paul (SSP), led the virtual anniversary Mass, which was broadcast through BPI’s internal social media channel. Other activities are lined up for BPI’s anniversary celebration this August. One of these is the “#PhygitallyYours” campaign, a weekly digital community service, to encourage employees to share social media posts about helpful and informative topics. 

BPI, through its social development arm, BPI Foundation, is also set to launch its food security fundraising campaign titled “Pagsibol,” in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines). The project aims to build sustainable food sheds – or climate-resilient food production facilities – to address food security and help hundreds of families all over the country to adapt and build their resilience in the new normal. 

BPI has prepared other initiatives as well such as the “#ECONversationSeries,” a series of webinars focused on purposeful phygital banking, and “Dream Bayan Podcast”, a podcast that seeks to uplift the spirits of Filipinos as they face challenges and hardships brought by the pandemic.