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Sunday, June 3, 2018

Karanasan sa Paraiso: What the life lies after HIV

June 03, 2018 No comments :
Angelika Jeanne Carreon
Diana Lescano
Dean Carlo Ventura


PAALALA: Ang artikulong ito ay maaaring naglalaman ng mga salita o sensitibong paksa na hindi angkop sa mga batang mambabasa, panatilihin ang paggabay ng magulang o nakatatanda.


“Anim na taong gulang nang una kong maranasan ang mag-blowjob.”
Pag-amin ni Chris, di n’ya tunay na pangalan.

Dalawang taon na rin ang makalipas mula ngayon nang makatanggap siya ng tawag mula sa health center ng Barangay Tiaong, Guiguinto, Bulacan. Ilang buwan na rin n’ya itong hinihintay mula nang magpa-test s’ya sa posibilidad ng pagkakaroon ng HIV.

Sa tono pa lamang ng pananalita ng doktor sa telepono, nagkaroon na ng pangamba ang noo’y 26 na taong gulang at sexually active na si Chris, na siya’y nagpositibo sa isinagawang testing: “Ang sabi lang n’ya [medical technologist] noon, do’n [sa center] nalang daw namin pag-usapan”.

Anim na taong gulang pa lamang noon si Chris nang mamulat na s’ya sa mga makamundong bagay kagaya ng sex. Sa gulang na ito, naranasan na n’ya ang una n’yang blowjob sa isang kapitbahay nila noon sa Butuan City sa Agusan del Norte kung saan s’ya lumaki. Pitong taon naman nang una n’yang maranasan ang anal penetration.

Sa pagtungtong n’ya ng high school, aminado s’ya na ang pananaw n’ya noon sa buhay ay tila ba ‘mauubusan ng lalaki sa mundo’, kaya naman mas lalo siyang naging mapusok sa mga nakikilala niya.

“Doon ko unang naranasang sumubo habang nagka-klase, si teacher, nagsusulat don sa board tapos ako naman nandito’t nakikipaglaro sa likod. No’ng tumungtong sa high school life, mas lalo akong naging wild,” aniya.

Habang papunta sa health center, dasal na lamang ang tanging nasasambit ng mga labi ni Chris. Bagaman masiyahin at optimista itong tao, inamin niyang takot ang nanaig sa kaniya noong mga panahong iyon. Malapit na siya sa paroroonan ngunit naninimbang pa rin siya sa sitwasyon.

Sa pagtigil n’ya sa pag-aaral sa edad ng labing pito, namulat s’ya sa panibagong mundo ng mas mapupusok na karanasan – sa mundo ng internet. Dito, inilahad n’yang mas naging madali ang paghahanap ng sex partner at diumano’y naging blogger din siya ng mga ‘M2M’ sites.

Gumamit din siya ng mga online dating sites kagaya ng Grindr, Tinder, Blued, at PlanetRomeo kung saan niya kadalasang nakikilala ang kaniyang mga katalik, mula M2M sex hanggang sa Sex party at grand eyeball.

“Kadalasan sa mga naka-sex ko, galing sa gay sites maliban do’n sa blogsite namin na talagang pang-M2M kasi mga taga-international ‘yong mga pumapasok.”

Pagkarating n’ya noon sa health center, kinausap na s’ya ng medical technologist na tumawag din sa kanya sa telepono. “Wag kang magulat, Chris”. Sabay abot niya ng papel na naglalaman ng resulta ng isinagawang pagsusuri. “You are HIV positive”.

Sa mga tala at datos

Isa ang kaso ni Chris sa tumataas na bilang ng mga taong nada-diagnose bilang People Living with HIV (PLHIV) sa buong Pilipinas, lalo na sa probinsya ng Bulacan. Ang Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) ay isang uri ng Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) at isang uri ng virus na maaaring maging Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) kapag hindi agad naagapan.

Hindi kagaya ng ibang uri ng virus, ang HIV ay hindi nagagamot sapagkat wala pang lunas na nadidiskubre na maaaring magtanggal ng kaso na ito sa katawan ng tao. Gayumpaman, maraming treatment ang ibinibigay ng mga ospital at Health Department ng gobyerno upang hindi lumala ang sitwasyon ng isang PLHIV.

“Libre naman ‘yong gamot nila, kaya lang ‘yong iba ayaw talaga [magpagamot]. Though nagagamot ka, habang buhay nand’yan na ‘yan [virus] kaya lang, ‘pag tinigilan mo at bumalik ka ulit sa dati, hihina na resistensya mo, bababa na ‘yong immune system, kaya talagang lahat ng klase ng sakit makukuha mo na,” ani Elizabeth Gutierrez, head ng LGU ng Bulacan Health Support Division.

Sa buong Central Luzon, nangunguna ang probinsya ng Bulacan sa may pinakamaraming kaso ng HIV na may kabuuang bilang na 1,643 na kaso simula 1984. Ani Gutierrez, taun-taong nangunguna ang probinsya sa rehiyon na may pinakamalagong kaso nito simula nang magkaroon ng mga tala.

Gayumpaman, hindi kinikilala ng lokal na pamahalaan ang Internet kabilang na ang mga online dating sites at iba pang platform bilang isang daan upang dumami ang kaso ng HIV bagkus isang daan upang mas madaling mapalaganap ang awareness patungkol sa isyung ito.

Pag-amin ni Gutierrez, noon lamang nila napagtanto na mayroon palang mga ganoong klase ng websites kung saan nagiging daan ito upang magtagpo ang dalawa o higit pang tao upang mag-sex.

Bagaman patuloy na tumataas ang kasong ito sa probinsya, positibo ang Provincial Health Office patungkol dito dahil dumarami ang naaagapan sa pamamagitan ng free testing.

“Isang factor ‘yon [awareness] na kung bakit tumaas ‘yong cases natin, at least informed na sila na may mga ganon, natatakot kasi sila [dati]. Ngayon kapag mayroong ginagawang [talks at seminar], ‘yong sa health information and education, makikita nila doon na hindi lang pala ganito, kailangan magpa-test na ko.”





Sa pagitan ng alinlangan at pag-asa

Matapos ma-admit si Chris bilang isang PLHIV sa mismong kaarawan niya, July 10, 2016, sumailalim siya sa mga treatments sa isang treatment hub sa Tiaong, Guiguinto kabilang na ang counseling at mga libreng gamot.

“Swerte na rin at wala akong opportunistic infections, ‘yong mga signs at symptoms lang ni AIDS ang na-acquire ko, pero halos lahat yata na-acquire ko. Pero nagpapasalamat pa rin ako na hindi ako nagkaroon ng mga gano’ng sakit gaya ng tuberculosis, pneumonia,” pagbabahagi ni Chris.

Malaki ang naging pagbabago sa buhay ni Chris simula nang malaman n’yang mayroon s’yang HIV, gayumpaman, hindi niya ito tinanggap na negatibo sa kan’yang buhay bagkus isang oportunidad sa mas magandang kinabukasan at marahil maging isang instrumento upang mabali ang stigma ng mga tao tungkol sa isyung ito.

“Hindi ko naman masabi na sinisi ko ang Diyos, kasalanan ko rin naman kung bakit ako nagkaganito. Parang tinanong ko nga kung bakit pa ko pinahirapan kung p’wede naman n’ya kong kunin na. Pero kung hindi pa dahil may ipapagawa pa siyang gusto kong gawin, tatanggapin ko ‘yong challenge na ‘yon,” ani Chris.

Sa ngayon, bilang lamang sa mga kamag-anak niya ang nakakaalam ng tunay niyang kalagayan. Gayumpaman, humahanap siya ng tamang oras upang mabuksan ang usapang ito sa kaniyang mga magulang sa Butuan. Nag-iisa siya ngayon dito sa Bulacan kasama ang ilan niyang kaibigan at second family.

Mula sa pagkakaroon ng HIV, humigit kumulang sampung taon ang bibilangin upang tuluyang makita ang mga bunga nito kagaya ng unti-unting paghina ng Immune System at pagkakaroon ng ibang sakit sanhi nito. Ngunit sa kaso ni Chris, gusto niyang gamitin ang oras na ito upang makapagsilbi at maging inspirasyon sa iba.

Ngayon, isa syang officer at counselor sa Guintong Kanlungan Satellite Treatment Hub para sa mga HIV cases, nagsasagawa rin siya ng mga talk tungkol sa awareness nito, at isa rin siyang aktibong Zin o Zumba instructor sa lugar.

Mayroon pa rin siyang account sa isang Gay Dating Site na Blued, hindi upang makipag-live show kundi upang magkaroon ng diskusyon tungkol sa HIV positivity. Ginagamit din niya ang oportunidad upang magbahagi ng kaniyang karanasan bilang inspirasyon na hindi dapat pinandidirihan at diskriminsayon ang mga PLHIV bagkus ay pagtanggap sa kung ano sila.


Siya si Chritian Ebcas, 28 taong gulang, tubong Butuan at laking Bulacan, nag-iisang PLHIV na out sa buong probinsya at advocate ng HIV at AIDS awareness. At bagaman maraming tinik sa kan’yang nilakaran, nakahanap pa rin siya ng isang magandang karanasan sa paraiso – ang karanasang maging inspirasyon sa ibang tao.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Wonder Bulakenya behind Wonder Woman comics

March 10, 2018 No comments :



By Mariam del Rosario

Wonder Woman in the Philippines? But Wonder Woman is already in the Philippines.

Filipino artists on spotlight with the iconic superhero Wonder Woman with its latest comic book Wonder Woman #37 and one of the artists is even a Bulakenya.

Ray- Ann Fajardo had lived in Meycauayan, Bulacan for almost ten years before moving to Taguig City to live with her husband but she could not forget how Bulacan was very close to her heart as it is the place where her career had started as a flat artist and an assistant colorist for well known companies like Marvel Comics and DC Comics.

She is part of the comic book team of DC Comics together with Stephen Jorge Segovia, Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz and with it colorist, Romulo Fajardo, who is her husband. 

They are the faces behind the Wonder Woman # 37 and it is their biggest break yet as Wonder Woman takes on Dark Seid in the streets of Philippines.

Ray- Ann had finished a degree of Fine Arts in St. Scholastica’s College while Romulo had gone out of his way when he finished a degree in Polytechnic University of the Philippines with Political Economics.

Their career as international comic book artists started when her husband, Romulo, joined a small competition in digital webbing and won.

They became confident in their art pieces and tried to pass as many portfolios to DC Comics and was fortunately picked to be its minor artists and eventually they became the official colorists and flat artist since 2011 and took part in many known comic works like Batman & Robin Eternal, DC Universe: Rebirth Omnibus, Justice League: The Darkseid War Saga, etc.

Now, at the top of her career, Ray- Ann even have an advice to probinsyana’s like her to always be ready to take opportunities and challenges, as she started as a freelance art caravan teacher to storybook graphic artist for Lampara Books then persevered to work for DC Comics and here she is.

“Proud din naman ako na nanggaling ako sa Bulacan kaya minsan hindi na nagmamatter kung saan ka galing, nagmamatter na kung gaano ka kagaling.”

Wonder Woman is their biggest project for 2017 together with the release of the Wonder Woman movie and Justice League. The last edition was even featured in GMA News as the setting took place in Manila. They are currently working on the latest editions of Wonder Woman and Justice League.

Palace clarifies concerns on conceding disputed seas

March 10, 2018 No comments :

By Jerome Calayag

Photo by: DZRH News
“He will not surrender a single inch of Philippine territory to foreigners.”

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on March 7 that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will not allow neighbor countries to claim any of the Philippines’ seas and territories.

“The President considers the West Philippine Sea and all the islands that we are currently occupying and lay claim to as part of the province of Palawan, with the exception, of course, of Scarborough which forms part of the Province of Zambales,” Roque stated.

Roque also revealed before this explanation that there is a constant talk between China and the Philippines to make the joint exploration in Service Contracts (SCs) 57 and 72 possible.

This issue got the attention by the criticizers of the Duterte administration as the president said that he accepted the China as their co-explorer of the islands.

“We appeal to the critics, we have to be united on this issue, Please do not claim to have the monopoly of upholding the national interest, he added.

He also explained that the claims of the country was very strong as it was recognized by the International Arbitral Tribunal last 2016.

“The President’s position is that the ruling of the UN (United Nations) Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has finally decided that China cannot claim to any waters of the West Philippine Sea.”

Netizens counter Angel’s Burger secret item

March 10, 2018 No comments :
By: Jerome Calayag

A facebook user publicized a video with pictures on March 5 concerning the trending post of a page about the secret item called Quadruple Cheese Burger on Angel’s Burger.

Jay Matias posted a clarification that there is no secret menu at the said store, but insisted that there is a secret technique to attain a cheaper yet appetizing burger.


Credits to: Jay Matias


Matias’ story, as of writing, garnered almost 1 million views, 5,700 reactions, 4,700 comments and shared by social media users approximately 5,900 times.

However, some netizens were not delighted to know that there is no existing ‘hacked’ meal in menu of the well-known establishment.

In addition to Matias’ clarification, Princess Marjie Co Badel also revealed in a facebook post that she also tried to avail the product but she was disappointed knowing that there is no existence of it.

“I came at the nearest Angel's Burger in our barangay to find out if the said video is fact na fact ba kagaya ng secret menu ng mcdo or just a fake news gaya ng mga nauuso ngayon. I asked one of the employee in the said branch and she said "it’s fake" I feel so shocked at the moment,” Badel said according to the post.

“And I just want you all know that Angel's quadruple burger is fake. Yes, fake news even there’s a video. Again, theres no quadruple burger at 68," she added.

The trending video posted on March 4 by Rapsa, a facebook page, got 270,000 views with 4, 700 reactions, 1,900 commments, and 2,1000 shares.


Credits to: Rapsa

ASTROLOGY: Serving teas, memes and stars for Filipino Netizens

March 10, 2018 No comments :
by Angelika Jeanne Carreon



Did you ever hear an excuse such as: “I’m sorry, I’m such a Capricorn”? Or in an argument, you heard someone yelling: ”You are such a Leo!!!” Maybe yes, maybe not. Or did you ever realize that someone’s zodiac sign actually conforms his or her personality? Just like how our president is really an Aries.
Most of the people, especially the millennials, are hooked into stars, retrogrades, or simply astrology these days. As if it is a new language that everyone has been obsessing and talking about. 
As if it is some code or identification card that reads and states a person’s personality in an instant, or even a person’s compatibility to some other people, based on their signs.
Astrology has been there ever since, it is not just a fad nor a trend, because it is actually in our history. But for the past year until now, people are beginning to notice it again and even uses it on a daily basis. 
And as its popularity continues, netizens did not miss the chance to make fun of it, and to make hugots about it. That’s how the social media works, as we all know.
Filipino Astrology accounts have been all over Twitter giving horoscope readings, but most of the time, just serving some tea and memes based from the stars. And surprisingly, people have been actually responding and relating to their tweets day after day.
A thread about zodiac signs with the hashtag #trashtalkseries originated by Twitter user Scorsaguin went viral. As netizens threw shades and served teas to each 12 zodiac signs through anonymous confessions on the CuriousCat app of Scorsaguin. 
Beware of the butthurts. Here are some of their attacks:



And many other shade-throwing confessions for the other signs in the thread.
Although the season one of the #trashtalkseries has just been ended, Scorsaguin didn’t took a long while to start a brand new season. This time, the zodiac signs contest to its incompatible counterparts—that still gained reactions and responses from the netizens, until today.






And the followers of the series are still patiently waiting for the continuation of the “zodiac bardagulan”, as they call it.

On the other hand, there are also some Filipino Astrology accounts that are giving relatable comical memes and horoscope readings, that serve teas and identities for the 12 signs.





And as the stars are countless, their tweets also never end.

Babylonians were the first great astronomers in the 18th century BC, as Astronomy and Astrology were considered to be indifferent during those times. Also, it is believed that the Babylonians were first to discover the zodiac.
They have learned that it took off 12 lunar cycles before the sun gets back to its place. And with each lunar cycle and as the seasons progressed, they have observed and identified constellations present every night, naming each constellations from animals and persons, leaving us today with the 12 zodiac signs.
While horoscope is also discovered to know how the signs, the stars, the moon, the sun, and the planets are aligned and positioned on a specific time, date and place, using a horoscope chart. 
In the modern years, horoscope was on every newspapers, heard on radios and seen on televisions. But now, horoscope readings are obtained through the fingertips, through the internet, through social media platforms, may it be a horoscope for the day, for the coming days, or even for the following weeks. 
Astrology; zodiac signs, horoscopes, the moon, the sun, and other heavenly bodies, have been there ever since. They just flourish through time, evolve and adapt through generations.

KZ Tandingan rocked the stage in latest Singer 2018 performance

March 10, 2018 No comments :
by Mariella Sta. Ana



KZ spelled T-A-L-E-N-T by making China chime with her in her latest performance on Singer 2018.


On this week's episode, KZ Tandingan gave chills to the Chinese audience with her own version of Sheryl Crow's Real Gone used in the animated film "Cars". KZ performed a rock music that left the crowd headbanging. The audience jived into her unique rendition and turned the heat while enjoying her performance.

KZ also showcased her rocker-side by playing an electric guitar. She confessed that she was told to perform with an electric guitar and it was her first time to do it on stage.

"..so medyo na-pressure ako [pero] tinanggap ko yung challenge" She said.

She also flaunted her Filipina blood by rapping in Filipino.

However, KZ admitted that she is not completely familiar with the song and had a hard time because of the limited days to pracrtice and rehearse. She only had 3 days to prepare.
Despite the limited time of preparation, KZ still managed to hype up the rest of the night and even her fellow contestants grooved with her.

Unfortunately, despite the star performance, KZ failed to defend her current spot.

Still, Filipinos gave their love and support to KZ and treasured the honor that she brought us.




MUST-SEE: Pilgrimage Destinations in Ilocos

March 10, 2018 No comments :
By Angelika Jeanne Carreon

Devoted Catholics are about to observe their Holy Week on the last week of March, until the first day of April. And as Filipinos remember the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they reflect on it through different rites and rituals.
One of the most common practice done in the Philippines during Lenten season is the pilgrimage, or a journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion.
And if you are looking for a pilgrimage destination, take Ilocos into consideration. As it is not just a famous tourist destination, but also a must-visit during the Holy Week.
In Burgos, Ilocos Norte, is where the well-known Kapurpurawan rock formations are found. Just an hour drive from Laoag City, and you will be blessed to see the visually appealing creations of nature.



  
From an Ilocano term “puraw”, which means white, Kapurpurawan rock formations comprise of creamy white massive rocks that attract the tourists, and makes them want to come back.
There is also a wind farm with huge turbines that surround the place, and horses to ride on are available when touring around.




But aside from its primary attractions, Burgos, Ilocos Norte also broadened its ranges for the Holy Week season as it includes Stations of the Cross along the hills that stand 30-feet tall, and a grotto of the Virgin Mary located on its crest.



“Sa lahat ng napuntahan namin, talagang parang ito ang maganda ang view,” a pilgrim visiting the place said.
Another tourists and devotees’ picks for pilgrimage are the chapels and floating cottages set on the boundary of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.
La Virgen Milagrosa chapel in Badoc, Ilocos Norte and Santo Cristo Milagroso chapel in Sinait, Ilocos Sur are the known chapels in the North to be found along the coast. 

La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel, Badoc, Ilocos Norte
Santo Cristo Milagroso, Sinait, Ilocos Sur

They were established on a coastline since it is believed that a fisherman found an afloat box with the images of La Virgen Milagrosa and Santo Cristo Milagroso in that boundary during 1620. These chapels are open for the pilgrims and tourists every day for the Holy Week.
In addition to these chapels, another tourist attraction of this place is the floating cottage that is made out of bamboos and hays, with plastic drums as its floaters.
Rentals for the floating cottages are about P500 for every 4 hours, and P100 for every one-hour extension. 15-20 persons are the maximum capacity per floating cottage.





WATCH: Mga pasyalan sa Ilocos Norte ngayong Semana Santa | ABS-CBN News
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