Leading charitable institutions joined forces to bring together an amazing gala show to celebrate World AIDS Day.
Organised by top non-government organisations and charitable institutions geared towards HIV awareness, prevention and treatment, the Love Gala is the inaugural charity event to commemorate World AIDS Day last December 1 at the BGC Arts Center.
Key leaders and advocates came to support the event including 2015 Miss Universe and Philippine Tatler’s 2016 Generation T-lister, Pia Wurtzbach, and US Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim.
"Let us work together to normalize HIV testing, so that it’s viewed just like a regular medical check up. Because knowing our own HIV status is the first step in our battle to end AIDS," said Wurtzbach during the presentation of the HIV 101 video, which is part of her broader PIA, or Progressive Information Awareness project for raising awareness on HIV- and AIDS-related issues.
The Love Gala also dedicated the night to honour the first-ever Ripple Awards winners – 10 brave individuals who have made a significant impact in spreading HIV-AIDS awareness, stopping the spread of the virus, and helping to fight the stigma suffered by their communities. This year’s winners are: Faustine Luell ‘Paji’ Tupas Angeles, Sherwin Baniqued, M.A. Buendia, Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel, Jebsen Rederri Go Gamido, Enrique Tayag Katerina ‘Doc Kate’ Leyritana, Elena Felix, Roberto Figuracion, Angelina ‘Angie’ Mead King.
“The HIV epidemic can be won through greater awareness and education, and these Ripple Awards winners have used their voices and influence to spread the right messages to the people who need to hear them,” said Ronivin Pagtakhan, executive director of LoveYourself, one of the member organizations of the Love Gala organizing committee, one of the judges of the Ripple Awards, and one of Philippine Tatler’s 2017 Generation T-lister.
