30 candidates vie for gov't ambassadors vs HIV/AIDS

Thirty candidates - 10 men, 10 women and 10 transgender women - are vying for ambassadors of the government's campaign against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The 30 official "redvocates" of the contest known as LHIVE Free tri-pageant were formally presented to the press during a special show held at House Manila in Pasay City last Sept. 20.

They are: male category - Richard Prayco, Joshua Jimenea, Joseph Xavier Pili, Abdullah Silawi, Kelvin Kai Angala, Roland John Torres, Julian Mari Lee, Jearu Ed Magbuhat and Joeser Sinfuego.

Female category - Precious Olay Neyra, Patricia Agapito, Joanne Tampoco, Alita Anlei Tupaz, Karen Nicole Piccio, Joanna Day, Patrixia Sherly Santos, Maria Lianina Macalino, Elisa Taylor, and Marie Sherry Ann Tormes.

Transgender woman category - Uly Galagnara, Lola Jasmine David, Brigite Salvatore, Ryza Aguilon, Paris Antonio, Aya Maribojo, Shanel Martinee, Matt Centino, Belinda Bermudez, and Stefania Lopez.

At the end of press presentation, members of the media picked the winners for Press Favorite special award. The winners were: Jearu Ed Magbuhat (male), Patrixia Sherly Santos (female); and Matt Centino (transwoman).

“Although personality and looks are major considerations for choosing the finalists, we focused also on their commitment to the campaign. At the end of the day, what we are trying to do here is bring the conversation about HIV and AIDS in the mainstream media; sort of putting it front and center, so that people who are at risk or already have the virus will not be afraid to seek for help,” says Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III in his message.

More than 100 entries were received by the organizers for the search. “Whoever will win this search will dedicate a significant amount of their time in helping spread awareness and debunk myths about HIV and AIDS, as well as promote safe sex. And we are looking for people who will put the movement high in their priority list,” Duque adds.

The three ambassadors against HIV/AIDS will be known during the final pageant night will be held at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia Complex on September 28.

Miss International 2016, Kylie Verzosa will personally crown the three winners who will join her and the Department of Health in a series of promotional activities that will dispel wrong information and negative stigma associated with the virus, as well as bring help to individuals who are infected by it. - ROBERT REQUINTINA