Yes, I'm gay. I probably was since the day I was born. On my 21st birthday, I sort of had my debut. I came out to my parents. A little drama from mom, and some indifference from dad. An above-average coming out. Almost perfect.

Nine years later, two weeks before my 30th birthday, I found out... I'M HIV POSITIVE.

And so my story begins... I'm BACK IN THE CLOSET.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

World View: HIV

World View: Think PositiveReplacing the show Pinoy Meets World, GMA News and Public Affairs show World View premiered last March 1st, on the Sunday Night Box Office or SNBO time slot. This new monthly special documentary focuses on different global issues affecting Filipinos here and abroad. Last month’s pilot episode, entitled Si Barrack at Si Juan, examined how an administration under the first African-American US President may affect Filipinos worldwide.

For April, World View tackles a topic extremely close to my heart - HIV and AIDS - as World View presents Think Positive.

I’ve sort of been a part of it since late February, when I first met up with one of the episode’s researchers just to discuss the project and the possibilities. Not instantly open to being interviewed for the subject at hand, I was only there giving my insights. I had aired my concerns regarding previous documentaries done on the topic, and was reassured that this particular one would aim to be more informative, more comprehensive, and more accurate.

Eventually, I did end up giving an interview. I needed to put aside the timid and socially-inept me, and opted that the host of the episode herself, Vicky Morales, do my interview, based solely on my desire for her to be more than just a talking head and understand the issue better.

I think one thing that pushed me to get more involved was hearing that they had already gotten in touch with the so-called HIV support groups, which left me fearful that another one of their boohoo HIV life stories would just end up making headlines. I felt challenged to represent the rest of us who live, rather than suffer, with HIV.

During the course of the episode’s development, more people from my side of the fence came forward to get interviewed. I just helped establish the trust between the research group and us positive pozzies, while E took charge of wrangling up those of our pozzie friends to agree to get filmed.

As of latest, I’ve heard they also have Wanggo Gallaga on their roster, currently the most perfect poster boy for a more positive campaign against HIV. They were also trying to get in contact with the Positivism.ph team, although I’m not sure how much they touched on it exactly.

As I’d last seen the research team back in mid-March, but still keeping in touch through mobile, e-mail and instant messaging, I honestly still have no clue as to how the episode will go in its final form.

A couple of friends of mine have seen primers about the show already on GMA, and one ushered me towards ManilaGayGuy who wrote a blog entry on the upcoming episode based on what he calls PR from a GMA contact.

So, in support of what I’ve done and in doing my own part, I might as well get you guys and gals on track to watching out for the documentary. I myself will be stocking up on sleep during these coming holidays as well, so I’ll be wide awake in time to watch it.

So this Easter Sunday, save some of that egg-hunting energy. Learn more about HIV and AIDS in the Philippines. Watch out as World View presents Think Positive on April 12th, Sunday night after Ful Haus, hosted by Vicky Morales.


25 comments:

wanderingcommuter said...

indeed very interesting!!!

Anonymous said...

Okie. I'll watch it. =)

PinoyPoz said...

Just saw that there's a teaser on it in the GMA 2nd quarter program line-up, and was able to finally watch the TV commercial promoting it as well. It's scheduled at 10:30 pm, so I have to be ready because I'll be on the brink of bangag-mode by that time. Hehehe.

James Ty III said...

This documentary is a welcome change for GMA, which usually airs kiddie movies for Easter Sunday on SNBO. It will be up against some Hollywood blockbusters like Pearl Harbour, Kingdom of Heaven and Chronicles of Narnia but if you've watched all three, watch this docu instead.

Dabo said...

let us wait and see..

E said...

react lang ako ah...kala ko ba channel 2 ka? bakit may tough ten ka? LOLZ

Anonymous said...

like i said yesterday, i'll waitch it tonight then wait for your "batok" to become famous. =)

bampiraako said...

....Interesting topic.At dahil Easter Sunday ngayon, sana maraming patay na utak ang mabuhay para lalo maintindihan ang HIV..

...Happy Easter!

PinoyPoz said...

@James: Amazing how well you know your program scheds. :-)

@Dabo: Please do! I'll be waiting and seeing, too.

@E: Ano ba wrong post. Wrong channel din, 2 talaga ang Tough 10 daba! :-D

@John: Baka mapahiya ako pag na-edit out lang yung batok ko! Haha.

@Bamps: Good one!

Happy Egg Day to all!

Herbs D. said...

OMG! I'm watching you now dude! who could've thought you're this guy!?!?!?!

don't worry. i'm not THAT prejudice to people with HIV. I actually look up to you for that strenght and hope you have inside.

more power dude! *HUGSSSSS*

AIDS said...

yep, i've seen you there. well, goodluck bro. pray.:)

Tristan Tan said...

My friend, I saw your batok on TV. :) Great interview. So proud of you.

Anonymous said...

im currently watching your stories on GMA.... when i heard your blog, i searched it immediately... i want to share this quote that i received this morning: Faith teaches us 2 believe no matter wat situation wer having right now....hold on....be strong.....don't give up..... God works in ways we cannot see... God bless.....agyalong@yahoo.com

dreal6cyclemind said...

Hi..nandito lang kasi nakapanood ng World View presents Think Positive..After watching ito na nandito sa blog mo..
Always Remember ABCDE
A-bstinence
B-e Faitful
C-areful
D-on't use used syringes
E-ducation (educate)

Andy Tejada said...

i just saw your story (though short lang) on THINK POSITIVE (World View, GMA) and learned about this site...

good work... this is so brave of you :-)

see you around.

Anonymous said...

hi mark. what you did in world view is very inspiring. you opened a lot of doors for many pinoys out there. true pioneer

danyhael said...

your voice is huge. ^_^

Anonymous said...

the documentary was good! very informative and really a wake up call for all.. i really watched the docu and finished it..

PinoyPoz said...

@Herbs: I'm honored. Thank you.

@Aids: Nice name. Hehehe. Good luck to everyone.

@Tristan: Thanks! Pa-retouch ng batok!

@Agyalong: Thanks! Godbless!

@6cycle: Haha, I know my ABCDEs well...

@Andy: Me? Brave? Nah...

@Anonymous: Of course my real name isn't Mark, you can call me... B.I.T.C.H. They just couldn't because it'd just get bleeped out. Hehehe.

@Dany: Haha, of course they changed my voice, silly! :-9

@Anonymous: Great! Hope many people did!

Kudos to the people who worked on this. "World View Presents Think Positive!" was produced by GMA News and Public Affairs. Executive producer and writer, Jay Orense. Writer and researcher, Glenn Ala. Director and segment producer, Maey Bautista. Researcher, Marie Ann Saballegue.

Anonymous said...

I like the way they tackle HIV/AIDS... It's different compared to the other documentaries I've seen.

It was weird (but in a good way) seeing your blog on TV... hehehe. You even look guapo even if they only show your batok and hands... <3

You should ask for a copy of the show. :D

I love you so much hun, which I need to reiterate, in a not so sexual way. =)

PinoyPoz said...

Hehe... "Not so sexual way" made me giggle... Hehe... Luv ya, RubyPurps!

Darwin^^ said...

napanuod ko po story mo sa GMA 7 kagabi. and I amso proud of you for telling the world kung sino ka talaga. saludo ako sayo! :) check out my blog: www.iamdarwin.blogspot.com. thanks! more powers!:)

Anonymous said...

napanood ko kagabi.. very informative.. be brave.. spread the info very well..

PinoyPoz said...

@Darwin: Thanks! Congrats too to Wanggo, Vince, Kiko, Echo, Greg, Elvira, and John for sharing their stories!

@Anonymous: Be brave? Ngee, katakot... Hehehe.

Miko said...

i've watched the show last night.
the numbers are alarming but the stories shown are inspiring.

been reading your blog and i'm so glad that WE have you to spread knowledge and understanding on HIV and AIDS.

you have my support...