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| Cherry Pie Picache and Eko Baquial |
As the World AIDS Day approaches, the Philippines will be once again reminded of its other health crisis that has been seemingly brushed aside as all eyes are on the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the downward trend from the rest the world, the Philippines has seen a 21% increase in new infection brought about by the decrease in HIV prevention coverage and increase in treatment gap, according to 2021 data released by the Department of Health.
To further address this crisis, the Philippine Educational Theater Association is presenting its advocacy play, Rody Vera's Under My Skin, streaming online from November 26 to December 5, 2021 through the Ticket2me portal.
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| Mike Liwag and Gio Gahol |
Directed by Melvin Lee, the streaming version of the play was shot on stage at the PETA Theater back in January 2021 when restrictions were eased allowing for shoots under strict guidelines. The play had its early February-March 2020 run at the PETA Theater abruptly cut when the Covid-19 lockdowns were imposed.
Under My Skin tells multiple stories of people coping with life with HIV in various ways mainly focusing on the tangled web of past and present lovers Jonathan (Mike Liwag), Greg (Gio Gahol), and Syd (Eko Baquial); Dino (Dylan Ray Talon) and his mother Aling Loida (Kitsi Pagaspas); and the disbelieving Mary Rose (She Maala). Their intersecting stories are bound together by Dr. Gemma Almonte (Cherry Pie Picache), an epidomologist who not only provides medical service to her patients but also dispenses information about HIV/AIDS to the audience, which in this case, are the online viewers.
Whenever Picache breaks the fourth wall, she uses her years working with cameras to maximum effect. As one feels that Dr. Almonte is directly addressing him or her, one cannot help but be glued to the screen and listen attentively as she drives her point home. And this she did effectively. Anyone who is still in the dark as to what HIV and AIDS is should listen to Dr. Almonte and be enlightened.
At the start, Dr. Almonte tells that because of the alarming rise in HIV cases here in the Philippines, it has become more likely that one knows someone who is infected with the virus unlike decades ago. And the play then gives a glimpse of the lives of these people, who are all too real, each with their own struggles stemming from their diagnosis. And this struggle extends to the people around them.
There is Jonathan. When he tests positive, his current partner Greg becomes hostile to him. It takes the firm resolve of Syd, Jonathan's former partner, to convince Greg to have a change of mind.
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| Dylan Ray Talon and Kitsi Pagaspas |
On the other hand, Aling Loida, has to ditch her superstitious beliefs and misconceptions when her teenage son, Dino, is diagnosed with HIV. She toughens up and shows a mother's unconditional love when she learns about the real and horrific circumstances that led to his son getting the virus.
Mary Rose's tale revolves upon the horrific discovery that she somehow passed on the virus to her young kid. This leads her to confront her husband, Louie (Bene Manaois) revealing a past indiscretion that fractures the family forever.
Along with these three major storylines are some vignettes that give more faces, and dimension to the people affected with HIV. Notable here is Dudz Teraña's "intermission" providing some comic relief amidst all of the drama but still reminding the viewer that this virus is no laughing matter.
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| Dudz Teraña |
Their tales serve as a reminder that what is deadlier than the virus is the stigma, fear, and ignorance. These keep those with HIV from facing their situation head on and instead only lead them to more destructive paths. But with the right information, along with the compassion and support from others, one can deal with the HIV purely as a medical matter and be on the road to better health. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS can lead to better decision making thus preventing further infections. There may still be no cure for HIV/AIDS, but it can still be treated. And no one has to die because of the virus.
Rody Vera's Under My Skin, presented by the Philippine Educational Theater Association along with advocacy organization partners LoveYourself PH and The Red Whistle, and major co-presenters UNILAB, Inc., and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., will stream online on November 26-28, and November 30-December 5, 2021.
Under My Skin is available for streaming globally and features English subtitles. Tickets for LiveStream at P180 and Video On Demand at P250 are available at www.ticket2me.net, bit.ly/undermyskinonline, or through any of the online showbuyers.
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