"If there's one thing you can change in your life, will you change it? "
We don't have the power to turn back time and change a thing in the past, that's the very essence of time and that's the very same reason why we should make each moment count. So why am i talking about time?? well, its because for the past months, my sense of volunteerism had arose. i have been thinking of volunteering for a non-government organization for a long time already but i cant seem make a move. I had chosen an organization (which is World Child Cancer Organization) before 2012 ended yet I noticed that every time I plan to go there for my orientation, time seems not cooperating. Its like whenever I get a huge spare time, there office is close but whenever I get a hectic schedule at school, there office is open and available for orientation. I guess time is playing on me because weeks after , I was assigned to coordinate with Cebu Plus, a non-government organization for people living with H.I.V, for my PR class. At first, I wasn't really interested (to be honest) , I mean, Why should I care about it? Id rather choose another organization like an orphanage perhaps. Later did I realize that I was led by time at Cebu Plus for a purpose. A purpose that made me big impact in my personality.
As I got in the office of Cebu Plus, I had this feeling that one touch of any thing in that office and I'm done. That very thought made me a shame of myself whenever I recall it now. I guess I had that feeling of guilt because I was ignorant that time about H.I.V/ A.I.D.S and now, I realized that being ignorant is basically the reason why we tend to outcast people living with H.I.V/ A.I.D. in the society. Being oriented and informed by an officer of Cebu Plus was an aye opener and I knew for a fact that deep within me, I'm very thankful for the things I learned that day. Its as though before I was to enter the door of their office, I was oblivious and I didn't care but after I stepped out of that very same door, I found that urge to help them spread awareness among the youth.I guess writing in my blog doesn't make sense because people not aware about H.I.V/ A.I.D.S wouldn't really bother to read this (except for the title because i find it weird, hahaha) but then I know that this is a good way to show my respect and salute to people living with H.I.V/ A.I.D.S most especially to Cebu Plus.Let me start by saying that PEOPLE LIVING WITH H.I.V/ A.I.D.S ARE ONE OF THE BRAVEST PEOPLE I KNOW. Why? because these people chose to live life normally despite the fact that there is no known cure for them yet. Although a lot of people despise them, they still chose to take life positively and productively. These people never wanted to be infected (I mean, who does?) but just because the most common cause of the transmission of this virus (sexual intercourse and inject-able drugs) is something sensitive doesn't mean we have the right to judge them disrespect them, and deprive them of their rights. That will not be fair because these people are people with feelings and emotions. they have needs and they deserve to love and be loved. Nobody is perfect. people commit mistakes, we all fall down, but what matters is how we get up.Getting up starting all over again may not be easy for people living with H.I.V but its a good thing that Cebu Plus is making a way to make it easier for them.Cebu Plus had been active in creating awareness to people may they be positive or negative of H.I.V. Cebu Plus confront my doubts with facts. If before I thought I can be infected just by the sweat or saliva of PLHIV, now I'm not even afraid to share foods with them or even bathe with them in the pool. Truth is, there are a lot of misconceptions that people have about H.I.V/ A.I.D.S. Take for example french kissing. French kissing wouldn't infect a person negative of H.I.V because it takes 8 gallons of saliva to be transferred to a person not infected. I mean, PLHIV doesn't have a mouth like that of a faucet for them to be able to create 8 gallons of saliva while kissing, sharing a food or bathing with them, right?? because if they do, don't you think they wont die of dehydration? That are just some of the many facts we ought to know before judging them. You see? If you open your mind and think, having H.I.V isn't as bad as having Tuberculosis . The difference is just H.I.V/ A.I.D.S has no found cure yet while Tuberculosis can be treated; but then again, You can get infected with TB by just saliva but you cant be infected with H.I.V/ A.I.D.S with just it. These are just sort of comparisons and I certainly don't have any intention to offend someone. So how come we discriminate or stereo type PLHIV? I too am guilty of this but at least I know better now. Like what the famous reggae icon said, "Before you start pointing your finger, make sure your own hands are clean".
I guess the day I landed at Cebu Plus wasn't just an accident and I realized that we cant go back to the past to change a thing, all we have is the power to step forward and create a better future. PLHIV should be a source of inspiration not discrimination because at the end of the day, THE WINNER WILL ALWAYS BE THE ONE WHO'S BRAVER..
