They went for shock value, and they got it! Last December 1 was World AIDS Day, and to do their share of campaigning, Filipino activists wore nothing but the red AIDS ribbon on “Dare to Bare”. The campaign raises awareness on the HIV/AIDS, its threats, and precautionary measures—and for some, learning to live with it without prejudice from people less informed.
Fashion designers, historians, models; males and females, some being HIV positive —everyone lent their time and care in an effort to rouse people from ignorance and apathy, and worse, antipathy. “Dare to Bare” means to uplift those afflicted by enlightening people on the reality that is HIV/AIDS.
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These activists mean business. The individuals who volunteered to go bare have one common thing binding them: either the individual is HIV+ or someone special to them is. They have stories to tell, and they want us to read and learn.
“Dare to Bare” addresses the right of individuals to stay protected and free of HIV/AIDS. The campaign urges direct action from the right sectors to act on the matter.
The country’s National AIDS Registry of the Department of Health reveals HIV cases among ages 15 to 24 has tripled from 2007 to 2008. There are 110 new cases in just the last year.
Socio-economic factors, coupled with religion and politics, are the barriers to information. “Dare to Bare” cites stigma on condoms as one. Though condoms had to be imported years ago, times have since moved one, but not the embarrassment that comes with its purchase and use.
Religion and its stronghold on politics are also accountable. Sex education, condoms and the young lifestyle are taboo as far as the Church and a conservative government are concerned.
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In business, the need for companies directly involved is also being sought. In support of “Dare to Bare” is the [in]famous Victoria Court. Seen as a lovers’ hide-away, the motel chain’s Managing Director, Ian King, is quoted in PlusNews Global, “Our clients go to [Victoria Court] to get intimate with their partners. We need to be responsible about this aspect of the business. It is everyone’s responsibility to be aware and be informed,” he adds.
“Dare to Bare” activist Carlos Celdran reveals a promiscuous lifestyle in New York in the 90s, but the young, local historian took the road of safety and kept himself protected with condoms.
Another activist, Alcs Porras, lost loved ones during the height of the AIDS pandemic. Porras does his bit to save the lives of the young by distributing his own sex protection kits.
Important to know is that HIV/AIDS is not a homosexual affliction. UNAIDS states that of the growing number of HIV+ patients, a large number are females of reproductive age. Women have become afflicted with the disease through philandering partners.
“Dare to Bare” actively encourages people to take action. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNAIDS disseminate information through brochures, pins and, yes, condoms.
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Credits:
Production Crew:
Photography by: Mitch Mauricio
Styling and art direction by: Alcs Porras
Make-up by: Ana Santos
Hair by Ruel Papa of L’Oreal Professionnel Paris *
Shot on location at Victoria Court, Pasig
Thank you to DKT Philippines, Victoria Court Pasig, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for their support of this campaign.
