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The Visual AIDS: Art On Shola Luna's Eye

12/6/2011

14 Comments

 
World AIDS Day is an international event held on December 1 each year to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate their loss. In honor of this event, I had the opportunity to talk with an great person who bravely faced the battle of HIV/AIDS and now an HIV Counselor for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, know as RITM.

She is Shola Luna - one of the Malate's iconic figures during 80's and 90's. A model, beauty queen, make up artist, fashion designer, performer, actor and a steward of art herself. In 1994, she left United States and came back to the Philippines until she found out one of the most challenging journey in her life. She was diagnosed of HIV. 
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"I have lived with HIV for 18 years, when I first learned I was positive I thought to myself that it was the end of the world. Now it has become a purpose and my life has become about fulfillment and not the material. I want to serve as an example that there is a future and that they can live a normal longer life then people originally think. Information and education! That will help a lot! Ignorance kills! God bless you all! Peace!" , as what she said in philstar.com. 

Though the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines was only during the year 1990's, the Philippines was quick to recognize its own sociocultural risks and vulnerabilities to HIV/AIDS. In a country that prioritizes health, HIV/AIDS struck the heart of every Filipino. The confrontation of HIV/AIDS varies from each culture. In our country, Arts became a big part in battling HIV/AIDS.

A great way to start the month and celebrate World AIDS Day is by talking with Shola Luna, an artist, a transgender who acquired HIV in 90's. I had the opportunity to talk with a beautiful and goodhearted person. I asked her some questions about HIV/AIDS in relation with Arts. Here are the questions I asked and her responses.

Noks: Does the THIS made you a beTter person and artist? Why?

Shola: Noks! Yes! I am a better person now.

Noks: Do you think arts play a key role in getting the message of HIV? How? 

Shola: Arts play a great role for me to spread HIV stigma reduction education because I go out open to the public and talk about it. 

Noks: If God is in front of you, what will you tell him?

Shola: If God is in front of me, hehehe, he is always with me now and we talk like we are father and daughter every single second and I always request that he protects my family and friends from harm and give them good health.

Noks: Are you scared to die?

Shola: No! I am notscared to die. Wag lang ung chakang pagkamatay!

Noks: Any other message to the readers?

Shola: To all, there are a lot of information aboout HIV and AIDS. Don'tjust read it, do it to protect yourself and your love ones. Have a loving heart and soul if you know that some is HIV positive. Stop judging! Protect yourself! Peace to all! 

And but of course, a simple message for me from Shola Luna.

"Mwah Noks! God bless and Happy holidays!"
Shola Luna is now sharing his story to the Youth and Filipinos to educate us in lifting discrimination against HIV positive patients.
14 Comments
joy link
12/15/2011 08:17:11 pm

i just wonder how is her lovelife?

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yuuki link
12/15/2011 09:50:57 pm

we are still not that mature with the AIDS/HIV thing, education is really the key.

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Gil Camporazo link
12/15/2011 11:41:43 pm

Everyone here on earth has a role to play. And he/she has destined for that. For Shola Luna, he/she has his/hers. Now it has come to his life to face or play that role effectively and be well approved before the Creator. Repentance is the key to well-being and spiritually prepared in due time, where he/she is going to confront the Maker.

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Shirgie Scf link
12/16/2011 12:04:10 am

It's good to know we have this AIDS awareness program. At least we can remind everybody and educate regarding this disease.

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sionee-kindlehearts.com link
12/16/2011 01:20:36 am

Yes I think life has to move on no matter what. It's just a matter of making it worth-living. :)

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sarj link
12/16/2011 01:28:44 am

napakainspiring naman..sometimes things happen for a reason talaga.whether good or bad, it is still for the best..bad thing is, ikaw lang nakaexperience.in this case, i admire how she stood up and make her life meaningful despite the circumstances

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Ivan Saldajeno link
12/16/2011 03:56:21 am

An inspiring story of a survivor in life. Well done, dude

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chrisair link
12/16/2011 04:41:37 am

great interview with her, I just hope that this opens many of those makikitid ang utak

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Rey Rusty link
12/16/2011 06:34:01 am

Oh. That was indeed a great story of survival. I hope the healing she had experienced would be an inspiration for people with sickness not to lose hope and still cope up with life.

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Jonathan link
12/16/2011 06:35:50 am

Great interview and really really inspiring! Keep it up Noks!

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Ads link
12/16/2011 03:47:03 pm

Up until today, people with AIDS/HIV are not yet accepted by most people. It is very hard to educate the people regarding this matter and it is sad that these people are battling not only the pain caused by the infection but also the stigma that keeps them separated from the rest of us.

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Cha link
12/16/2011 05:22:13 pm

She didn't really answer the question how she got the infection. Was it through sex? blood transfusion, drug paraphernalia etc. Maybe it's better if she answered that. Anyway, it's so brave of her to come out in the open not everyone afflicted with the infection could do that! You're a brave woman Shola! We will pray with you!

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shola luna
1/12/2012 07:27:49 pm

hi,thank you for your time and i like that you are intersted to know where i got my virus,or hiv virus,i got by making love with my partner without protection,funny that i say making love,yes,we were making love,but,the problem with me and him was,we thougt then and its still happening now that we base it on the appearance of the person,i use to say that if a person LOOKS HEALTHY,im safe.MALI!if you really cant help it kc yummy sya!think!THINK!i hope i answer your question !!!!!mwah!thank you!

Reply
laser eye surgery link
4/18/2012 01:56:38 pm

What a fashionable woman really i admire her style and fashion statement.Thanks for the lovely post.

Reply



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