Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach Highlights HIV/AIDS and Mental Health at LCCB

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach teamed with Bagani by LoveYourself Inc. to host a campaign dubbed "Holding Spaces," focusing on HIV/AIDS and mental health awareness, in a crowded atmosphere at the LCCB Auditorium. On May 11, student leaders from the Integrated School (IS) and College Department attended the event, which featured prominent speakers from the Bagani Community Center, as well as Wurtzbach herself

Carlz Elmstherson Libo-on, Hub Manager of Bagani Community Center, began the three-hour session with an insightful discussion. He discussed with the audience about Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE), providing clear explanations and distinctions between diverse concepts such as gender identity, expression, attraction, and sex. JM Maynes, Program Manager of LoveYourself Inc., took the stage after Libo-on's enlightening lecture to lead an informative HIV 101 dialogue. Maynes discussed critical themes such as HIV transmission modes and circumstances, the progression from HIV to AIDS, and effective prevention techniques.

Further enhancing the event's significance, Nykko Bautista from Mental Health PH delivered a thoughtprovoking talk on mental health awareness. Bautista addressed the stigma surrounding mental health and emphasized the importance of overcoming such prejudices.

After the inspiring speeches, Pia Wurtzbach graced the auditorium with her presence, eliciting a warm welcome from the students. In her closing remarks, Wurtzbach expressed her appreciation for the LCCB community and highlighted her own experiences attending a Catholic school. She remarked on the changes in societal attitudes, emphasizing the greater inclusivity and acceptance.

The successful conclusion of Holding Spaces was marked by an uplifting photo-op session, capturing the shared enthusiasm and unity between the students, faculty, and Pia Wurtzbach. The event catalyzed inspiring conversations, fostering greater awareness, and promoting a more compassionate society.

Pia Wurtzbach's collaboration with Bagani by LoveYourself Inc. and her visit to LCCB Auditorium showcased her commitment to social causes and her dedication to empowering young minds. By leveraging her platform, Wurtzbach effectively spread awareness and education on critical issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and mental health, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees and igniting a passion for positive change in their hearts.

“I long for a day where we can just be happy and at peace with who we are without any masks.” Sr. Joan Brigida Corazon S. Infante claims as she was asked about the school’s 104th foundation anniversary theme.

LCCB was the face of competency and the first choice of parents looking for an institution to entrust the future of their children to…20 years ago. 104 years of traversing paths of excellence and crises yet we find ourselves at a crossroad in the present moment. Should our feet take us to the lonely roads seldom traveled after a plague? Our compasses are gone, what lies beyond the north? Take a step back, because home—the place we left in search of more— is a reminder of what true “authenticity” looks like.

By C.M. Meneses

Tracing our steps back, closer to our origins, a melody embraces us to shield us against the cold winds of June. We follow our hearts to the calling of the arts and there we find troupes, casts, and choirs. They set the stage ablaze after a fiery war, with colorful masks to shield them from the heat. Ah yes, in 1945, LCCB’s auditorium nurtured talents in theater and drama after the second world war and this helped forge the brilliance of known screen actors like Susan Roces and Odette Khan. Carrying on this hundredyear-old legacy, the Center of the Music, Arts, and Culture reopens in June to provide students a chance to explore their skills in art and culture.

After a bliss, we leave in deep recollection of the masks and how stale ours felt compared to theirs.

“...Many put on masks for a show, to prove something,” Sr. Brigida states, referring to the world of today which dictates beauty and frowns on nonconformity. A mask for show is only for the stage and it wears you down the longer you wear it. Arriving back home at the end of the day, we look in the mirror and unmask ourselves. Catholic, Augustinian, and Marian—this is our identity, rediscovered.

Take confidence in knowing what this means: our raw, authentic selves are loved by God and our worth is not decided by other people; like a constant in an equation, it is unchangeable.

Concluding with Shakespeare, “no legacy is as rich as honesty”, the coming years of LCCB are all about invigorating legacies: of rich artistry and authenticity.