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Tag: Durex Philippines

  • Top HIV advocates call on Filipinos to prioritize health safety in next normal

    Top HIV advocates call on Filipinos to prioritize health safety in next normal

    During last month’s World AIDS day, some of the country’s most known personalities came together to support the Protection and Preparedness Education (PPE) campaign of Durex, which is anchored on the Always Come Prepared message.  Stressing the point that, “no one is invulnerable to catching HIV so always being prepared in encounters is a must,” the campaign is the brand’s way of advocating for HIV awareness and health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Through Durex’s World AIDS Day Campaign, which encourages everyone to join in on the fight against HIV/AIDS, celebrities and HIV advocates including TonyToni, Slick Rick, Sam YG, Ian Pangilinan, Paolo Pangilinan, Elijah Canlas, Kokoy De Santos, Macoy Dubs, Marc Teng, Freak & Jerck, Rica Cruz, Jabar Esmael, MA Buendia, and others all shared social media posts that showed them donning Durex statement face masks that carry such catchy but timely messages such as ‘Safety is Sexy,’ ‘Don’t Blow It,’ ‘Suit Up Before Hook Up’, ‘Always Come Prepared’ and more!

    “Even in the face of the pandemic, the brand strongly believes that continuing to raise awareness on HIV should not stop. This is why we launched the Protection and Preparedness Education (PPE) campaign,” says Durex Philippines. “We’re extremely pleased that a number of celebrities and influencers have all agreed to take part in this endeavor, which includes our fun but sensible Mask Initiative, by helping spread the word through their respective social media accounts.”

    To help boost their efforts to combat HIV/AIDS amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and promote health safety, Durex also recently donated personal protective equipment (PPEs)—a total of 1000 face masks, 1000 face shields, and 7000 boxes of Durex Condoms each—to local HIV-advocate groups LoveYourself, The Red Whistle, and the PLHIV Response Center.

    REFERENCE:

    Alex Pastor

    Associate PR Director

    STRATEGIC WORKS, INC.

    2F Zaragoza Bldg., 102 Gamboa St.

    Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229 Philippines

    M +63 920 968 0241

    T +63 2 839 7472-73 loc. 118

    www.stratworks.ph

  • Beyond COVID-19, HIV and other illnesses deserve attention too

    Beyond COVID-19, HIV and other illnesses deserve attention too

    The COVID-19 pandemic’s wide-reaching and extraordinary effects particularly to public health and the medical field has, unfortunately, created other grave consequences that have come unnoticed. As focus, as of late, has been on the novel coronavirus, attention on other equally critical illnesses and diseases has seemingly taken a back seat.

    Among these illnesses, the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies Tuberculosis or TB, Malaria, and HIV as the among the most serious. In fact, the WHO notes, TB claims 1.5 million lives a year, while NGO Frontline AID states that 38 million people live with HIV worldwide. Of this, 12.6 million or 33% have been unable to access HIV treatments during the pandemic induced lockdowns.

    The impact of COVID-19 on HIV programs and patients

    A report from UNAIDS reveals that one in four people living with HIV have reported problems with gaining access to important medications. Similarly, HIV programs are among those that have had disruptions in services, with up to 85% of existing programs affected based on a survey by The Global Fund, a partnership that mobilizes and invests funds to support programs towards AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

    Of even greater concern, Frontline AIDS further observes, is how the coronavirus, alongside HIV and AIDS, has a greater impact on people who are already marginalized. Specifically, it is those most affected by HIV who will feel the brunt of the effects of the coronavirus, especially with how lockdowns and quarantines have made access to much-needed antiretroviral medicines, not to mention visits to hospitals and health centers, extremely difficult.

    The importance of HIV protection and prevention

    In light of the above situation, and in view of recent data from the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau that shows 2,818 newly-confirmed HIV-positive individuals from January to March of this year, protection from HIV is truly the best way forward.

    Actively doing its part in informing the public on the importance of protection, preparedness and education regarding HIV is Durex. Through its latest multimedia Protection & Preparedness Education (PPE) campaign—featuring vlog collaborations, online university talks, and e-learning videos—Durex wants the public to be properly informed and kept safe from HIV during this pandemic. The public is also enjoined to visit Durex Philippines’ official Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, where they can be kept up-to-date and informed.

    And since no one is invulnerable to catching HIV in these times, being prepared in encounters – to always come prepared – is a must. And clearly, as we all do our share in preventing the spread of COVID-19, we must also be responsible in protecting ourselves and others from catching HIV.

    REFERENCE:

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +638937472 | +639173068591

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • Durex to launch an all-new campaign focused on HIV Protection & Preparedness Education (PPE): This all-digital campaign stresses the ongoing dangers of HIV during this pandemic

    Durex to launch an all-new campaign focused on HIV Protection & Preparedness Education (PPE): This all-digital campaign stresses the ongoing dangers of HIV during this pandemic

    In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of HIV and the dangers it brings, seems to have taken a backseat amidst everything that the whole world is experiencing right now. Yet, what people don’t seem to realize is that HIV is equally threatening as COVID-19. In the same way that we are told to wear masks and face shields, being properly educated, prepared, and protected against HIV is likewise critical in today’s times.

    With this in mind, Durex launches its latest digital campaign dubbed as “Protection & Preparedness Education” or PPE in short. This timely initiative aims to heighten HIV awareness, stressing the constant relevance of safe sex and “Always Coming Prepared”—and that we must never let our guards down. Whether for singles or stay-at-home couples, using protection—which can provide necessary safeguards without limiting pleasure—is crucial, as health and wellness concerns continue to take front and center, during the ongoing pandemic.

    Towards this end, Durex has lined-up a series of online events, headlined by the crew of Boys Night Out (BNO)—TonyToni, Slick Rick, and Sam YG—the campaign’s main ambassadors.

    “With all that is happening during these trying times, we must not lose sight of the fact that HIV remains to be a serious concern, one that is as life-threatening as COVID-19,” says Durex Philippines. “The Always Come Prepared campaign of Durex therefore continues, made just as relevant and timely—in keeping with the situation by going online. We will keep on with our goal of educating the public about HIV Prevention, and that being prepared is always a must.”

    Among the exciting and relevant activities to watch out for include an online staging of the University Townhall series featuring speakers from the medical field, psychology, HIV, and LGBTQIA+ awareness and advocacy; the launch of HIV Awareness E-Learning Videos that’s well suited for the shift towards online learning; and Vlog collabs with influencers and celebrities focused on fun, health and wellness activities.

    Stay tuned for more details by subscribing to Durex Philippines’ YouTube Channel.

    REFERENCE:

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +638937472 | +639173068591

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • Durex calls for inclusivity and acceptance

    Durex calls for inclusivity and acceptance

    During the recently held Pride Month, Durex proudly joined the LGBTQIA+ community in their shout for inclusivity and acceptance. Continuing its mission to protect every Filipino from the threats of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS, Durex underscores the importance of using protection during sexual intercourse. To achieve this, they aim to make condoms accessible to Filipinos’ education and awareness initiatives such as school tours and social media and influencer campaigns. This has become ever more relevant as the Philippines has become the country with the fastest growing HIV cases, with 35 cases reported per day in 2019 according to the DOH.

    Towards this end, Durex strengthens its support to the LGBTQIA+ community, which has seen a high infection rate year on year. And for the month of June, Durex took Pride by sharing love and care for all and by removing dated notions and outmoded definitions of LGBTQIA+ sex, to show there’s really no one way to own your sexuality.

    Simply put, Durex aims to show people that they should never feel confined and intimidated by how others define gay and lesbian sex, and that their ways are also truly valid. Each one of us should be aware of our own rights as individuals and must have love and respect for one another’s choice.

    Hence, the brand came out with the timely campaign message ‘No One Way, Love All Ways’, which was the rallying cry during the recently concluded Durex Online Pride Party hosted by Becky Nights. This fun and exciting party featured several games and activities, including interviews with special guests TonyToni, Slick Rick, and Sam YG of Boys Night Out, Gameboys’ Elijah Canlas, Miss International Queen 2012 Kevin Balot, LGBTQIA+ Advocate Justin Contemprato, and Content Creator Jake Perez. Viewers of the Online Pride Party were also treated to special performances by celebrity impersonators Brigiding, Popstar Bench, and Precious Paula Nicole.

    “One of the best ways to show our support to the LGBTQIA+ community is to make each and every one of them feel that they are loved and accepted”, Durex Philippines said in a statement recently. “It is equally important that their feelings are valued and embraced, and that we don’t dictate to them how they should think and feel.”

    With the ‘No One Way, Love All Ways’ message, Durex also sets out to enjoin everyone to continue the fight of the LGBTQIA+ community long after Pride Month – in solidarity and in togetherness. Because as prejudice, preconceptions, and HIV cases continue to rise, the march must simply continue on!

    REFERENCE:

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +638937472 | +639173068591

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • DJs Slick Rick, Tony Toni, and Sam YG talk sex among young adults

    DJs Slick Rick, Tony Toni, and Sam YG talk sex among young adults

    They are known for casually making green jokes and getting away with the most exciting (and sometimes erotic) discussions “on air”, to the delight of their amused fans and listeners, especially those caught in early evening traffic or stuck in offices with OT work.

    The trio of radio disc jockeys Slick Rick (Eric Virata), Tony Toni (Tony Bueno) and Sam YG (Sam Gogna) have made Magic 89.9’s Boys Night Out (BNO) a legendary radio talk show in the early evening time slot, especially with their crazy antics, uniquely challenging games with celebrity guests, and the most candid opinions about love, sex and anything in between.

    So, it was no surprise that the “bad boys of radio” have actively taken on an advocacy that is within their “area of expertise”, yet one that tackles an issuebrought about by unprotected sex—HIV infection.

    As advocates of Durex Philippines’ “Always Come Prepared”, a campaign geared towards raising awareness on human immunodeficiency virus infection, especially among young adults, the trio have gone out of their way to engage their listeners about the dangers of the virus and what infected people can do to get treatment.

    “The HIV/AIDS infection is a global health problem that started decades ago. Yet today, its prevalence is still growing and now affects young Filipino adults. This is what convinced us to help out, especially since we realized the potential impact of us talking to our listeners and fans about this concern,” said Tony Toni.

    Latest figures from the HIV/AIDS & Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Registry Data indicate that 31 new HIV infections are diagnosed daily and 1 of every 3 new cases are from 15 to 24-year-old individuals.

    Aside from raising awareness about HIV in their radio show, the Boys Night Out trio also visited the Far Eastern University and Lyceum of the Philippines University and partnered with the FEU Central Student Organization and the LPU Manila Central Student Government for a sex education and HIV awareness talk among thousands of students. Known for their antics, the Boys Night Out trio and Durex share the same advocacy to remove the taboo on conversations about sex and HIV to raise awareness about the issue and potentially save lives.

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros

    Public Relations Department

    Strategic works, Inc.

    +63.893.7472 | +639. 17.158.7918

    john.caparros@stratworks.ph

    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH

  • HIV awareness must be made more understandable for young adults

    HIV awareness must be made more understandable for young adults

    Only 15 percent of young adults aged 15 to 24 years old have knowledge about HIV prevention, a UNAIDS Philippines study showed. The lack of an extensive sex education in the curriculum is seen as a contributing factor—directly or indirectly—to the country’s high HIV growth rate. 

    Discussions on the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV have always been done in extremes – either it is too technical and clinical or it is peppered with myths and falsehoods – creating a large disconnect with young adults, the audience who matter the most. 


    “We believe that education is the best way to prevent HIV, especially among the young adults. If they are equipped with the right knowledge about HIV and its potential risks to their health, we believe that they stand a chance in protecting themselves against the chronic disease,” said (Karol Canlas) Durex Philippines (Brand Manager). 

    In September, Durex Philippines took the playful and quirky approach to bringing HIV awareness to mind with the launch of its “Always Come Prepared” campaign. Led by the radio trio of Sam YG, Tony Toni, and Slick Rick, the campaign aims to make the conversation on the threats and dangers of the disease lighter and easier to understand for the general public.  

    To pique the interests of young adults on the campaign, Durex also presented a unique visual of a toy soldier using the condom as a parachute.

    “Their openness and tongue-in-cheek manner of talking about sex-related issues and concerns, particularly HIV, is a good way for us to reach the younger audience. Medical experts have long talked about the dangers of HIV, but why is it still rising in the Philippines? The message must have been lost somewhere,” said (Chrisel Segundo, Category Manager – Relief and Wellness). Condoms are still the only known effective method of preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. With its latest campaign, Durex Philippines aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to take active precautionary measures against HIV.

    John Paulo Ondra Caparros
    Public Relations Department
    Strategic works, Inc.

    +63.893.7472 | +639. 17.158.7918
    john.caparros@stratworks.ph
    2nd Floor Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City PH