009: The Ocean, Internet Usage, and Anniversary Blues

I always planned out what I will do once April 13 comes, I always thought it would be my “personal holiday” ever since I got diagnosed the same day last year. I would spend the day alone, turn off my phone and log out all my social networking accounts. It was like taking a one-day Sabbatical to contemplate on the first year of being a PLHIV.

April 13 came and I just can’t stop myself but to check on Twitter and Facebook. Some of the friends who knew that “day” messaged me and told me it was cool – but it really wasn’t too cool, at least for me. I believed I should give in to my urge to have an existential bump even for just one whole day each year.

I talked to my district mates in WeChat and it really wasn’t a big deal for them, not because they didn’t care, but more likely because they didn’t want me to sulk in a corner and feel like a dunce. Some pozzies in Twitter also were kinda supportive. Although my original plan was to disconnect from the world, Internet didn’t really gave me the chance to do so. I realized that I wasn’t that distressed same day last year – I was nervous about my results so I watched a few Jetman episodes, got the results, disclosed to my close friends that time, and enjoyed the little birthday celebration we cooked up for a college friend.

Yesterday, my family and I went to a beach resort in Quezon. Sure I had fun, but seeing the ocean gave me a calming feel. While watching the waves crash into the rocks later that day, I gave myself a pep talk about some of the things I learned on my first year.

I realized that being HIV Positive opened my eyes to a lot of things, mainly not to dread or fear something that is inside of us. Facing the problem head-on and searching for possible solutions to overcome that fear seems to be much of a better idea than just burying your head in your bed. I thought that my status did not change who I am, much more who I want to be in the future. It stays right here, dreams, goals and whatnot. The virus did not change anything about me – I am still human.

I learned how to treasure and rekindle friendships that are worth keeping, and let go of those who are weighing me down. I met a lot of awesome people, who share the same condition as me. I may not know all of their stories, but I do know that they are brave enough to face the virus every single day.

HIV taught me not to fear death, as it is imminent. It simply clarified my will to live, and how to be grateful for each day that you’re alive. It’s like saying, “I may have this virus but hey, I’m still alive” everytime I’m reminded of my condition.

During my first year of being a PLHIV, I have learned a lot – be it about the condition or personal insights about life itself, “existential bumps” as I call it. Even if this is true, I know that I still have a lot to learn. I kept on finding answers about the questions in life like a grade-schooler trying to understand organic chemistry, but I realized that there’s something wrong with that approach. I gotta slow down some time and let the universe determine what’s in store for you. Not relying too much on fate or destiny here, rather stop being too rational and enjoy the little things.

Life is like being in school, you continuously learn everyday. And HIV is like enrolling in a lifetime course of existentialism, with a pinch of dramatistic criticism on the side. All life is drama.

Believe me, April 13 will still be a “personal holiday” for me. The difference is I won’t mope around. Instead, I’ll start celebrating being alive for one more year – that’s a more comforting thought.

If you want to find something, you have to stop looking. Sometimes, that’s all you need to do.

008: REDxSUMMER: Home is whenever I'm with...

              

                  Is it freak coincidence that every major #REDx gathering happens a day after a major event that I have to attend to? Last Christmas, #REDx happened the day after my best friend’s wedding. Now, #REDxSummer happened a day after my graduation. Freak coincidence or not, I still decided to join the summer getaway but now with a partner, @MoymoyOfficial. Oh yeah.

                People who attended #REDxSummer probably witnessed how tired I was. From Laguna, we travelled to QC around 8 PM. We stayed at Dad @dvocateHIV’s home but I wasn’t able to sleep which made me even more tired. I wasn’t late this time, but I was really exhausted that I had to sleep during the bus ride, even though people are playing games. Sorry District 2.

                Before the said event, the organizers announced the additional members to the Districts. After several confusing updates, @Kaskade08, @Pozandliving, @RheynJhay, @JPositiveLife, and Niño were added to our rowdy bunch. We chatted and prepared for the event, even arguing about our district’s mantra and putting paint on our faces for added emphasis on our cheer, which was ultimately futile since new tribes were created when we arrived at the island. Gaaarsh. That was really frustrating. I just hope that during the next #REDx event, the organizers will group us according to the original Districts, because that will only show who’s the best District in #REDx. I bet you ten to one, it’s District 2!

                I won’t write about all the games we played that day. All I can say that it was exhausting! However, as tiring as it was, it was really fun to play with my new tribemates, Blue Tribe. I wasn’t able to remember all of my new tribemate’s names, but it was fun working with you guys. Apir. One game that I can’t forget was when we were asked to soak our clothes in seawater, put it in a 1.5 bottle, and the person who’s able to fill it to its mouth will pour it on his body. Unfortunately, it was my turn when our bottle was full, so I had to do a scene while “showering”. While we were playing, I noticed that the bottle’s content turned a weird blue shade, which didn’t happen with the other bottles. Turns out it was previously filled with gasoline, I guess.

                Another one that’s worth blogging was the “human centipede” game, or whatever it was called - it was the game from hell.

                People started yelling “Amoy gas!”, and I realized it was me. Great. I had to stop playing and take a loooong bath to get rid of the smell. So much for the “Late Kid” during #REDx, I was now “Ang Batang Naligo Sa Gas.”

                The meal was sumptuous and I ate like there’s no tomorrow. Can’t really blame me because the activities were tiring plus we were technically being burnt by the scorching sand. Good thing I didn’t get too sunburnt. I really liked our merienda, Turon with Buko Salad and Cherry on Top. It was delicious, and what made it more fun was when we goofed around with the turon’s “twists”.

                Lumpiang Gulay, Lumpiang Shanghai, Lumpiang Togue, Cheese Stick with Buko Salad and Cherry on Top. Turon with Cream Dory or Carbonara and Cherry on Top. The list and twists were neverending.

                @Pozandliving and his hubby @sadface_21 helped us build our tent. We even joked that we’re neighbors and @sadface_21 was my “Kumare”. That was fun.

                My partner, @MoymoyOfficial, was chosen to be their tribe’s contender for Miss REDx Bikini Open, and I didn’t really expect that he’d do it. I bursted out laughing when he started with that famous line from The Legal Wife, “Nicole, akin lang ang asawa ko!” I know that Moymoy is an avid fan of Angel Locsin, so it was a no-brainer that she’ll be his “peg.” Oh well, I’m still a proud boyfriend. I hope I can do that too once #LittleMissREDx happens. LOL

                After the bikini open, we gathered around the bonfire. Bodyshots happened. Some of the attendees lit up paper lanterns, while the rest of us got a tealight candle in a cup, and let it float on the sea. @jonstaycool said that it symbolized things that we would like to let go of. Indeed, as I watched the candles slowly sailing into the vast sea, it felt like I should let go of my worries and apprehensions in life. And just enjoy every bit of it.

                @Kaskade08 did an awesome fire dance while the event’s theme, “Free” was playing. I watched as the flames twirled and glowed in the dark. It was a majestic sight, and I was mesmerized.

                We were able to have some well-deserved R&R after all the activities, but I was just TOO tired to function, so I went to sleep after finishing a bottle of Red Horse. I just wish the fan that my hubby brought didn’t get lost. The weather was humid, and I wasn’t able to sleep well.

                I know that kidWolf and BV’s “Free” was blasting ever since I went inside the bus up until we went home, for it was the theme song for #REDxSummer (which I suggested), but it felt like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros “Home” would be fit better for this blog post. Wanna know why?

                I have been through a lot of personal issues and struggles, more than a PLHIV, but as a person. Despite all of these, I still anticipated for the #REDxSummer event because I know that it is a good way to unwind, meet new as well as old friends in our showbiz circle. The #REDx Christmas event reminded me that I am not and will never be alone in this battle with HIV - I have brothers. Through #REDxSummer, I realized another thing.

                Be it a resort during the Christmas or an island during the summer, I know that with #REDx, I have another family waiting for me – the “Late Kid” and now, “Ang Batang Naligo ng Gas”. It felt like I have a home whenever I’m with you guys.

                With #REDx, I am home.

P.S. 

You might wanna listen to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' "Home". Here it is. Enjoy!

007: The Chronicles of the Late Kid during the #REDx Party

I was always a bit hesitant to meet fellow pozzies even after I was diagnosed with HIV-1, from the SET that I attended last April, to casual meet-ups between poz people. Which is why I was unsure if I wanted to go to the #REDx Christmas Party last December 14. I was pretty sure that a lot of people will be present at the event, considering the number of tweets that I have been reading weeks before the party. But being the impulsive kid that I am, I confirmed my attendance to the party. Great.

Daddy @dvocateHIV texted me about carpool assignments and stuff, and I was assigned to join @R13cga’s group. One huge problem that I had was that my best friend’s wedding was set on December 13, and I’ve been working non-stop with last minute tasks that need to be done for the wedding. Needless to say I was friggin’ tired when I slept. And here comes the fun part: I woke up at seven in the morning. Carlo called me up and asked about my whereabouts, they were waiting for me for an hour now. I told him to go to Laguna since I can ask for directions going to the venue but he insisted to wait for me. Enter cab driver who misunderstood my directions and went to LRT Edsa-Taft Station instead of MRT Buendia Station. Bummer. The endpoint is, I was able to meet up with Carlo and the gang around nine in the morning.

I know that most of the people, if not everyone, were pissed off with my tardiness. And for that, I sincerely apologize. Hehe. Anyway, we arrived at the venue by eleven, and what’s more embarrassing than being late is knowing that the guys who arrived there earlier than us (or me, whichever is more fitting) waited for us before they began the event. Aww thanks. Nakakahiya talaga.

It was a tiring yet super fun day for everyone, especially when the organizers assigned us to different teams or districts. I was assigned to District 2, along with @fauxpositive, @sonic39k, @keeper_jasper, @Mate0Diaz, @fighivter, and @C3DD13. I realized meeting other pozzies in a big event is fun, I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling at their antics. We were asked to put our blindfolds and look for our districtmates while we make our distinct sounds. What’s funny is that our district settled for the deep “HUY” sound as our signal. We seriously sounded like straight guys. Wow.

There was one game which I will never ever forget - that frigging egg-catching game. @keeper_jasper threw the egg and I wasn’t able to catch it on the first try. So much for hand-eye coordination.

Kudos to @C3DD13 who answered the tie-breaker question during the quizbee, and saving our butt while most of us were either sleepy, or “high” due to their medications. Haha. Seriously, the questions were really difficult. Oh, and congratulations to @fighivter for winning the Twitter Idol contest. You were awesome!

The food prepared by @ChefPos was sumptuous! And no matter how hard I try to resist eating that Chicken Wrap due to my allergies, I just gave in to my craving. Hahahaha. It’s a good thing I brought antihistamine tablets with me.

Evening came and it was time for Mr. and Ms. #REDx. It was time for our tributes @Mate0Diaz and @C3DD13 to rock the pageant. With @fighivter as the Mamasang… er, Fashion Consultant, we were able to come up with a Gothic/Futuristic theme which was superb! Our tributes won the Resorts Wear Competition, looking like Victoria’s Secret models. @blazinghot2492 and @plusitiveguy won as Mr. and Ms. #REDx respectively. District 5 also won as overall champions for the event, with our District not far behind, lacking five points. Seriously, if I only were able to properly catch those friggin’ eggs, we could’ve won. Haha. But congratulations to District 5. =)

Later that night, an awarding ceremony was held for certain individuals, and a silent moment of prayer was offered to @chiefniko04 as well as other fellow soldiers who passed away. Although I didn’t know @chiefniko04 personally, seeing fellow pozzies cry and become emotional made me feel melancholic too. I realized life is really short, so we must always try to live each day as if it’s our last. We must always feel blessed for waking up each morning, and never forget to show our loved ones that we care for them for we will never know where this journey ends.

Alcoholic drinks poured after the event, and as much as I want to go on an epic drinking binge, I was too exhausted that I decided to go to sleep after several bottles. Well, more than several bottles to be honest. Haha. A big shoutout to @VickyBeki for offering Red Horse when I was about to throw up because I didn’t like San Mig Light. Arte.

Attending the #REDx Christmas Party made me really happy because I was able to gain new friends and catch up with guys I already met before. Through #REDx, I will always be reminded that I am not and will never be alone in this battle. That I have friends to count on everytime I feel down, and share happy and precious memories with them. We just have to keep marching on and own the scars that life gives us. Blood brothers, no matter what.

Geez, now I can’t wait for #REDxSummer. Haha. And oh, when I was going home, that’s when I realized I never took a dip in the pool. So much for a pool party for me. Haha =)

006: when love does not equate to a quarter-pounder

He sees my pill organizer while eating his midnight snack.
"That's a lot.", he flatly says.
"Try to sleep early. And exercise.
You won't have to take those anymore."

But I have to.

"It's maintenance.
I have to take them for the rest of my life."
I answered without looking back.
He let out a low 'Tch' sound.
 "Nonsense. When I was young.."

Now I didn't listen to his stories.

 Tch, nonsense.

You don't have HIV
and you have an awesome dad.

unlike me

005: Churning

said the stomach as you gobble up that goddamned bitter blue pill very very deceiving gobble up that cocktail gobble up endless piles of tablets that makes you throw up nauseous feel like shit thinking this will never end thinking if this is hell already or maybe it will when the clock chimes for the stoned gods to stop worshipping tablets that keeps them alive one day this will be over then we close our eyes dance in the nothingness sleep and hope to never wake up tossing coins with salvation and damnation while you puke yuor dinner out and your lunch out and your breakfast out of your tablet-devouring pit you wonder when will this end if the clock rings or stops either way it will end wait you have to puke your dinner last night out too just because it won't stop

yet

004: Disclosures

I've been diagnosed with HIV for almost two months now, and I have managed to disclose to a lot of people within my circle. Friends, classmates and family members. Some say I'm brave but I just cannot bear to live with this condition yet those people who are close to me have no clue about it. Parang I'm being unfair, and I feel so guilty about not disclosing.

So here's my shortlist (and I'm mustering my courage to add some more people into it):

1. When I got tested, one of my former classmates (M) knew about it. We were supposed to have a early celebration of her birthday. Needless to say, my status became my "gift" to her. She admitted she doesn't know what to say to comfort me but I really didn't need words. Her assurance that she won't be disgusted or whatnot is more than enough.

2. My friends (Y and L). I was talking about M's early birthday party. As the booze came in flowing, so did our true feelings about each other were revealed. To be honest, we were almost arguing that I just had to spill the bomb and disclose. They were shocked, but told me that everything's gonna be okay and they'll be there if I need someone to talk to. I'm feeling good because my support system is becoming stronger.

3. My bestfriend (Dora the Rat Killer). As to my previous posts, she already told me more than once that I should get tested because I'm having these weird fever attacks. After getting the result at the satellite hub, I quickly called her and told her that her wedding should happen December this year no matter what happens. My bestfriend answered that I shouldn't talk like that but got what I wanted to say. She said she cried on her way home since she was at the mall with her boyfriend and mom when I called her up. Obviously, her boyfriend (Indiano Gibbs), knew what was happening, and disclosed to him too.

4. My favorite tita. After getting the result, Y asked me if I have plans of disclosing to my relatives, and I said I'm not ready. She said I should do that ASAP since I won't be able to handle financial matters now that I'm positive. I quickly thought of disclosing to my tita and assured me that she'll be there for me and to stay optimistic about things. My tita advised me to believe that the world is always happy, and you wouldn't see the good about the world if there are no problems in life. Everytime I exchange SMS with her, I'd end up crying since I can see that she cares for me. Aww

5. My mom. It happened two weeks after being diagnosed. I just got into a messy fight with my younger brother and I started crying in my room. My mom asked me what was going on and I realized that I could not lie from her anymore. I told her about my status, and that was quite the easy part. I almost choked up telling her how I got it. She was shocked (who wouldn't be) but amidst my crying, she remained calm. I can remember some of the lines that she said while I was wailing like a retarded seal.

"Huwag ka na nang umiyak. Di nga ako umiiyak oh."

I know my mom is a strong woman, but I never realized that she is THAT strong. To be able to handle such situation is not easy at all. A mother's love is truly unconditional, and my mom showed it to me. I know that it's a bitter pill to swallow that the kid that you carried inside your womb for nine months, cared and loved for twenty-two years is now HIV positive. That's really shattering.

Moreover, she did not disown me or something to that extent. Yup, that was my fear - to be disowned by my mother.

MOM: So, sino pa ang may alam ng status mo?
ME: Close friends, si tita...
MOM: Kelan pa nya alam?
ME: After ko nadiagnose.
MOM: Bakit di mo agad sinabi sa akin?
ME: Baka kasi itakwil mo ako.

MOM: (binatukan ako) Sira ka ba, bakit ko gagawin yun?

Anyway, my mom always tries to find humor in everything, even the hardest trials. I don't know if that's her coping mechanism or what.

My mom told me to stay happy, stay strong, and stay healthy. My condition does not make me less of a person that I am, much more the person that I'm supposed to be.

She said not to overthink because I might end up cuckoo all over. Not to think of dying, as death may come in a second, a minute or maybe a day - instead, make the most out of living, because that's what matters even more.

003: Chicken and Tablets

It's been more than a month since I got diagnosed reactive to HIV1. I can say that I am still okay - although there are some emotional callbacks that I have to attend to from time to time,  plus some random reactions due to ARVs that I'm taking. Sort of.

I started taking Lamivudine-Zidovudine and Nevirapine as my cocktail last May 9. Up to this moment, I don't know how doctors can conclude if a PLHIV should take Nevi instead of Efav or other ARV. I guess I still have to research some more, or prolly ask other positive people.

The doctor said that I should keep track of reactions such as rashes, fever or flu-like symptoms and stop taking Nevi when that happens. Luckily, I did not have any of those reactions. However, I experienced those effects of the ARVs that are written on the pamphlet that I received. I'd feel really dizzy during the first few days. I'd throw up just because I don't feel good, plus the fact that I feel like I'm always hungry. The problem was, I started losing appetite so I'm either hungry OR throwing up. I'd always feel full even after eating a couple of spoonful of food. Damn, this feels like a massive hangover after a drinking binge, maybe the feeling of being pregnant.

I somehow got over those effects gradually, up to the point that it's very tolerable. Yes, I can walk on the street without thinking, "This might be a good place to vomit" or "Am I drunk? I didn't even drink."

I'm on my 29th day of taking Nevirapine, and I'm still okay. Lucky!

Regarding my adherence to ARVs, there was one time when I slept the whole night and woke up at around 1AM. I am taking my medicines every 10AM/PM. And voila, first time that I took them late. I vowed for that to never happen again. Okay, maybe a couple of times but I must not make it a habit to forget to take them. I should not be that stupid.

There are also times when I'd be stupid and all that:

(1) the meds slipped from my hand while I'm in front of the sink and my heart stopped while looking at those tablets rolling towards that unforgiving drainage. My impulse was to cover the drainage it gobbles up all those tablets. Haha. The monster ate one of my Vitamin C tablets.

or:

(2) the meds slipped from my hand while I'm inside the bus. I panicked and quickly looked for it, thinking that other passengers might step on it or something. Luckily, the tablet landed on my shorts. Haha.

The doctor also advised me to refrain from eating chicken, eggs and seafood to single out reactions from the medicines. Not eatinf seafood is totally fine with me since I am allergic to most of those shell-clad bastards. I can also live without eggs for some time too; my mom told me that when I was 7, i'd eat sunny-side-up everyday. So yeah, I can handle that.

The problem is with the chicken. Mama likes to cook chicken as it is easy to prepare and has lesser cooking time when compared to red meat. And I like to eat chicken too. Fried, adobo, pininyahan. Goddammit. As difficult as it it for me not to eat street food, I obliged. Come on, I am scared of rashes, more than the other side effects. Haha.

I dreamed about eating chicken at KFC. From ordering a one-piece chicken (plus mushroom soup and macaroni salad), eating it (along with a lot of gravy) up to actually feeling full and happy because of what I ate. I was that desperate to eat chicken. Haha.

After 29 days of not eating that white meat - I have to laugh victoriously because I ate chicken at Bonchon with a pozzie I met from Twitter. And god, that was the best tasting chicken I ever ate.

I do not wish to change meds right now, I am completely fine with the hangover-like effects of my combo. Heck, I woke up a couple of times with massive hangovers, so this is nothing new to me. I am kind of relieved that I can still experience "hangover" without drinking alcohol. And I do not want to switch to Efavirenz. (Sorry >_<)