TBC News

Tag: HIV

  • Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue Celebrates Pride Without Borders in First-Ever Pride Month Event

    Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue Celebrates Pride Without Borders in First-Ever Pride Month Event

    In a meaningful display of its commitment to go beyond retail, Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue proudly joined the Pride Month celebration for the first time with “Pride Without Borders,” a one-day event held in partnership with the Quezon City Government.

    This milestone event transformed the mall into a vibrant space for expression, awareness, and empowerment. Guests were treated to dynamic performances by celebrated drag artists Amazing Charlita, Venus, Winter Sheason Nicole, Shewarmaa, and Tomboy Philippines, who lit up the stage with charisma and color. Adding to the excitement were a variety of interactive activities including a Pride Walk, Lip Sync Charades, and the cheeky but heartfelt Love Puksaan Game, all of which encouraged mallgoers to participate in joyful, community-centered experiences.

    “We wanted this celebration to reflect the vibrancy and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community while also creating a space where people can connect, express themselves, and feel truly seen,” said Raymond Del Rosario, President of Fisher Mall Group of Companies. “Entertainment was just one part of the story as we also aimed to spark conversations that matter.”

    Fisher Mall further amplified its celebration with a purpose-driven initiative by offering free HIV testing and health talks throughout the event in collaboration with the Quezon City Health Department. With cases on the rise in the country, this proactive service enabled guests to take part in life-saving education and healthcare in a safe, stigma-free setting—cementing Fisher Mall’s place as a destination that cares not just about experiences, but about people.

    Alongside performances and advocacy, Pride Without Borders also gave the spotlight to LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, with small business owners selling Pride-themed merchandise in a pop-up marketplace supported by the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC SBCDPO). This initiative enabled mallgoers to shop with pride and support businesses that represent creativity, diversity, and resilience.

    By addressing urgent social issues through strategic partnerships and inclusive programming, Fisher Mall has once again proven itself as more than just a shopping center—it is a community hub where culture, commerce, and compassion come together.

    “This milestone is a celebration of our growing community and our evolving role as a mall that listens, responds, and takes part in shaping a better, more inclusive future,” said Raymond del Rosario, President of Fisher Mall Group of Companies. “Pride Without Borders is just one of the many ways we bring our mission to life—by creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and at home.”

    The success of Pride Without Borders reinforces Fisher Mall’s reputation as a retail destination with heart, welcoming people from all walks of life, celebrating diverse stories, and offering memorable experiences beyond the expected. As the mall continues to launch inclusive initiatives and purpose-driven programs, it invites guests, partners, and brands to join its journey of building not just a mall, but a movement.

    Celebrate diversity, shop with purpose, and experience community like never before at Fisher Mall. For more updates and upcoming events, visit the Fisher Mall website: https://fishermall.com.ph/ and Fisher Mall on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialFisherMall and https://www.facebook.com/officialFisherMallMalabon.

  • This new HIV drug kills 99% of the virus in 4 weeks

    This new HIV drug kills 99% of the virus in 4 weeks

    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was first identified in the early 1980s and has since become a global pandemic. The virus attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.

    Over the years, significant progress has been made in understanding and managing HIV, leading to the development of antiretroviral therapies that have transformed HIV from a life-threatening condition to a chronic, manageable disease.

    Gammora is a novel HIV drug that has shown promising results in early clinical trials. Developed by Zion Medical, Gammora works by targeting and destroying HIV-infected cells without harming healthy cells. This unique mechanism of action sets Gammora apart from traditional antiretroviral drugs and has sparked optimism in the medical community regarding its potential to contribute to HIV treatment and management.

    In Southeast Asia, the prevalence of HIV remains a significant public health concern. According to the HIV/AIDS and Art Registry of the Philippines (HARP), the Philippines has seen a steady increase in HIV cases, with a reported average of 35 new infections daily. This trend underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to raise awareness, improve access to testing and treatment, and combat the stigma associated with HIV.

    Beyond Gammora, ongoing research on HIV spans a wide range of areas, including the development of new antiretroviral therapies, HIV prevention strategies such as vaccines and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and the exploration of functional cures and eradication approaches. The global scientific community remains dedicated to advancing our understanding of HIV and improving the lives of those affected by the virus.

    Several organizations in the Philippines are actively involved in providing support and resources to individuals living with HIV. These include the Department of Health (DOH), which oversees HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs, as well as various non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups focused on HIV awareness, education, and community outreach. Their collective efforts play a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with HIV in the region.