THE MOST AWAITED beach festival in Mindanao this summer of May 28-30, 2009 at the Sarangani Province gold coast was surrounded by three days of non-stop fun and excitement.

It was May 21st, Sunday at around 5 o'clock in the afternoon when people of the locale, community leaders, media, students and volunteers gathered to extend their support and sympathy to people living with HIV and suffering because of AIDS.



Doctors and some academics were invited to attend, but only a few came. Still, it was a tremendous success and the most nostalgic, yet dramatic candlelight that ever took place in the locale. It was the first time to happen, actually.

The program started at around 5:30 p.m. at the city's freedom park along the downtown area. We opened it up with a smashing HIV/AIDS Ads Screenings and followed with a film showing the youth of today's generation sponsored by DKT International, makers of frenzy & trust condoms. At around 6 p.m. sharp, we started to gather all the folks at the freedom park and distributed the candles to those who were present and willing to participate. The crowd reached an estimated volume of 500.

We had printed t-shirts for the staff, invited guests and local officials, and to the participating youth organizations and NGOs. We distributed condoms to the youth, and the students especially, and were able to create a dramtic and nostalgic effect on the highlight of the event -- the candlelight.

The candlelight started with a prayer by a young girl who drew a remarkable response from the audience; people were so quiet and so sympathetic to the mood and tone of the candle lighting; the second prayer was delivered by the Salvation Army who honored the victims and those people who keep on fighting against the global pandemic.

The mother candle was first lit by the young girl, followed by the representative of the Salvation Army, then to the staff and crew, community leaders, officials, and guests, then to the crowd forming a ribbon to represent hope and life for the humanity struggling with this global pandemic.

After the candle lighting, we changed the mood. We put life into the event letting our band entertain the crowd. And then we showed a film on what is AIDS and what is responsible. We talked about the true scenerio of the Philippines and the global pandemic, and the "Do's" and "Don'ts" on responsible sexuality. Students were so attentive and cooperative.

We had games in between, and let our leaders speak up and deliver their messages to the public. We gave out leaflets and brochures to enhance the information dissemination. We let some students share their experiences through our skilled staff in terms of their sexual agonies, and everything that affects their healthy lifestyle and sexuality.

We ended up the Candlelight with so much hope in our hearts and the feeling of success that money can't buy, and we will continue to do this no matter how tiring, despite how discrimination and financial constraints affected us. Still, I believe that by continuous prayers and non-stop effort to help other folks, especially the corporate sector, will support us in this campaign. Stop Aids! as we are lighting the path for the next generation.

That's my story! I hope that others will not stop in their campaign. It was hard to start, but just go on. There is help along the way. Continue to strive! Continue to help other people! After all, if we stop this, who will do it?!

Thanks

Mhiver Jay V. Dayupay
EZ Creative Productions