Yasmien: HIV not something to joke about

MANILA, Philippines — GMA 7 is airing its first advoca-serye on human immunodeficiency virus or HIV titled Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, starting tomorrow, Feb. 26, in the afternoon prime block. The series aims to disseminate information and at the same time correct a number of public misconceptions about the disease.

Lead star Yasmien Kurdi does not only promise to eloquently portray her character Thea Balagtas, who is infected with HIV, but also commits herself to speak out for people living with HIV who have lost courage and confidence to voice out their concerns.

“Yes, it will now be my personal advocacy to inform people about HIV,” began Yasmien about learning and understanding more about the disease. “And to think that we are just in the beginning of tackling it through the show. I hope to learn more as we go along.”

Yasmien never denied having known a number of individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV. “Sa mga artista, wala pero sa ibang mga staff like nawala si ganito kasi di agad nila na-treat o di agad nakontrol kaya bumagsak ang resistensya so it is necessary that when you have HIV, you have to stay healthy and never forget to take vitamins and medications.”

Others, she added, are too shy to see a doctor to have them checked. “I think, there are also several apps (on the Net) which you can visit to get information on the case and how to properly manage the everyday life. It is also good that the government is providing free medications.”

With co-stars Martin del Rosario, Mike Tan and Jackie Rice.

Asked what she could say to those who turn the issue into an object of ridicule, Yasmien said, “It’s not something to joke about. I think those who make fun of it know little or nothing about HIV. They may also be too young to understand its impact on the victims.”

Yasmien also reminded that HIV can be transmitted from one person to another not only through sexual activity but it may also spread through other ways like sharing needle or syringe use and receiving blood transfusion contaminated with HIV.

“It’s not also true that when girls accidentally sit on the toilet bowl with sperm or blood ng may HIV, they will most likely acquire the disease or when you eat a banana contaminated with blood mahahawa ka din, hindi po totoo ‘yun.”

That’s why, the Kapuso talent hopes to share more about HIV with televiewers. In the story, Yasmien’s Thea is set to suffer physical, emotional and mental distress upon learning that she is infected with the disease despite her being a loyal and loving wife to her husband and a good mother to their children. Clueless of how she got infected with HIV, her husband is led to believe that she cheated on him and files for legal separation, taking their kids with him. 

During the presscon, Yasmien revealed to have personally met the woman who has been suffering in real life her character’s horrible fate.

“Yes, she is also married with a child and until now their marriage is intact. This (soap) will help everybody. There’s no cure yet but it will share things on how to take care of your body. Support from family is also important.”

She, too, did some research by attending a seminar at the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and mingling with the HIV-infected people to better understand how they cope with everyday life.

“Do not judge too quickly,” said Yasmien to those who have misunderstood the health issue. “Because it would only add much emotional stress.”

(Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, directed by Neal del Rosario, also stars Mike Tan, Gina Alajar, Jackie Rice, Martin del Rosario, Ina Feleo, Shamaine Buencamino, Pekto Nacua, Charee Pineda, Catherine Rem, Caprice Cayetano and Sef dela Cruz.)