Maybe it was her cologne or the lotion that overwhelmed the large room, the scent of it subdued the bright colors and density of the paintings hanging all over the large room.

The often “uncontrollable” that we are, suddenly were under her spell. At that very moment, she was the boss. Doors were shut upon her request. No cameras. No recorders.

The rules were set and I had the impression that had anyone of us dared to violate those simple rules, she would have not spoken a single word.

Well, sorry for those whose journalistic skills were only limited to transcribing recorded messages or those who practice journalism with great reliance on voice recorders. Even fast-scribblers like I am, however, wobbled later as the encounter with her turned out something very relevant and emotional.

She admitted about hating the media as it only worsened the agony that embattled her—as it became a major instrument that fueled her depression while she suffered from the mounting isolation and societal stigma.

She identified herself as Sheila Magpaye, a person living with HIV-AIDS. Shortly after her introduction, a serbidora opened the sliding doors that rendered her wordless.

Not one from the audience spoke. I was barely breathing.

More about Sheila here.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would say a touching piece. Nice work.

Anonymous said...

"Page not found" man yong message sa akin pagclick ko nong link, Banz. Anyways, I'll be back to recheck it.

Anonymous said...

"Page not found" man yong message sa akin pagclick ko nong link, Banz. Anyways, I'll be back to recheck it.

Gayzha said...

... itz like and the band played on... there is still so much paranoia and stigmata about this disease!

balikbayan_box said...

is it the same Sheila Magpaye the hairdresser in davao? If it is sad naman ang story But kudos to her will to live and determination to fight the disease.

God bless Sheila and everyone's suffering from HIV-AIDS.

Unknown said...

hi, blog hopping here1

Tani said...

i can only imagine the ordeal people with aids have to go through... at least more and more are being educated and made aware.

tin-tin said...

i'm more concerned with her children..on what they'll face. but i'm glad her kids are understanding and intelligent. and looks like she's raising them up well

Lyka Bergen said...

Shila Mag-Pay!

I agree with Charles.

bananas said...

@charles: the picture is already grim and best attack is to "humanize" it.

appriciation reciprocated, love.

@joy: check it again or you'll miss it (alangan no?) hehehe...or log in to www.inq7.net and explore the "region". by this time, i guess you will still find it there.

@jase: stigma love. hehehe....

@balikbayan_box: no, it's not her. The parlorista, who is gay, is Shiela Magpale. as in MAGPALE. This one is Shiela Magpaye, as in MAGPAYE.

Thanks for the visit maam.

@alma: thanks...thanks...

@tani: i bet the ordeal feels like "hell"

@tin: the kids are well. they're in good hands.btw, she's written her last will and testament awready.

@lyka: (natutunaw...)

Earth said...

eow! ngayon ko lang nabasa yung comment mo. ahehe! ^^

yup thanks add me up! lets be blogmates! and friendster narin!
earthgwapo@gmail.com
thanks!

KEEP KEWL!

Kiss My Mike said...

She's one hell of a brave woman to deal with the devastation that comes along with the disease.

Anonymous said...

hi, gurl! i have read the article printed in inquirer. surprisingly, i mentioned it during our RH training in davao and nobody seemed to have heard of her. i'll be back in davao on 25-27. let's have coffee. i'll email my contact info if you want.