Stigma of HIV, queer relations in Cinemalaya’s ‘Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam’

Many individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain marginalized, struggling to find acceptance and a place within society due to persistent stigma and discrimination.

Since the country’s first reported HIV infection in 1984, the Philippines has documented 168,079 confirmed HIV cases wherein 158,670 (94%) involved males, while 9,399, (6%) involved females. There are 4,633 newly confirmed HIV cases from January to March 2026.

The Department of Health (DOH) noted that HIV has increasingly affected younger Filipinos over the years as predominant age group shifted to 25-34 years old starting 2006, and the proportion of cases among 15-24 age group has reached 30% as of 2025,

“Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam” touched upon stigmas of HIV and queer relationships in Philippine society.

“Bound by a love kept in silence, a man struggles to remain seen within a family that once made him feel at home” is the logline of this full length entry for the 22nd Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Neil (Martin del Rosario) and Bong (Miguel Odron) are long-term partners who have shared a close bond with Bong’s mother, Gloria (Yayo Aguila).

When Bong falls ill, Neil, Bong’s mother Gloria, and estranged father Benjie (Epy Quizon) have to confront old tensions and unite. It was only this time that his mother was informed of Bong’s HIV which he had for three years.

During the wake, Niel was introduced as Bong’s best friend while Bong’s cause of death was relayed to visitors as colon cancer instead of HIV.

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The stigma surrounding HIV is as consequential as the illness itself, shaping what can be confessed, understood, and acted upon.

HIV stigma is the negative attitude, prejudice, and discrimination directed toward people living with or associated with HIV.

It stems from fear, misconceptions about how the virus is transmitted, and moral judgments, deeply harming mental health and preventing people from getting tested or treated.

A common misconception on HIV is that the virus can pass through casual contact, or that certain groups “deserve” it. Moral judgments link this health condition to personal behavior, lifestyle, or social norms.

Public stigma includes discriminatory remarks, social rejection, or unfair treatment by peers, family, or coworkers.

When a person with HIV absorbs those negative societal views and applies them to themselves, this leads to shame, fear of disclosure, isolation, and despair, like Bong’s hiding his HIV from his mother.

Among the most persistent myths is that HIV is a death sentence. But with modern treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART), the virus has become manageable, at least, medically. Social death, however, remains real.

R.A. No. 11166, or Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 prohibits discrimination in the workplace, schools, hospitals, and insurance services based on a person’s actual or perceived HIV status

When Niel was introduced as Bong’s best friend instead of partner, the film also embodies why queer people conceal their relationship —fear, shame, and some to protect themselves.

There is the fear of judgment that sharing struggles, mistakes, or secrets will lead to rejection.

This fear often connects to experiences of being judged harshly by family, friends, or society. Making them feel unsafe in openness, partners may think silence protects the relationship, yet it sometimes quietly damages trust.

Cinemalaya festival is also known for featuring queer films. It even had midnight screenings years ago.

“Open Endings” ( 2025) is about a group of four queer women in their 30s who are exes turned best friends. They were cited for Best Ensemble Performance.

“Warla” (2025) is a social drama centered on a group of transgender women navigating extreme circumstances to fund their gender-affirming surgeries. It also screened at international queer festivals.

“Kantil” (2024) is a queer sci-fi feature exploring star-crossed lovers and a coastal community in Davao City.

“Iti Mapukpukaw” (2023) is a rotoscope animation that follows a young animator confronting hidden trauma and abuse. It won Best Film, NETPAC Award, and Best Supporting Actress for Dolly de Leon.

“Huling Palabas” (2023) is a coming-of-age movie that tackled themes of identity formation, abandonment, friendship, and folklore. It won Best Director for Ryan Machado while Bon Andrew Lentejas won Best Supporting Actor.

“Kasal” (2014) follows a gay couple facing family tensions during a wedding. It won Best Film in the Directors Showcase.

“Quick Change” (2013) is a film about a transgender woman working in an illegal and dangerous cosmetic surgery business, injecting silicone and altering bodies. Mimi Juareza won Best Actor.

“Bwakaw” (2012) features Eddie Garcia as a grumpy, closeted gay man in his 70s who comes to terms with his sexuality and loneliness alongside his stray dog. He won Best Actor.

“Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” (2005) is an iconic coming-of-age film which follows a gay teen in Manila torn between a young cop and his criminal family. It won Best Film (Special Jury Prize). Best Performance of an Actor (Special Citation) for Nathan Lopez.

(Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0908-8665786.)

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