EXCLUSIVE: Adrian Lindayag is more than just his HIV diagnosis: ‘I don’t want to live in shame’
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EXCLUSIVE: Adrian Lindayag is more than just his HIV diagnosis: ‘I don’t want to live in shame’
Kapamilya actor Adrian Lindayag shared that he is more than just his HIV diagnosis and wants to empower others living with the same condition that it isn't the end of their lives. In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the Saving Grace star recalled his initial reaction when diagnosed with HIV and how he uses his platform to fight the misinformation about it.
Kapamilya actor Adrian Lindayag shared that he is more than just his HIV diagnosis and wants to empower others living with the same condition that it isn't the end of their lives. In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the Saving Grace star recalled his initial reaction when diagnosed with HIV and how he uses his platform to fight the misinformation about it.
According to Mayo Clinic, HIV is usually a sexually transmitted disease that is passed on by having unprotected intercourse with an HIV positive person. Currently, there is no cure for the said disease but there are medicines that can help control it to lengthen the person’s life.
According to Mayo Clinic, HIV is usually a sexually transmitted disease that is passed on by having unprotected intercourse with an HIV positive person. Currently, there is no cure for the said disease but there are medicines that can help control it to lengthen the person’s life.
It was back in 2017 when he got diagnosed with HIV.
It was back in 2017 when he got diagnosed with HIV.
“In the beginning, siyempre shock talaga siya pero what was important for me at the time was to live–– literally na imake sure na yung immune system ko is healthy and I wasn’t healthy at the time,” he recalled.
“In the beginning, siyempre shock talaga siya pero what was important for me at the time was to live–– literally na imake sure na yung immune system ko is healthy and I wasn’t healthy at the time,” he recalled.
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Immediately after finding out about his condition, Adrian informed his parents and stepparents who were equally supportive of improving his health. Admittedly, the Kapamilya star shared that it was difficult for them but understood the gravity of the situation which led him to seeing doctors that helped them get informed.
Immediately after finding out about his condition, Adrian informed his parents and stepparents who were equally supportive of improving his health. Admittedly, the Kapamilya star shared that it was difficult for them but understood the gravity of the situation which led him to seeing doctors that helped them get informed.
“The doctors were also very comprehensive in a way that they also educated me with the HIV law na hindi ko kailangan idisclose yung status ko sa trabaho, hindi ko kailangan idisclose yung status ko sa kahit na sino,” he added.
“The doctors were also very comprehensive in a way that they also educated me with the HIV law na hindi ko kailangan idisclose yung status ko sa trabaho, hindi ko kailangan idisclose yung status ko sa kahit na sino,” he added.
He then left his job in the corporate world to better his condition as it was “too taxing” for his health. This marked the beginnng to his acting career as he auditioned for the Ateneo Blue Repertory’s production of RENT: The Musical.
He then left his job in the corporate world to better his condition as it was “too taxing” for his health. This marked the beginnng to his acting career as he auditioned for the Ateneo Blue Repertory’s production of RENT: The Musical.
“I only auditioned because I was a fan of the show and because I needed to go on a break. That was very healthy for me, physically and emotionally,” he said.
“I only auditioned because I was a fan of the show and because I needed to go on a break. That was very healthy for me, physically and emotionally,” he said.
Right after first acting gig, Adrian would get discovered by the late Deo Endrinal who would end up putting him in the hit teleserye, Kadenang Ginto. His career would skyrocket and he would land in several roles in theater, television, and film.
Right after first acting gig, Adrian would get discovered by the late Deo Endrinal who would end up putting him in the hit teleserye, Kadenang Ginto. His career would skyrocket and he would land in several roles in theater, television, and film.
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Despite this, the Saving Grace actor felt like he was being dishonest to himself as he hadn't been open about his diagnosis to the public–– something he wasn’t required to do.
Despite this, the Saving Grace actor felt like he was being dishonest to himself as he hadn't been open about his diagnosis to the public–– something he wasn’t required to do.
“Feeling ko kasi na, lying by omission. Meron bahagi ng sarili mo na parang hindi mo shinshare. Although, hindi mo rin siya obligasyon pero bakit ka may platform, why do you have this privilege of having a platform tapos wala kang ginagawa about it? I felt so much guilt. Along with the guilt, there is shame,” he explained.
“Feeling ko kasi na, lying by omission. Meron bahagi ng sarili mo na parang hindi mo shinshare. Although, hindi mo rin siya obligasyon pero bakit ka may platform, why do you have this privilege of having a platform tapos wala kang ginagawa about it? I felt so much guilt. Along with the guilt, there is shame,” he explained.
Fast forward to 2024, Adrian did RENT: The Musical once more and it felt like the perfect time for him to open up about his diagnosis as it marked a full-circle moment for him.
Fast forward to 2024, Adrian did RENT: The Musical once more and it felt like the perfect time for him to open up about his diagnosis as it marked a full-circle moment for him.
“I just felt electricity in my body na wait hindi lang yun yung meaning ng RENT sa buhay ko. Hindi lang yun yung meaning ni Angel sa buhay ko,” said.
“I just felt electricity in my body na wait hindi lang yun yung meaning ng RENT sa buhay ko. Hindi lang yun yung meaning ni Angel sa buhay ko,” said.
Living with HIV for several years now, Adrian is more than okay and is speaking up for those who are still afraid to know their diagnosis. For him, education is important in de-stigmatizing HIV in the country.
Living with HIV for several years now, Adrian is more than okay and is speaking up for those who are still afraid to know their diagnosis. For him, education is important in de-stigmatizing HIV in the country.
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“Sana tigilan na natin yung stigmatizing and fear and shaming and let’s educate everyone. Let’s educate ourselves kasi 2025 na, lahat tayo may internet,” he maintained.
“Sana tigilan na natin yung stigmatizing and fear and shaming and let’s educate everyone. Let’s educate ourselves kasi 2025 na, lahat tayo may internet,” he maintained.
He is now currently based in the US where he claimed that HIV isn’t a taboo topic due to the accessibility of sexual education–– something he hopes to be discussed in the Philippines one day.
He is now currently based in the US where he claimed that HIV isn’t a taboo topic due to the accessibility of sexual education–– something he hopes to be discussed in the Philippines one day.
Adrian, who just married his partner earlier this month, admitted that he got the confidence to share his HIV diagnosis from his husband who has been supportive of him since day one.
Adrian, who just married his partner earlier this month, admitted that he got the confidence to share his HIV diagnosis from his husband who has been supportive of him since day one.
“Yung confidence ko din to own my truth last year in that press conference, a huge part of that was my partner kasi he is someone who is so smart and empowered. He’s a big part of why I have this confidence kasi hindi niya ako kinakahiya at tinanggap niya ako at minahal niya ako ng buong-buo–– Deserve yung ng bawat PLHIV,” he shared.
“Yung confidence ko din to own my truth last year in that press conference, a huge part of that was my partner kasi he is someone who is so smart and empowered. He’s a big part of why I have this confidence kasi hindi niya ako kinakahiya at tinanggap niya ako at minahal niya ako ng buong-buo–– Deserve yung ng bawat PLHIV,” he shared.
The Kapamilya actor then shared that he’s planning to take a break from acting this year and is focusing on his newly married life for now.
The Kapamilya actor then shared that he’s planning to take a break from acting this year and is focusing on his newly married life for now.
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He hopes that people living with HIV could see that there is still hope and their lives don’t end when they are diagnosed with the condition. For him, HIV is no longer a death sentence due to the available treatment plans that could lengthen the person’s life.
He hopes that people living with HIV could see that there is still hope and their lives don’t end when they are diagnosed with the condition. For him, HIV is no longer a death sentence due to the available treatment plans that could lengthen the person’s life.
“Sana every person living with HIV will realize the potential they have and remember they are humans. They are just like any other persons with dreams that are valid–– everything they want to do in life pwede pa rin nilang gawin,” he shared.
“Sana every person living with HIV will realize the potential they have and remember they are humans. They are just like any other persons with dreams that are valid–– everything they want to do in life pwede pa rin nilang gawin,” he shared.
Read More:
Saving Grace
HIV
Kadenang Ginto
Adrian Lindayag
Love Yourself
Adrian
Adrian Lindayag
Kadenang Ginto
Deo Endrinal
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