Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Love Gala 2025 Pia Wurtzbach Interview

<p>This November 8, the red carpet rolls out not just for glamour, but for a cause that speaks to truth, compassion, and change. Returning this year with a renewed mission to spark meaningful conversations is Love Gala, the country’s most inspiring night of advocacy and empowerment.</p><p>Themed as <strong>“Love Gala 2025: Unmasking Truths, Empowering Futures,”</strong> the ball sheds light on a powerful message that HIV is not a label, rather a health condition that can be addressed with the right combination of facts, dignity, and access. </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762314190001SnapInsta.to_569040406_17935108995097329_480871624761219121_n.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"/></div><p>In today’s time, where the Philippines faces one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region, with new diagnoses rising sharply over the past decade, the Love Gala stands as a beacon of awareness and action. As labels still define, divide, and often discriminate, it seeks to shift the narrative from stigma to strength, from silence to solidarity.</p><p>An annual convergence of advocates, health professionals, youth leaders, artists, and leaders who believe that awareness is only the beginning of healing, this year’s theme takes the essence even further. Beyond HIV, the Love Gala also unmasks truths that shape our collective well-being: <strong>touching on mental health, the power of youth as changemakers, and the continuous fight for gender equality. </strong></p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQn0S8qD_Eh/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1970743.4000000001%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1293" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>This year’s ball is an invitation to look deeper, listen harder, and embrace conversations that push society forward with compassion and courage. It believes that when people feel safe to speak, they also feel empowered to live fully, love openly, and care for themselves without fear or judgment.</p><p>Among the advocates lending their voice to this year’s cause is <strong>Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey</strong>, Miss Universe 2015 and long-time HIV awareness champion. Through the years, Pia has used her platform not only to spread beauty and inspiration but also to open a dialogue on issues often left unspoken.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762314360769SnapInsta.to_568621493_18533314015019198_6123030322362136267_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey | @piajauncey</span></span></span></div><p>In an exclusive interview with <strong>Metro.Style</strong>, Pia spoke candidly about her mission to normalize conversations on sexual wellness, a topic that, despite progress, remains taboo in many Filipino households.</p><p>“Talking about sexual wellness openly helps remove the shame attached to it. When we treat it like any other aspect of health, we empower people to make informed choices instead of living in fear or silence. Conversations like this show Filipinos that it is okay to ask questions, to learn, and to care for themselves fully, mind, body, and heart,” stated Pia.</p><p>For her, the first step toward empowerment is acceptance of one’s body, one’s choices, and one’s worth, reflecting, “True self-care goes beyond skincare and workouts. It is about knowing your body, respecting it, and protecting it. Sexual health is a key part of that. When you get tested or practice safe sex, it is not just prevention, it is self-respect. It is you saying ‘I value my well-being.’” </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQlXAt1D7YD/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A2101528.4000000004%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="779" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>While access to HIV testing and treatment has improved across the country, Pia points out that stigma remains one of the greatest hurdles, particularly for the youth. </p><p>“Even with better access today, stigma is still the biggest barrier. Many young people fear being judged, misunderstood, or labeled. There is also a lack of safe spaces where they can ask honest questions without shame. That is why education and compassion are crucial, so they know they are not alone and that help exists,” she explained. </p><p>In many ways, Love Gala 2025 aims to bridge this gap by creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and supported. </p><p>When asked what advice she’d give to someone afraid to talk about HIV or sexual health, she offered words of reassurance: “Start by reminding yourself that there is nothing wrong with caring for your health. Getting tested or asking questions does not mean you are guilty of anything; it means you are responsible and brave,” Pia pressed.</p><p>“Reach out to someone you trust or visit a community center like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loveyourself.ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>LoveYourself.</strong></a> You will find people who will welcome you without judgment. And you will thank yourself for taking that step,” she added.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQlw4F2j7Gg/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A2188908.4000000004%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1341" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Pia illustrates the Love Gala as “<strong>more than a celebration; it’s a movement</strong>.” She continued, “It gathers people from all walks of life to stand for compassion and awareness. Beyond that, it fuels real change through youth programs, testing campaigns, and ongoing advocacy that reach communities throughout the year. When we unite under one cause, awareness becomes action, and action becomes impact.” </p><p>As Love Gala 2025 unfolds, the spotlight will also shine on this year’s Project Sparks Finalists and Ripple Awardees, remarkable individuals and organizations who embody truth, inspire change, and build a more inclusive future for all.</p><p>Stay tuned to Metro.Style for more of the Love Gala 2025!</p>

<p>"More than a celebration, it's a movement!"</p>

"More than a celebration, it's a movement!"

Pia Wurtzbach on Unmasking Truths about HIV and Sexual Wellness This Love Gala 2025

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Pia Wurtzbach on Unmasking Truths about HIV and Sexual Wellness This Love Gala 2025

Leigh Sofia Lazo

Published November 05, 2025 11:00 AM PHT

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Updated November 05, 2025 11:50 AM PHT

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2025

Wellness

Pia Wurtzbach

Love Gala 2025

Sexual Wellness

Sexual Health

HIV Awareness

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