“Ward 448, Debunking the HIV Stigma, Sowing Compassion and Understanding, Giving Information”

"WARD 448," a play written and directed by Rodel Mercado, is the first of a trilogy that tells the tales of people infected with the HIV virus. The drama illustrates the fight-or-flight response of those afflicted with this deadly and life-threatening disease, as well as how prejudice, misinformation, and stigma intensify the situation of people living with HIV.

Jennylyn Braza, a news reporter with Karina Macaspac and Jenney Caeja as alternates, will report on the tale of three (3) RITM in-patients who stay in the same ward.

Carla Mae, a mother of three, is the main character, with Anna Escobia and Justine Torralba as alternates; VJ Mendoza, Kevin Posadas, and Rey Correjado are the men who have sex with other men group who work at a BPO; and seasoned thespians Ronnie Martinez and Roeder Camanag alternately portray Francis, a jaded drag performer.

Director Mercado says: “The production’s main reason for being is that we want to shed light and give the correct information about people with HIV affliction. Yes, we focus on their difficulties and struggles, especially in coming to terms that they have the HIV infection and how they manage to maintain their dignity and humanity”. 

Adds Mercado: “The play employs of humor, drama, paghaplos sa puso at pagbubukas ng pang-unawa elements to its narrative. The medium of theater here has become a powerful tool to impart knowledge about the affliction that is HIV, to push safe sex practices and help build a a community that does not judge, but understands and helps those who are HIV afflicted and their loved ones.” 

The figures of people with HIV affliction have skyrocketed and DOH reports say that the Philippines has become the fastest HIV/AIDS growing population in the Asia and Pacific region with 237% increase in an exhaustive and verified report on HIV infections FROM the periods of 2010 to 2022. 

Director Mercado concludes: “By watching our play, you’re also exercising your power to contribute to the collective efforts to minimize, and hopefully end the escalating digits of individuals with HIV. Be one with us as we debunk the stigma, sow compassion and understanding, and give accurate information on HIV affliction”.

"WARD 448", produced Frontline Production Inc. is slated on October 29 and 30, 2022 , with matinee (3pm and gala 7pm) performances at the RCBC THEATER (Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium), 4th Floor, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City. 

Tickets are available now at ticket2me.net