Segundo Matias Jr.'s Mga Batang Poz Tell The Stories Of The Millenial PLHIV

With the rising cases of HIV-AIDS in the country, the need for information about the disease is a need for all as many are still stuck with misinformation, and disgust with the people who are afflicted by this condition. We must first know, that it is a death sentence for them, given that there are treatments and lifetsyle adjustments that can be made that actually makes their live more normal.

Recently, Segundo Matais Jr., author of the book series Moymoy Lulumboy, launched his newest young adult book "Mga Batang Poz" published by Lampara Punlishing House. The book talks about the lives of young people living with HIV and the stories that each have that uncovers the journey and how they are all connected.


Published in Filipino with the millennial vibe, it serves as a game changer in today's Filipino book circles. The story revolves around four teenagers afflicted with HIV-AIDS. They altogether met and made a journey that will reveal one-by-one their lifestyle and the common link that have brought them the disease.

The book is part of Segundo's own research into the promiscuous world of the youth, the impressions of family and friends, and how many view and know about HIV-AIDS. Backed by real facts on how HIV is acquired, treated, and controlled, it aims to breakdown the misconceptions many still have up to this day. And this quite alarming because the Philippines is the fastest growing number of cases daily.

The author considers the book as a personal advocacy to educate young readers about the stigma and discrimination against HIV-AIDS and at the same time, raise sexual health awareness affecting the LGBTQ community at large. "Nilalayon ng proyektong ito na makatulong upang unawain ang kultura ng kabataang miyembro ng LGBT, wakasan ang homophobia, at itigil ang stigma sa mga positibo sa HIV." Matias adds, "Pangunahing nilalayon nito ang makatulong sa kamulatan hinggil sa Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) at Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), sang-ayon sa mga bagong pananaliksik at estadistika ng Department of Health."

So far, the reception about Segundo Matias, Jr.'s Mga Batang Poz has been overwhelmingly positive, with key figures in the literary community praising the book for its provocative and emotionally compelling narrative. Award-winning screenwriter Ricky Lee in particular, enjoyed the book for its incisive storytelling. "Bawat pahina ng Batang Poz ay patalim na humihiwa sa ating kamalayan, ginigising tayo sa katotohanan na sa tuwing may kabataang nagkakaroon ng HIV o namamatay, kasangkot tayo." Filmmaker and producer Chris Martinez praised the novel for keeping readers on the edge of their seats: "Hindi ko mabitawan," the Ang Babae sa Septic Tank director recounts his experience reading the novel. "Tinapos ko sa isang upuan. Masakit na masarap basahin ang nobelang ito." Kilometer Zero author Wilfredo Pascual also waxed poetic about the author and his latest offering. "Segundo Matias, Jr. is a bold writer. In confronting the alarming rate of HIV infection in the country, he zeroes in on youth and social media, young lives about to break into pieces. He lays bare the various shadings of recklessness, the unexpected comfort, the terror, the rage, and the desire to find true connections and real bliss."

Palanca-awardee Segundo Matias, Jr. recently launched Mga Batang Poz last September 28, 2018 at the Precious Events Center, Quezon City. The event provided a platform to promote HIV awareness and prevention among MSM and other high-risk segments of society.

An expert in telling stories targeted to a younger demographic, Matias wrote Mga Batang Poz as part of his graduate thesis in University of the Philippines Diliman, where he is determined to come up with a Young Adult novel tackling a highly controversial subject that a lot of people are afraid to discuss in public. Mga Batang Poz is available on Precious Pages retail outlets, National Book Store, Pandayan book shop and leading books stores nationwide. For inquiries you may contact, lamparapublishinghouse@gmail.com.