Award-winning writer Segundo Matias Jr. continues the conversation on HIV awareness and discrimination in the Philippines with his latest young adult novel, ‘Stigma: Mga Batang Poz 2’, the sequel to his groundbreaking 2018 book ‘Mga Batang Poz’—the country’s first YA novel centered on HIV-AIDS.
Launched recently in Quezon City, Stigma expands the narrative beyond diagnosis and fear, focusing instead on empowerment, survival, and the ongoing struggle against stigma faced by young Filipinos living with HIV.
While the first book followed the stories of Luis, Enzo, Kenneth, and Chuchay as they came to terms with their HIV diagnoses, the sequel shifts its spotlight to Melody, a 15-year-old pregnant teenager living with HIV. Though Melody appeared briefly in the first novel, Matias elevated her to a central role in the sequel to highlight the often-overlooked experiences of women and young girls living with the virus.
Melody joins an online support group called Pete’s Corner, a digital safe space for HIV-positive teenagers. As her pregnancy becomes more visible, she confronts prejudice and fear while drawing strength from the shared stories of other poz teens. Through Melody’s journey, the novel tackles the intersection of teenage pregnancy and HIV—two pressing public health issues in the Philippines.
Matias revealed that Melody’s character was inspired by a real-life encounter with a 15-year-old girl who sought testing for her baby after learning she was HIV-positive. He explained that Melody serves as the narrative thread connecting past and present characters, allowing the novel to explore multiple perspectives on living with HIV.
The author emphasized that Stigma differs significantly from its predecessor in tone and purpose. While ‘Mga Batang Poz’ centered on fear and uncertainty, the sequel examines how young people navigate daily life, relationships, and social judgment while living with the virus. The book also addresses teenage pregnancy, which Matias noted remains one of the most urgent youth issues in the country.
Beyond storytelling, Stigma positions itself as a public health tool at a time when HIV cases among Filipino youth continue to rise. The Department of Health has previously reported a 500 percent increase in HIV cases among young Filipinos, underscoring the urgency of education and prevention.
Matias said the sequel places stronger emphasis on sexual health education, including the importance of PrEP, consistent condom use, and informed decision-making. He described the book as an effort to dismantle stigma while empowering young readers with knowledge and empathy.
The novel has already earned praise from fellow writers and literary critics. Essayist Wifredo Pascual commended the book’s solid and meaningful scenes, while poet and scholar Charlie Samuya-Veric described Matias’ work as courageous writing that challenges social taboos and opens new possibilities for young adult literature. Award-winning author Mark Angeles also highlighted the series’ immersion into internet subcultures, reflecting the realities of youth communities today.
Veteran writer Ricky Lee likewise underscored the importance of addressing sensitive topics like HIV in mainstream storytelling, calling it a brave and necessary act. He shared that while awareness has improved, stigma remains deeply rooted when theory meets real-life situations.
For Matias, the impact of ‘Mga Batang Poz’ already validated the importance of his work, as health centers reported increased HIV testing after the book’s release. He hopes ‘Stigma: Mga Batang Poz 2’ will continue that momentum by fostering empathy, awareness, and courage among young readers.
‘Stigma: Mga Batang Poz 2’ will soon be available in bookstores and on digital platforms. (with reports from Loyd Pino)
