I finally told my dad.

Monday morning, before I leave to go to the referred of the Manila Health clinic where I will have my lab tests. I called my dad over the landline, saying I need to see him and I need to tell him something, he asked "what is it?', I told it's something he needs to know, and I told him that I am going to Manila to go to a lab to have some tests done, I also mentioned to him that I have been going to the hospital for about a month now... There I was already giving him hints that I am going through something. I told him that whatever it is that he will know, all I asked is for him to be open minded about it, forgive me and hopefully, don't go away ever again.

After I long day around Metro Manila (I dropped by a Mixed Martial arts gym after I went to the clinic). I was finally on my home when dad called up, saying they are having dinner and he will bring his wife (my stepmom), I immediately said "no" in a very loud voice, I said "it's something very sensitive", he said "okay".

I arrived in my condo at 8:00 PM, my dad arrived an hour after. He bought a bag full of bread, he said it was from his wife. I offered water, and he sat on my bamboo mat (I don't have any sofa). I presented him the lab tests and asked if he knows anything about what was written in them, he then explained to me what he knows about the numbers. After he explained and told me that I have to minimize eating meat because of my HDL and LDL, he was just quiet, there was silence for a about a minute or two or more. I looked him in the eye, and said... "dad I'm sick of an incurable disease". My dad's eyes suddenly turned "teary eyed" and red... At that point I think he already knew of what I was about to say. I then uttered the words "may HIV ako" (I have HIV). He then right away explained to me how it can be contracted, what will be the effects and that it will eventually become AIDS. I stopped him. I told him to stop educating me about it because I already know the facts and figures about the virus. He then said "where is your bible?". I hurriedly stood up, went to my small bookcase and grabbed my bible. He took it and opened it to some particular verse which I could no longer remember... (I tried to recall and find it). He made me read a couple of verses more. Then he held my hand, saying "I cannot condemn you, you are my son, my one and only son. Galing ka sa tadyang ko.... Nailayo ka na sa akin ng mahabang panahon, at ngayon na lang tayo nagkakakilanlan. Mahal kita, at hindi ko pababayaang ilayo ka sa akin ng sakit na 'yan". At that point, tears just fell from my eyes and I can't help but cry like a little child whose father has gone away and went home for the first time after so long. I then knew how much my dad loves me.

Dad said that with God, everything is possible, I must welcome God in my life and correct all that is wrong. He said that I must have a very strong spirituality and faith in God, everything starts there. he said to change my lifestyle, he did not mentioned any particulars, but he just said that lifestyle word. I remained quiet.

My dad's a pastor, so God is everything to him. We prayed together that night. He said he will anoint me. He has his oil with him, and he told me to put both of my hands on the opened bible, and he said "repeat after me"... The words I couldn't recall anymore. I knew that time, that I will be saying hello to Christianity and goodbye Catholicism. Then he told me to stop repeating after him. Then he prayed out loud.... The next few words touched my heart, it somehow melted all the hate it has and darkness that envelops it. My dad uttered in prayer "Lord, ito na ang pinakahihintay kong pagkakataon na isuko sa inyo ang aking mahal na anak". I myself, surrendered to God at that point.

After being anointed into Christianity, my dad said he will make a lot of Virgin Coconut Oil and will get wild honey for me. Virgin Coconut Oil is a good anti-everything, and wild honey has a lot of properties to boost up our bodies. He told to eat whole grain or whole wheat bread moderately as well as oats; because they have something to do with the uric acid stuff in our bodies. he told me a lot of herbal and diet stuff that I must do. He told me that after his long retreat to the mountains down south of Manila, we will start our Monday Bible day, which is June 7. I promised my dad that by that time, I have read at least half of the bible... So I have a lot of reading to do.

I love you dad. I'm really sorry this had to happen to me. Thank you for accepting what and who I am. Thank you for staying beside me in this battle to stay alive.