November 14, 2005

MiG Ayesa Of Rockstar: INXS Headlines The MTV Staying Alive Music Summit For HIV/AIDS

By News Desk

MTV Philippines announced today that MiG Ayesa, the certified fan favorite from Rock Star:INXS, has confirmed his special participation in this year's MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS, which will take place on World AIDS Day, December 1, at the Fort Open Field, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila. This will be his first major performance in Manila after he shot to international stardom as one of the most popular finalists in the hit reality show, where 12 men and women vied for the chance to be the new lead singer of INXS, one of the world's most successful rock bands. Ayesa was born in Manila, but when he was 2 years old, his family moved to Sydney, Australia. Apart from achieving fame through Rock Star:INXS, Ayesa is also known for a stellar career in theater, having starred in major productions in Australia and London.

MiG Ayesa joins the growing list of performers who have pledged their support for the annual event spearheaded by MTV, together with the global Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign of the United Nations, and Frenzy Condoms. The MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS aims to send out key messages and create a greater awareness about the virus and the disease through the universal language of music. In addition, Barbie Almalbis, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Mojofly, Moonstar 88, Parokya ni Edgar, Pupil, Sandwich, Session Road, Stonefree, and 6cyclemind have also joined the all-star lineup, which includes previously announced performers Bamboo, Christian Bautista, Cueshe, Greyhoundz, Hale, Imago, Kitchie Nadal, Kjwan, MYMP, Radioactive Sago Project, Rivermaya, Sugarfree, Sarah Geronimo, Urbandub, and the Viva Hot Babes. More performers and guest celebrities will be announced in the coming days.

Now on its third year, the MTV Music Summit has become the most awaited concert in the country. In 2003, the MTV Music Summit for AIDS rocked Manila with 23 live performances plus a special appearance by international pop singer Mandy Moore. Last year, the Music Summit featured a powerful lineup of rock and hip-hop acts, with performances by international artists Duncan Sheik, The Barbs, Jay Sean, and Joshua Payne.

The MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS is part of MTV's global Staying Alive campaign, which aims to empower the youth to protect themselves, fight stigma and discrimination, and engage businesses, media and organizations to form their own response to HIV/AIDS. This year, the MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS will also support a special global campaign of UNICEF and UNAIDS called Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS.

"Every year, it becomes increasingly important for us at MTV to continue to use our influence as a multimedia brand to communicate the importance of understanding HIV/AIDS, especially among our audience, the youth," said MTV Philippines Managing Director Jack Madrid. "This year, we are working in partnership with the Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign to give special focus on children who have been affected by HIV/AIDS all over the world. We are in the unique position to help the battle against HIV/AIDS, and we will continue to use our resources in our ongoing efforts to spread the message, not the virus."

For the third year in a row, UNICEF and UNAIDS of the Unite For Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign, is once again working in close collaboration with MTV Philippines for this year's MTV Staying Alive Music Summit. The focus of the 2005 Global Campaign of UNAIDS -- "Unite For Children, Unite Against AIDS" -- is a theme that MTV Philippines has also incorporated into this year's main event and campaign.

Dale Rutstein, Chief of Communication, UNICEF Philippines said, "We find that people still see AIDS as a problem for adults who did something bad. The latest disastrous act in the unfolding AIDS tragedy is the impact it is having on innocent children. Today there are 15 million AIDS orphans. Last year 510,000 children died of AIDS and 640,000 were infected with HIV. Despite this, only 3% of all funding for AIDS goes to children. Children are missing from the picture and we have to get them in view."

"The Philippines is a champion country in the Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign because it still has the chance to prevent an AIDS epidemic," Rutstein added. "If AIDS explodes here it will have a terrible impact on children-children who lose their parents, their lives and their future. We feel our work with MTV on the Staying Alive Music Summit each year helps thousands of young people learn the straight facts about HIV and AIDS. We have done research that shows the youth are getting the message."

Also extending their support for the third year is Frenzy Condoms. "Just like how the correct and consistent use of condoms is the most basic HIV prevention approach, it is also important for us to be correct and consistent in spreading the information that is necessary in battling HIV/AIDS," said Michael Santos, DKT product manager for Frenzy Condoms. "Working with MTV has allowed us to educate the youth market and let them know that condom use is the most important step in preventing HIV infection. Because condoms have become an important necessity, Frenzy is committed to ensuring that our products are reasonably priced and readily available to the public."

People are invited to come to the concert venue as early as 1 pm to browse the different booths and join the various pre-show activities. Here are the ticket mechanics for the 2005 MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS:

1. Tickets are available at selected Starbucks stores from November 17 to December 1. For inquiries call the UNICEF hotline at 758-1000.

2. Join eTelecare, the country's employer of the year, to get a limited MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS ticket.

3. Tune in to Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, Jam 88.3, KLite 1035, and NU 107, and catch the ticket promos.

Keep tuning in to MTV to find out more about the 2005 MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS. MTV Philippines is on Channel 41 for free TV or non-cable subscribers, and Channel 22 for Sky and Home Cable subscribers. You can also ask your cable operator for channel designation. For daily MTV alerts, text MTV to 688 (for Smart subscribers).

The MTV Staying Alive Music Summit for HIV/AIDS in support of the Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign is presented by Frenzy Condoms, and the United Nations, with the participation of Converse and E-Telecare. The official radio partners are Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, Jam 88.3, K-Lite 1035, and NU 107. Special thanks to the Fort Bonifacio, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Pinoyexchange.com, and Red Kimono Restaurant.