Paul Christian Ocampo

Segundo Matias Jr. shares what he hopes readers will take away from 'Stigma: Mga Batang Poz 2'

Article (news)

Gary Ann Lastrilla

Push Team

<p>Palanca-winning author Segundo Matias Jr. shared what he hopes readers will take away from his latest novel, <em>Stigma: Mga Batang Poz 2.</em></p><p>A sequel to <em>Mga Batang Poz,</em> which was published in 2018 and later adapted into an iWant series in 2019, the new book continues to tackle the realities faced by people living with HIV. This time, it introduces a new character, Melody, a pregnant teenager navigating the condition.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/12/1/-stigma-mga-batang-poz-2-segundo-matias-jr-launches-book-sequel-1414" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: ‘Stigma: Mga Batang Poz 2’: Segundo Matias Jr. launches book sequel, sheds light on HIV stigma and teenage pregnancy</strong></a></div><p>During his talk at the Philippine Book Festival 2026 held on Sunday, March 15, at SM Megamall, Segundo opened up what inspired him to write about the topic.</p><p>“’Nung nagpunta ako sa DOH, ‘dun talaga nagstart ‘yung curiosity,” he began. “Naisip ko it’s going to be my advocacy. Kailangan talagang malaman ‘yun.”</p><p>As both an author and publisher, Segundo said that his role gave him the courage to pursue the project. “Kasama na kasi na publisher din ako. Siguro kung hindi ako publisher, iisipin ko baka hindi ito i-publish ng ibang publisher,” he said.</p><p>“Kaya siguro matapang din ako na ‘sige, kailangan malaman ito ng Pilipinas.’ Kasi alam ng Pilipinas, even the DOH, alam nila ‘yung data na talagang paakyat, nag-i-spike talaga. Pero walang naglalakas-loob na sabihin sa madla [na nangyayari ito].”</p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV-wKTJkSeW/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A13693722.300000012%2C%22ls%22%3A36131%2C%22le%22%3A36137.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="882" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div> </div><p>For Segundo, education and open conversations are key in addressing the issue.</p><p>“Ang pagiging conservative, hindi talaga magiging solution para mawala ito, para bumaba [ang statistics]. We have to talk about condom, we have to talk about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis),” he explained, highlighting the need for awareness that starts at home.</p><p>“Kaysa malaman pa nila sa iba, bilang magulang, kailangan natin talagang i-guide. Hindi natin sila nababantayan 24 hours.”</p><p>He also emphasized that stigma remains the biggest challenge.</p><p>“Stigma ang kalaban because HIV is not really a death sentence,” he said.</p><p>“’Yung mga na-interview ko dati [na HIV positive], they have good lives now. Malalaki ang katawan, nag-gi-gym. Basta may treatment. So it’s just the stigma.”</p><p>“You will not die of HIV basta maayos, clean living, ‘yun treatment mo tuluy-tuloy, and it’s libre ah ‘yung gamot.” he added.</p>

<p>Segundo Matias Jr. opens up about what inspired him to write a novel about people living with HIV. </p>

Segundo Matias Jr. opens up about what inspired him to write a novel about people living with HIV.