MANILA, Philippines - When you're diagnosed with HIV or you think you have HIV, what do you do?

It's a question many people in the Philippines are hesitant, ashamed, and sometimes, unable to ask. Despite efforts by various groups to correct and prevent misinformation, the stigma is still out there.

For the first episode of our #HIVTalk Google Hangout, we talk about:

• Why is it important to get tested for HIV?
• What should you know before you get tested?
• What's life really like when you're HIV positive?
• How do you deal with the stigma?

We have on board Rappler's resident sex writer Ana Santos and members from Take the Test, including Jericho, a person living with HIV (PLHIV).

Join the conversation, help us educate!

Follow the discussion on Twitter using hashtag #HIVTalk, leave us a comment on Facebook, or tune into our Google Hangout and leave a comment in the comments section of the site.

(UPDATED) The Google Hangout is over but you can watch it back here:

More about HIV in the Philippines:

• Is HIV going viral?
• HIV crisis worsening in PH
• Get tested for HIV/AIDS, DOH advises those at risk
• CONVERSATIONS: HIV and AIDS in the Philippines #SexTalk
• Almost 10,000 total HIV/AIDS cases in PH
• Discrimination fuels rise of HIV in PH
• Rise in HIV cases alarms Palace