MANILA, Philippines - A candle lighting ceremony will be held on Friday in Manila not only to remember those who passed away from AIDS, but also to show solidarity with the communities of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs) and their families worldwide.

Dubbed the AIDS Candlelight Memorial (ACM) 2010, the event will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 28.

ACM 2010 will begin with a march from Remedios Circle to Rajah Sulayman Park along Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila. This is where the candle lighting ceremony will be held.

Aside from this, a lotus ceremony is also scheduled, where PLWHAs will unfurl fabrics bearing the names of HIV positive persons who passed away.

This year's theme is “Many Lights for Human Rights: Remember, Honor and ACT.” The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), in collaboration with TLF SHARE Collective Inc., will lead the national observance.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral is expected to attend, along with the rest of PNAC members and other partners.

ACM also aims to increase awareness on HIV and AIDS and foster solidarity and support between and among different communities -- public and private organizations, faith-based groups, health, social welfare, and labor sectors, civil society, local communities representing the most-at-risk and vulnerable populations, support groups and other stakeholders -- in addressing HIV and AIDS issues.

The event also hopes to promote respect and uphold the dignity of persons living with HIV and AIDS and their families. Lastly, ACM aims to mobilize communities and individuals toward achieving a participatory and meaningful engagement.