PIP: In the Philippines, the Catholic Church opposes condom use and the government's promotion of condom use, yet people can easily buy condoms. In the conservative southern Philippines, both church-going men and women buy condoms from stress near churches. Condom use is being promoted throughout Asia as a means to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. Some people object to the openness of public health advocates when they discuss condom use and quality because they believe that the advocates are sending an underlying message that casual sex is acceptable. They call for promotion of sexual abstinence. An Indonesian official suggests a condom red line to mark areas where sex workers operate; anyone entering a red line district would have to have a condom. No advertisements for condoms exist in Malaysia, but condom are readily available at most convenience stores. Most of the 601 HIV-positive people in Japan became infected via contaminated blood products. Condoms have been the primary method of birth control in Japan for many years. At least 27 condom boutiques operate in Japan, resulting in a changed condom image. Condoms sold in Japan must meet strict standards. In a recent condom quality survey in Hong Kong, 66% of 34 model condoms did not pass. They leaked, stretched insufficiently, or had no expiration date or instructions. A marketing director notes that condoms assume value when people spend money for them, while free condoms have little value and are often used as balloons. An advertising agency in India promotes enjoyment while past ads made people feel sleazy. In Malaysia, like in other parts of Asia, it is difficult for women, even educated, professional women, to negotiate safe sex. The Philippines uses this motto--We Follow the ABC's: A for Abstinence, B for Be Faithful, and C for Condoms.