The Rainbow Blog Philippines

When Boy meets Boy

2011-12-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

When Boy meets Boy is a story about ADAM, an ordinary Filipino gay guy with an extraordinary story.

He made girls, boys and those in between swoon when he gave us a glimpse of the ups and downs of his love (and) life.

He knew exactly how it felt to be a young gay guy in love, and we found ourselves laughing along with him or silently weeping in shared sadness.

Adam proved that love knows no gender nor preference. When it hits you, you can't help but fall hard.

whenboymeetsboy.blogspot.com

HIV infections rising fast among men ages 20-29

2011-11-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

Faces of HIV

It was the year 1984 when Filipinos were first confronted with HIV-AIDS as a public health issue. Dolzura Cortez was the first to come out publicly to say that she had AIDS.

In 1991, the young Sarah Jane Salazar followed suit and travelled the country to tell her story.

Their life stories were even made into movies portrayed by show biz stars.

But when they died, HIV and AIDS temporarily lost a public face, until 2009 when Wanggo Gallaga, the son of movie director Peque Gallaga, came out and admitted he had HIV.

Cortez, Salazar, Gallaga and now Gorriceta have hoped that with their daring, Filipinos will have a better understanding of the disease and that its rapid spread can be stopped.

HIV rising among males age 20-29

The latest data from the Department of Health, however, shows the contrary.

To date, there are five to six new HIV cases reported daily to the DOH AIDS Registry. This is a significant increase from an average of one case a day in 2006.

From 1984 till April 2011, a total of 6,669 cases have been reported. This is on top of the 12,000 estimated unreported cases, according to the DOH.

For the month of April alone, 171 cases were reported, an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year. And of these new cases, three were reported as AIDS patients.

AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 cell (the cell in the body’s immune system) count goes below 200.

Most of the cases were males, ages ranging from 17 to 60 years old. The 20-29 age-group had the most number of cases.

Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry. National Epidemiology Center-DOH

The most reported mode of transmission was sexual contact. And like in the case of Gorriceta, males having sex with other males was the main type of sexual transmission.

This type of transmission has far surpassed the number of cases of overseas Filipino workers or OFWs infected with the virus. Only six percent or 11 of the reported cases in April were OFWs.

Recent data have also shown a rapid expansion of HIV infection among people who inject drugs. Other modes of transmission include mother-to-child transmission, blood transfusion, and needle prick injuries.

“With this situation, we can see that the HIV epidemic in the country is swelling," said Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag.

46,000 HIV infections by end of 2015

In 33 countries, HIV incidence fell more than 25 percent between 2001 and 2009, according to the UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, 2010.

The report added that in seven countries, however, incidence increase was noted by more than 25 percent between 2001 and 2009. The Philippines is one of these seven countries.

The same report also said that without immediate action, HIV cases in the country are estimated to reach 46,000 by the end of 2015 from 6,015 cases reported as of end of 2010. [See related: HIV-AIDS cases in PHL to spike five-fold before Aquino's term ends — DOH]

But the Philippines actually did not lag in creating policies to address the rising HIV trend. The legal framework of the national AIDS response is Republic Act 8504 or “The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control ACT of 1998."

So where does the problem lie?

As with many laws in the country, experts say, implementation is wanting.

A briefer on the Philippine HIV and AIDS epidemic issued by the Philippine National Aids Council states: A large segment of society - both national and local agencies - are still largely unaware of the law’s existence or are unsure of how to operationalize the provisions of the law. As a result, the law is hardly enforced.

Discrimination by health care workers and family members

R.A. 8504 is one of the world’s oldest laws on HIV and AIDS. It contains provisions seeking to protect people living with HIV from various forms of discrimination.

But more than a decade after the AIDS law was passed, HIV-AIDS patients continue to report what they regard as violations of the anti-discrimination provisions.

In 2010, Action for Health Initiatives (ACHIEVE), Inc., with support from Levi Strauss Foundation, conducted a study to assess the HIV-AIDS patients’ use of R.A. 8504.

According to the study, HIV-AIDS patients generally describe discrimination as “panghuhusga," which is about making biased, unfair judgments about how one contracted the virus, often in relation to one’s sexual behavior or kind of work.

Of the 103 valid respondents who have experienced discrimination, most of them (43.7%) said they have experienced discrimination at a health care facility, followed by discrimination at home (43.6%) with their family members as tormenters. Some also experienced discrimination in the workplace or in the community.

Based on the ACHIEVE study, most people living with HIV-AIDS in the country are aware that there is a law that protects them. In its study, 78 percent of the respondents said they do, yet only three of them used the law to seek redress and only two sought redress through the courts.

Most respondents cited fear of disclosure and further discrimination as the primary reasons for not seeking help. The lack of access to legal services, whether free or paid, is another.

Prolonging life with HIV

Currently, there is still no cure for AIDS or HIV. Vaccine research continues. What are available are anti-retroviral drugs called as “maintenance cocktails" that keep the virus from expanding inside the human body.

With these drugs and a healthy lifestyle, an HIV patient can prolong his or her life. Former basketball star Magic Johnson is perhaps the most famous example. Some have lived for as long as 20 to 30 years after being confirmed positive with the virus.

In other words, HIV is no longer considered an instant death sentence.

It is best to know of an HIV infection as early as possible so that treatment to prevent the virus from progressing can start.

Some of the symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes and throat, rashes and mouth sores.

San Lazaro Hospital provides free HIV screening and confirmatory tests. Code numbers are used to hide identities.

"No one is invincible and exempted from this virus," Assistant Secretary Tayag said as he urged Filipinos to undergo regular checkups.

He advised returning overseas Filipino workers to undergo HIV testing to ensure they did not contract the virus abroad. OFWs usually undergo HIV testing only when leaving the country because it is a pre-employment requirement.

But as early as 2008, the United Nations in the Philippines had identified Millennium Development Goal number 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases) as among the MDGs least likely to be achieved by the country.

“We have realized that the attainment of this goal is challenged by low levels of knowledge, low coverage of prevention services, prevailing risky practices, and the continuing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV," said Dr. Jacqueline Badcock, U.N. Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines during a candle-lighting ceremony at the DFA last May 25 in memory of those who have died of AIDS.

Source:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/223333/news/hiv-infections-rising-fast-among-men-ages-20-29

"LOVE"... AN EXCLUSIVE NIGHT FOR WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at CALLE SIROCCO RESTO LOUNGE

2011-11-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

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Occupy for RH

2011-11-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

It has been ten years since the first RH Bill, and after countless debates and delays we are no closer to a vote. The democratic process has stalled at the hands of time-wasting legislators and bullying bishops.
With mounting frustration we remind our public servants that for every day they delay the vote, Filipino families around the country lose their mothers. The time for delay is over. The time for a vote is now.
Starting tomorrow, November 21, RH Advocates from various organizations will occupy the park across the South Wing Gate of Congress, and launch a massive and sustained campaign to remind our Senators and Members of Congress of the urgency to vote on the Reproductive Health Bill before the year ends.

Pro-RH lawmakers, celebrities, artists, government officials, civil society and non-government groups, business, academe, youth, religious and non-religious sectors will show their support at this mass action, and advocates will camp out in front of the South Wing Gate for as long as it takes for their voices to be heard.
We urge you to join us, tomorrow and onwards, and lend your voice to a movement that will save Filipino lives. Various activities will be held at the camp and at the South Wing Gate, such as a noise barrage, cultural and solidarity nights, pickets, creative and symbolic protests, actions that will make our legislators listen.
For ten years we have been ignored, the cries of the People drowned out by the powerful few. But no more. Together we will stand, together we will shout, and together we will Occupy for RH till our legislators vote for RH now.

Are homosexuals really discriminated against? - CBCP

2011-11-24T01:23:00.000-08:00

Being portrayed as oppressed is best way to public sympathy, homosexual activists told

Source: cbcpforlife.com/?p=5005

MANILA, Nov. 23, 2011– Are homosexuals really discriminated against?

Whether or not the answer is yes, presenting themselves as victims of oppression is one of the steps in advancing homosexual rights, ultimately to include the recognition of such rights by the law, based on the presentation of Dr. Ligaya Anacta Acosta, regional director of Human Life International (HLI) Asia and Oceania.

“Are they really oppressed? We see many gays in the media… in fact, they lord it over [in the industry] so how can they say that they are being oppressed?” Acosta asked a group of over 200 pro-life delegates.

“But we have to understand that this is actually a Marxist mold to cast the homosexual revolution, which started as early as 1948,” she explained.

A man named Harry Hay thought of the idea of a homosexual activist group, later formulating the principles that would give rise to the US-based group “Mattachine Society” as the first members would call it. The principles revolved around the concept “that homosexuals were a virtual minority oppressed by the dominant heterosexual majority, and that portraying them as oppressed is actually the key to selling the homosexual movement,” Acosta said.

Since the current American president Barack Obama took office in 2009, the United States has made strides in the advancement of anti-life, anti-family legislation, including recognition of same-sex unions and discrimination against people who refuse to recognize such unions. Being true to the pro-abortion, pro-gay rights monicker given to him, the president has established an LGBT Month (LGBT stands for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders), appointed homosexuals as key officials in government, and carried out other measures that have ended up bestowing illegitimate rights on homosexual members of society.

“Sasabihin siguro ng iba, sa US lang ‘yan,” said Acosta, who is privy to a wealth of information on the pro-”choice” movement owing to 20+ years’ involvement in it as a Department of Health (DoH) official.

“Hindi lang po ‘yan sa US because the policies of the United States of America affect the whole world… It’s actually also part of population control. If they cannot force us to legalize abortion or massively use contraception, then [they] promote homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle. Start at kindergarten… and therefore we have to know what is the agenda.”

Promotion of homosexuality in the RH bill“Not too many people know that the RH bill also encourages homosexuality,” Acosta remarked, then gave a rundown of the concerned provisions.

Section 2, the Declaration of Policy, states that “The State recognizes and guarantees the exercise of universal basic human rights to reproductive health by all persons.”
“And then it says, ‘There shall be no discrimination against any person on the grounds’ “among others” ‘…of sexual orientation.’ You have to understand the doublespeak here. And of course, it refers to homosexuality\,” she pointed out.

“It also says here, ‘The State guarantee to eradicate discriminatory practices, laws and policies that infringe on the person’s exercise of reproductive health rights.’”

Further, “gender equality” is defined in Section 4 (Definition of Terms) as “absence of discrimination, on the basis of a person’s sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Though media mileage may give the impression that a significant number of Filipinos exhibit homosexual behavior, it is actually the systematic implementation of an agenda by a small number of people that gives the illusion of huge numbers.

“I have to tell you that there is a huge homosexual network all over the world, and although constituting a minority only of less than 3% of the population, we have to know that the homosexual movement is highly organized and very well-financed,” Acosta pointed out.

“And it is international in scope, which is why they have international associations. They are also very anti-Catholic… and so with various organizations they have been influencing media, education and even religion. Here in the Philippines, there is the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the work of which is to influence politics and legislation, to build a powerful political movement, and they are actually succeeding a little in that area,” she said.

“The Human Rights Campaign is their political action committee to help elect homosexual congressional candidates and those favorable to their agenda,” Acosta added.

Amid tackling more issues regarding unfortunate consequences of homosexual activity and predisposing factors of leading to homosexuality, the pro-life advocate explained the need to spread the life-affirming message against the backdrop of the push for homosexual rights.

“Our goal in presenting to you the homosexual agenda is not really to incite hatred for those persons who suffer homosexual inclinations nor even against the gay activitists. It is to alert the public about the campaign to promote homosexual practice, and to call people — especially us in the Catholic Church — in all sectors to make a firm and appropriate response and address different approaches available to men and women of homosexual inclination who wish to leave… the life of active homosexuality.”

She reminded everyone that healing can be and has been found after living a homosexual lifestyle, and that “every sign of discrimination in their regard should be avoided,” quoting from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (CBCP for Life)

Pride March 2011 General Assembly

2011-11-22T03:34:00.001-08:00

Date: November 26, 2011

Time: 7:00pm

Venue: Metropolitan Community Church Quezon City

3/F 56 Mindanao Ave. Project 6, Quezon City

Agenda:

2011 Pride March

RSVP:

Raffy Aquino

09163089903

09333049795

taskforcepride@gmail.com

2011 Annual Manila Pride March

2011-11-20T04:46:00.000-08:00

Task Force Pride, a non-profit network of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) groups will organize the 17th Annual Pride March in Manila. The aim of the march is to gather different LGBT groups, allies and individuals in solidarity, as well as provide positive visibility to the community.

This year's theme, “Pride of the Orient”, recalls the community's achievements with regard to advancing LGBT human rights, such as... organizing the first pride march in Asia in 1994 and the formation of Ladlad party list, the only LGBT-oriented party list in the world, and extensive HIV/AIDS Awareness campaigns nationwide .

“Pride of the Orient” calls on LGBT Filipinos to reclaim these milestones and look forward to more victories they've yet to achieve.

For Organizations, please confirm in this link:
http://taskforcepride.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-confirmation-form-organizations.html%20

For Individuals, please confirm in this link:
http://taskforcepride.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-confirmation-form-individuals.html

Registration begins at 1:00 pm at Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila, and Pride March contingents that arrive early will be greeted by a brief program until 4:00 pm. The hosts will explain the event's concept and encourage contingents to come up with a cheer for the march.

The march will begin at 4:15 pm and will end by 5 pm. During this time, the second half of the program will commence. The program will feature LGBT performers as well as brief solidarity messages from prominent LGBT individuals.

The Parade Route is seen in the diagram below:

Please check the TFP page regularly for updates on the program line-up and the venue. Thanks, and see you all on December 3, 2011 at the Pride March!

For more information you can visit this FB Event Page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=241089652610923

Visit the official website:
http://www.taskforcepride.blogspot.com/

email us at:
taskforcepride@gmail.com
or SMS us at 09163089903 (Globe), 09333049795 (Sun)

Yours with Pride,

Raffy Aquino
2011 Membership & Participation Head
Task Force Pride

13th Transgender Day of Remembrance

2011-11-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

Where: Isis International #3 Marunong St., Bgy. Central, Quezon City Metro Manila, Philippines

When: November 20, 2011, Sunday Time:1:00pm until 4:00pm

Organizer: Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP)

Event Page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/194935397252709

The Devil wears Penshoppe

2011-11-16T20:51:00.001-08:00

Here's an email I sent to Penshoppe with regard to my experience just today from one of their staff in Trinoma.

It's been a long time since I last shopped for your brand and today I decided to visit your Trinoma Branch. I was looking for a pair of denim so when I got the pair I wanted, I asked the sales lady for a smaller size than the one I was holding, then with utterly complete disregard, she said "Ay Sir 29 lang po ang smallest size namin, yung 28 po sa ladies' section na po". I am a professional young gay guy who was dressed appropriately. Despite the fact that I am out (everyone I know knows my sexual preference), I found it very rude, unprofessional, and disrespectful of her to say that to me. While she was looking for a smaller pair, I left the store hoping to exit with a new pair of jeans, but all I took with me was an insult from one of your staff. Had it not been for my two friends who convinced me to shrug it off, I wouldn't have had the energy to continue shopping. We went to Landmark and found Penshoppe yet again. I really wanted to get the pair I held in my hands at the Trinoma branch so I took another shot, and I was glad to have received such great service from the staff that day. I got the pair with no insult attached to the denim. With regard to the incompetent and disrespectful girl who was in the Trinoma branch, she deserves a lesson in great customer service because she doesn't know how to give one. And it would be an embarrassment to your great company if this situation would happen to other potential customers thanks to her. I am hoping to hear from you soon to acknowledge my concern, or else, I'd go back and report that girl to the supervisor.

Let's wait for their reply.

Transpinay speaks on German panel

2011-10-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

20 October 2011 – Naomi Fontanos, chairwoman of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) the pioneer human rights advocacy organization of transgender/transsexual Filipinas or transpinays, spoke on a panel called Trans* Rights Are Human Rights organized by the Heinrich Boell Foundation in Berlin, Germany on 5 October 2011, Wednesday (see video below).

The panel focused on the initial research findings of the TransRespect Vs TransPhobia (TvT) Project of Transgender Europe (TGEU), which investigates the legal and social situation of transgender people globally.

Talking about transpeople in East and Southeast Asia, Fontanos said "From East Asia to Southeast Asia, transpeople face a similar situation: silenced, excluded and erased. Most transpeople have no say over their identities; their lived realities are belittled and dismissed and state and cultural forces act to render them powerless, with no control over their own lives.”

“Like others elsewhere in the world, transpeople in East and Southeast Asia are coerced to make a choice between a life of dignity and their gender identity as if these two were exclusive of each other,” she added.

The packed auditorium was attended by locals, human rights advocates, and members of the media and the transcommunity in Berlin. In the panel with Fontanos were Carla LaGata and Jan Simon Hutta, the main TvT researchers, Witnes Booysen, Outreach Coordinator of GenderDynamix in South Africa, Tamara Adrian, a lawyer and transactivist from Venezuela, Agniva Lahiri, Executive Director of People Like Us (PLUS) Calcutta, Joleen Mataele, Chairperson of the Pacific Sexual Diversity Network (PSDN) from Tonga and Kristian Randelovic of Transgayten in Serbia. The panel was chaired by Julia Ehrt, co-chair of TGEU.

You can see a video of the panel here.

Living Positively + Living Well Campaign

2011-10-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

LIVING POSITIVELY + LIVING WELL

A movement to use love and happiness against HIV.

Begin your own advocacy to live with a positive outlook, and share that positivism to the world. Add your voice to the growing number of advocates rallying for positivism and against HIV.

To be a part of the Living Positively + Living Well Open Photoshoot:

Share your stories, thoughts, or philosophies on how you live positively;
Join our two-part open photoshoot; and
Be featured in our photo exhibition.

When: October 22 and 29 (10AM-6PM)

Where: Pioneer Studios, 123 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City

For the location map and directions to the venue, visit www.pioneerstudios.ph. The parking space in front of Pioneer Studios is limited and a tow-away zone. Pay parking is available at Pioneer Citiland Parking near the studio at the corner of Pioneer Street and Reliance Street (see location map). Rates are PhP30.00 for first 3 hours and PhP10.00 succeeding hours.

Registration Fee: PhP1,000.00

Proceeds to the event will be used for further skills training of YFL members as we expand our program to reach more people affected by HIV.

Specially-trained peer counselors from The Love Yourself Project (TLYP) will offer free counseling during the event.

How to Participate:

Pre-register to confirm your participation (see registration form below)
1. Answer the question “How do you live positively?”
2. Select a schedule for your photoshoot. Make sure to indicate the following details:
  1. Shirt size;
  2. Preferred date; and
  3. Preferred time.
Come to the scheduled photoshoot date and time
1. Get professionally-shot portraits by photographer Noel Abelardo; and
2. A special Yoga for Life “Living Positively + Living Well” t-shirt.
Watch out for the Photo Exhibition in December 2011

FAQs

What should I wear?

You will be provided a Yoga for Life t-shirt to wear during the photoshoot. Please wear bottoms that will allow you to comfortably sit in a cross-legged position on the floor, e.g. pants.

Will the basic grooming or make-up service include hair styling?

We will have make-up artists on site to do basic touch-ups and grooming. We prefer the participants to look naturally beautiful; there is no need to look extremely glamorous.

Why do I have to pre-register and pay a 50% downpayment?

We don’t want you to wait long to have your photo taken. So by pre-registering and making a downpayment, we can reserve a timeslot that is most convenient for you. We will also be able to reserve a t-shirt that best fits your size. This process will allow us to work more efficiently and give you the attention and service you deserve. You can pay the 50% balance at the venue. We can issue official receipts upon request.

Can I still go if I did not pre-register or pay the 50% downpayment?

Yes, but you may have to wait for the next available timeslot. Pre-registered individuals will be given priority. Best to give us a call before you come so we can advice you. Call Charmaine at 09175404247. You can pay the P1,000 donation at the venue.

Can I bring a friend who wants to go for the same photoshoot but had not pre-registered on the website?

Yes, but same rule applies as in the previous question.

How long will the photoshoot take?

Allot 1.5 to 2 hours for the whole process, which will include registration, 10-minute peer education, make-up/grooming, and actual photoshoot.

Is the HIV peer education required?

The 10-minute HIV peer education session is optional, but highly recommended. You will be in the good hands of certified peer educators from The Love Yourself Project, our partner for the campaign. It will be a productive way to fill in the waiting time.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

By filling out the registration form, I am committing to participate in this photoshoot in support of Yoga for Life’s Living Positively + Living Well Campaign. I understand that the donation of P1,000.00 will be collected from every participant to pay for a package that includes: (1) a Yoga for Life t-shirt, (2) basic grooming or make-up services, (3) a free HIV peer education session, and (4) two post-processed digital photos - 1 headshot layout and 1 lotus yoga pose layout.

Please make a 50% downpayment or full payment to reserve a timeslot. Fill in and submit the registration form on or before 21 October 2011. We will contact you through email or mobile phone to confirm your reserved timeslot.

Payment Instructions

You have three options for paying:

Make a 50% downpayment of PhP500.00 by depositing it to our bank account and pay the 50% balance during the actual photoshoot;
Make a full payment of PhP1,000.00 by depositing it to our bank account; or
Paying either amount directly to Charmaine Cu-Unjieng or Paulo Leonido (co-founders) during a regular yoga class on or before 19 October 2011. Official receipts will be given. Please settle any balance during the actual photoshoot. Schedule of classes can be found at www.yogaforlife.ph.

For bank deposits, our bank details are as follows:

Bank name: China Banking Corp. (Chinabank Greenhills Branch)

Account name: Yoga for Life Foundation, Inc.

Account number: 105-375041-6

* Please show your bank deposit slip or Yoga for Life official receipt when you register during the actual photoshoot.

"Kill the Gays Bill" - barbaric and abhorrent

2011-08-22T01:10:00.000-07:00

Nakakalungkot isipin na may isang taong naisipang isumite ang bill na ito upang gawing batas!

Ganito ang nangyayari sa Uganda. Isang bansang tinaguriang 'perlas ng afrika'. Bansang ang pagiging bakla ay kinamumuhian at may parusang kamatayan.

Nagsimula ang ganitong ideolohiya sa Uganda dahil sa mga christian evangelist na dala'y bibliya at pananampalataya upang sakupin ang kaisipan ng mga tao. Walang masama sa adhikaing ito. Bagkus, ito'y isang magandang gawain sa lahat ng may pananampalataya sa kanilang Diyos!

Subalit, sa kadahilanang sarado at mangmang ang mga pastor na ito tungkol sa saklaw ng pagiging homosexual, pati utak ng mga mga tao ay nilason na nila sa kaisipang ang babae ay para sa lalaki at walang puwang sa mundo ang mga bakla at tomboy.

American evangelicals such as Scott Lively and California pastor Rick Warren have a history of involvement in Uganda where they focus their missionary work. As a result, Warren and others have become influential in the shaping of public policy in Uganda, Nigeria and, to a lesser extent, Kenya.^[11] Pambazuka News stated "It's worth noting that it costs a considerable amount of money, time and processes to table a private-member’s bill, which begs the question of how the MP from Kabale District [Bahati] is financing this process? It has also been common practice for the mushrooming pastors and churches to use homophobic attacks on opponents as a way to discredit each other and sway faithfuls."^[23] Martin Ssempa, a Ugandan pastor and former affiliate of Warren, has endorsed the bill,^[25] and after a period of silence and a refusal to take sides in the matter, Warren has publicly denounced the bill, calling it "un-Christian".^[26] In February 2010, to counter opposition to the bill, Ssempa showed gay pornography to 300 members of his church, shocking them with images of explicit sexual acts, and implying that all gay people engage in them, but straight people do not. (excerpt from Wikipedia)

Hindi malayong mangyari sa Pilipinas ang ganitong siste hangga't nasa Kamara de Representante si Abante. Matter of fact Rep. Bienvenido Abante authored House Bill 6919, which branded homosexuals as "highly immoral, scandalous and detestable act" the union of the same sex. Even cohabitation between persons of the same sex or gender who live together as ‘husband and wife’ merits the highest penalty: imprisonment from 10 to 15 years and a fine from P100,000 to P150,000.

Bagama't bukas ang kaisipan ng sambayanang Pilipino patungkol sa usaping ito, hindi pa rin mawawala sa isipan ng LGBT community ang takot na baka mauwi sa lahat ang pagsusumikap ng buong komunidad na kilalanin ng ating saligang batas!

Ang panghihimasok ng simbahan sa mga usaping katulad nito ay walang maidudulot na mabuti. Katulad na lamang nitong Anti-Homosexuality Bill (also known as the "Kill the Gays Bill") sa Uganda na naimpluwensyahan ng mga alagad ng diyos.

Pang-unawa ang respeto lamang ang hinihingi ng komunidad at hindi awa. Hindi rin namin kelangan ang dasal ng buong Vatican para gumaling dahil wala naman kaming nakakahawang sakit.

Subalit, bilang isang taong may pananampalataya, aming pinagdadasal sa aming mga Diyos na sanay maliwanagan ang inyong mga mangmang na kaisipan.

Ganda lang!

Transpinays make human rights history with UN communication

2011-05-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

CSWCD, UP Diliman -- The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), the pioneer transgender human rights organization in the Philippines, makes history as they send off a communication to the United Nations (UN) that calls attention to state responsibilities of the Philippine Government as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to pay careful attention to how the justice system updates itself with current developments in international human rights law in its understanding of gender identity through the lived experiences of transsexual women.

"The launch of this historical and important communication to the United Nations comes at a very opportune time what with the recent hurtful pronouncements made by the mother of Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Mommy Dionisia has made comments about transsexuals and their use of the pill showing the widespread ignorance about transsexualism in the Philippines," says STRAP Chairwoman Naomi Fontanos.

The communication aims to put a spotlight on the plight of transpinays (transsexual Filipinas) and their struggle with institutionalized transphobia--the negative attitude towards transgender people that leads to cruelty, abuse and discrimination--as demonstrated by the 2008 Supreme Court (SC) decision that denied a transsexual woman's petition for legal name and sex change. The communication, which highlights the debilitating effects of the the SC decision on the lives of three transpinays--Naomi Fontanos, Juliana Geissel and Rio Moreno--was made possible in collaboration with the Women and Development (WD) Women and the Law class 2010-2011 of the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) under Atty. Evalyn Ursua.

The communication will be launched and sent off to the UN at the CSWCD grounds at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman at 5:30 pm on 23 May 2011. The event is open to the public.

100% Guilt Free Shopper event Teaser 4

2011-05-05T21:50:00.001-07:00

A Fashion Blogger, A Graphic artist & illustrator and A Model-Host & Preschool teacher are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

100% Guilt Free Shopper event Teaser 3

2011-05-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

A French and A Japanese student volunteers, A Singer and A Model-VJ are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

100% Guilt Free Shopper event Teaser 2

2011-05-05T21:43:00.001-07:00

A Radio DJ, A Fashion Stylist, A Film Director and A Climate Change
Commissioner are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free
Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

100% Guilt Free Shopper Event Teaser 1

2011-05-04T12:50:00.001-07:00

A Beauty Queen with a cause, A Blogger, A Climate Change Warrior and An Icon are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

MCC Makati - “Transforming hearts, lives and history”

2011-05-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

What is a Metropolitan Community Church?

We are a denomination of Christian Churches called the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC). MCC Makati is a spirit-filled, non-denominational, Christian church that is open and affirming of the GLBT community. The Fellowship believes in including all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race or other previous denominational affiliation. While our primary outreach in the Philippines is to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community, our doors are open to all.

Our special mission is to connect the GLBT community with God, just as they are. To let everyone know that a person can be gay/lesbian or straight and still serve God. We also strive to educate mainstream Christianity of the importance of the GLBT community in God's plan. MCC Makati is open to ALL people - gay, lesbian, straight, men, women, African American, Caucasian, Asian, Latino, rich, poor, young, old, etc. Please make yourself at home, and take your time checking out the information on our church.

The first Metropolitan Community Church was founded by Rev. Troy Perry (a Pentecostal Preacher) in Los Angeles in 1968. He believed that it was God's will that lesbian and gay people hear the Good News of God's inclusive love, especially since they had been generally rejected by the older, mainline churches.

UFMCC now has over 300 churches worldwide! By the grace of God, there are now 3 churches in the Philippines located in Makati, Quezon City and Baguio!

Where is Metropolitan Community Church in Makati (MCC Makati) located?

Our temporary office and worship center is located at TLF Office 2580 A. Bonifacio St. Bangkal Evangelista Makati City Philippines. At present, we hold our worship services at Veijo Multi-purpose Hall Brgy. Veijo Guadalupe Makati City. Weekly services are held every Sunday at 5:00PM.

Looking for Call Center Agents

2011-05-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

Agent Posts Available:

Customer Service Representative/ Technical Support Representative/ Outbound Agents

*Candidates must possess a 4-year Bachelor's degree or must have completed 1st two years in college at least.
*Candidates must possess average to excellent communication skills.
*Candidates must be fluent in English
*Candidates must be willing to work in graveyard shifts or shifting schedules
*Previous call center experience for INTERNATIONAL accounts is an advantage, but not a requirement.
*Fresh graduates are welcome to Apply.

Interested applicants may send their resume to maquino@viventis-search.com and we will set a schedule for an initial screening.

Working Locations: Alabang, Taguig, Makati, Libis, Cubao, and Ortigas.

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100% Guilt Free Shopper

2011-04-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

World Fair Trade Day is a worldwide celebration of Fair Trade which has been supported for the past few years by thousands of citizens, Fair Trade Organizations, social and environmental movements, local authorities, national governments, multilateral institutions, producers and consumers all around the planet. Last year, more than 52 countries took part in this global call for change. This year, more than 73 countries in 5 regions are expected to participate.

In the Philippines, WFTO Asia will be celebrating the World Fair Trade Day in Shangri La Plaza Mall Grand Atrium from May 13 to 15. There will be a photo exhibit, a mini expo of certified Fair Trade products from all over Asia, and booths where people can sign up to become a volunteer and/or a sponsor.

In line with the organization’s regional consumer brand & logo with the tagline, “Shopping with a Conscience,” WFTO Asia will launch its consumer campaign ‘100% Guilt Free Shopper’ on May 14.

The campaign aims to inform everyone, especially the consumers, what Fair Trade is and the 10 principles it represents. It aims to empower the consumers that by SWITCHING to Fair Trade by either BUYING (certified Fair Trade products and/or the organization’s advocacy merchandise) or SUPPORTING (Sponsoring/Donating/Fundraising, becoming a volunteer intern, and or participating in the organization’s events), they have the power to BEAT POVERTY, BEAT CLIMATE CHANGE, BEAT DISCRIMINATION, BEAT EXPLOITATION and BEAT IGNORANCE.

“This campaign targets 1,000,000 switchers by the end of the year. 1,000,000 people in Asia who realized that thoughtless buying isn’t enough. 1,000,000 people who believes that they can use the power of their purchase to change the lives of millions of disadvantaged communities all over the world,” says Toni Zuniga, Business Development and Brand Officer of WFTO Asia.

“Fair Trade is such a worthy advocacy and movement. It’s really big in countries like the UK and the US. It’s about time that Asia knows about it & unite for change which is not easy because of the relatively low awareness of the Asian consumers about Fair Trade.” says Zuniga.

Many celebrities like Emma Watson, Sir Paul Mc Cartney and Annie Lennox have been active supporters of Fair Trade. Emma Watson, for example, partnered with a WFTO member organization called ‘People Tree’ to release a line of Fair Trade clothing in the UK.

As part of the 100% Guilt Free Shopper campaign, WFTO Asia will be introducing 12
personalities who’ll be the Ambassadors of Fair Trade here in the Philippines. These individuals came from different fields and industries, some are already household names while others are well-known in their respective fields.

“Anybody can be a Guilt Free Shopping Ambassador. You don’t have to be a celebrity or
automatically be a 100% Fair Trade practitioner. The first step in becoming one is to be educated about Fair Trade and the 10 principles that comprise it. The next step is to slowly transition to Fair Trade. The change doesn’t have to be radical- Buy a Fair Trade product and try it. Sign up and be a WFTO volunteer or a sponsor. By the end of 2011, we aspire to have 1,000,000 switchers, 1,000,000 Ambassadors for Fair Trade.” says Zuniga.

WFTO Asia is partnering with the Philippine Climate Change Commission, AIESEC Philippines, Miss Earth Foundation, Nakamurka.com, Herword.com & Business World to make this event possible.

Yoga for Life: TOUCHING LIVES

2011-04-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, 15 May 2011, the Yoga for Life community will come together to join the world in commemorating the 28th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial at the Glorietta 3 Park in Ayala Center, Makati. Entitled Yoga for Life: Touching Lives, it will be an afternoon that will gather yoga enthusiasts and HIV advocates alike in a candlelit sunset ceremony honoring the lives of people affected by HIV and AIDS.

The Yoga for Life community will take the traditional candle lighting ceremony further by making an impact in the way that it knows best - through yoga. Co-founders Charmaine Cu-Unjieng and Paulo Leonido will be joined by the country’s top yoga instructors in leading the community through yoga poses, breathing techniques and guided meditation, to demonstrate how the discipline and community of yoga help those affected by HIV. More importantly, the event aims to unite the community’s energies towards igniting the flames of HIV awareness in the general public.

The event will begin with registration at 3:30 pm, and will be supported by yoga instructors Roland dela Cruz, Jeannie Javelosa, Tesa Celdran, Marilen Elizalde, Marc Carlos, Lex Bonife and Rebecca de Villa, HIV advocates from different sectors and friends of the Yoga for Life community. Proceeds from the event will support the services that Yoga for Life provides to the HIV community, which include yoga classes, meditation sessions, and HIV and life-skills counseling.

This is the 28th year since the International Candlelight Memorial was first held, making it the longest running community event around HIV and AIDS. It will also be the first time that the Yoga for Life community is joining the tens of thousands of people from 75 different countries in touching the lives of those affected by HIV. While the Candlelight Memorial was originally held to commemorate the lives lost to HIV, Yoga for Life chooses to empower the lives of those who continue to triumph in spite of the virus, and celebrate the HIV advocate in everyone.

Yoga for Life began in June 2010, and is the Philippines’ first community-based yoga program for persons living with HIV, as well as others who support them and the cause and want to experience the beauty of yoga. To date, the community has grown to over 300, as Yoga for Life continues to reach more people and build a community of advocates who, through yoga, share their energies towards living positively and living well.

So come and join us as we touch lives through yoga!

LESBIANS REACT OVER CRISTY FERMIN’S STATEMENT

2011-04-19T03:05:00.000-07:00

A group of lesbian lawyers reacted to the alleged malicious statement of veteran showbiz writer and tv host, Cristy Fermin, to singer/actress Aiza Seguerra, advising the latter not to talk about morality because she “lives an immoral life.”

Lately, Seguerra found herself in the controversy after tweeting on the incident involving a 6-year old boy gyrating as a 'macho' dancer in TV5’s Willing Willie show hosted by Willie Revillame. On her radio program, Fermin, who is a staunch supporter of the host, defended Revillame but did not name Seguerra as the object of her malicious pitch.

According to the founding president of Rainbow Rights Project, Atty. Germaine Leonin, Fermin's statement was uncalled for and bothersome, since her working environment is being dominated by gays and lesbians. The group was saddened because until now, society is still judgmental and prejudiced.

“Being lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) is not equal to immorality. Please focus on the issue of the child abuse objectively and do not make personal attacks based on personal biases and judgments against who we are. A person’s sexuality is not the only measure of her integrity and moral fiber,” Atty. Leonin said.

R-Rights is a non-governmental organization who is dedicated to promoting a rational discourse on the rights of LGBTs in the country.

“We are proud of Aiza for standing up and expressing her views. She is well within her rights and these rights have nothing to do with her sexuality. Cristy Fermin must be careful with these reckless and slanderous comments that are clearly desperate tactics to detract us from the real issue of child abuse,” Atty. Leonin said.
Another lesbian group, Lesbian Activism Project (LeAP) Inc., is calling the attention of Fermin to clarify her statement on the issue. LeAP, a non-government organization (NGO) that envisions a society free from discrimination and homophobia, says the TV host should first examine her own attitudes and actions, before making comments and insinuations about other people’s personal lives.

Ladlad Partylist, the political organization of Filipino LGBTs, is supporting the call of the two lesbian organizations to shed light on the matter and to avoid fanning unnecessary flames in relation to the Jan-Jan issue. Ladlad emphasized that being gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender is not immoral because it symbolizes love and freedom.

Last year, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) rejected Ladlad for party-list accreditation on the grounds that the party advocates "immoral doctrines" and is a "threat to the youth". However, the Supreme Court overturned the decision and paved the way for Ladlad to run as a legitimate partylist in 2010.

Experience the Beauty of YOGA

2011-04-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yoga for Life is the first ever community-based yoga class series, specially designed for the needs of people living with HIV, but open as well to others who support them and want to experience the beauty of yoga.

For inquiries, you may contact: Charmaine: 0917 540-4247 | charmaine.cuunjieng@gmail.com
Paulo: 0917 388-9658 | comradepaw@gmail.com yogaforlife.ph@gmail.com

Photos taken by Noel Abelardo
http://noelabelardo.multiply.com/photos/album/61/Yoga_For_Life

This Heart is Still Beating

MY STORY: END DISCRIMINATION TO TRANSSEXUAL WOMEN

2011-03-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

These past months have been a hectic one for me at work and my advocacy; I reasonably lost in touch with my sister who also happens to have a demanding work as a pharmacist in a public hospital. And so last night, when at last, our energies and time met and we planned to have some indulging and pampering and consequently, we headed at WENSHA SPA CENTER last March 16 at 12 midnight. We went to the WENSHA SPA CENTER located at Timog Ave. corner Panay Ave, Quezon City.

We merrily entered the spa because of its good ambiance and it was our first time to experience some indulging and pampering at midnight. Actions and occurrences were initially without abrupt turns when we availed for their full packages promo – facial and body massage or foot massage or foot spa. We were given bracelet keys for our lockers and colored rubber slippers. There was no sign that a deplorable situation will happen later.

They were still gracious to ask us to proceed at the second floor. We then proceeded at the locker room to change. At this point we noticed the lady guard at the door, because she was looking at me nastily and maliciously and as if it wasn’t enough she also gawkily watched me change my clothes all throughout. I just ignored it and let it pass even if I knew I was the only one receiving her odd and awkward stares.

I then proceeded to the facial room and while my sister went on to have her body massage. An hour later, I was soothed after my facial treatment which was excellently done by my kind facial therapist, Angel. My sister also arrived at the facial room to have hers. I told Angel and my sister that I needed to go first to my locker before proceeding to my body massage. I had to get some money for tip. Suddenly, my dear sister followed me and she seemed agitated. I asked her what’s wrong. She swiftly whispered that Angel had told her that there’s a problem because the lady guard and another staff informed her that I cannot have my body massage in the female section but instead I will be transferred to the male section. I felt so hurt and turned dazed and disoriented for a moment. My dear sister held my hands and only then that I regained my focus. I quickly went back to the facial room and conversed to Angel to get the whole story. The apologetic, accommodating and kind Angel told me that the lady guard had informed her that I cannot be provided service in the female section because I will be sharing a room with other biological women and they might feel uncomfortable. I also found out that some staff didn’t want me to be there, but rather at the male section. Embarrassed, capsized and distressed, I held back my tears and didn’t want to show any weakness. I remained gallant and unaffected and said my piece: “This is discrimination. I am a transsexual woman and I deserve to avail of the services that I paid in this area. It will be very unpleasant for me and the men if you will insist for me to transfer. Besides you cannot assume anything unless one of the clients has already complained. “

The poor Angel was constantly apologetic and tried to pacify me by saying, “Ewan ko sa kanila ma’am, sorry po talaga. Retokada or naopera na daw po ba kayo? But if my vagina na po kayo ay sige po. Okay lang po ba kasi magtatanggal kayo lahat.” (I don’t know what’s wrong with them ma’am. I am really sorry. They were asking if you have undergone any operation, but if you have vagina then it will be fine. Would it just be okay for you to take off everything?) The entire course of the conversation and questions was so humiliating and degrading so I told Angel that I will not push through with the body massage anymore and I will just settle for the foot massage. I was still hurting and starting to feel so depressed even if Angel accompanied me to the common foot massage section and got an equally kind massage therapist for me. Her name is Monet and I told her what happened. “Kaya pala ako pinaki-usapan ni Angel. Grabe naman sila ma’am”, she said. (That’s probably why Angel talked to me, they are so inconsiderate). I retorted back by saying that I felt bad and that they cannot do this to me. I’m an officer of Ladlad Partylist and this will definitely cause you in trouble. In my thoughts, I didn’t want to create a commotion because it might work against my part, so I remained composed, calm and collected. However, while having my foot massage, I couldn’t any longer take pleasure into it and I wanted to finish it. The violation already sank in my mind and heart. The feeling of unwanted and disrespect pervaded my system.

After that incident, I asked the receptionist, She Viray if I can talk to the manager. She asked if there was a problem. I narrated to her what happened upstairs. Little did I know that she is aware of what’s happening. She even rudely told me that she didn’t know I was a transsexual woman and have she known she will not allow me. She then continued by saying that the manager is not around. Nonetheless, she called the supervisor on duty, Mr. Elmer Belarmino, who is also a gay man. I was hoping that he will understand me better but I was mistaken. He told me that when they called his attention about my situation, he allowed it anyway for the reason that I was already there at the female section. I calmly told him that the lady guard and some staff have already offended me by their attempt to refuse me in the female area and as well to their insensitive questions.

However, Mr. Belarmino’s concept of transsexualism is someone whose organ is “cut-off” or “naopera” na, in which I informed him that he is using wrong, selective definitions and terms. In Filipino, I lectured him, “transsexual women are those who identify themselves as women and they may choose to express it in different nuances. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to undergo surgery. That is our right or your right Mr. Belarmino – to determine your own gender and live by it. I am the chairperson of Ladlad Partylist and we are looking after the welfare of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. If you can do this to me then how about those who cannot fight and assert for their rights? Bawal po ang pagtrato ninyo sa amin. Ito po ay diskriminasyon. (You don’t treat us well. This is simply discrimination.)” To my surprise, his response was way out of context. “Nakita ko nga sa TV yung sa UP, ano yun talagang naopera na?” (Yes, I’ve watched the UP issue in the television, but what it is? Has the person really undergone operation?). I already felt frustrated and notified him that the UP student he saw is an ally and a sister. I related to him that the UP incident is the same to what happened to me in their spa center.

I dig deeper and asked him if they have a policy against transsexual women. He said there was none, only that they have a list of 10 policies of those that they will prohibit inside the spa center and maybe we are like number 11 but there is no written rule. It stunned me when he compared me to a drunkard being allowed to the spa center and then the other clients might complain. I told him that it is improper to compare me to a drunkard because I am not one. It is also more unacceptable to compare transsexual women to a drunkard.

He further said that he cannot beat the lady guard but can only report the incident. I told him that I don’t wish to harm anyone. All I wanted is that for them especially the lady guard and staff to be more sensitive and aware of people like us rather than offending us or refusing us of services. I also held him and said: “transsexual women like me are here not to steal a look to other women or with a malevolent purpose, but to simply relax and pamper ourselves just like any human being does. Please trust me on this one, Elmer. We are transsexual women living like any biological women. We live, behave, think and feel like a woman. ” I felt so exasperated and annoyed that our discussion is going nowhere. I then bid goodbye, gave my calling card and thank him for his time and that I will take some actions to this one.

I felt relieved somehow that I was able to gather my temerity and affirm my rights. I tried to be calm and unruffled because I wanted to deliver my message well. I always believe that disagreements can always be discussed by not exchanging in a heated and angrily manner. I don’t also want to berate other people just to declare my rights.

I have been exposed to discrimination in the past and no one will ever get used to it. Every time I encounter discrimination, harassment or prejudice it weakens my dignity and sense of self-worth. I am glad that my dear sister was there to help me appease myself despite of the bigotry. She even intimated to me that she already saw and felt the agony and damage one has to experience when discriminated. She even passionately shared this sad episode to my nieces. My parents and family continue to accept, respect, recognize, and love me as their daughter and sister and I will not allow anybody to overthrow it all.

The assailment of transsexual women in our community is an indication that discrimination is still very rampant. It is also a clear indication that in the LGBT community -- the transgender community is by far the most assaulted and challenged. Our hands are tied because of the absence of an anti-discrimination law and gender recognition law as well.

World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia): Shopping with a Conscience

2011-03-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

March 8 is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is, “Equal Access to education, training and science & technology: Pathway to decent work for women”; over 100 countries all over the world celebrated on this day the various contributions and achievements of women.

The mission and vision of World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia) is to uplift the conditions of thousands of grassroots producers and workers in the poorest of Asian countries in which majority are composed of women. The WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN FAIR TRADE event is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women in Fair Trade and in their respective communities. It showcased women in Fair Trade as leaders and change makers, highlighting the experiences of these women in helping other women that created a cycle of empowerment.

Ramona Ramos, Executive Director of WFTO Asia says, “At present, we have more than 90 member organizations and communities in 14 Asian countries, majority are women and women led, who supports women in creating sustainable livelihood solutions for her and her family.”

Simultaneously, WFTO Asia pre-launched its new regional consumer brand & logo with the tagline, “Shopping with a Conscience.” In connection, WFTO Asia will introduce its 2011 consumer campaign called “100% Guilt Free Shopper.”

The campaign aims to inform everyone, especially the consumers, what Fair Trade is and the 10 principles it represents. It aims to empower the consumers that by switching to Fair Trade by either buying (certified WFTO Asia Fair Trade products and/or the organization’s advocacy merchandise) or supporting the organization (Sponsoring/Donating/Fundraising, becoming a volunteer intern, and or participating in the organization’s events), they have the power to eradicate poverty, stop child and forced labor, advocate for gender equality, support sustainability and capacity building, safeguard the environment, promote equality in trade, and open opportunities for health and education.

“This campaign targets 1,000,000 switchers by the end of the year. 1,000,000 people in Asia who realized that thoughtless buying isn’t enough. 1,000,000 people who believes that they can use the power of their purchase to change the lives of millions of disadvantaged communities all over the world,” says Toni Zuniga, Business Development and Brand Officer of WFTO Asia

The ‘100% Guilt Free Shopper’ campaign will officially begin on April with the launch of WFTO Asia’s Regional 100% Guilt Free Shopping Ambassadors. These people will follow the footsteps of WFTO’s Global Ambassador Emma Watson in promoting WFTO and Fair Trade.

Re: HOW TO MANIPULATE YOUR GAY

2011-02-11T01:58:00.000-08:00

As I was migrating to a new PC in the office, I came across one file that I saved maybe 2 years ago, back when I started blogging. I lifted this from a blog entitled "Confessions of a Dirty Good Boy," (http://hijodenoche.blogspot.com) authored by "Boy de Jour," who claims to be a first-class you-know-what (I can't say the term).

To put it, I found this article VERY DISTURBING, as this lays out the reality behind the techniques that "hustlers" use to manipulate gays. The more disturbed I got when I found out that these were the very strategies that I experienced from some "men" way back in my early awakening days of being gay. On the other hand, I would like to commend the author, Boy de Jour, for writing this down and publishing it online. This is a wide eye-opener for gays who are new in the trade, or for those who keep their eyes closed despite obvious experiences of manipulation.

So, here you go, the article.

Everybody has a gay. Be it a lover, a friend, a professor, or a new acquaintance. A gay can be very beneficial to a boy, a young man, or someone who looks like either a boy or a young man.

With my expertise as a master mindgamer, manipulator, and damn fucking hot sex machine, I am now arguably the definitive go-to guy when it comes to training hustler wannabes into the art of manipulating a gay for benefits. I am now sharing them with you through the goodness of my heart. Listen well, my young padawans, and listen good.

The key to successfully manipulating a gay for benefits is confidence. You must gain your mark's confidence through careful suggestions, hints, and behavior. It's not how good you look, how well built you are, or how big your dick is. It's all about how well you play the con game. I have long diagnosed myself to have malignant narcissism, and unless you can admit to having one as well, then you can not pull a successful con.

If you have worked in a call center long enough, or if you have experience working for Famly First, then you'll find this relatively easy.

First, some clarifications: at the heart of any confidence trick is the victim's (or "the mark", sometimes "the target") own greed. A good conman doesn't play with people's TRUST, he plays with their CONFIDENCE. There's a difference. People get tricked into scams not because they're trusting, but because they are confident that they will gain something great by engaging with the con artist.

Thus, one should not feel sorry to con a gay. You can NEVER trick an honest gay, only the greedy ones, the ones with hidden motives, the ones with the secret desires, can be truly corrupted.

Moving on... here are some pointers on how to successfully manipulate your gay for benefits.

I. Treat him like a man.

Gays enjoy the cursory illusion of being treated like "one of the boys". Call them "pare" as much as you can, they'd like that. EVEN IF they admit they're gay, you have to keep on ignoring that and pretend that you "don't believe" he is gay.

Say things like: "Pare, sumama ka lang lagi sa kin, gagawin kitang tunay na lalake." And "Pare, sayang ka, eh. Siguro, kung susubok ka lang ng chicks, makakabuo ka kaagad."

Invite them to play basketball. Don't worry. They will never play basketball. Gays don't play basketball, they play volleyball. If your mark's a tall gay, then you can say things like "Pare, sayag, dapat nagbabasketball ka, dami mo siguro chicks." They will love that.

Pretend IGNORANCE. Even if your gay is starting to hint interest in you, IGNORE HIS ADVANCES in order to challenge him more. Gays are biologically male, and as such, are tied to the psychology of being excited when facing challenges.

BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE: Never ever treat your gay like a woman. Treating a gay like a woman will make him believe you are interested in something romantic. He will start behaving like a girl, and like a true female, will start MAKING DEMANDS. You DON'T want that. You don't want your gay to send you messages like "Bakit di ka nagtetext?" or "Hmph." or asking you questions about the friends you're keeping.

II. Invest in Your Gay

Every peso you invest in your gay will have a profit margin of 10x ROI. Part of gaining a gay's confidence is making him believe that you are financially independent (You ARE financially independent; you just enjoy spending his money instead of yours) and are not interested in his money. This will also CHALLENGE him into OUT DOING the amount you have spent on him.

Treat a gay into a frappucino in the ballpark of 100-php and you can expect to be treated to a movie and dinner amounting to 1000-php. Wear a 500-php shirt, and he might give you a pair of 5,000-php shoes. This is mathematics.

III. Always Smell Strong

It doesn't matter if you smell good or you smell bad as long as your body scent is STRONG AND OVERWHELMING. Bathe in cheap Afficionado perfume (that is, if you can't afford original, expensive perfumes like I can) or don't shower for 3 days. This is an either-or tip.

Gays are big on smells. They want to smell you a lot. A person's scent is a subconscious reminder to his significant others of his presence when out of the line of vision. You must establish your presence with your scent.

When playing rough with your "pare", make sure he gets a health dose of your armpits. Pretend you're not conscious of how you smell.

IV. Show Some Skin

Show some skin--BUT NOT A LOT, AND NOT OFTEN.

The technique is to give them a bit to stir their phantom wombs, but not enough to satisfy them, and not often enough that they get accustomed to your body. Never let a gay get familiarized with your physique, or you will lose the whole con altogether.

V. Profit

Finally, when it comes to reaping the rewards of your hard work, do so subtly.

Make your mark think IT'S HIS IDEA to "help" you out. Never suggest a solution, but present "your problem" in such a way that the solution is clear, and he would make the leaps of logic easily without your help.

Sample dialogue: "So, yun. Di ko nga alam kung saan ako kukuha ng pang-tuition eh. Kung may mahihiraman lang ako, makakapag-bayad naman ako sa susunod na padala ni mama."

Always put up a token resistance. "Ano ba, nakakahiya naman. Baka sabihin nila, ano." is a classic reply to ANY AND ALL OFFER OF ASSISTANCE.

Do not ask for anything; always pretend you're just "borrowing".

When going around the mall with your gay, it would be helpful if you make your tastes clear in order to help him pick out a birthday/graduation/special occassion gift for you next time that he's alone. "Fuck, sayang, mahal pala tong bagong Nike Zoom Le Bron VI! Gustong gusto ko pa naman."

Not all benefits are financial. You can ask your gay for help on matters concerning your studies, or for other opportunities:

"Shit, ambobo ko talaga. Babagsak na naman ako sa class kasi di ko magawa ng tama tong project ko."

"Kung makakahanap lang ako trabaho, di makakatulong na ako kina mama."

"Buti ka nga may auto, eh. Ako, pa-commute-commute lang. Kailangan ko pa naman pumunta ng Subic para pick-upin yung padala ni Mama sa tita ko dun."

Bonus Tip: One of the best scam to pull on a gay once you've gained his confidence is the Multilevel Marketing Scam Gay Version: "Pare, ayos yung in-ooffer sa akin nung kaibigan ko. 14,500 lang ang fee, tapos kada-2 downline, may 500 ako, plus automatic, 10,000 pesos na GC's sa Jennelyn Shoes at Play and Display. Sulit di ba? Yun nga lang, san naman ako kukuha ng 14,500. Sayang. Kayang-kaya ko mag-sali ng mga tao sa downline ko eh."

This is an easy con to pull because your gay will be interested in the profit as well. He will see this as a joint venture.

But of course, you're not really putting that money into any multilevel marketing scheme, are you? Not when you can afford a new cellphone with that money.

So, after a few weeks, you need to put on another act: "Putang... Ulol talaga yung Jhong na yun! Tinakbo pera ko! Uupakan ko yun pagnakita ko eh!"

There. I hope that helps. If you have any questions or clarifications, feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Yours,

Boy De Jour

Philippines is All-Set to Compete at the 2011 Mr. Gay World in Manila

2011-02-10T06:14:00.000-08:00

Manila, Philippines – The 5’8” tall, registered nurse, Marc Ernest Biala is all set for the big day of his life as he competes with other gay men representatives in the 2011 Mr. Gay World on March 13 at Club Mwah, (one of the most outstanding theater-clubs in Asia) in the Tiger City of Mandaluyong. The momentous event will be hosted by Philippine King of Talk Boy Abunda along with one of the country’s top models Wilma Doesnt and 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman.

Biala is one gay man, who is an inspiring individual to young gay men and is determined to make a 'difference' and be an effective spokesperson for oth

er Filipino gay men in the country. He is a magna cum laude graduate from St. Mary’s College in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. He is currently finishing his Masters of Science in Nursing and is writing his thesis focusing on family caregivers for the mentally-ill patients and is a candidate for another magna cum laude award . He also authored a nursing reference book titled ‘Psychiatric Nursing’ which is already distributed nationwide. Given all the credentials Biala has under his belt, MGWP is confident that he is the ideal country’s bet to represent in this prestigious tilt, which will commence on March 9th and will end on the 14th of the said month.

Delegates from different countries will start arriving on the 7th and 8th. A press conference will be held on the 9th and candidates presentation will be on March 10 at Bed Manila in Malate. Along with that, delegates will be busy with other bar tours and an outreach program with Gawad Kalinga.

Macoy, to most of his friends, hopes to contribute in boosting the country’s tourism industry as he serves as the Philippines’ ambassador of goodwill for th

e duration of his reign and in the competition’s five-day long activity.

“Our country is full of beautiful people and places as well as rich in its culture,” says Biala as he beams with ‘positivity’ about the Philippines.

Tickets for the grand finale are at Php2,500. Ticket reservations or bookings are now available online via mrgayworld.org. Also, for more details, visit mrgayworldphilippines.com.

UST Quadricentennial Celebration. (to all thomasians)

2011-01-23T01:31:00.000-08:00

Type your summary hereType rest of the post here

HIV AIDS 101

2011-01-12T23:02:00.000-08:00

www.thisheartisstillbeating.blogspot.com

What are HIV and AIDS?

• HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a retrovirus that causes HIV infection. Its entrance into the body lowers the immunity (body defense system) or the ability to fight off disease.
• HIV Infection is the successful entry of HIV in the human host, weakening the immune system and leading to a spectrum of diseases.
• AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a condition characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms, caused by HIV contracted from another which attacks and weakens the body’s immune system, making the afflicted individual susceptible to other life threatening infection.

How does HIV attack the immune system?

1. The human body is protected by the White Blood Cells in the immune system.
2. White Blood Cells in the immune system fight disease and germs for your body.
3. Strong diseases make the body sick, but the white blood cells usually win in the end.
4. HIV is a VERY strong germ that attacks the White Blood Cells themselves, weakening the body's defenses against diseases and makes the body vulnerable to potentially life-threatening infections and cancers. HIV then uses human cells to manufacture more of the virus, eventually killing the host & nearby cells and overwhelms the immune system.
5. After a very long struggle lasting years, HIV kills most of the immune system's White Blood Cells, leaving the body unprotected.
6. Many other (secondary) diseases attack (bringing about the condition of AIDS) and eventually kill the body.

Solid Facts on HIV and AIDS

HIV is transmitted by:
• having unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral), with someone who is HIV positive. Unprotected, penetrative sex accounts for 80% of total exposures to the disease worldwide;
• having a transfusion with infected blood;
• sharing syringes and needles with someone who is HIV positive for drugs and tattoos or other skin
piercing tools such as razor blades and surgical instruments for circumcision or scarification.
• mothers to their unborn babies and through breastfeeding.

HIV is NOT transmitted through:
• Kissing
• Casual contacts or handshakes
• Sharing living quarters, eating or drinking with an infected person
• Mosquitoes and bed bugs.

HIV is transmitted through the following body fluids:
• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal/Cervical Fluids
• Breastmilk

Stages of the HIV Disease

• Stage I: PRIMARY INFECTION
o The patient starts experiencing “flu-like” symptoms.
• Stage II: ASYMPTOMATIC ILLNESS
o The patient may remain well for years.
• Stage III: SYMPTOMATIC ILLNESS
o The patient experiences “mild” symptoms such as lack of energy, nights sweats, etc.
• Stage IV: ADVANCED DISEASES (AIDS)
o The patient experiences opportunistic infections from bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, protozoal, viral and malignant sources that can cause any of the following:
Swollen glands
Mouth infections
Brain infections
Skin diseases
Lung diseases
Loss of weight

HIV Detection and Testing

HIV can be detected through the following tests:
• Antibody test - an indirect test measures the response of one’s body to the presence of HIV
• Antigen test - a test that directly measures the virus

HIV Testing is voluntary, confidential and anonymous, with pre and post-test counseling. The window period for testing is 6 months from the last exposure with HIV.

There is NO vaccine and NO cure for HIV. Anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) may only slow down the replication of the virus.

The A-B-C-D-E of AIDS Prevention

• A - Abstinence
• B - Be faithful (having a mutual monogamous relationship)
• C - Careful Sex (No exchange of body fluids)
• D - Don’t share needles/ sterilized needles
• E - Education and Information

Yoga for Life on The Philippine Star

2011-01-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

www.thisheartisstillbeating.blogspot.com

Yoga for life, and living for yoga

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=645944&publicationSubCategoryId=451
Article by: BENT ANTENNA By Audrey N. Carpio (The Philippine Star) Updated January 07, 2011

On the first day back from the holidays, my yoga class was expectedly full with new people and their steely resolve to get on the fitness track. As we stretched out our creaky bones, saturated with Christmas fat, and sweated out the hangovers, I once again thought about what it was about yoga that has made me keep coming back to it throughout the years. I was always a nerd, unathletic and gawky, and in high school I would skip PE classes by managing to always have my period. The competitiveness of team sports didn’t appeal to me, and running like a hamster in the gym was boring and tedious. Discovering yoga was somewhat of a breakthrough in my physical routine, mainly because it wasn’t all about the physical. There was a mind-body connection that appealed to my intellectual and spiritual side while also creating a stronger, more toned body. After the last minutes of savasana I would always feel centered and peaceful, free of toxins both physical and emotional. So I wasn’t surprised when I came across yoga for people living with HIV. As a practice with proven physiological and psychological benefits for almost any type of body, it makes perfect sense.

Yoga For Life, a community-based yoga series created by Charmaine Cu-Unjieng, a Yale-educated HIV specialist, and Paulo Leonido, a fitness expert and personal trainer, came together when the two met during yoga teacher training under Roland dela Cruz of Bliss Yoga. Call it dharma. “We were together six days a week for two months. We’re both passionate about HIV. We even have the same birthday,” Charmaine says. “I always wanted to merge the work I had been doing with yoga, and meeting Paolo catalyzed it.”

With her contacts at Echo Yoga, a group that offers alternative classes to niche groups like overweight and older people, and his contacts at Philippine General Hospital and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Charmaine and Paulo developed an Iyengar-based yoga program designed for the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS. Worldwide, yoga is being recognized as an important complementary therapy for immunosuppressed patients. “I have friends living with HIV. I had always wondered, what happens next?” Paulo says. “So we came up with Yoga for Life, which is a non-strenuous, holistic approach to wellness.”

The first couple of months of classes were not so easy, as newcomers had many fears to overcome and needed to grow more comfortable about opening up and talking about HIV. “We didn’t know at first whether to focus on people with HIV, or make it an advocacy against stigma and discrimination, open to everyone. We were also concerned about confidentiality,” says Charmaine. But it has become a safe space: there is no requirement to disclose one’s status, and the classes are indeed open to people with HIV and those who support people with HIV. Ninety percent of the students are gay men, and half of them are estimated to be HIV positive.

In Ayurvedic philosophy, specific poses like inversions are beneficial to the immune system, while backbends stimulate thymus activity and forward bends detoxify the liver. B.K.S. Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga, outlined a sequence of poses that encourage proper blood circulation and activate glands that are known to regulate the production of T-cells, the body’s army against infections. For people living with HIV, yoga alleviates stress and depression. For those on ARV drugs, yoga helps detoxify their system. After an hour and 15 minutes of asana practice, the students are guided through meditation and breathing techniques, and it is in these moments that yoga becomes its most medicinal. “Our approach is to bring back the inner peace, self love, self empowerment and happiness. You don’t have to be reminded about your sickness,” Charmaine explains.

Feedback and results from students have been encouraging. One student, with a dangerously low CD4 count of 7 (HIV-negative people normally would have 700-1,000 T-cells) was getting sick with opportunistic infections. The doctor advised him to stop exercising. Charmaine and Paulo put him in relaxing poses. He stopped getting fever every day, and started gaining weight and getting stronger. His new CD4 count is unknown, but one can surmise that his stabilized health reflects a higher number of T-cells. Paulo shares that other students are starting to practice on their own, even employing breathing techniques inside taxis when they need to calm down.

With Paulo as a great motivator for the students, keeping in touch with inspirational texts, Yoga for Life has become more than just a place for a judgment-free work out. “Yoga for Life has proven itself to be a real community,” blogged one practitioner who had been living with HIV for three years. “Being with the Yoga for Life community turned out to be the best way to celebrate World AIDS Day. Yes, I dare to use the word ‘celebrate.’ Because gone are the days of World AIDS Day being a commemoration of the lives that had been lost to AIDS. Rather, we should be celebrating. Celebrating life going on in spite of the virus.”

For the new year, Paulo and Charmaine are hoping to scale up their program, introduce fun safer-sex campaigns to spread the message of positive prevention, and find more yoga teachers. As they run it on a volunteer basis and only ask for a suggested donation of P200 per class, the sustainability of Yoga for Life still looms as an issue. But with the energy they give out in service to others, the universe is sure to respond in manifold.

* * *

Yoga for Life is held on Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at 28th Floor Conference Room, Medical Plaza Ortigas Building, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas, Pasig City, and on Saturdays, 2 p.m. at Echo Yoga Community Center, 9th Floor Penthouse, Century Plaza Building, Perea Street, Legazpi Village, Makati.

***

YFL invites you to share our Yoga for Life practice in any way, e.g. join a class, teach a class (for yoga teachers), donate (cash, yoga mat or other yoga props), host a class, re-post this article, or other creative ways you would like to contribute. Happy 2011! Namaste =)

For inquiries, you may contact:
Charmaine: 0917 540-4247 | charmaine.cuunjieng@gmail.com

Paulo: 0917 388-9658 | comradepaw@gmail.com

WBMB Book 4: 1-11-11

2011-01-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas is About Justice

2010-12-26T01:26:00.000-08:00

ON December 20, for the 6th Simbang gabi of 2010, I had the honor of being invited to worship with and bring a message to the faithful Christians of MCC Quezon City, augmented by the good members of Bacardi.

Pastor Ceejay asked me to give a Christmas message on “Justice.”

The traffic is worse than ever this year, but it brings joy to my heart that the people are better than ever.

People ask me why I stay here. It’s not the climate. It’s not the money. It’s the people. God’s people, God’s beloved LGBT people.

May I share that Christnas message with you as my Christmas Message to you – along with a sincere prayer for you to have a blessed and merry Christmas and holidays.

Christmas is all about Justice

We are here tonight for one reason
-- and one only –
to honor Our Lord Jesus Christ,
to commemorate
the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

One time someone said to me: What’s the difference?
What’s wrong with being a Moslem?
Or a Jew or an Iglesia ni Christo? They believe good things. What’s wrong with that?

I said, nothing is wrong --
except the same thing
that would be wrong with Christmas with only a Santa Claus. I would miss
my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – no matter how much good
there would be
in those other religions,
the most important person
would be missing.

Why is the birth
of Our Lord Jesus Christ significant?
Why do we observe it every year with so much pomp and ceremony and festivity?

The CBCP (Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines) says that Christ should be the center
of the Christmas celebration –
not Santa Claus or elfs or reindeer or beautiful Christmas trees.
Make Christ the center, they say.

Oo, sige, yann. Right on!
The CBCP hit the nail on the head. Just as a religion
without Christ as the center,
Christmas
without Christ as the center
loses all the luster of its other goodies.

But, why on earth
was Jesus born as one of us,
as a human person
who lived and loved
as we live and love?
Why did he become
A person with
Intellectual, bodily,
spiritual, and emotional characteristics just like we have.

Our Christian faith tells us that Jesus came into this world
to set us free.
To set us free from what?
St. Paul says, to set us free
from sin, death, and the Old Law.

The CBCP says we should
make Christ the center
of our celebration of Christ’s birth.
Ok! Sige! But does that mean
the whole obligation
is servewd by placing a doll baby
in swaddling clothes in a manger instead of a Santa Claus
on a one horse open sleigh?

But what about the real purpose of Jesus becoming one of us,
starting as a baby in swaddling clothes in a manager?
Should we not look
at His purpose?
And that, we said,
was to set us free –
free from sin, death,
and the Old Law?

Would that not be a just and proper celebration of Christmas?

Now just look at what happened two days ago in Washington DC. There was a law for almost 20 years that said gays and lesbians had to stay in the closet
if they wanted to be
in the US military.
The would-be good Christian fundamentalist homophobic bigots wanted to keep that law.
They put heavy pressure
on congress to keep that law.
But two days ago,
justice triumphed
in Washington DC in spite of the so-called
good Christians
who wanted to save the military from the gays and the lesbians. The old “don’t ask don’t tell” law
is gone
(don’t ask if a military person is gay; don’t tell if you are a LGBT military person)
with the signature
of President Obama.
Now which of these is the justice of Jesus Christ who never in his whole life showed prejudice?
The prejudice of the good Christian bigots,
or the justice
of the Congress and president
who finally overturned the law?

Will we ever see such justice
in our country?
Will our congress ever put justice above their fear of the CBCP bishops (who would use their power to get the congress member not elected
the next time around?

What law are we thinking about that screams for justice?
One is the anti-discrimination law, to reduce the discrimination against LGBT people.
Another one is the no-divorce law. Yes, the Philippines sits
as the only country in the world besides the island of Malta
which does not give its citizens
the freedom of divorce.
Is that justice?
200+ nations see it
as a human right.
One country’s bishops block it.
So far, justice has taken
a back seat to fear of the bishops.

The church which says
make Jesus the center of Christmas –
is the same church which completely violates
the justice of Jesus,
the same church which deprives its citizens decade after decade, from the days of Damaso
to the present,
deprives its citizens
of their God-given rights to human life and dignity,
as that church just clings
to their Old Laws
of NO NO NO: no masturbation, no sex except
in marriage to make a baby,
no sex ever in your whole life, never in any way,
never in any place,
never in any position
or circumstance –
if you are gay or lesbian.

The church who says keep Christ in Christmas,
instead of living and teaching
by the teachings
and example of Jesus,
instead of freeing us
from sin and death,
imposes sin
and condemns us to death
in the fires of hell.
They would declare our love sin. What’s the justice in that?
They would declare
that divorce is sin
and pressure Congress
never to allow any Filipino – Christian, Moslem , or atheist – the right to choose divorce
in their circumstances of life.
Is that justice?

They would impose the sentence of death in hell
for the natural harmless pleasure
of masturbation.
Is that justice?

They would insist that Catholic parents of many children with no ulam, no baon,
stick to that church’s demand
of NO CONDOMS.
Is that justice?
Is that common sense?
They would likewise resist reproductive health
with the possibility of condoms
for all Filipinos.
Is that the justice of Jesus?
Is that why Jesus was born
to live and love as we live and love?

Jesus came to Bethlehem
to set us free,
Jesus said
the truth will set you free.
Jesus said, I am the truth.

My friends, The life and total lack of prejudice in the life of Jesus gives us a glimpse of the Truth. The Truth that Jesus is
sets us free
from the sin declared by the CBCP,
from the sentence of death, declared by the CBCP,
from the Old Laws
declared by the CBCP.
These old laws do not give us
the freedom that Jesus brought us. They bring slavery,
moral slavery to a list of
sexual NO No No’s
including No Condoms,
No divorce, and no same sex love.

Yes, let’s put Christ in Christmas; let’s put Christ
in the center of Christmas;
let’s put Jesus and His Truth
in the center of our lives.
Let us honor Christ at Christmas; let us honor the Christ
who is the Truth.
And the truth is
that we are
God’s beloved LGBT children
and our God sets us free to love.

But my dear friends,
we cannot just demand
that the CBCP do justice
to the message
and mission of Jesus Christ.
Is that enough?
Where is our own loyalty to the message and mission
of Jesus Christ?

We say,
THEY should allow us to love.

Do we love,
or do we seek
only our own pleasure?

Jesus Christ came to Bethlehem, yes, but he came
and lived and loved and died –
not for himself – but for others, for us, his friends.
Is the other a priority for you,
for me?
Do we want sex
just for our own pleasure?
Do we treat our partner
as a body we have used for our fun, or do we treat our partner
as a person whom we have loved?

And do I always want
to WIN every argument?
Do I always in a relationship want to get my own way?
Do I always plot –
how can I get what I want?
OR do I follow
the life and example of Jesus whom we see as one who came
not to be loved, not to be served, but to love and to serve?
When I have a disagreement with my loved one,
do I ponder how to win,
or do I do it the Jesus way,
and ponder
“WHAT CAN I DO
for my LOVED ONE?
What can I DO
TO MAKE
MY LOVED ONE HAPPY?
How can I be like Jesus who came to set us free
from selfishness and sin?

Yes, we are here to honor Jesus, to commemorate his birth among us –
Not just with a doll baby in swaddling clothes in a crib, but with our love and justice. Maybe justice is the real meaning of “Peace on earth,
good will to all.”

God bless us all.

Happy holidays from STRAP!

2010-12-23T18:55:00.001-08:00

STRAP wishes everyone a Christmas filled with warmth, laughter and hope and a New Year that affirms our dignity, protects our right to self-determination and ensures a good quality of life for all. Happy Holidays!

Philippines' Pride March 2010 - a success!

2010-12-16T21:44:00.000-08:00

Pride March 2010 was successfully held last December 4, along Tomas Morato in Quezon City. Participated in by more than 50 leading LGBT groups and its advocates, this year's pride was concluded to be the largest crowd ever in the history of pride march in the country (dont qoute me for that)!

Let these pictures tell them their stories!

Here are the groups/clans who joined the event! (forgive me if others were not posted nor included in here.. hiniram ko lang din mga pics na to from Yffar)

click here for more pictures

Congratulations to Task Force Pride for a job well done!

To the organizations who made another year of Pride a reality, keep the fire burning.

See yah next year!

And sana balik na ang Rainbow Bloggers!

Photo credit: Yffar Aquino

RBP is now on Facebook!

2010-12-13T21:30:00.000-08:00

Its official!

RBP is now on Facebook.

We have a Fan Page dedicated for friends and supporters.

We also have a dedicated page for bloggers from LGBT community itself!

Rainbow Bloggers Philippines (group)

Choose where you belong and walk the talk!

We can make this big! We can move the world!

COMING SOON! When Boy meets Boy Book 4: Naked Intentions

2010-12-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

After staying in London for months, Adam’s finally back in Manila!

Determined to not be stressed out with his failed relationship with Jeremy, he wanted to start fresh. Aside from changing careers with the intention to finally do something worthwhile with his life, he also contemplated on whether he should go back abroad to finish his Masters or just stay at home.

However, things started to take an interesting turn when certain new and old people appeared and reappeared in his life.

First was James who’s trying to win him back.

Second was a mysterious guy who reads his blog (WBMB) and for some reason was able to find out Adam’s true identity.

Third, the impossible has just happened—Adam and Andre meet again.

And if that’s not enough drama, one major twist will send more than 1 of the characters packing abroad for good.

Is the Adam-Jeremy relationship really over? Will Adam rekindle his romance with James? Will the mysterious reader finally reveal Adam’s true identity? Will Adam and Andre finally take the next step?

It’s juicier

It’s bolder.

It’s meatier.

When Boy meets Boy
Book 4: Naked Intentions

Stripping on January 11, 2011

WHENBOYMEETSBOY.BLOGSPOT.COM

Spread the word, WBMB Book 4 is coming on 1-11-11!

Kindly repost/reblog the picture and videos above :)

Check the site on the following dates:

December 30- Surprise
January 3- Sneak Peek of Book 4
January 8- Winner of the WBMB will be posted here

official statement from the Philippine Football team

2010-12-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

They have every reason to just quit (no support from the govt, has the reputation to be one of the worst teams in the region, representing a country that's obsessed with either basketball or boxing). Yet, they still managed to deliver results & inspire one nation that YES, everything is possible. It's not just luck baby, it's what you call hardcore PASSION.

Why Azkals?

An askal is a Filipino term for any dog with no pedigree, no breed, no class. The askal is usually astray, unsupported and survives by feeding on whatever provision it can find. The Filipino national football team can relate to this mongrel, they have almost no support from a government thats suppose to support them, they are underdogs not just only to the world but even in their own region, South East Asia. But despite these odds, just like an askal the National Team is a survivor. No matter how many 5-0s or 7-0s it suffers, it keeps on fighting. Despite no funding, it continues to strive to become better. And in a country where basketball is the main sport, even if they don't have a whole lot of support from their own kababayans they still manage to pull out results and try their very best to inspire a nation marred by corruption, violence and civil war.

So yes, they are underdogs, but they never surrender our fight!

An official statement from the Philippine National Men's Football Team

Mabuhay!

The Philippine National Men’s Football Team would like to offer to every Filipino this great triumph achieved in the football fields of Vietnam.

In the 14-history of the Suzuki Cup, the Philippines only qualified twice in the biennial competition that is at once the most prestigious tournament in the Asean region.

To get through the final rounds competition in Vietnam, we played three qualifying matches Laos where we finished second to the host country to advance to Vietnam.

And for the first time, we have advanced to the semifinals where the Philippines will play Indonesia in a home and away series where the winner, determined through the aggregate goal score, will play for the championship.

As we drew 1-1 with mighty Singapore and beat the defending champions Vietnam on their home turf 2-nil with 40,000 people in the stands cheering them on, we got word of how you, our fellow Filipinos watched us, cheered us, and sent us messages of support.

Believe us when we say that it was fantastic to hear and see all of that considering how the sport has largely gone unnoticed back home. We hope that this will be the start of football taking its rightful place as a premier sport In the Philippines.

As we drew Myanmar in a scoreless affair that saw us finish second to Vietnam in our Group, we received word that the Asean Football Federation has deemed that our homefield of Panaad, Bacolod to not be up to the requirements of the AFF Suzuki Cup after consultations with PFF President Jose Mari Martinez and therefore our hard-fought “home game” will be played either in a neutral venue or at the homefield of the other semis winner.

We deplore this decision that was arrived at without consulting the national team management team or even having the facilities inspected. We believe that this is an opportunity to provide Filipinos with a chance to watch some world-class football action that will inspire our countrymen to take up the sport and break new ground for the Philippines.

Just as you were all on our side when we were playing in Vietnam, we ask that every Filipino and football fan out there to express this indignation with regard to this decision in every venue, fora, or media so that we may treat the country to Azkals football. We implore you to express yourself on twitter, facebook, messenger, and everywhere else.

After all, the home field game is rightfully ours.

The Philippine National Men’s Football Team

Team Manager - Dan Palami, Head Coach - Simon McMenemy, Assistant Coaches - Edwin Cabalida, Edzel Bracamonte, Roland Piñero, Trainers -- Wally Javier and Josef Malinay, Media Officer - Rick Olivares, and the players -- Ian Araneta, Jerry Barbaso, Yanti Barsales, David Mark Basa, Joebel Bermejo, Alexander Borromeo, Emelio Caligdong, Christopher Camcam, Jason de Jong, Anton del Rosario, Neil Etheridge, Mark Ferrer, Roel Gener, Robert Gier, Christopher Greatwich, Peter Jaugan, Ray Jonsson, Nestor Margarse, Reymark Palmes, Kristopher Relucio, Eduard Sacapaño, James Younghusband, and Philip Younghusband.

Come on Pinoys, now is the time to unite! Oy, oy, oy!

SNEAK PEEK: First Love, a prequel to WBMB

2010-11-29T06:19:00.000-08:00

"Adam, wait!" James said as he cornered me in the classroom. "Are you avoiding me?

"Um, no. Why would I?"

I lied.

Truth was, I wanted to avoid James at all cost.

How can I possibly face him after what happened?

Then the images of that night started coming in.

James and I lying down, side by side.

His hand brushed mine.

The hesitation as we stared at each other.

The shiver that ran through my spine as our skin touched each other.

The kiss-- that magical kiss.

I could still fill his soft lips touch mine.

It was my first time and man, I couldn't explain how excatly felt. All I knew was, it felt damn good.

"Sorry James, I have to go."

I quickly walked away and left James alone.

What we did was wrong.

I must avoid him.

I must stay away from him.

It's the right thing to do. I don't want to hurt Mariane. I love her.

But if this was the right thing to do, why does my heart tell me otherwise.

First kiss, First love, First heartbreak.

Ever wondered what was Adam's life before his big break up with James?

How did it all started? What happened to them during their 10 year relationship? Why did it really end?

Now you'll know.

After all, before the drama and the heartache, there's the unexplainable bliss of FIRST LOVE.

FIRST LOVE, a prequel to WBMB

Coming this December 13, 2010!

NOTE: Can be read exclusively in WBMB's official Facebook page: FACEBOOK.COM/Whenboymeetsboy :)

whenboymeetsboy.blogspot.com

STRAP Salutes Amazing Philippine Beauties 2010

2010-11-25T04:24:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago, Amazing Philippine Beauties was conceived to be the leading transgender pageant in the Philippines that would attract the most beautiful and talented transgender/transsexual Filipinas (transpinays) who can then become part of an elite group of performers. Eight years later it still holds that distinction.

STRAP is honored to declare solidarity with Amazing Philippine Beauties and on its 8th year at that—truly an auspicious year! Eight years of showing the world amazingly beautiful transpinays has certainly brought not only luck to the girl who gets to wear the crown each year but also joy to their supporters, loved ones and communities.

Indeed Amazing Philippine Beauties has played an important part towards building a unified Filipino transgender community. Coronation night always brings hundreds of transgender and gender-variant people and those who love them together in the spirit of high-level pageantry. For sure on pageant night (on November 26 at the Manila Film Center CCP Complex Roxas Blvd., Pasay City) Amazing Philippine Beauties candidates will be raised up anew as the wonderful, unique, and stellar human beings that they are and give them respite from a life otherwise marked by discrimination and marginalization.

Thank you to the organizers and supporters of Amazing Philippine Beauties for giving our community a way to be reminded of our beauty and ultimately humanity. Long live Amazing Philippines! Mabuhay ang Amazing Philippine Beauties 2010!

In sisterhood,

The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines
www.tsphilippines.com
strapmanila@gmail.com

2010 Pride March Philippines

2010-11-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

The 2010 LGBT Pride March will be observed in the light of HIV AIDS World Awareness Day. The theme "One Love: Stop AIDS, Promote LGBT Human Rights, Keep the Promise" acknowledges the LGBT Community's proactive role in advocating HIV AIDS awareness.

The Manila Pride March gathers LGBT groups and individuals once a year to promote solidarity within and outside the community. It creates a safe space where LGBTs and their supporters can raise pressing issues. By tradition, Manila Pride March coincides with Human Rights week, to affirm the specific rights claims of the LGBT community.

This year’s theme, “One Love”, pushes for unity. The diversity of the LGBT community is apparent, but this diversity comes at the price of political differences as well. However, this year’s March encourages everyone to view those differences as celebratory instead of damaging; that those differences are merely proof of the community’s dynamism. “One Love” also looks at how it is still possible to see points of convergence and collaboration despite differences.

If you are interested in participating you can register in this link:http://taskforcepride.blogspot.com/2010/11/registration-forms.html

For Organizations who have registered on-line:

• Send us a rough estimate of the number of members who will join the march on or before November 27, 2010.
• Send us a digital copy of your organization’s logo (in jpeg format and in high resolution) on or before November 27, 2010.
• Let us know whether your group will have a float and also the size of your float on or before November 27, 2010. You may use cars, pick-up trucks or jeepneys. But due to parking constraints, the use of vehicles bigger than a 6-wheeler truck is not allowed.
• Send a representative of your organization to the pre-Pride March General Assembly, which will be held on November 27, 2010.
• Bring a banner to identify your organization.
• Prepare a chant to make our march fun and festive, but please remember to respect other groups' beliefs, identities and expressions.
• Prepare parade paraphernalia such as rainbow flags, pom-poms, placards and others to make our parade colourful and alive. The use of recyclable materials is highly encouraged. The use of confetti is strongly discouraged by the Quezon City Government to keep the streets clean.
• Use of firecrackers or fireworks is not allowed.
• Do not bring, use or display firearms, explosive devices and other dangerous weapons.
• If there are children below the age of 18 years old joining your group, make sure that there are adults who are available and capable to ensure their safety and security.
• Please arrive early and approach the registration booth. Assembly time is 2:00 p.m. (1400 hrs) at Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano (near BPI and Starbucks). The stage will be located at front of Zirkoh and Alba Restaurant.

For Individuals who have registered on-line:

• Please arrive early and approach the registration booth. Assembly time is 2:00 p.m. (1400 hrs) at Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano (near BPI and Starbucks). The stage will be located at front of Zirkoh and Alba Restaurant.
• Please attend the the pre-Pride March General Assembly, which will be held on November 27, 2010.
• Bring your fanciest costume, or a mask in case you are not yet out.
• Do not bring, use or display firearms, explosive devices and other dangerous weapons.
• You will march together with the wonderful Task Force Pride Philippines team.

Details of Pre-Pride March General Assembly:

Venue: Carlos Albert Session Hall, 3rd Floor Legislative Wing, Quezon City Hall (use the center entrance)
Time: 1:00 p.m (1300 hrs)
Attendees: QC Agencies, ASP, representatives from participating organizations, TFP

Parade Route:

1. Start Point: Scout Lozano street corner Tomas Morato Avenue (stage area)
2. Tomas Morato Avenue
3. Left at Eugenio Loped Drive
4. Right at Scout Albano street
5. Left at Panay Avenue
6. Left at Timog Avenue
7. Right at Tomas Morato Avenue
8. End Point: Scout Lozano street corner Tomas Morato Avenue (stage area)

Directions Going to the Parade and Program Venue:

The assembly area and the program will take place along Tomas Morato Avenue near corner of Scout Lozano. Those who will be using public transportation, the following are the recommended directions:

From EDSA MRT Kamuning Station – a) Take a taxi or b) Ride a tricycle with the signage Barangay South Triangle and tell the driver to drop you off at Tomas Morato corner Scout Madrinan, and walk from that point to Scout Lozano.

From EDSA MRT Quezon Avenue Station – Ride a tricycle with the signage Barangay South Triangle and tell the driver to drop you off at Tomas Morato corner Timog, i.e. near the Boy Scouts Rotunda and Imperial Palace Hotel.

From EDSA corner Kamias Road – Ride a jeepney going to Pantranco/Welcome Rotonda and alight at McDonalds near corner Roces Avenue.

From Timog Avenue corner Quezon Avenue – Ride a jeepney going to Project 2 and 3, and alight at Tomas Morato.

(click to enlarge image)

Contact Information:

If you have further queries or to send the necessary information such as list of participants, organization’s logo and information the float, feel free to contact Ryan Silverio, Co-coordinator for Membership and Participation (ryansilverio@gmail.com / taskforcepride@gmail.com / 0927-4783918) or visit http://www.taskforcepride.blogspot.com
See you at the parade!

Yours truly,
Task Force Pride Philippines

My Amnesia Girl

2010-11-17T01:21:00.000-08:00

Sounds like 50 First Dates but I actually like it. Here's the cinema teaser of Toni Gonzaga's new movie, My Amnesia Girl, also starring heartthrob John Lloyd Cruz. I love it.

COMING SOON: First Love, a prequel to WBMB

2010-11-17T00:07:00.000-08:00

http://whenboymeetsboy.blogspot.com

Ever wondered what was Adam's life before his big break up with James?

How did it all started? What happened to them during their 10 year relationship? Why did it really end?

Now you'll know.

After all, before all the drama and the heartache, there's the unexplainable bliss of FIRST LOVE.

FIRST LOVE, a prequel to WBMB

Coming this December!

NOTE: Can be read exclusively in WBMB's official Facebook page :)

Add the official WBMB Facebook page!

2010-11-15T04:41:00.001-08:00

Adam Chua

Create Your Badge

Hey there WBMB friends, add the official WBMB page in Facebook!

You know the story, you've read about the different characters in WBMB, don't you think it's about time to SEE it for yourselves?

* See exclusive photos of Adam's London adventures
* Connect with ADAM (in real time) and other readers of WBMB
* Read exclusive hidden chapters never been published here in blogspot
* Be the first to know about the latest news, updates and future events (a possible group meet up perhaps?)
* Win amazing prizes in future WBMB contests

So what are you waiting for? Join now!

When Boy meets Boy Book 1 Chapter 1: It all ended with a post it

2010-11-13T12:14:00.001-08:00

My name is Adam.

My name is the 69th most popular boys name in the United States. I find that nonsense info somewhat funny. If you get what I meant then probably there’s something we have in common.

I won't lie and go straight to the point by saying that I'm gay. And by gay I don't mean I'm a happy person. Sure, I'm not gloomy or anything close to that. I'm just, well, gay.

There’s nothing really special about me. I’m just some average looking 20 something gay guy who tries to live decently in the urban jungles of Manila. I wish I could share something out of this world or something extra special about me like how I was the “special” one who discovered the cure for AIDS or I’m the first gay astronaut that ever landed planet Pluto. But the truth is, I’m just one of those people who you would pass by some random street and never bother to do a double look.

When I was little, my mom used to tell me that I have the weirdest fixation to words. In fact, she said that there's no word in the English language that I don't like. Once you meet me, you’ll see how obvious that fact is. As of yesterday there were approximately 33 people I know of who either wants to plaster my mouth or just stay away because they were annoyed by the sound of my voice.

I always tell people that if there are three things in life that I am absolutely passionate about are talking, meeting people & making a fool out of myself. Thanks to my so-called job, I’m somewhat able to do all these. I work as an instructor in a known school somewhere in Quezon City. I teach young college brats for a living. My everyday life consists of formulas, number and a whole lot of unnecessary bull.

I’m not complaining. I sort of wished that I could live my life differently.

Adam changed his status from in a relationship to single.

That of course is complete with a heart shaped icon on the side.

I was adjusting my eyes while looking intently at the sentence flashing from my laptop monitor. I just woke up & still adjusting to the rays of the sun piercing through the window of my shoebox of an apartment.

It really hasn’t slapped me until today.

I’ve been in denial for the longest time that things were still okay, that my relationship with him was still spotless.

After 10 long years of being with somebody, I’m now officially unattached.

S-I-N-G-L-E.

The six letter word that for the longest time I thought I would never use.

Ever since senior year of high school, it has always been Adam & James or James & Adam.

James- the most popular boy’s name in the US.

James and I were simply inseparable. We go to all social functions (birthdays, weddings, trick or treating, Ash Wednesday masses, cheesy sleepovers, etc.) together. It has long been engraved on the minds of our little circle of friends that one won’t be caught dead without the other.

“But that’s over now.” I told myself as I began rising up from my messy bed. I quickly adjusted the gray (used to be white) curtains to keep the blinding sunshine from entering my otherwise bare & dark apartment.

I sat on my bed still staring at my laptop monitor. It’s been 3 long days since our break up, 3 days ago since James and I finally ended our 10 year relationship.

I surveyed my surrounding as I tried to sip water from my “I love my mom” mug- one of those weird “I care about you” gifts that she normally sends me when I was still in college.

My relationship with James started way back in senior year High School. We’re from the same clique—the circle of geeks.

James and I started as friends. Thanks (or no thanks) to a spontaneous sleep over, that changed significantly.

At that time, we’ll be attending a school event the following day so he asked me to come to his place and help him out pack his stuff. Being the goody two shoes that I’ve always been, I complied.

Fast forward, there we were lying on his bed, side by side. I was sleeping soundly, not minding anything at all when I felt his hand brushed mine. At first, I completely disregarded what had happened since it might be accidental. However, the brushing of the hand evolved into a semi tight hug then to a full on kiss. I really didn’t know how to react. I just froze while James was slopping me with his kisses (he’s obviously not an expert of this). But after sometime, I gave in.

From then on, we were inseparable. We breezed through senior year and our entire college years together.

We know every inch of one another.

We complete each others’ sentences.

We were so consumed with one another that we decided to live together right after high school since we both went to the same college and lived in the same dormitory (even if my house was just a 3 hour drive from school.

However, everything avalanched when we hit our 7th year. Actually, to be more specific, it all started when he decided to be a model. Yes, the day he wanted to be Zoolander was the day he completely forgot about me.

I remember the day he went home from work carrying gym membership cards for the both of us. He enrolled us to a popular gym. Initially, I was excited! Who wouldn’t want to have a hotter boyfriend, right?

As expected by everybody around us, we make it a point that James and I would be going to the gym together. We attended the same classes, did the same routines. I was even impressed when he got leaner and his muscles started popping out.

I noticed the changes when he started going to the gym on his own. He began coming home late, ignoring my text messages and calls, and even disappearing without a trace for days.

I confronted him in several occasions but he kept on telling me that he’s out to pursue his modeling career. He didn’t bother to expound.

I was obviously in doubt but after sometime I became numb. I just accepted our situation. After all, whenever I ask him, he kept on telling me the same old story-- ”I’m out to pursue my modeling career.”

But last Friday, reality bit me- big time.

I went home to our shared apartment really all bummed from work when something immediately caught my eye—a yellow post it plastered on top of my bookshelf.

I can’t do this anymore. I found someone else.
Thanks.
Bye.
-J

I was dumbfounded for minutes. All I did was stare at the post it. I can literally feel my sweat pores building up and about to excrete cold, cold sweat.

But more importantly, I could feel my tear ducts slowly releasing what I’ve been keeping all these time. I couldn’t stop myself from crying.

“Shit! We’ve been together for 10 years, shared priceless time together and yet he didn’t have the decency to break up with me in person. Am I that worthless in his eyes that he decided that I’ll get it—- why he broke up, what’s wrong with me, why he’s throwing it all away—- by channeling it all in a freaking Post it.”

Life is damn ironic. Who would’ve thought that a 10 year (approximately 120 months or 480 weeks or 175,200 days) partnership would end just like that.

My stomach was filled with butterflies—raging ones. I felt a fusion of emotions- anger, sadness, betrayal, annoyance, pity, relief, etc.

I felt lost.

For the longest time, I depended on him in almost everything.

At that very moment, my shoe box of an apartment suddenly felt bigger as I began feeling my heart crumble into a million little pieces.

A small voice in me just wants to sleep all day, all week, all month, all year—if that’s not enough—even for an eternity. But I’m a chicken shit & very gutless so no matter how broken my heart is now, I will still go to work today.

I used all my energy to roll out of bed and prepare for work. I was like some wind up doll on crack that did my everyday routine activity.

After a quick shower, I checked out my closet that has a more space now. I didn’t bother to choose my clothes. I just grabbed whatever article clothing that I first touched, not even bother to check out if it matched.

I avoided the wall were all our polaroids were plastered. I avoided the box filled with dried up roses, letters and other memorabilia he gave me all throughout our relationship.

I avoided the mirror. I was afraid that my reflection would reveal the absolute truth that I kept on denying to myself—that I still love him, still miss him.

The truth that no matter how unimaginably grotesque the way he treated me, if he tells me at this very moment that he changed his mind and would come back to this apartment again there’s a high probability that I would be sucking in my pride and accept him back.

I picked up my bag and headed to the door when I saw the yellow post it on the marbled floor of my flat. It’s just there like some lifeless body waiting to be found.

I picked it up, once more reading the content.

I can’t do this anymore. I found someone else.
Thanks.
Bye.
-J

I was on the verge of tearing that piece of shit when I decided to do something else.

I opened my bag, got my old organizer out. I opened it to the page that shows the date when he left me.

Friday, February 19

I posted the yellow paper on the space that followed.

I drew little broken hearts below it.

After doing that, I opened it to the present date page.

Monday, February 22

I stared at the blank space for a second then slowly wrote:

TODAY I START TO LIVE AGAIN.

“Sure I’m not over you, but I won’t allow you to consume me anymore. I have to do this. I must do this.” I told myself repeatedly.

I went back to the mirror and stared at myself.

I forced a smile as I stepped out from my dark and shady apartment into broad daylight.

STRAP salutes Queen of Cebu

2010-11-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Every girl dreams of being treated like a Princess. But in Cebu, they can actually dream of becoming a Queen.

The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) congratulates the organizers of Queen of Cebu on its sophomore year. Envisioned as an alternative pageant, Queen of Cebu has proven not only to be a grand showcase of the beauty, talent & splendid uniqueness of the Cebuana transpinay but as well as a magnificent platform to advocate for respect of gender diversity & the right to determine one’s gender identity.

Thank you to those who put together Queen of Cebu & for setting a very high bar indeed. As has been said, excellence is the best deterrent to sexism. Now our Cebuana transpinay sisters have another prestigious pageant that they can not only be proud to be a part of & call their own but as well as to use to break down barriers of prejudice.

May dreams come true on pageant night (6 November 2010, Saturday, 8 pm, Waterfront Hotel Cebu)! May all the candidates’ stars shine bright! And to the next Queen, may you reign in kindness & compassion, love & light!

In sisterhood,

The Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines
www.tsphilippines.com
strapmanila@gmail.com

Wan Chai bars shock transgender experts, barring them as 'lady boys'

2010-11-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Below is a news article that came out in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Hong Kong's most widely read English broadsheet. Santy and I decided to go back to the bar in Wan Chai, Amazonia, that barred our entry in the past and luckily an SCMP journalist was there to see it all happen again. When we got there I had to politely introduce myself to the manager named Dave (see pic above) and he said that he'd let us in if Dr. Sam Winter and Atty. Michael Vidler, a human rights lawyer, who were with us that night would escort us the entire time. We said no. The Hong Kong trans community is in a very vulnerable position right now after the W decision barring a transsexual woman's petition to marry in the gender she identifies as. I hope that by exposing more of the bigotry that seems to pervade Hong Kong society nowadays, we have been able to call people's attention in Hong Kong enough for them to start agitating for badly needed change.

Wan Chai bars shock transgender experts, barring them as 'lady boys'

(SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST)
John Carney and Lana Lam Oct 31, 2010

Two transgender professionals from the Philippines attending a conference in Hong Kong fell victim to the very discrimination they'd come to talk about - they were denied entry to bars in the city "because they were not women".

Last week, Naomi Fontanos and Santy Layno attended a lecture for an undergraduate course at Hong Kong University entitled Sexuality and Gender: Diversity and Society. That evening they went to Wan Chai for a drink with Dr Sam Winter, the course organiser and an associate professor in the faculty of education at the University of Hong Kong, and human rights lawyer Michael Vidler, who had attended the lectur

On arriving in Wan Chai, they were told they were not welcome in certain bars. Initially, the group went to Amazonia, known for its live music.

Winter and Vidler were allowed to enter but the others were not.

The men remonstrated with door staff about this, only to be told that they were allowed to come in, but their friends weren't.

The doorman was insistent. They couldn't go in because "they are not women, they are men".

"They are lady boys" and "there are other places for people like that," he said - meaning gay clubs.

Later that night the pair were also refused entry to other Wan Chai bars - Escape and Dusk til Dawn.

A spokesman for Amazonia said: "It's up to our security's discretion who gets in on any given night. There is no discrimination here. We often let transvestites in and we have no problem with that. They are all paying customers."

A spokesman for Escape said this was also their policy. Dusk til Dawn said it reserved the right to refuse admission to customers.

Fontanos, 32, has a degree in secondary education from the University of the Philippines in Manila and prepares teaching materials for an English language teaching company. "I felt very offended and hurt. We were doing nothing wrong or illegal," Fontanos said. "I was surprised that this thinking exists in Hong Kong as it is a global city. It markets itself as a cosmopolitan place where all cultures converge, but there's an underlying bigotry and ignorance here."

Layno 27, has a degree in mass communications from the University of St Louis in Baguio City, and works in communications. She was equally shocked. "Hong Kong should be more advanced than this but the fact is it isn't. These people associate us with working girls, which is why they didn't let us in, but we are not. The thing is, working girls can still go into these bars but we can't."

The pair also work for the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines. Winter had brought them to speak at the University of Hong Kong, where he runs the course Sexuality and Gender: Diversity and Society.

"Naomi did a presentation about being transgender in the Philippines, while Santy took part in the question and answer session afterwards," Winter said. "They are educated, eloquent and teach on transgender issues around various campuses in the Philippines ... It's a quite depressing reminder of the ignorance, bigotry and prejudice that still exists on the streets of this city. There's a real issue here as to why ordinary, decent and law-abiding people can't get through the door at Amazonia or places like it in Hong Kong."

Human rights solicitor Vidler was appalled that the transgender pair came to Hong Kong to address transgender issues here, only to fall prey to the very discrimination that they had come to talk about.

He said he knew at least two women officers in the disciplined services - he would not say which one lest doing so revealed their identities - who are transgender.

"If they were working undercover, they wouldn't be allowed into these bars either, as they'd be assumed to be lady boys.

"They also would have no recourse against an establishment like this. But they would have recourse if the discrimination was to do with a government establishment.

"This is why there's got to be legislation introduced to protect against this kind of thing happening."

The Equal Opportunities Commission has received fewer than 10 complaints from transgender people since it was formed in 1996, a spokeswoman said.

Such complaints must be made under the disability discrimination ordinance since there is no law specifically on transgender discrimination, she said.

RBP General Assembly

2010-10-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

What: RBP General Assembly

Where: Mooters Bar - 88 Meralco Ave., cor J. Vargas, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Landmarks: Beside Ortigas Home Depot

When: October 9, 2010, 7pm

RSVP:
Yffar Aquino
09069462087
09233671964
09086831722
raff_aquino@yahoo.com.ph

(WHENBOYMEETSBOY) BOOK 3: Love in Transit

2010-09-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Does LDR (Long distance relationship) work?

Will it lead to a LTR (Long term relationship)?

It’s not easy being a gay guy in the city, especially if you’re in a new place where you know absolutely no one, where you have no clue what will happen.

After being granted a scholarship in a London University and after leaving everything in the Philippines, Adam’s more than determined to make the most out of this opportunity. He promised himself to focus on school and nothing else.

However, living in London proved to be much more difficult than he thought. To start with, he’s living in an all male dormitory where some of his roommates are homophobic. With limited allowance, he also has to find a part time job to make ends meet. If that’s not enough drama, he has to put up with a British guy named Jagger who kept on making his life less bearable.

New life.

New people.

New adventures.

New love?

When Boy meets Boy
Book 3: Love in Transit

COMING OCTOBER 10, 2010

WHENBOYMEETSBOY.BLOGSPOT.COM

____________________________________________

Teaser videos:

Teaser 1

Teaser 2

STRAP Chairwoman Naomi Fontanos featured in a men's magazine

2010-09-23T05:44:00.001-07:00

A write-up on Naomi Fontanos and the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) of which she is the current chairwoman is featured in the August issue of UNO Magazine Philippines, a men’s magazine.

In the article, Fontanos discusses her growing up years, the struggles of transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas) and one of the advocacy issues facing the global transgender community, the psychiatric diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder (GID).

Fontanos has been serving STRAP as it chairwoman since 2009 and working with a dedicated team of officers including Vice Chairwoman Rica Paras of Pinoy Big Brother Double Up, Seretary Charlese Saballe, Treasurer Joy Cruz, Membership Coordinator Alessandra N. and Internal Affairs Head Santy Layno to make STRAP an upstanding activist organization.

Her UNO Magazine Philippines feature can be seen here.

2010-09-18T01:33:00.001-07:00

Type your summary here Type rest of the post here

EDUC8, LIBER8, CELEBR8: The 8-Campus Rainbow Tour

2010-09-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce the start of EDUC8, LIBER8, CELEBR8: The 8-Campus Rainbow Tour, a free symposium on LGBT human rights (see poster above). It will have its first stop at the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) on 29 September 2010. Below is a write-up of this historical initiative.

TrueColors Publishing Inc., the makers of Ketchup Magazine, the only Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) magazine in the Philippines in keeping with its thrust to promote social awareness of LGBT issues, proudly presents Educ8, Liber8, Celebr8: The 8-Campus Rainbow Tour.

This Rainbow Tour brings together noted leaders of the LGBT community to conduct a free symposium targeting students in 8 colleges and universities in the Metro Manila area in an 8-month period from September 2010 to April 2011.

The symposium, which covers various issues including LGBT Politics, Spirituality and Sexuality, Gender Identity and Human Rights & Media Activism, is designed as a “crash course” on human rights and the Filipino LGBT community, their needs and concerns and the advocacy work they carry out in their pursuit of equality and dignity.

The symposium seeks to provide a venue where students can:
a) deepen their understanding of the human rights issues facing the LGBT community in the Philippines (EDUC8)
b) free themselves from damaging, stereotypical and incorrect notions about LGBT people & culture (LIBER8)
c) and affirm & respect the inherent dignity of all human beings including themselves (CELEBR8)

By hosting this symposium, colleges and universities bring themselves on par with leading higher education institutions in the world that advance human rights education. They also affirm their role as bastions of a truly international, liberal and liberative education by giving their students an opportunity to critically engage with pressing issues confronting civil society. As well, they take part in a change-making project to promote greater social equality and equity. The symposium also provides students, faculty and staff a venue to explore research ideas and interests.

The 8-Campus Rainbow Tour is organized by TrueColors Publishing in collaboration with 4 leading LGBT organizations. Speakers include Atty. Germaine Leonin of Ang Ladlad Partylist, Rev. Ceejay Agbayani of Metropolitan Community Church Quezon City (MCCQC), Vic Alba of Ketchup Magazine and Ms Naomi Fontanos of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP).

ANG LADLAD SLAMS SEPARATE BATHROOMS FOR LGBTs

2010-09-06T06:03:00.001-07:00

Ang Ladlad slammed the ordinance of Cebu Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy requiring business establishments to designate a separate restroom exclusively for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenders (LGBTs). The ordinance said that "separate restroom is the solution to end the confusion of what public restroom should a member of the LGBT avail for them to feel safe, comfortable and convenient wherein there are only male and female comfort rooms."

While Ang Ladlad lauds and appreciates the intent of Mr. Sitoy to address the needs and concerns of LGBTs, its members, especially from the Cebu chapter, have strong reservations about this ordinance. Ang Ladlad believes that a separate restroom for LGBTs perpetuates our already marginalized existence.

Jubelle Toledo, one of Ladlad's focal points in Cebu City, stresses that, "requiring all establishments to put up a separate facility means that LGBTs are being treated differently and this could isolate or marginalize us even more. It is also another form of discrimination." Toledo was also puzzled where Mr. Sitoy got the idea that LGBTs in Cebu are confused on what restroom to use.

Ms Bemz Benedito, Chairperson of Ang Ladlad, further explains, "I am a transgender woman and so I use the female restroom. LGBTs only get confused on what restroom to use when other people start calling their attention on this matter." Benedito further said, "We know that PB Sitoy has good intentions, but this ordinance could potentially alienate and isolate LGBT Filipinos more from the rest of society."

Atty. Germaine Leonin, Vice-chairperson of Ang Ladlad, suggests that the local legislators should conduct consultation meetings with their LGBT constituents to know what issues and concerns they face and what responses need to be done.

"I am appealing to Mr. Sitoy to talk to the local LGBT community instead, and ask them about their concerns and address those issues through proper legislation," Leonin stressed. "Why not pass a local version of the Anti-Discrimination Bill?" she asked.

Ang Ladlad Party List is the national organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Filipinos, which has 50,000 affiliates, allies, and members all over the country.

CHANGE REVOLUTION: A Rockin event to make a difference!

2010-08-31T09:08:00.001-07:00

Global Xchange Team 107 in partnership with The Outpost Restobar and with the support of Not Yours Production presents Change Revolution: A Rockin’ Event to Make a Difference on the Friday, 3rd of September, 8:00 p.m.

Global Xchange (GX), an initiative run in partnership between the British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Now on their second phase in Cebu, the team has undertaken several initiatives for the benefit of the community: mangrove planting, 1GOAL football clinic, and ocean clean up, to name a few.

The concert, which will feature: Skankin’ Brews, Hastang, Melophobic, Nyor, and Xchange Sound is an effort by the team to raise funds for VSO Bahaginan which sends Filipino professionals abroad to work as volunteers in various fields.

The night is not just about music; it’s about having fun and giving for a cause. Exciting stuff will be auctioned and the profit will go directly to the organization.

It is also a treat for everyone, as the team members themselves will staff the entire evening. A special GX cocktail will also be available, limited only for the event.

A night to remember, this event will rock Cebu—creating change through music and rhythm.

For more information about Global Xchange visit: http://www.thebutterflyeffectproject.com

Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148890965129001

Global Xchange is thanking the following sponsors: San Miguel Corporations, The Bar Vodka, Fruit Magic, Jehzlau Concepts, GVSP, and Fairtrade Cebu.

Back-to-Back events in Cebu for a BIG change!

2010-08-04T01:10:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars!

Something BIG will happen in Cebu this coming August 7 and August 8.

Global Xchange, a youth volunteering programme by the VSO and British Council that is composed of 9 Filipino and 9 British 18-25 year olds, have prepared two back-to-back events this weekend as part of their Butterfly effect project advocacy (visit: http://thebutterflyeffectproject.com).

The first event will happen on August 7. It is called 1GOAL: EDUCATION FOR ALL Football Clinic.

The second event will happen on August 8 which is the I WANT TO BE FAIR CAMPAIGN LAUNCH.

The Global Xchange volunteers have been back from United Kingdom and are now on their second phase in the Philippines. Taking the lead in affecting change in their community, they now venture in promoting 1GOAL: Education for All campaign.

Global Xchange, which is an initiative set up by VSO in partnership with British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and the UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

The 1GOAL campaign, on the other hand, aims to gather as many signatures as possible to send 72 million children to school, giving them the chance to learn and have access to good education. It aims to use the influence of football to ensure that education for all is a lasting impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Having this in mind and bringing the cause to the Philippines, the Global Xchange (GX) Team 107 takes the campaign to Cebu through a football clinic. It will be held on the 7th of August 2010 at the University of San Carlos- Montessori School grounds from 10:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon.

“I am confident that this endeavor will help in fostering awareness to the cause of the campaign,” says Karl Benson Molina who handles the 1GOAL campaign for the GX team.

Coming to lead the football clinic are members of the Philippine National Football Team themselves.

Over a hundred people are expected are to participate in the said event.

“This will surely help in adding up to the current number of signatures made for the campaign,” says Molina.

The campaign calls for ‘Education for All’ by getting 30 million people globally to sign up and support the cause. The signatures that will be gathered will be presented to the world leaders attending the UN Heads of State Summit in New York, USA in September to urge them to prioritize learning and influence policies on education in their countries.

People may take part in this campaign by signing up online at www.vsobahaginan.org.ph/1goal.

Cebu- do you want to be FAIR?

The Fair Trade Shop Cebu and the Global Xchange Team 107 are choosing to be FAIR.

This August, their unified statement is- “I want to be FAIR, do you?”

As part of its first anniversary celebrations, the Fair Trade Shop Cebu is launching the “I want to be FAIR” campaign. It aims to improve awareness of the global Fair Trade movement and demonstrate the role it can play in the Philippines. By giving small-scale farmers and artisans a fair price for their goods, Fair Trade aims to tackle the huge inequality in the current system of trade and help some of the poorest in society.

The campaign, with the guidance of their supervisor Geraldine Labradores, was conceptualized and created by two Global Xchange Volunteers, Toni Zuniga from Manila and David Thompson from England.

“Fair Trade is a big concern in the UK. As more people become aware of the unfair system of free trade that impoverishes farmers and workers in the South while huge retailers get richer and richer, more and more people are willing to pay for products that have been traded fairly.” Thompson said.

“We hope that through this campaign more Pinoys, especially the youth here in Cebu, will realize that by making small changes, such as buying Fair Trade products and by explaining Fair Trade to friends and family, we can all help affect the balance of trade in favor of some of our most disadvantaged workers.” Zuniga said.

The campaign will be officially launched with the unveiling of full campaign posters and a Fair Trade fashion show this August 8 at The Fair Trade Shop Cebu, Office Room 102, Jose Martinez Building, Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City from 9am to 12 noon.

Fair Trade products will be available from the shop during the celebrations. The campaign will then continue throughout the year involving school tours and store promotions.

So if you want to be FAIR this August, make a visit to the Fair Trade Shop Cebu on Sunday and be part of the BIG CHANGE!

See you there!

I want to be FAIR, do you? (teaser)

2010-07-28T00:50:00.000-07:00

Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering producers and promoting sustainability.

It's an alternative trade and business model, fair trade encourages enterprises, particularly the small community-based ventures, to observe socially and environmentally just practices and to act as an active agent in improving the quality of life of their community.

Fair Trade Shop Cebu and Global Xchange Team 107 are unified in choosing to be FAIR.

This August, our unified statement is

"I want to be FAIR, do you?"

In an era of mass consumption, Fair Trade puts forward a big challenge for producers and consumers to seriously think about.

The underpaid workers at the far end of the line, the rapidly degrading environment, the fading cultural identity and traditions, the discriminated women, the exploited and overworked children, and the families and communities searching for means to survive.
Fair Trade organisations challenge everyone with a very basic inquiry – do we allow business and trade to contribute in perpetuating these social inequities and environmental injustice?

Join the FAIRness revolution this August!

Watch out for the launch FULL campaign ad on August 8 at the Fair Trade Shop in Cebu.

Photographer: JP Maunes
Creative directors: David Thompson & Toni Zuniga
Post Prod editor: Toni Zuniga
Models: Global Xchange Team 107

When Boy meets Boy 2 this August!

2010-07-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

Life is not a walk in the park- ask Adam.

On top of juggling his career and set of wacky friends among others, the romance department seems to be making things extra complicated for him.

Now that Adam has finally met Troy, the mysterious Boracay guy from the New Year's party, how will this affect the thing between him and Brandon? Will the whole romance between Adam and Brandon really develop?

More importantly, will things be more complicated if somebody extra special from the past come back?

Continue to follow Adam as he discover the sweeter and stickier side of love.

When Boy meets Boy 2 will resume this August!

Let's Twist, Lick and Dunk!

2010-07-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

I want you to Twist, Lick and Dunk with me!

So I’m sharing the New OREO Snack Pack with you! Plus, you can also share it with your friends! So let’s all Twist, Lick and Dunk together!

You can also enjoy more FREE OREO Snack Packs by playing the Twist, Lick, Dunk! game and The Bonding puzzle at Share OREO website! Pass Level 10 to win a ticket to experience what it’s like to be a Human OREO!

This Pride Month, STRAP tries to do the impossible

2010-06-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

With just two weeks before June (Pride Month) ends, our beloved sorority, STRAP, decided to increase our fans on Facebook. The STRAP girls who have Facebook accounts (I don't) made profile pictures of themselves with the STRAP logo (see above) and encouraged all their friends to like STRAP's fan page. It was really sweet and I appreciate all the girls who took part in this mini-project. My lovely ladies, you rock!

I do not think that we'd be able to reach our target of having 1000 fans by June 30th. At any rate, it was truly a valiant effort. Still, we have four days to go. So just in case you love STRAP as we all do, please be our fan on Facebook. Also, tell all your friends? Thank you so much.

Just in case, you can see the STRAP Facebook Fan Page here. Happy Pride Month to all!

Civil Service Commission (CSC) memorandum on LGBT applicants

2010-06-25T01:13:00.000-07:00

It is very heartwarming to note that the 110-year old Civil Service Commission (CSC) of the Philippines made history in late May when it became the first government agency to acknowledge Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Filipinos particularly those who apply for the Civil Service Examination and explicitly ban any form of discrimination in the handling, verifying and processing of their applications based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The internal memo circulated through all 15 regional offices of the CSC and cascaded to the more than 1 million employees of the Commission can be viewed here.

Certainly this memo is ground-breaking and deserves all the praise it can get. It is not only a step in the right direction in the government's promotion of gender equality but as well as of human rights. In a nutshell, the memo affirms the Constitutional principle that all people deserve equal protection in law including in the access of public services. LGBT applicants of the Civil Service exam must then be treated, like any other applicants, with utmost respect and dignity.

The common stereotype of government employees is that they are rude and disrespectful, lazy and corruptible and in my many dealings with various government offices, I have met so many government workers who filled this bill perfectly. At the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), for example, when I was applying for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), I witnessed a PRC employee put a sign saying CLOSED at her glass window from the inside of an air-conditioned office at the middle of the afternoon and made so many poor applicants wait in long, crowded and cramped lines so she could eat her afternoon snack in full view of everyone for the next half hour. Most waiting areas in government offices do not have air conditioning and it was not lost on us that while she ate her snack lazily, she was also wasting paid government time comfortably. She looked like one of those more mature PRC employees and I figured that the only reason why she had the gall to take such liberties was because she was probably protected by tenure.

Many LGBT people I'm sure have their own share of horror stories in dealing with government agencies--from unwanted remarks to humiliating treatment. It is good to know that the CSC, in its pursuit of professionalizing our public personnel, is taking steps to ensure the dignified treatment of LGBT applicants of the Civil Service exam. I hope that the CSC will not only stop at this memo but also take concrete steps in educating its rank and file so they could truly deepen their understanding of LGBT issues.

I take only one issue regarding this memo and that is its reliance on physical appearance as an indicator of sexual orientation and gender identity. This may lead to embarrassing situations where a CSC handler might think that an applicant is LGBT based on stereotyped notions but turn out otherwise. I also do not know how they will keep a running tally of LGBT Civil Service exam applicants unless they will ask people outright about their sexual orientation and gender identity. In that case, that would be violating applicants' right to privacy.

I also do not see any problems about applicants not matching the picture in their application forms. Most government applications require you to submit a recent picture. I think the memo was trying to refer to the mismatch of the applicants' appearance to the indicated sex or name in the application form--a clear reference to transgender people. Because we still have to indicate our legal names and sex in government applications, many transpinoys and transpinays do encounter some unwelcome remarks in cases where they have to present legal documents. In my case, for example, when I pass by Immigration at the airport, I have encountered male customs officials who would say "I thought you were really a girl!" or "You fooled me for a moment!" This has changed through the years thankfully and now I never hear anyone make such comments anymore.

But my point is, transgender Filipinos are still at a disadvantage when it comes to legal documents. Although this CSC memo does not allow us to identify as the gender we present in our application nor use the name we prefer, at least it protects us from potential rude treatment. I am not sure though if the process outlined in the memo makes thing easier or harder for transgender applicants of the Civil Service exam. It is something that we have yet to see.

Still I am glad that efforts like this are being undertaken by government offices, which highlights the need for the TLBG community here to do more in terms of engaging with government agencies because while there are well-meaning, upright civil servants in government who will try to do their best in delivering quality service to the majority of Filipinos who come through their offices, there are also a number of government officials who have relied on conservative and fundamentalist beliefs about gender and sexuality at the expense of the GLBT community. Thus, BTLG activists will be best served if they remain vigilant and really proactively engage more government institutions in the future.

Top 10 tips kung pano magpa-MEN

2010-06-23T07:42:00.001-07:00

I received this text message today and thought of rather sharing it here. It makes sense. :))

Magpa-borta ng katawan. Para hard.
Wag masyadong high-fashion ang damit. T-shirt, jeans o chinos at sneakers lang ayos na. Bawal din ung mga fashionistang bag. Dapat gym bag o backpack lang.
Wag makapal mag-pulbo. Sa T-zone (forhead, nose, chin) at leeg lang dapat.
Wag mag foundation, concealer, lip gloss, lipstick, eyeliner, at blush-on.
Iwasan ang pagkanta ng mga songs nila Regine, Mariah, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, PCD, etc. Mag-shift sa rock, alternative, at boyband songs.
Relax lang dapat ang lakad. OK rin pag medyo siga. Wag mag-catwalk.
Pag may tumatawag sayo ng Sis, Gurl, Bex, Beki, Bading, Mader, Mudra, etc., WAG KANG LILINGON.
Bawal mag-pout.
Bawal bumeso. At higit sa lahat,
BAWAL TUMILI.

O, diba, ang hirap magpa-MEN! Kasi halos lahat ginagawa mo! Wakokokokok! GO GERL! :))

AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2010

2010-05-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Petsa:

Biyernes, Mayo 28, 2010

Oras:

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Lokasyon:

Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila (Assembly) and Rajah Sulayman Park, Malate, Manila

The Department of Health–Philippine National AIDS Council and TLF SHARE Collective, Inc. are coordinating the 27th AIDS Candlelight Memorial with the theme “Many Lights for Human Rights: Remember, Honor and Act”. The event aims to (1) increase awareness on HIV/AIDS; (2) to foster solidarity and support between and among different communities, NGOs, support groups and other stakeholders in addressing HIV/AIDS issues; (3) to promote respect and uphold the dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families; (4) to mobilize communities and individuals towards achieving a participatory and meaningful engagement; (5) to remember and honor Filipinos who passed away due to HIV/AIDS and to support those who are affected.

This event shall gather key stakeholders in the HIV and AIDS response--public and private organizations, faith-based groups, health, social welfare, labor, commerce and industry as well as civil society and local communities representing the most at risk and vulnerable populations.

For inquiries, please feel free to contact Mr. Marcy Oculto at (02) 751 7047, (02) 728 8487 or (0908) 230 3783.

PINK PRIDE PARTY WITH ANG LADLAD PARTY-LIST!

2010-05-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

YOU are all invited to come!

On June 2, 2010, Wednesday, ANG LADLAD PARTYLIST and THE LOUNGE give you PINK PRIDE PARTY! Out & Proud LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual) Night Hosted by: Royal Hotness KRIS LOYOLA, Event Promoter PRINCE VINNY and TV HOST COOLAI CONCEPCION.

Feat HOUSE ANTHEMS by Dj Jenil

Party Starts @ 9pm.

Door charge P200 with drink inclusive.

This is a fund-raising event.

THE LOUNGE is located at 2nd Floor Bellagio Square, Sct Fuentebella cor Tomas Morato, Quezon City

STRAP's SYBIL AWARDS 2010

2010-05-19T18:47:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and allies,

May 20 marks the official foundation date of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP). On our 8th year, we proudly present the

The Sybil Awards honor those who have promoted transgender visibility, equality, acceptance and dignity. The Sybil logo has three elements: a silhouette of a woman in a dance pose with raised arms, an oversized S that covers parts of her body and the name of the award and the year that it is being given.

The woman with outstretched hands represents the gallae, a cult of priestesses who dedicated their life to the worship of the goddess Sybil in ancient Greece and Rome. The gallae were assigned male at birth but transformed themselves by means of castration. During the festival honoring Sybil, the gallae danced wildly in veneration of the Great Mother. They are recognized as precursors of modern transgender identity.

The oversized S, aside from standing for the S in Sybil, represents the female garb that gallae wore. Its shape embodies flexibility and fluidity and encapsulates the idea of gender variability. The Sybil Awards is a celebration of the right to self-determination--the right to define one’s gender identity and expression--and is a way to honor those who respect this right fully.

The color of the poster is bronze to symbolize STRAP’s 8th year anniversary. This color will change depending on the color of the gemstone associated with that year. The Sybil logo was designed by our very own Ms Phoejay Amparo.

CELEBRATE STRAP's 8 YEARS OF STRUGGLE, STANDING UP & SUCCESS! Mabuhay ang STRAP! Mabuhay ang transpinay!

Yours,

Naomi Fontanos
Chair
Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
www.tsphilippines.com
E: diabolllique@yahoo.com
M: +63 920 269 7607
B: pinaytg.blogspot.com
"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."--MahathmaGhandi

Villar Opposes RH Bill and "Homosexual Unions"

2010-05-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Philstar reports Villar and de los Reyes have signed onto the Catholic Church's right-wing reactionary anti-RH bill petition that includes opposing young-adult sex-ed and "homosexual unions."

2 presidential bets vow to block RH bill
By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Two presidential candidates, Nacionalista Party (NP) bet Sen. Manuel Villar and Ang Kapatiran Party’s John Carlos de los Reyes vowed yesterday to block the passage of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

Villar and De los Reyes along with several senatorial candidates signed the “Covenant for Life” pushed by the Catholic Church and pledged to oppose the RH bill and any legislation “that will ultimately pave the way for divorce, euthanasia, abortion, tyrannical population control and homosexual unions.”

The senatorial candidates who signed the agreement at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila yesterday included former senator Francisco Tatad of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, Gwendolyn Pimentel of NP, and Adrian Sison, Rizalito David and Manuel Valdehuesa of the Ang Kapatiran Party.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, however, clarified that the Catholic Church would not endorse the candidates who signed the agreement.

“I don’t think that’s the essence of the covenant. They are really intent on preserving the sacredness, unity, quality of the family that we have now,” Rosales told reporters.

In his homily, Rosales called on Filipino families to teach their children to value life.

He also urged RH bill’s proponents and advocates “to stop disturbing the innocence of the children.”

“No one should insult the value of both love and life and the values of the Filipino families and the fidelity they put in both. There is certain dignity in the way anyone, including government, is addressing our Pinoy mores. This is the reason why, with special delicadeza, the presentation or offer of contraceptive paraphernalia, etc. need not be proffered to the young,” Rosales said.

“We want values and not confusion for our children,” he said.

Catholic bishops have asked the faithful not to vote for politicians who would back the controversial RH bill.

House Bill 5043, otherwise known as the Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood, and Population Development Act of 2008, makes artificial contraceptives more accessible to the public through health programs and calls for sex education in schools, among others.

Global Xchange Team 107 ready to fly!

2010-05-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly Effect Project aims to mobilize the youth to promote and support volunteering through Global Xchange. This project seeks to advance the knowledge and awareness of the youth, by encouraging them to participate in meaningful activities to serve as a generative force in human resource development committed to the values of volunteerism, social transformation, equity and diversity.

In about 40 hours from now, 9 young Filipino young people of Global Xchange Team 107 will be on a plane to begin their trip to London, UK.

Meet Global Xchange Team 107!

Global Xchange, which is an initiative set up by Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) in partnership with the British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Set to work as a team for three months in London, United Kingdom and another three months in Cebu, Philippines, these young FIlipino volunteers will live with local families and work with local community organizations to address the pressing issues on disability, secure livelihood, and environment.

Below are some of their Pre departure videos:

Lucia Palami, 24 from Tacloban, Leyte

Toni Zuniga, 24 from Cainta, Rizal

April Maniacup, 21 from Apalit, Pampanga

Dionell Batoon, 21 from Tanay, Rizal

Marvie Caballa, 21 from Quezon City

Joed Larano, 20, Iloilo City

Watch what will happen to the 9 of them in their 6 month Global Xchange Journey.

Experience GX through them & witness how 9 ordinary young people with extraordinary passion from the Philippines can ultimately make a difference.

Check out their weekly videos, pictures, stories and other updates at

Http://TheButterflyEffectProject.com

ANG LADLAD TO ADD FLAVOR, COLOR IN CONGRESS

2010-04-30T20:21:00.001-07:00

By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer

A party-list group, which promises to add color to the usually staid congressional proceedings, is going “yellow” in its choice for president and vice president in the May elections.

With expected gay flair, this was how Danton Remoto, chair of Ang Ladlad, described Aquino: “Walang bahid, walang mantsa. Hindi mo na kailangang magkuskos at magkula pa. (He’s without stain. No need to scrub or bleach.)

‘Golden Gays’ home

The group said that, if elected, it would propose laws that would criminalize discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs).

Ang Ladlad also vowed to provide livelihood programs and establish a home for elderly and abandoned members of the LGBT
community. The home would be called “Golden Gays,” an apparent takeoff from the government-run Golden Acres.

“We will see all the colors of the rainbow in Congress,” said Naomi Fontanos, one of the group’s nominees. The others are Bernz Benedito, Germaine Leonin, Cris Lopera and Dexter Macaldo.

Ang Ladlad would add a “happy and gay” flavor to the party-list system, Fontanos said.

And even if mocked and bullied by other, more seasoned lawmakers, “like beauty queens we will come poised and diplomatic,” she added.

‘Outing’ not its business

“Our platform is based on dignity for all. We have concrete programs unlike other fake party-list groups which ... have yet to produce platforms and programs. We have a track record since 2003,” the group said in a statement in Filipino.

Fontanos said Ang Ladlad was “not in the business of outing people. If LGBTs refuse to come out of the closet, then that’s fine as long as they do some good for the communities they are in.”

On April 8, barely a month before the elections, the Supreme Court upheld with finality the accreditation of Ang Ladlad in the party-list race.

The group claims to have 16,000 members, but Remoto said it was banking on the estimated 5 million LGBT voters.

Ricky Reyes, Filhair back Villar

2010-04-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

Ricky Reyes, Couples faction back Villar

Fascinating discussion of which Presidential candidate is really "progay" and the influence of Ang Ladlad and gay political movements.

By Jerome Aning, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Posted date: April 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines—For their pro-life and pro-family stand, presidential candidates Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party and John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran Party have received the indirect endorsement of a faction of Couples for Christ (CFC), a Catholic charismatic and renewal group.

Villar also got the endorsement of a group of hairdressers, but not the Ang Ladlad, a party-list group of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender, which is supporting his main rival, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Asked by reporters about Ang Ladlad supporting Aquino, well-known hair stylist Ricky Reyes, said: “Kaya ngayon, nilaladlad ko na si Manny Villar (So now I’m disclosing my support for Manny Villar). Should I endorse someone else? That’s it, he is the one.”
Villar got the endorsement of Reyes and his army of haircutters and hairdressers belonging to Filipino Hairdressers Cooperative (Filhair) when the senator served as guest speaker at the 26th Hair and Make-up Trend Competition at the Philippine Trade Center in Pasay City.

Letter to CBCP

In an April 26 letter to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president, Bishop Nereo Odchimar of Tandag, the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life said: “For the sake of family and life, we ask that these two (Villar and De Los Reyes) be supported.”

Frank Padilla, the foundation’s leader, and other officials of the group cited Villar and De los Reyes’ stand against the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

Villar and Ang Kapatiran president Eric Manalang are members of the CFC community.

“Let the Church speak out clearly and boldly in defense of family and life. Let her denounce those who are pro-choice and pro-RH. Let her educate her clerics and religious who may be making emotional changes but endangering family and life,” they said in the letter.

Individual bishops and Papal Nuncio Joseph Adams were also furnished copies of the letter.

Elated

Sought for his reaction, De los Reyes said he was elated by the support.

“It is but expected that they support those who oppose the RH bill if they are to be steadfast in their apostolate, which is marriage and family life. They are supposedly our natural allies and I am elated they made a stand. Better late than never,” De los Reyes said.

CFC Global

He said he was also soliciting endorsements from the other CFC faction, the CFC Global, and the lay groups founded by his father Antonio, namely the Bukas Loob sa Diyos and Serviam.

The elder De los Reyes was president of the National Council of the Laity of the Philippines, a CBCP arm.

In their letter, the CFC leaders said they were dismayed that Catholic lay and clergy openly and aggressively endorsing the candidacy of Aquino, who, they said, was “pro-choice, pro-RH, pro-population control [and] not against divorce.”

Aquino progay

The CFC leaders added that Aquino himself could be “pro-gay” because he was endorsed by Ang Ladlad party-list.

De los Reyes earlier said he supported homosexuals forming their own party-list group to combat discrimination and hate crimes, but he said he was against same-sex marriage, which Ang Ladlad does not advocate.

The CFC leaders said the Catholic hierarchy in the Philippines should remember what happened in the United States, when American bishops did not speak out against Catholic leaders such as President John F. Kennedy Jr. who was “eroding the truth and fullness of Catholic life.”

Under President Barack Obama, who has many Catholic supporters, the Catholic church was again weakened because of his administration’s support for abortion and homosexual rights, the CFC leaders said.

“The coming elections are crucial for the culture of life in our nation. We are into spiritual warfare, for the very soul of our nation. If we fail to defend family and life now, we will have no one else to blame but ourselves,” they said.

Rags-to-riches story

At the Philippine Trade Center, Reyes said: “I always say that the hardships experienced by Filipinos will be solved by having jobs.”

Reyes, fondly called “Mother” by his wards as a show of respect and admiration for the founder of Filhair Coop., gave birth to the successful privately run community livelihood project, “Isang Gunting, Isang Suklay.”

Reyes, whose rags-to-riches story inspired fellow beauticians like him to dream big, noted that he and Villar succeeded in business by starting as entrepreneurs.

“I’m one of his fans because of his work for the poor and we both came from the ranks of the poor,” Villar told reporters after his speech.

Hard work

He said both of them succeeded through “Sipag at Tyaga,” his campaign slogan which means hard work and patience.

Reyes said Filhair had chapters all over the country.

“For me, my sector, the beauty sector—the most beautiful sector in this country—you will not see us in the streets rallying. But what we do is go to our shop. We will cut hair. We will make our own money and we will feed our families,” he said.

Asked about the nationwide membership of the Filhair Coop, he said: “I don’t count people … but when I call [them], I can fill the whole ballroom.”

Big deal

His endorsement was music to the ears of Villar.

“The endorsement of Ricky is a big deal for me because I really admire him. I am one of his fans. He is one of the Filipinos who should be emulated. He is helping our society and he really pushed for his profession and industry in the field of entrepreneurship. He is indeed a good example of success through hard work and patience,” Villar said.

In his speech, Villar said he had been advocating entrepreneurship as a way out poverty.

“We should encourage … hairdressers to go on, to excel, to compete,” said Villar, again harping on his campaign platform to end poverty if elected president.

This May, STRAP turns 8!

2010-04-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

This May 2010, the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) celebrates 8 years of struggle, standing up and successes as the first and, as yet only human rights advocacy and support organization for transpinays (transgender/transsexual Filipinas). In line with our 8th year anniversary celebrations, it is our pleasure to present the following events:

GLBT FLOREZ DE MAYO
2 May 2010 (Sun), 7 pm
Bgy.Bagong Pag-asa Covered Court, Quezon City

The Flores de Mayo is a Filipino cultural tradition that celebrates the blooming flowers of May. The festival culminates with a procession that depicts the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. On 2 May 2010, selected STRAP ladies will serve as sagalas and parade in Bgy. Pag-asa in Quezon City in the first Gay Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) FlorEZ de Mayo. This event is brought to you by EZ Lubricating Jelly in cooperation with the Metropolitan Community Church Quezon City (MCCQC), Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (PROGAY) and Task Force Pride (TFP) Philippines.

TRANS+ACTION Standing Up For Your Rights
9 May 2010 (Sun), 1 pm
Isis International, UP Village, Quezon City

No STRAP anniversary will be complete without revisiting the ideas that undergird transactivism. On 9 May 2010 STRAP members will come together for an exclusive closed-door workshop on transgender human rights advocacy in the Philippines entitled Trans+Action Standing Up For Your Rights followed by a strategic planning workshop that will set STRAP’s agenda and action plan in the coming year.

SYBIL AWARDS
22 May 2010 (Sat), 7 pm
Something Fishy, Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City

On 22 May 2010, STRAP proudly presents the first Sybil Awards, right around the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO), as a way to honor individuals, organizations, establishments and other entities that, in their own way, combat intolerance based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), uphold gender equality and promote the empowerment of sex and gender diverse people.

The Sybil Awards is named after one incarnation of the Great Mother, a goddess whose worship dates back to the Stone Age. Known by different names, she was called Sybil in various cultures. The Great Mother Sybil was venerated by transgender priestesses in pre-communal, matrilineal societies. STRAP makes history by being the first SOGI activist organization in the Philippines to pay tribute to those who have helped further its cause.

Join us as we usher in STRAP’s anniversary month in the spirit of energetic activism and empowerment. Celebrate STRAP’s 8 years of struggle, standing up and successes!

Yours sincerely,

Naomi Fontanos
Chair
STRAP
E: diabolllique@yahoo.com
W: www.tsphilippines.com
B: pinaytg.blogpsot.com
M: (+63) 0920.268.7607

When Boy meets Boy Book 2: Sticky & Sweet!

2010-04-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

LOVE is definitely stickier and sweeter the second time around!

After experiencing another major heart break, Adam is now more determined to focus on his career and nothing else. He now has his own advice column in a major magazine. Things are looking up for him when he meets ambitious, vibrant, and sexy Brandon. Things started heating up between them until people from his past came knocking back on his doorsteps.

Join Adam and the wacky set of people in his life in the second book of When Boy meets Boy.

COMING MAY 10 2010

The Butterfly Effect Project

2010-04-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

New batch of Filipino representatives for Global Xchange Programme bared
Volunteers chosen by Volunteer Service Overseas to do volunteer work in UK and RP

Quezon City, Philippines, 27 April, 2010 — International development organization Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) announces the roster of young Filipinos who were picked to join this year’s Global Xchange Programme. The group will represent the country in the United Kingdom-Philippines exchange in their campaign towards social growth and development.

The new batch, dubbed as Team 107, includes: Mark Aethen Agana, South Cotabato; Dionell Chris Batoon, Rizal; Margarita Victoria Caballa, Metro Manila; Joseph Eduard Laraño III, Iloilo; Desiree May Llanos Dee, Metro Manila; April Karnette Maniacup, Pampanga; Karl Benson Molina, Rizal; Christina Lucia Marian Palami, Leyte; and Anthony Ross Zuniga, Rizal.

“I have always been passionate about volunteerism and development work and I am both thrilled and privileged to be a part of a program that will allow me to engage in both at the same time. Global Xchange is a great platform for young people to be involved in communities to address the most pressing social issues and provides a great opportunity to widen our perspective as global citizens,” says Karl Benson Molina who is also the Ambassador Leader of the Global Health Forum, One Young World in the United Kingdom.

Global Xchange, which is an initiative set up by Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) in partnership with the British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Set to work as a team for three months in London, United Kingdom and another three months in Cebu, Philippines, these young FIlipino volunteers will live with local families and work with local community organizations to address the pressing issues on disability, secure livelihood, and environment.

Tessie Bugarin, Team 107’s Project Supervisor, will help them adapt to their new environment and learn as much as possible from their experiences. “I had a hard time choosing the candidates for this batch. Everyone was excellent in his/her field of work. I am confident they will do well in the exchange,” said Bugarin.

Meanwhile, the team is preparing for the soft launch of their campaign The Butterfly Effect Project which aims to mobilize the youth to promote and support volunteerism through Global Xchange. This project seeks to advance the knowledge and awareness of the youth, by encouraging them to participate in meaningful activities to serve as a generative force in human resource development committed to the values of volunteerism, social transformation, equity and diversity.

“I am thrilled and excited about the team’s bright ideas. Their energy and vigor make me feel younger. Truly, the youth is an asset to our organization,” Happy Ballesteros-Raagas. Resource Generation Manager of VSO Bahaginan Foundation, Inc., said.

There is barely a week before they take flight to Hounslow, London—their first community. All is excited but at the same time anxious due to the recent volcanic ash cloud from Iceland that moved to UK’s airspace and disrupted its air travel.

But despite all these, the volunteers are still hopeful that everything will be well. The whole country will be with them on their journey.

About VSO Bahaginan
VSO Bahaginan is a development organization that promotes volunteering. They are committed to fight poverty and disadvantage through a wide range of volunteering development programs. They are the federation member of VSO in Asia and the Pacific. VSO is the world’s leading independent international development charity that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.

About Global Xchange Programme
The Global Xchange programme is a six-month exchange programme which gives young people from different countries a unique opportunity to work together, to develop and share valuable skills and to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Change in a Flap

2010-04-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

We often hear how the flap of a butterfly's wings can influence weather patterns around the world. Striking an allusion between this natural tendency and a metaphor, the butterfly effect is tantamount to the analysis that small changes, if properly situated, can bring about wide-ranging effects.

In a world stricken by poverty and divided by chaos, individual butterflies needs to step up to create an impact. Each butterfly, assigned to a specific task, should work in synergy with other butterflies to elicit an effect. An analogy of this process could be paired to individual youths aspiring to make a difference in their respective communities. Each youth, tasked for a specific purpose, should integrate oneself to a larger group working for a common goal.

This May, 18 young individuals from the United Kingdom and the Philippines will endeavor in this process of social transformation. Under the Global Xchange Programme, the group of young individuals will be forming Team 107 of the Global Xchange Programme (GXP) that is jointly implemented in the Philippines by VSO Bahaginan and the British Council. They will be placed in communities, first in the UK and then in the Philippines, to do volunteer work in the areas of disability, secure livelihood, and environment.

Dubbed as The Butterfly Effect Project, the team will work for six months to make significant contributions to both UK and the Philippines. As they emanate the value of volunteerism, these individuals will influence change to their counterpart pairs, to their host homes, and to the communities that they will be in. These changes, when put together, would bring about large-scale and lasting effects.

Like butterflies that emerged from the cycle of metamorphosis, nine individuals from different social backgrounds will be representing the Philippines. Ready for their counterparts from the UK, each will try to flap one’s wings to make significant contributions to the world:

Mark Aethen G. Agana, 22.

Hailing from South Cotabato, Aethen believes that one person is of more value than the world. If each would start caring for one’s neighbors, the world would be a perfect world to live in. For him, valuing a person more than anything else is the essence why people live. He joined the GXP because he wants to travel and experience a different culture. He sees the programme as a good training ground for life long volunteers and active global citizens aspirants like him. Having a background on Information Technology coupled by his marketing skills, he would like to help in the promotion and building of the GXP identity and vision.

Dionell Chris D. Batoon, 21.

Chris wants to stop saying he cares for other people. He wants his words turn into action. An enthusiastic individual who actively participates in volunteer work, Chris values time and uphold honesty and integrity in everything he does. For him, these things are necessary tools to become a good leader and an effective agent of change. Having a Degree on International Relations, he enjoys traveling and learning new languages. He is also into singing, dancing, and hosting events that require interaction with different people.

Margarita Victoria C. Caballa, 21.

Recently finished a Bachelor of Arts Degree Major in European Studies Minor in Development Management and French Studies, “Marvie” joined the GXP because it brings her closer to her chosen career. She aspires to work and invest her knowledge and skills in international development. Being the former president of the Ateneo Special Education Society, she believes that her experiences and abilities could bring about positive change in the world, if diverted to a worthy cause. Aside from traveling and reading books, Marvie enjoys being part and working with a team.

Joseph Eduard G. Laraño III, 20.

A native of Iloilo, “JoEd” is particularly excited about the opportunity being offered by GXP because the nature of the work will surely give him significant and memorable experiences. He believes that the most effective results stem from true commitment. Because of this, he thrives to have a close collaboration with others who share the same passion for equality and holistic development. He welcomes the next six months of his life as a life changing experience. He believes that knowing God’s wisdom will help him see far beyond the superficial layers of life. Bringing with him the value of patience and perseverance, JoEd will sure come a long way.

Desiree May L. Llanos Dee, 21.

“Des” live and breathe for adventure. She has climbed more than 20 mountains in the Philippines and has tried a lot of breathtaking escapades. She loves traveling because the act adds up to her understanding of the world. This act of moving from one place to another makes her independent, open-minded, and versatile. Des realized that she wants to do things for a noteworthy cause rather than for purely capitalistic motivations. For her, the world has enough of greed. It’s about time the world gives back, whether to disabled communities or to the environment. She sees the GXP as the perfect avenue for personal growth and for the fulfillment of her ambitions for the self and for the country.

April Karnette S. Maniacup, 21.

April takes the liberty of finding her own path and threads ways that are less traveled. Although raised in a very protective environment, she has seen suffering from the perspective of her own comfort zone. She has witnessed vulnerabilities from outside her window and these experiences have induced in her a sense of awareness and social responsibility. At the university, she took a Degree on Philippine Studies in the hope that she could be of help to her own country. But later, she realized that service and desire to make a difference should not only end in one’s own home. One should be able to transcend boundaries and set aside differences to be able to see the bigger picture. April joined the GXP because it could give her a broader perspective of the world. At the same time, it is a challenge to share her learning and experiences to other people.

Karl Benson O. Molina, 21.

Philippine Ambassador to the One Young World, London, United Kingdom, Karl has a lot of noteworthy experiences as a youth leader and a change maker. Most of his work experiences involve teaching young kids and children in the orphanage. For three months, he has served as a volunteer teacher at the Rumah Shalom Orphanage for Indian Boys in Malaysia. He joined the GXP because he felt that it is a great platform for him to become a global citizen. The programme will allow him to have a greater perspective regarding the most pressing issues that the world needs to face. His experiences on development and volunteer work have prepared him well for the GXP and he is confident that he will be able to contribute ideas that will benefit the host communities. Compared to others, his source of knowledge not only comes from theory but also from what he has experienced first hand.

Christina Lucia Marian Palami, 24.

“Be brave, right through, and leave for the unknown.”~R. Tagore. This is one of the guiding principles that “Trixie” hopes to live by in the next 6 months. Being the 13th child of a big family, Trixie values kindness, sharing, and hard work. She is currently employed as a Corporate Communications Officer for CB&T ProStaff, Inc. However, her 'soul' work is her development work for projects in rural areas of Leyte, with special focus on women empowerment and scholarships for poor but deserving youth. Trixie is a woman of imagination, sense of humor and an even greater sense of purpose, traits which she wishes to bring to the GX Programme.

Anthony Ross T. Zuniga, 24.

Originally, “Toni” joined the GXP because the idea of traveling for free was hard to ignore. However, as he learned more about the programme, the idea of actually doing something for somebody substantiate his desire to push forward. He may not have the cure for AIDS or the answer for world hunger, but he has pure intentions. Having lived a comfortable life, the programme would allow him to offer what he could for a greater cause. Working as a Brand Manager, Toni values equality and truth. In his spare time, he does wall climbing and marathon, read books, plays with his dogs, and enjoys music and film.

Boy meets Boy [Chapter 1: It all ended with a post it]

2010-04-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

SUPREME COURT ALLOWS ANG LADLAD TO JOIN MAY POLL

2010-04-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court on Thursday approved the petition of Ang Ladlad group to represent lesbians, gays, homosexuals, and bisexuals (LGBT) as a party-list group in the May 10 elections.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo, the Supreme Court overturned the decision of the Commission on Elections disqualifying Ang Ladlad's application as a party-list group.

The court said the Comelec erred in its decision to deny Ang Ladlad's accreditation as a party-list group based on moral grounds.It said the poll body failed to explain "what societal ills are sought to be prevented, or why special protection is required for the youth" to justify the denial of accreditation of Ang Ladlad.

"We hold that moral disapproval, without more, is not a sufficient governmental interest to justify exclusion of homosexuals from participation in the party-list system.The denial of Ang Ladlad’s registration on purely moral grounds amounts more to a statement of dislike and disapproval of homosexuals, rather than a tool to further any substantial public interest," the decision read.

It added: "Respondent’s blanket justifications give rise to the inevitable conclusion that the Comelec targets homosexuals themselves as a class, not because of any particular morally reprehensible act. It is this selective targeting that implicates our equal protection clause."

The Supreme Court said its role in deciding the case "is not to impose its own view of acceptable behavior. Rather, it is to apply the Constitution and laws as best as it can, uninfluenced by public opinion, and confident in the knowledge that our democracy is resilient enough to withstand vigorous debate."

VOTE ANG LADLAD PARTYLIST!

2010-03-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am asking all Filipino lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and supporters to please vote Ang Ladlad Partylist. We are number 89 in the ballot.

Let us show the power of the pink vote!

STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM Expo will give away 10 million pesos worth of international scholarships!

2010-03-28T01:03:00.000-07:00

STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM is giving away 10 million pesos worth of international scholarships this 2010

Going abroad to pursue international education is now more accessible & affordable thanks to STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM.

IL Institute STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM, in collaboration with top universities from USA-CANADA-AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND-UK, is offering over 10 million pesos worth of scholarships to deserving Filipinos this 2010.

True to its GLOBAL CAREER, AFFORDABLE ACCESS commitment , STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM has partnered with universities such as Durham College, Centennial College from Canada; National Technology Institute from New Zealand; Devry University from the USA; and Edinburgh Telford College, Motherwell College and Queen Margaret University from the UK.

“IL Institute STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM’s long-term vision has always been to provide globalized education and student support services. Through STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM, the great Filipino dream to go abroad & better their lives is now more possible." said IL Institute Philippines President Jerry Perez de Tagle

These scholarship opportunities reflect the fundamental principle underpinning STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM’s vision of empowering Filipinos with the aid of education. It is the engine room of ideas. It revolutionizes opportunity, builds the fabric of societies, and promotes development and fosters the growth of durable institutions.

Representatives from these top universities will be coming to the Philippines this April for the 1st Nationwide STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM Expo which will be the venue where Filipinos can inquire on how they can avail of these scholarship grants.

The SWAC Expo is a free event, that will happen in 4 key cities in the Philippines:

April 16 to 18 in Manila at the Podium Mall
April 18 in Cebu at Ayala Mall
April 20 in Baguio at the University of Cordilleras Auditorium
April 21 in Davao at Gaisano Mall.

Aside from International institutions, several local companies will also be present to help enlighten Filipinos on how they can pursue their dream of international education.

To know more about the event and to pre-register, visit STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM or text/call 09228170639.

First 2000 registrants will receive amazing treats during the event proper.

FOLLOW STUDYWORK-ABROAD.COM:

Facebook- Search "Studywork-abroad.com"
Twitter- Twitter.com/ilstdywrkabroad