Ms. Gay
What’s the best way to steal the attention of the audience and convince the judges to give you high scores in a gay beauty contest where all 19 contestants were as beautiful like those you see in Ms. Universe?
- National Costume. Pick the most controversial country at the moment. A country that’s been in the headlines for weeks because of the devastating earthquake it experienced. Haiti.
And it wouldn’t be a politically correct Ms. Gay beauty pageant without a punch line. Bring a prop or an object that represents your country - a piece of hollow block.
And here it is.
When you get on the stage, say your spiel. You need to be as catchy as possible to get the attention of the audience and the judges. Pick a song that everyone can elate to. After singing few lines, introduce yourself in the most fascinating way you can.
This was her line.
“Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae, mga babaeng manloloko
Pineperahan lang kami. Kaya ngayon bakla na lang an gaming iibigin
Masarap magmahal ang bakla, ohh kay sarap…”
Maayong gabii! Naimbag a rabii! All I want to say is Good evening. My name is Sophia Yambot, hayaan niyo pong pakilala ko sa inyo ngayong gabi ang babaeng nagpatibok sa puso at kumabit sa pambansang kamao, Krista Ranillo! Na nagmula sa bansang inalog-alog, kinadyot-kadyot ng lindol, Hai! Haiti!
2. Casual costume. Everyone will wear something sexy, for sure, something usual, like a cocktail dress or something revealing.
You need to stand-out. You don’t want to be ignored by the audience and the judges; prostitute and magbabalot.
3. The swimsuit segment is the most awaited by everyone, it’s the part of the
pageant where the contestants flaunt their beautiful and feminine like bodies.
Again, stand-out! Use a prop that will catch everyone’s attention. And make sure that your swimsuit is as outrageous as your prop.
See for yourself.
4. Finally, the evening gown competition.
She won “Darling of the Crowd” Award.
She wasn’t chosen to be one of the top ten.
She was sad but she was not disappointed.
It was a fun and memorable night for everyone.
***
Ms. Gay is not about winning. I know all gays will contradict this. Ms. Gay is an art form. Being on stage, modelling, representing different countries and impersonating different celebrities – is an art. Ms. Gay contestants are like canvasses. They are being colored, dressed and changed into a whole new different person – to look like the pre-conceived “model” celebrities and personalities of our time.
01292010
I Am Not Immoral! [The Exhibit]
I AM NOT IMMORAL EXHIBIT
The Lighthouse Studio, 1820 Maria Orosa, Malate
January 30, 2010, Saturday, 9PM
Celebrate PRIDE!
***
Call of Duty
It was a sunny Wednesday morning. Everything was going on as usual; people rushing in the streets to get to their respective offices and schools, the shopping malls preparing to open, the little children already up playing in the streets.
In Intramuros, colleges and universities started to rang their bells for the first class. The small carinderia’s surrounding the entrance and exits of the schools were already open ready for another day of business.
On the far end of the walled city stands Palacio Del Gobernador that houses the Comelec (Commission on Elections), the office that took the liberty in labelling the LGBT community as “immoral”. There was endless chanting.
***
It was November 25.
It has been fifteen days since the Comelec’s disqualification of Ang Ladlad’s petition to have a representation in the Congress as a party-list group.
***
“LGBT hindi immoral, ipaglaban ang dangal!” this was the words heard on that Wednesday morning.
Different LGBT organizations flocked together. From UP’s Babaylan, Task Force Pride – to other organizations who believed that the Comelec was wrong in giving those labels to Ang Ladlad, to the LGBT for that matter, the Akbayan party-list.
The sky was fashioned with rainbow umbrellas and colourful placards saying; “I find you bigotry immoral”, “Morality is not based on one gender”, “Im moral”, etc..
Speakers from different organizations voiced their views on the Comelec’s decision.
“We are here to let the Comelec know that their decision is wrong because this is against the separation of church and state”, Danton Remoto, chairman Ang Ladlad.
“This is a gross violation of Constitutional right to not be discriminated against and to enjoy equal protection laws”, Etta Rosales, chairman, Akbayan.
“Comelec magdesisyon na! Ang Ladlad ipasa na! Now na!”.
It was a loud chant, an attempt to break through the thick walls of Palacio del Gobernador.
***
And as the day quickly moves to the noise and heat of the noontime, the rally ended. The placards and banners were folded, the megaphone was switched off, the people, one by one headed their own ways with the hope that they have done something, that they have changed the wrong perception, that they made the people in Comelec realized that they have the same rights as any other Filipino’s do.
***
The rally was not for Comelec.
It was definitely not for Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer’s stone heart.
It was for the community.
It was for the transgenders who wakes up everyday and opens their humble beauty salon to make an honest living.
It was for the lesbians who wakes up everyday and tries their best to mix in with the crowd.
It was for the gays who everytime they make a single move or open their mouth are being judge.
***
e-mail: patrick.king.pascual@gmail.com
Pride March 2009
Pride March Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
PRIDE MARCH
- What is a Pride March?
Pride Marches worldwide celebrate the courage, solidarity, resilience and contribution of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer people. The Pride March is a collective action of the LGBT community to express its concern over human rights issues affecting the community, including homophobia and discrimination. - What is going to happen?
On December 5:
3pm – Registration/Walk-in (Remedios Circle)
5pm – Parade/March (Down Remedios St., Right Roxas Blvd., Right Pedro Gil Ave., Right Taft Ave., Right Nakpil St., Orosa – End)
7 pm- Candle lighting ceremony / Program / Pageant / Party - What if it rains?
We will march rain or shine. Be a girl/boy scout. Just be prepared and bring a colorful umbrella. - Why should I be part of the PRIDE MARCH?
It feels great to be out and proud to be surrounded by those who believe in the same causes. Taking to the street is a buzz. Once you’re part of a Pride March, you’ll be hooked on this special experience. It gives you a chance to be part of the LGBT community’s action to promote freedom and human rights. It gives you a chance to care and help fellow LGBTs who are discriminated and abused.” - Do I have to pay anything to march?
There is no registration fee. However, if people are able, we do suggest a donation of Php 50 for individuals; Php 200 for not-for-profit organizations; and Php 500 for for-profit organizations. Proceeds will be used to defraying the expenses used to organize the pride march.
Participants
- If my org doesn’t attend any preparation meetings can I and/or my organization still march?
Yes. Just show up at 3 pm at Remedios Circle and check-in at the registration booth. - Who can join the pride march?
Everyone can join the pride march including but not limited to the following:
- Individuals without organizations (you will be marching under the banner of Task Force Pride or join any group)
- Both LGBT and non-LGBT Organizations
- Parents, Friends and Pets
- LGBT individuals and non-LGBT individuals - Can I bring my friends?
Yes bring as many as you like. - Do I have to be out to march?
No. You may bring a mask or disguise as needed to take part of activities
Preparation
- Is the color coordination a requirement? Why do we need colors?
Clothing Color coordination is only a guideline (not a policy) to show some level of organization and consistency of groups. You as an organization or individual can actually come as you are to march. - What do we need to bring to the march?
It is recommended to bring the following- comfortable clothes for walking,
- candles for the candle light ceremony,
- placards, signs, flyers, business cards
- sound makers e.g. whistle, drums
- lights (since march is close to dusk) e.g. glowsticks
- cameras or video cams
- water and
- a whole lot of pride, enthusiasm and voice!
(Lifted from Task For Pride Philippines)
Pro-”Immoral”
I’m glad I’m not voting next year in the presidential elections.
I’m glad I missed my last chance to register in Comelec.
I’m glad I won’t be part of another election fraud.
I’m mad at Comelec for disqualifying Ang Ladlad to run as partylist representative next year.
I’m mad at Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer for using big words like; “immoral” and “spiritual degradation of the youth” to describe the LGBT.
I’m mad at myself for wishing Commissioner Ferrer to have generations and generations of gays, lesbians and transgenders in his clan.
I’m glad that after several hate blogs and articles from different people who supports the LGBT, the Comelec urged the Ang Ladlad to file their motion for reconsideration.
I’m glad that the Comelec’s decision was bitch slapped last Saturday, November 21 in Cheche Lazaro’s show on ANC, Media In Focus by members of the LGBT.
I’m glad that the LGBT will march at Plaza Roma in Intramuros on Wednesday, November 25 to express outrage against the Comelec’s decision.
***
ImmoRALLY: The Ang Ladlad Protest
***
“This is the 21st century and there should be human rights for all.” – Remoto
Mga bakla: “Imoral, walang lugar sa pulitika, nakakababa ng spirititual na paniniwala ng mga bata…”, Comelec.
Here’s a report from Kristine Alave from Philippine Daily Inquirer (11/13/2009):
Comelec bars gays in House on grounds of ‘immorality’
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed a petition of Ang Ladlad, a gay organization seeking congressional representation in the May elections as a party-list group, saying it “tolerates immorality.”
In an eight-page resolution dated Nov. 11, the Comelec’s Second Division said Ang Ladlad’s petition “must fail” despite the group’s fulfillment of poll requirements, because the practice of homosexuality offends morals.
Homosexuality is also against Christian and Muslim faiths, it said.
The Comelec division is headed by Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer, with Commissioners Elias Yusoph and Lucenito Tagle as members.
Citing the teachings of Lehman Strauss, an American Bible teacher, the Comelec said the principles of Ang Ladlad were a threat to young Filipinos.
“Should this commission grant the petition, we will be exposing our youth to an environment that does not conform to the teachings of our faith,” the resolution said.
“As an agency of the government, ours too is the state’s avowed duty under Section 13, Article II of the Constitution, to protect our youth from moral and spiritual degradation,” it added.
A similar petition to participate in the 2007 balloting was also rejected on grounds the group did not have a national presence, a requirement for party-list accreditation.
The resolution released Thursday said the decision was not a condemnation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. “We cannot compromise the well-being of the greater number of our people, especially the youth,” it said.
‘Intellectually bankrupt’
Ang Ladlad leader Danton Remoto, a professor at Ateneo de Manila University, slammed the ruling for being “intellectually bankrupt.”
“The decision of the very old men showed painfully obsolete ideas about homosexuality,” Remoto said. “This is the 21st century and there should be human rights for all.”
Remoto said his group, which has 22,000 members nationwide, would file a motion for reconsideration. If it is rejected, he said he would go to the Supreme Court.
***
This is the link to the COMELEC website with its decision on Ang Ladlad. http://www.comelec. gov.ph/resolutio ns/2010natl_ local/spp_ 09_228.html
The post from COMELEC lacks a significant part of the decision, page 6…
November 16, 2009
Six Thousand Pesos Boobs
Last night, Nicole and I shared a cab.
As we slowly coursed Quezon Avenue, Nicole told me how her boyfriend kept on complaining about her small hormone-pill-filled breast.
She said, “Every time we have sex, John Rey squeezes my breast real hard, his huge hands covering my humble breast.”
The cab driver glanced at the rear view mirror as Nicole continued, “I feel a bit disappointed, and I know John Rey also feels a bit disappointed. I want to fully satisfy him in bed and I think having a big breast, not a hormone-pill breast, but a collagen breast will give him the “real” satisfaction he’s looking for. Besides, it’s only six thousand pesos.”
I can’t help but think, is it right to change your physical self just to satisfy someone?
When we reached España, I asked her if she’s aware of the news about a starlet in the Philippine showbiz industry experienced with collagen implants. She said that she’s completely aware of it.
“I know that after 10 or 11 years the collagen implants will rot and pus will start to come out of my skin. I don’t care. As long as I will have a bigger breast that my boyfriend can enjoy, I don’t care”, Nicole explained.
I jokingly asked her, “What if one time, John Rey squeezes your breast, lick it and pus will ooze out, what will you do?” She didn’t answer my question. And we laughed hysterically.
As I slowly walked towards the front of my house, I wondered, is it politically right to not consider your own needs first, especially if its something you can live without, just to please someone?
The Murder of Winton Lou
He was 28 years old. He was a Palanca-winning writer. He was a professor in Dela Salle University. And a proud gay.
His name was Winton Lou Ynion, and he was murdered. His hands and feet were tied with a nylon cord and his body was covered with stab wounds.
***
A professor e-mailed blast last week; “It all happened one night, when Winton took home a guy (or two guys) for a fun night, but the supposed fun night ended in a bloody frenzy.
Winton’s friend Jojo Flores went to his condominium unit in Katipunan, Quezon City after several unanswered calls. He knocked repeatedly on the door, but there was no answer. He went to the building administrator and asked for help.
When they got inside the unit, the strong stench of the body welcomed them. They found Winton’s body lying in the toilet floor drenched in his own blood.
The QCPD (Quezon City Police District) said, “We have yet to determine what the victim does for a living and the motive for his killing, although our initial theory was robbery.” The police also said that based from the condition of the body, Winton could have been dead for hours or even days before he was discovered.
***
Winton was an innocent gay man; he’s like any of us who lives everyday for his dreams and for his family. He never deserved to die the way he did.
It’s been ten days since Winton was murdered. Neither TV news report nor radio report about the murder aired. There were only two small columns, and personal blogs that tried their best to tell the story of Winton.
This makes me think; is a murder story unimportant to news and to us to the point that we are more interested to watch and listen to news that discusses the President’s abundant dinners?
Maybe if the one murdered is a big personality, or someone connected to a personality, its story will shed its light on TV or in the radio, but what about the regular people? What about Winton’s story?
He might be our Facebook friend, our professor, our classmate, our friend, or our brother – doesn’t he deserve to be in the news so that people will hear his story?
***
I remember Ivan. He was also murdered. The last information his friends knew was, a guy went to his place and then the next time they heard any news about him, he was dead.
***
Is this an on going serial-killing? Is this another hate crime? Are the police and the government doing something to thoroughly investigate these kind of crimes and prevent it?
References: inquirer.net, Ang Ladlad
The Beautiful One
Her name is Nicole. She is 24 years old. She’s an Executive Assistant of one the country’s most awarded writer and executive producer. She’s a transvestite.
Nicole along with Me, Anton, Jeff, Bernard and Brent go out on an every night basis; go to different bars and party until the break of dawn, meet different people from different places, and a lot more different stuff…
But now, she’s in a relationship for three and a half months now, our usual routine became our past time. Even if we, her friends, don’t approve the guy she’s in a relationship with, she doesn’t care what we think of his boyfriend nor listen to our advice. What matters to her is how she feels for the guy.
She can be hardheaded especially when she truly believes on the thing she’s fighting for, like her boyfriend. Despite of the obvious reasons why she should break up with the guy; the seldom communication with each other, going out with girls on a regular basis without informing Nicole, and the not so often borrowing of money – only shows that this guy is not serious in the relationship, but Nicole chooses to be blind, because she believes and hopes that this person might be “the one”.
Nicole is the sweetest and the most caring among us. She’ll even ditch her family or her boyfriend just to be with her friends in times of painful heartaches and lonely nights.
But behind the beautiful face, the sweet smile, there’s only one thing Nicole is looking for: true love.
Love that has no monetary value. Love that respects monogamy. Love that sees no gender.
To Realize
Four straight months and counting.
Malate clubbing doesn’t look like as it used to. The once-in-a-while trip to bathhouses was removed from the weekly activities. The late night conversations with friends are lessened to at least twice a week. Heavy smoking is now known as social smoking.
When does one become futile to a point where he will shelf himself away from his usual activities?
After spending more time with Erick than with my friends, it’s like seeing things in a different way, in a more meaningful way. It’s like; there is a deeper reason why you can’t go out every night, why you have to cut back with your vices, thinking twice of your actions to not create an unnecessary hype when you’re in a party.
Two weeks ago, in the middle of our weeknight clubbing in Malate, Bernard whispered to me that I am changing, that I’m not like the Patrick he’s out with five months ago. I still party like before, I still stay up late and drink too much, I still dance to tunes I enjoy. I couldn’t get him at first, but after a long think, I realized that it’s all because I’m in a relationship.
How many priority changes I need to make because I’m already in a relationship? And how many unconscious changes am I making everyday?
Last Friday, I was out with Erick and Nicole. After hours of dancing in drinking, I asked Nicole if she still wants to buy another round of drinks, Erick leaned closer to me and said, “One more bottle, and we’ll go home, you’ve had too much”, and he smiled.
I finished my last bottle of San Mig Light while I danced with Erick and Nicole. I placed the empty bottle on the side bar and took Erick’s hand and walked towards the exit.
As we slowly made our way between the tight crowd of the bar, my late-night parties before flashed in my head and I smiled and said to myself, “The “party girl” is indeed, in a relationship.”
