Suspension of Disbelief

VERA Files and Yahoo Philippines / 17 March 2012

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March 1, 2012 was a historic date not only for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community but also for the University of the Philippines.

It was the day when UP students voted the first transgender chair of the University Student Council (USC).

Gabriel “Heart” Diño, a 22-year-old MS Applied Mathematics student, defeated three other candidates — Martin Loon of the UP College of law, Amencio Melad III of the Militant Stand UP coalition, and 4th year BA Tourism Major Maria Shaina Santiago.

Another transgender, Pat Bringas,  also won a seat in the student council.

Before winning the student council’s topmost position, Heart was a councilor who handled the USC committee on gender and was also a leader of UP Babaylan.

“I had difficulty with my packaging, whether I will be the Heart that people know and expect me to be, or will I be the Heart who will conform to the stereotypes of being the USC chair, which is serious and formal,” Heart recalled.

With her head held high, she ran on the platforms of  ”zero-tolerance in frat-related-violence, budget watch, transparency and accountability and zero cases of gender discrimination and sexual harassment.”

During the campaign, Heart received several negative remarks pertaining to her being a transgender (a person whose gender identity and expression does not match his or her assigned sex at birth).

“In one of the dorm assemblies, my fellow candidate said that she is the only girl candidate for the chairperson position,” Heart recalled. “It was so sad, because she is an incumbent. I have been saying to them that I am a girl with transgendered experiences.”

Some of her school mates considered her an incompetent candidate, thinking that being a transgender, she had nothing to offer to improve their condition as state university students.

There was even a student from the College of Law who confronted Heart and asked her directly why she was using her sexuality to campaign for the position.

Her credentials and her capacity to lead the student council did not matter to some students. Her sexuality was always made an issue against her.

However, her recent victory proved that gender should not be an issue and that anyone (straight or LGBT) could be a leader as long as he or she is capable to lead and knows the responsibilities required by the position one is running for.

Heart recalled there were also good things that happened during her campaign, like having met a lot of people who believed in her, and inspired her to continue her fight. Some even helped her in the campaign.

“Heart’s victory was a landmark in the LGBT community in the Philippines,” a member of UP Babaylan said. “We (UP Babaylan, the first and largest LGBT student organization in the Philippines) were very proud of her. The years we spent fighting and advocating for equal rights in the university is already tangible.”

Ladlad party-list said Heart’s victory only showed that “the horizon of one’s dreams is infinite, whether one is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.”

Ever since her teachers in Claret School told her parents of her feminine actions and tendencies, Heart has started to see things differently and accepted the reaction of her family, schoolmates, and other people towards her gender.

“I can still remember clearly how the janitor in one of the malls in Makati blocked the door when I tried to enter the female comfort room,” Heart said. “I knew that time that something needs to be done about this unfair treatment to transgender people.”

She continued: “So when I got the chance to join UP Babaylan, I took it, and from then on, I became an LGBT advocate.”

Heart’s triumph was for the entire LGBT community in the Philippines.  It inspired hundreds if not thousands of LGBTs who dream to achieve and accomplish something they are afraid of.

“Just do what you want… don’t be afraid of what other people will say to you,” Heart said. “As long as you’re not doing anything wrong, there’s no reason for you to stop doing what you believe in.”

(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”)

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Published in Outrage Magazine Issue 20

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They call it “The Mansion.”

It’s where you can meet different people;
A guy who could make you laugh but has the smallest dick in the room.
A straight acting gay who performs Sarah Brightman’s ‘La Luna’ flawlessly.
Someone who thinks he’s the best Lady Gaga impersonator.
A guy who likes you a lot but after blowing you, he’ll disappear.
Someone who will invite you in the dark room and later leave you for a bigger dick.
Someone who will ask you to bend over.
A mouth that can make you come more than once or twice.
And at times, someone who can be your friend.

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Nakarating ka na ba sa isang lugar kung saan ang mga pinapantasya mo ay maaring magkatotoo?

(Have you ever been in a place where most of your fantasies can become reality?)

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It was December of 2007, my first visit to “The Mansion”. I was with Anton, a very good friend, my partner in crime when exploring different places and/or “trips”.

I read about the place somewhere online. They reviewed it as an oldie but goodie with lots of surprises. I got curious. I downloaded the location map and messaged Anton.

We started our hunt one Tuesday evening. It was very difficult to find the place especially if you’re not familiar with the area. It took us 200 pesos, two hours, half pack of Marlboro Lights, until we finally found where Lion’s Road is.

Standing in front of us was a big red gate, housed by old bricks and wood. The aura was eerie and everything in front of us took us back to Japanese time.

Anton rang the bell. We waited.

As I lit my 12th Marlboro Lights, the big red gate opened. A middle-aged gay guy greeted us and led us in.

We were asked to sit on bench outside the main door. Anton borrowed my lighter and lit his 13th Marlboro. The guy left and went inside to call the manager.

Anton and I were whispering to each other while laughing, and quietly discussed if we’ll still go inside because we both felt scared.

“Good Morning Sir, what can I do for you?” We heard a voice coming from the door asking.

“We heard about this place and we want to be a member,” Anton answered.

He asked several questions; where did we found out about the place, do we know anyone who is already a member, and stuff. It’s not like one of those walk-in kinds of places.

After several minutes, we’re finally allowed to go inside and we became a member.

The ground floor was dark, only two lamp shades; one on the receiving area and the other on the stage area were lit. It would take time before your eyesight adjusts.

When you get inside, the stage are will greet you; they use it during big nights or whenever there’s an event, and during weeknights clients usually stay in the videoke area, it’s beside the stairs that leads to the second level and to the mini pool.

The structure of the videoke room and the stairs reminds me of the porn movie “A Body to Die For”, old and rustic. It’s like fulfilling your fantasy of having sex in an old house.

The second floor keeps the lockers and the first activity area.

From the thin cloth division of the activity room and the locker area, you can hear countless moans coming from the inside. Like a curious kid in Toy Kingdom, we went inside and explored it thoroughly.

I felt a hand touched my behind; I felt another grabbed my front. We continued walking and didn’t mind their touching.

I puffed my Marlboro Lights to give the place little illumination.

I saw three guys playing with each other on one bed, the one on top of the other, while the other is kneeling in front of the two.

I liked what I saw.

I moved to the other direction and puffed my Marlboro again. I saw two guys in a 69-position on the other bed, while the others sat around, watching, trying to join the action.    

After a quick ocular, we went out of the activity area, went down the stairs, and walked towards the pool area. We went straight to the pool bar and ordered beer and lit another Marlboro.

The bartender engaged us in a small conversation. He asked us if it was our first time in the place. Anton and I nodded.

He told us that on different days they offer different promos and themes, like; every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays is their towel night, Tuesdays is their topless night, Thursdays is their brief night (your underwear and a hand towel), Saturdays is their event night, also a towel night, and Sundays is skin night (nothing on, just a hand towel).

After a few minutes, we left the pool bar and continued exploring the place. We walked on the side of the main house to get to the back house.

As we slowly reached the dark entrance of the back house, the silhouette of the people who were standing inside caught our attention. The number of people is double compared to the ones in the first activity area. They were standing side by side with each other, waiting for someone who will engage something with them, touching each other’s bulge, kissing each other while touching someone from their behind.

It felt like we were in Sodom and Gomorrah. It would be unethical to define it as Halfway to Heaven, but it felt like it. Like all the lust in the chatroom, dark rooms of Red Banana and Bath (when they were still open), the double-movie cinema experience in Quiapo and Libertad (the years when they were still operating) were all here, jammed in this dark, spine-chilling, fantasy like place. Anton and I called it, “the dungeon”.   

No matter how hard we puffed our Marlboro’s, the darkness of the place fought the ample light of our cigarettes.

We entered the dungeon, with our hands touching the walls and our feet sliding to the unfamiliar floor – for direction inside the spacious dark place.

Anton held my hand. We walked towards the middle. We heard moans. Felt several touches from our front and our behind.

We bumped to a group of people who were engaging in an orgy-like. I pulled Anton to have a closer look to what they were doing. I puffed my Marlboro and saw the outline silhouette of five guys standing in circle and one guy was kneeling in the middle blowing their dicks one after the other.

I felt someone touched my bulge and squeezed it like he was pulling me towards him. I got distracted. I spread my arms trying to touch and find him but I couldn’t, it was too dark, all I could grasp that was in my reach was Anton.

We went outside and went to the second floor of the dungeon, the video room. Anton led the way as I lit my last Marlboro.

The television was playing a familiar porn movie.

There were 3 people in the room. When we reached the end of the stairs and walked behind the bench in front the television, their attention focused to us, they’re like waiting for a go signal from us.

There’s also an activity room in the second floor, the third and last. It’s on the other side, separated by the brick wall and the wooden wall with glory holes. I think it was strategically placed in the video area, so while watching Jeff Palmer perform his bareback scenes, you can put your dick in one of the holes and wait for someone to suck it, or vice-versa.

Anton and I decided to cruise separately, to cruise on our own, and meet each other after two hours in the pool bar.

He stayed in the video room. I went back to the dungeon.

I heard the familiar moans again; I once again felt the heat coming from the bodies having a release with each other.

I wanted to light a cigarette but I remembered I finished everything I brought. And just on my way out of the dungeon to go to the bar and buy another pack of Marlboros, I felt someone grabbed my arm; it was the familiar arm grab I felt earlier.

I don’t know if I was hallucinating, because of the lack of Marlboro smoke in my body or he was the same guy who tried to pull me earlier. My other arm grabbed his hand, and I pulled him closer to me. I wanted to kiss him. There’s something in him that draws me closer to his lips even though I haven’t seen his face yet.

He pulled me outside the dungeon for a better view of each other.

He was tall. He has a nice set of arms. His body was like of a swimmer, with a not-so flat tummy. He was wearing a baseball cap. He smiled and whispered to my ear, “Let’s go to the locker area activity room.” I nodded and followed him.

When we got inside the activity room, there were only few people; the bed near the entrance was empty. He crawled on the bed and I followed him. I turned his cap around and started kissing him.

I unbuckled his belt, and unbuttoned his cargo shorts. I pulled down his brief, and started playing with his already hard and throbbing cock.

He unbuttoned my jeans and pulled it with my underwear down to my knees. We played with each other while kissing. I turned around. We were in 69-position.

Someone tried to join us, tried to reach for my dick but he grabbed the hand and pushed it away. He continued to give me head, I deep-throated him…

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This is one of the countless stories I had in The Mansion.

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It was December of 2003 when The Mansion opened and catered to every gay’s fantasy and entertainment. A towel bar that changed the meaning of “bathhouse” to an unconventional way – a fantasy-driven place.

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The Mansion and the experiences I had inside were all euphoric. It’s addicting, there came a time that every night, after work, I’ll meet Anton somewhere in EDSA and go there.

There’s fantasy-fulfilment when you’re inside The Mansion, like an ego satisfaction. When you’re having sex with someone, and people gather around you and jerk off while watching you get off, the feeling is amazing, it’s cathartic…

Courtesy: ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs

2nd LGBT Flores de Mayo, Quezon City

Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2011

Remnants from one end of the island, where gays used to…

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1AM, as the music faded, we made to our way to ‘Jurassic’ to check out the scene, halfway through, the ‘tanods’ stopped us and said that the area is closed.

And every time a group attempts to walk farther, the ‘tanods’ will scream at them and flash lights on their faces. It was a straight on harassment.

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? 

1. 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. 

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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

Pride March Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PRIDE MARCH

1. 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.
2. 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
3. What if it rains?
   We will march rain or shine. Be a girl/boy scout. Just be prepared and bring a colorful umbrella.
4. 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.”
5. 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

1. 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.
2. 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
3. Can I bring my friends?
   Yes bring as many as you like.
4. Do I have to be out to march?
   No. You may bring a mask or disguise as needed to take part of activities

Preparation

1. 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.
2. 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)

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.

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ImmoRALLY: The Ang Ladlad Protest

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