“Next Fall” is a play written by Geoffrey Nauffts. It is about an exploration of faith in a modern gay relationship involving Luke and Adam, a gay couple. Luke is a devout Christian and an inspiring actor while Adam is an atheist.

This play is directed by Audie Gemora. David Bianco plays the role of Luke while Bart Guingona plays the role of Adam. “Next Fall” is currently on-going and it will run until February 5, 2012 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30pm at Onstage, Greenbelt 1.

For tickets, inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Aside from the speech delivered by the Ambassador, we were made to watch the speeches of President Barrack Obama and US State Sec. Hillary Clinton (of course, they couldn’t grace the event ) showing their support for the It Gets Better Project for LGBT Youth (and perceived as gay or lesbian). Even though we live in a different nation, I believe that we have common struggles and one of which is bullying. This suddenly made me think of my adolescent years.

We’ve heard of stories on young gay boys or are perceived to be gay being bullied in all-male schools. We’ve even heard some schools (usually Catholic all-male schools) giving “pink slips” to students who are perceived to be gay – a “sanction” given to those who do not behave like masculine boys. I studied in a Catholic school for girls and during my stay there, I didn’t hear any type of slip pertaining to sanctioning girls behaving like boys. My hypothesis, and I think others as well, is the traditional machismo culture still prevails in some all-male schools.

Quoting President Obama’s speech:

You are not alone.  You didn’t do anything wrong.  You didn’t do anything to deserve being bullied.  And there is a whole world waiting for you, filled with possibilities. There are people out there who love you and care about you just the way you are. And so, if you ever feel like because of bullying, because of what people are saying, that you’re getting down on yourself, you’ve got to make sure to reach out to people you trust. Whether it’s your parents, teachers, folks that you know care about you just the way you are. You’ve got to reach out to them,  don’t feel like you’re in this by yourself.

(You can view the entire transcript here)

The keywords are YOU ARE NOT ALONE and REACH OUT.

The family should be the first people who the youth should reach out. What if parents are not open about homosexuality, which is very common in Philippine society? Now this is where problem starts. No need to worry LGBT youth, there are support groups in the Philippines where you can find PLUs (People Like Us). We can’t get absolute acceptance from everybody but at least let someone help you make it better. Remember kids, appreciate simple things. It will help you feel better.

Atty. Christine Sun

In another news, I am glad that the Philippine US Embassy is shedding some light on what the US does in terms of LGBT issues. Weeks before the reception, they brought in Atty. Christine Sun, a gay rights lawyer from ACLU. She had a separate round-table discussions with the media and LGBT groups here in Manila and in other parts of the Philippines. It was enlightening to speak with Christine on the present and past cases she worked on and at the same time we gave her a picture on the situation of the LGBTs here in the Philippines and of course the Anti-Discrimination Bill, Reproductive Health Bill and many others.

Lastly, some photo ops during the LGBT reception

With Boy Abunda

With US Ambassador Harry Thomas

LGBT friends and Supporters, there will be a an LGBT themed night market series in CCP. This doesn’t happen very often so it would be nice to drop by. See details below:

This event is part of the CCP Night Market series, and will feature a fabulous show and night bazaar. Watch performances by various LGBT and LGBT-friendly artists like excerpts from Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Zsa Zsa Zaturnah Ze Musikal”, Teatro Tomasino’s “Final Mark” and the Amazing Theater Group, indie music, and performance poetry from Venus in Orbit and Bigkas Pilipinas, among others.

The program will be hosted by Carlos Celdran (renowned tour guide, artist and reproductive health advocate) and Perci Cendana (Commissioner, National Youth Commission).

Shop at the bazaar for LGBT – themed merchandise and other great finds:

• Artworks and Books

• Clothes and Accessories – designer, vintage, new and avant-garde

• Food and Wine

• Beauty and Fragrances

• Health and Wellness Products

• Spa

• Travel and Tours

• Dream Photo Booth

• Wet and Wild Booth

• Amazing Shows

• Fabulous Performances

The event will be held on March 4, 2011 (Friday), at the CCP Eskinita, and will go on from 6:00 pm till 12:00 midnight.

Entrance is absolutely FREE.

Experience true colors.

Different tastes.

Varied lifestyles.

Celebrate Diversity!

Be part of the Rainbow Connection!

December 4th was a really busy day for me: working meeting with friends and fellow bloggers and then had to rush to Eastwood for a friend’s album launch. Good thing that Juned allowed us to have our working lunch meeting at Kozui, at least I can get to see the parade pass by. I wanted to join this year, hopefully next year!

The Pride March is the opportunity for me to see old LGBT friends from college. I’m glad to have seen some of them. According to the the organizers, this has the biggest number of attendees. Well actually, I prefer to have the Pride March in Tomas Morato. Not just because it’s near my place but because the Tomas Morato is more spacious. Although I wish that establishments around the area would join the celebration by having Pride Day promos or something like that.

Other photos of the Pride March here.

It’s Pride time once again in Manila on December 4, 2010. Be out and proud of being part of the Philippine LGBT community. I am excited to attend this event because I’ve been attending the Pride March in Malate, Manila. For this year, it will be held in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. See you all there!

A fund-raising party will be held on June 2, 9pm at The Lounge. The party is dubbed as “Pink Pride Party! It will be hosted by Kris Loyola, Prince Vinny and Coolai Concepcion. DJ Jenil will also be there.

Entrance fee is 200 pesos and it comes with a free drink!

RSVP here.

The Lounge
2nd Floor Bellagio Square,
Sct Fuentebella cor Tomas Morato,
Quezon City

It’s Pride time once more in Manila!

This year’s Pride March will happen on December 5, 2009 at 5 pm. Assembly time starts at 2:30 pm. Starting point will be in Remedios Circle, Malate. Parade route will be:
From Remedios Circle To Roxas Blvd
Right to Pedro Gil
Right to Taft Avenue
Right to Nakpil
Left to Orosa St.

Of course there will be a program to acknowledge the presence of different LGBT organizations in the Philippines in Orosa St. Malate. You may view last year’s Pride March here.

This is a great time to celebrate LGBT Pride and to meet other LGBTs as well. See you there!

For updates, please visit Task Force Pride’s blog.

Now here’s an opportunity to know the discuss the issues and status quo of Philippine lesbian literature. Frankly, I am saddened on the status of lesbian literature here in the Philippines. Why? Because there are only a few lesbian resources that talk about lesbianism here in the Philippines. Most of the LGBT literature here are mostly centered on gays. I believe that this kind of forum should be attended by writers and even researchers to know where the weaknesses and strengths are. Too bad I can’t attend because I have to be in Australia on the scheduled date of the forum.

By the way, the Ishmael Bernal Gallery is at the back of UP Cine Adarna (Film Center). Everybody is welcome to attend whether lesbian or not.

Come together on June 28, 2009 – meeting place at the Session Road @ 8:00 a.m. – supported by Metropolitan Community Churches in the Philippines and Progay Philippines. Please bring your rainbow flags and your straight family member.

The whole event will be from June 22-28, 2009.

Activities will be Pride parade, sports festival, Pride LGBT Mass and Film festival
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