February is the National Arts Month here in the Philippines. As a contribution to its celebration of Akei, Pinoy4GM and Pelikula Tumblr brings you “Sine Bahaghari”. According to the press release, “Sine Bahaghari” is a showcase of Filipino LGBT experience as seen in Philippine alternative cinema. The main objective of “Sine Bahaghari” is to promote the discussion on how the LGBT community is depicted in the Philippine cinema. Aside from that, it also aims to promote modern Filipino films to a wider audience.

“Sine Bahaghari” is scheduled to open on February 11, 2012 at Chef Bistro and shall feature the following films:
“Next Attraction” by Raya Martin
“Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” by Alvin Yapan

Other films from prominent independent filmmakers, like Adolf Alix Jr, Sigrid Bernardo, Roni Bertubin, and Vincent Sandoval will also be shown.

“Sine Bahaghari” opens on February 11 at Chef’s Bistro with two films from celebrated Filipino filmmakers: “Next Attraction” by Raya Martin and “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” by Alvin Yapan. Also screening are films from prominent independent filmmakers, such as Adolf Alix Jr, Sigrid Bernardo, Roni Bertubin, and Vincent Sandoval.

Two classic films by Lino Brocka will also be shown. These films are: “Tubog sa Ginto” (1971) and “Ang Tatay kong Nanay” (1978).

Film screenings will be on February 11, 18, 24 and 25. All of the screenings are free and are open to the public.
Sine Bahaghari is included in the National Commission for Culture & the Arts’ (NCCA) Philippine Arts Festival.

Here’s the complete list of screening venues:

Chef’s Bistro
94 Scout Gandia near corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Cinema is Incomplete
117-C Anonas Ext., Sikatuna Village
Quezon City

Kanto
The Collective 7274 Malugay St. Brgy San Antonio Village, Makati

University of the Philippines Film Institute
Magsaysay and Osmena Streets, Diliman, Quezon City

I’m looking forward to watch “Señorita” (premiered at the 64th Locarno Film Festival) by Vincent Sandoval. Check out the trailer below.

For more inquiries, please contact PJ Salenda at (0918) 942-8513 or email prsalenda [at] gmail.com. For more information on the schedule of film screenings: please go here.

Gayspeak is an entry to the AdSpeak Competition under the print category. The print ad was done by http://jackofalltwists.tumblr.com/. Let’s vote online for his entry to the AdSpeak Competition.

Rainbow Radio Pilipinas will be opening the airwaves for listeners who will be sending their love letters and short but sweet shout outs on Valentine’s Day. All you have to do is to send an email to: rainbowradiopilipinas[at]gmail.com on or before February 5 (Friday).

Rainbow Radio Pilipinas will choose the shout-outs and stories to be read on air. If your entry won’t be chosen, don’t fret because they will post the other stories on their website (with your permission of course).

Guidelines:

Short and sweet shout outs:

• Email Valentine shout-outs, greetings, or messages from today to 05 February 2010 to rainbowradiopilipinas@gmail.com for your submission to be included in our recording.
• Shout out should be a maximum of 50 words.
• Anonymous shout-outs will be allowed. Foul language is prohibited.

Love Letters:

• Email letters from today to 05 February 2010 to rainbowradiopilipinas@gmail.com
• Letter should have words not exceeding 300 words.
• Letter recipient can be a romantic partner, a family member, a colleague or a personal hero. Letter must express love, thanks, appreciation, congratulations, etc. Story must have LGBT theme. Example: Transgender female writing to her grandmother who loved and supported her throughout her transition
• The three most inspiring letters will be read on air and will get prizes from Rainbow Radio Pilipinas!
• Anonymous letters will be allowed. Foul language is prohibited.

Prizes are as follows:

1st prize: Romantic dinner for 2

2nd prize: Movie Date for 2

3rd prize: 2 Rainbow Pilipinas Shirts

Keep posted for details

You are invited to the forum –

Speakers:
Dr. Sylvia Estrada Claudio: Framing the discussion on identity politics: What is it, what are the struggles of the marginalized and does postmodern politics present a better approach to identity politics

Atty. Germaine Leonin: Women, LGBTs and identity politics

Dean Marvic Leonen: Indigenous peoples and identity

Prof. Ibarra Guitierrez: Marginalization, identity and the party list law

Reactors: Atty. Louie Guia (Libertas) Karen Dumpit (CHR)

Despite the foregoing, however, this Petition is dismissible on moral grounds. Petitioner defines the Filipino Lesbian, Gay, Biseual and Transgender (LGBT) community, thus:

“xxx a marginalized and under-represented sector that is particularly disadvantaged because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

and proceeded to define sexual orientation as that which:

“xxx refer to a person’s capacity for profound emotional, affectional and sexual attraction to, and intimate and sexual relations with, individuals of a different gender, of the same gender or more than one gender.”.

This definition of the LGBT sector makes it crystal clear that petitioner tolerates immorality which offends religious beliefs.

And they used passages from the bible and Koran…

Now where is the separation of the church and the state??

I am furious on how COMELEC argued its way to reject Ang Ladlad from running as a party-list in Congress. COMELEC should’ve used the arguments using the Philippine Constitution. Our constitution is not the bible. Isn’t this an insult to our constitution? These COMELEC Commissioners, Nicodemo Ferrer, Lucienito Tagle, and Elias Yousoph exercised blatant bigotry and homophobic behaviour.

If you’re reading this and judging what my religious beliefs are, I’m sorry but this issue does not have anything to do with my religious beliefs. I would understand if they used logical arguments based on the constitution but using statements from the bible and koran?? Oh come on. The last time I checked, we are living in the 21st century not Medieval times. I remember during a debate class back in high school to never use religion in arguing, especially in debate, because there will never be a resolution of point of views.

I am waiting for the time when these Medieval thinkers in public service will retire and be replaced by progressive thinkers.

We, the LGBTs, need representation in Congress because we cannot expect other party-lists will help us. We appreciate the help of other party-lists such as Akbayan and Gabriela but they also have other agendas to do. If we have our own, it clearly represents the needs purely of the Filipino LGBTs.

You can view the Resolution of COMELEC released last November 11th here.

Here are some blogposts/articles written about this matter:

Rainbow Rights
Jonas Bagas
Risa Hontiveros

Anyway, I’ll leave you with a satirical note here posted by one of our sisters from STRAP, Sass Sasot:

My dear Commission on Elections (COMELEC) of the Philippines,

I wish to congratulate you for doing such an act of pure love and piousness when you upheld God’s Law in your decision regarding the petition of Ang Ladlad LGBT Political Party. Invoking Romans 1:26-27 was a brilliant idea! I feel so blessed that you guys are doing the job that the Constitution of the Philippines mandated you to do. And I feel so relieved that you guys are there to save my soul from being infected by the presence of a lesbian,gay, bisexual, and transgender political party in the 2010 elections.

I try to share the wisdom of your decision with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I’m really convinced that you are very right. You know, just like you, I take the Bible seriously in a very literal way because the Bible is the word of God and God is definitely very clear in whatever He’s saying. However, I do need some advice from you regarding some God’s command in the Bible. I will deeply appreciate if you tell me how to best follow them:

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exo. 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her? How much did you sell your daughters for? I’m really, really curious.

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense. Do you allow your female staff in COMELEC to work during their menstrual period?

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this doesn’t apply to us, that only Chinese people can have us as slaves and not the other way around. Can you clarify? Why can’t I have a Chinese for a slave?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exo. 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? Oh, am I allowed to kill President Arroyo when she works during the Sabbath? And, YES, am I allowed to kill you if I caught you working during the Sabbath?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? I know a lot of our political candidates eat selfish! O No! Please the 2010 Elections can’t be infested by them!

g) Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. A lot of political candidates are wearing glasses, a lot of our former Presidents wore glasses. Are they immoral too?

h) Most of our male political candidates get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. Can we tolerate such immorality among our political candidates?

i) I know a political candidate who has a farm. I think he violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16) Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.20:14)

j) A lot of Filipinas work as domestic helpers in other countries. A lot of them are beaten by their employers. Should I condemn their employers or should we just allow them to be beaten up as long as they can get up after a day or two as what Exo. 21:20-21 wants us to do: “If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.”

k) Erap Estrada seems intent to run again as President. I just wonder whether you’ll approve his candidacy, specially that he is a well-known adulterer. The Bible say the punishment is death, why is he still alive? Is there something fishy going on?

l) Deut. 23:20 said that we shall not demand interest from our countrymen on a loan of money. Are our banks immoral? How should they be punished?

I know you guys have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. I still have many questions but that’s all for now. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.

Faithfully yours,
Juan de la Cruz

In the said issue, you’ll expect:

Gays nightout at Classmate
This is about Boy Abunda with other four famous gay men holding a roundtable discussion of gay issues inside a VIP room in Classmate. Boy Abunda was joined by Danton Remoto (writer and activist), Puey Quiñones (fashion designer), Mojo Jojo (Magic 89.9 DJ) and Carlo Tadiar (a magazine editor).

The Curious Case of Binibini Gandanghari
A mock cover of Bebe will appear in the magazine including an open letter addressed to Bebe Gandanghari.

Here are the synopsis of the chosen films to be shown at mag:net’s CineKatipunan:

D.E.B.S.
Showing Date: November 8, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

“Recruited by the U.S. government for their unique ability to lie, cheat and fight, Amy, Max, Janet and Dominique join an underground academy of secret agents known only as D.E.B.S. these crime fighting hotties set out to save the world and keep their lipstick perfectly applied while doing so. Now the girls must combine their skills for their most important mission — to capture vexing vixen Lucy Diamond, the deadliest criminal the world has ever known. When D.E.B.S. star player, Amy, falls for Lucy, chaos erupts and the D.E.B.S. loyalty is put to the test.”

Winner of Berlin International Film Festival Reader Jury of the “Siegessäule” and Nominated for Black Movie Award in the Black Movie Awards.

Director: Angela Robinson
Writer (WGA): Angela Robinson
Release Date: March 25, 2005 (USA) more
Genre: Action | Comedy | Romance
Runtime: 91 min

The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love
Showing Date: November 15, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

“This warm romantic comedy by newcomer Maria Maggenti is a gay coming-of-age story framed by Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. Randy (Laurel Hillman) is a stoner, lesbian teenager who happens to be failing math and dating a married woman. One day, fellow student Evie (Nicole Parker) drives up to Randy’s gas station in a Range Rover and flips her world upside down. Evie is privileged and popular. Randy is poor, impulsive, and according to the other students, a freak. Opposites attract when the two girls kick off their friendship in detention. The flirtation blossoms after Evie introduces tomboyish Randy to the joys of Whitman and opera. Randy returns the favor by acquainting the sheltered Evie with the problems and delights of mature, taboo love. There is a beautiful scene where the two consummate their courtship on Evie’s birthday while Mom is out of town. The true test of their relationship occurs during the hilarious climax when angry families and friends chase the troubled girls into hiding. –Margaret Griffis”

Director: Maria Maggenti
Writer (WGA): Maria Maggenti
Release Date: June 16, 1995 (USA)
Genre: Comedy | Drama | Romance
Runtime: 94 min

Mango Kiss
Showing Date: November 22, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

“American independent filmmaker Sascha Rice makes her feature debut with Mango Kiss, based on the stage play Bermuda Triangles: The Non-Monogamy Experiment. Butch Lou (Michelle Wolff) and femme Sassafras (Daniele Ferraro) drive to San Francisco together, share an apartment, and become lovers in an open relationship. They agree on some very specific rules for dating other people that inevitably become complicated. Sassy gets involved with leather daddy Mickey (Shannon Rossiter) while Lou experiments with glamorous dominatrix Chelsea (Tina Marie Murray). The conclusion finds all four lesbians at the same birthday party. Mango Kiss was shown at the San Francisco Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide”

Genre: Comedy
Released: January 1, 2003
Directors: Sascha Rice, Sasha
Runtime: 86 mins

Come Undone
Showing Date:November 29, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Come Undone is a beautifully observed portrait of the experiences of a young French homosexual. Eschewing both stereotypes and preaching, it’s a wonderfully naturalistic film, superbly acted, shot with a feel for the seaside town where the action takes place, never melodramatic but often painfully real. If anything it’s almost too realistic, as there’s little in the way of conventional plot, just scenes from a life. But the absence of conventional dramatic tension counts for less than it might in a world so subtly drawn. ‘Presque Rien’ might not be the most exciting film ever made; but its simple humanism serves it well compared with the pre-conceived celebratory or bigoted viewpoints that often mar treatments of this theme. Worth a watch.

Director: Sébastien Lifshitz
Writer (WGA): Stéphane Bouquet (writer) & Sébastien Lifshitz (writer)
Release Date: June7, 2000 (France)
Genre: Drama | Romance
Runtime: 100 min

Babae
Showing Date: November 29, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

“Babae (Woman) is a coming of age story of two women set in the city slum community beside railroad tracks. They became bestfriends, shared dreams and eventually started a family when a child accidentally entered their lives. Inserts of Real stories of women and a man gives color to this black and white film. a mixture of drama, comedy, musical and fantasy that will surely touch your heart. Babae (Woman) … Bestfriends… Soulmates… One Journey…”

Writer/Director: Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo
Release Date: December 2004 (Philippines)
Genre: Documentary Drama
Runtime: 20 min ]]> http://pinoylgbt.com/films-to-be-shown-on-magnet-cinekatipunan-this-november/feed/ 0 http://pinoylgbt.com/galang-film-screenings-at-magnet-katipunan/ http://pinoylgbt.com/galang-film-screenings-at-magnet-katipunan/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:50:00 +0000 Sharlyne Ang http://pinoylgbt.com/galang-film-screenings-at-magnet-katipunan/ Continue reading →]]> Starting November 8 and the rest of all Saturdays of November, Galang Network will have film screenings of foreign LGBT films at mag:net Katipunan. Admissions to the screenings is free and the LGBT films that will be shown will be based on the results of the online poll. Even though it’s free, it would be nice to donate a minimum amount of 50 pesos to support GALANG’s work among grassroots LGBTs. ]]> http://pinoylgbt.com/galang-film-screenings-at-magnet-katipunan/feed/ 2 http://pinoylgbt.com/show-your-pride-pride-march-2008/ http://pinoylgbt.com/show-your-pride-pride-march-2008/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:50:00 +0000 Sharlyne Ang http://pinoylgbt.com/show-your-pride-pride-march-2008/ Continue reading →]]>

Manila Pride March 2008: Show Your Pride!

Co-Coordinator, TFP 2008

What: Leather and Chains pre-halloween party

When: October 24, 2008. 10pm

Where: Fluid Lounge, Orosa St., Malate

The party features the following:
- DJ Chez and Polo
- Guest Belly Dancer
- Jill Ngo

Entrance Fee is 150 pesos only (includes one free drink)