Ateneo BlueRep BAREs All Again

The Ateneo BlueREPERTORY brings back on stage BARE: A Pop Opera as season finale. BARE, with book, music and lyrics by Jon Hartmere, Jr. and Damon Intrabartolo, tells the story of Peter Simmonds and Jason McConnell, two boys in love with each other and struggling with life's issues amid peer pressure, societal expectations, among others. Peter is getting tired of living his life in the closet, while Jason is not yet ready to come out, given the high expectations of his family and peers. The story is set in a Catholic boarding school.

Reprising his role as Peter is Bibo Reyes, whose roles in other productions include Sonny in Atlantis Productions' In the Heights; and Berger in Hair, Dennis in All Shook Up, and Tank in Zanna, Don't, all of Ateneo BlueREPERTORY.

Coming in as Jason is Jaime Barcelon, who appeared in Atlantis Productions' The Little Mermaid as Jetsam, Repertory Philippines' Little Women as Laurie and The Sound of Music as Rolf, and Ateneo BlueREPERTORY's Tick... Tick... BOOM! as Jonathan Larson, among other productions.

Maronne Cruz plays the role of Ivy Robinson, the pretty and popular student who falls for Jason. Maronne has appeared as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Jeanie in Hair, Woman 2 in Edges, and Scaramouche in Rock and Rule, all produced by Ateneo BlueREPERTORY.

Directed by Ana Abad Santos, BARE opens on February 29, 2012, 8pm at Teatrino, The Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan. Other play dates are March 1 to 3, and March 7 to 10, with gala shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, and matinee shows on Saturdays at 3pm.

For tickets and inquiries, you may contact Chiz Jardin at 09165787618 or through e-mail at nicojardin12@yahoo.com. Show buyers can contact Luis Marcelo at 09175025847.

Facebook users can subscribe to www.facebook.com/bluerepbare and www.facebook.com/blueREPERTORY. Twitter users can follow @_blueREPERTORY.

BARE: A Pop Opera is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 570 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10018 (www.theatricalrights.com).

Phantastic!

It was supposed to be an ordinary Monday night at the mall. I decided to get my haircut so I took a jeepney ride to SM North EDSA. I usually get off in front of the Main Building and head straight to Fix. But tonight, partly because I was sleepy, I absent-mindedly got off in front of SM The Block. On the way to Fix, I passed by SM Cinemas, and saw The Phantom of the Opera on schedule. I asked the cashier until when it will be shown, and she said tomorrow would be its last day. Thinking that I could try to watch later, I still went to Fix to try to get my haircut as a walk-in client. Unfortunately, my stylist would be available at 8:30pm, so I decided against waiting for my turn and told myself I am watching The Phantom of the Opera tonight.

At the ticket booth, I was surprised to find out that it only has one screening time for the night. I bought my ticket and still had time to take dinner. After dinner and buying a few more stuff, I went to the theater.

I was not expecting that the first part would contain interviews here and there about the show. To some extent, I was getting impatient and I wanted the show to start immediately. But what can I do? It's The Phantom of the Opera's 25th Anniversary Performance, and this should be expected. So I watched, I waited, and updated my Facebook status.

And then the show started. I was in London. Nah, but it felt like it. The Royal Albert Hall had so much people, and I was excited to see how the stage would transform from scene to scene. Sure, I watched the movie version of the musical years back (only to be horribly disappointed with the execution of the musical numbers) and the producers can do almost anything to make scenes believable. But production on stage is more challenging. And I must say, the scene transitions and stage design are simply breathtaking.

Can I just say I fell in love with Sierra Boggess? I first heard her in the cast recording of Love Never Dies, together with Ramin Karimloo. And it was such a treat to watch them play their roles in the original Phantom musical. Sierra gave life to Christine, and it was refreshing to see Christine in a different light, as compared to Emmy Rossum's movie portrayal. Ramin had quite a few misses here and there, but his portrayal of the role was powerful, convincing, and moving, nonetheless.

The way Christine and The Phantom parted ways towards the end somehow made the story of Love Never Dies plausible, as it sent me the message that Christine was at this point in love with The Phantom but just had to go with Raoul.

There were still quite a few surprises after curtain call, and to say that I loved them is an understatement. Haha I won't spill the beans since my very few readers might still catch the show and I do not want to spoil the surprise.

Watching the 25th Anniversary Performance of The Phantom of the Opera made me want more for it to be staged here in the Philippines. I hope someday they would bring it here. But for now, I will just wait for its DVD release.

Have a phantastic night! :)

Awesome Threesome

I went to a threesome this weekend, and it was orgasmic—actually better than that. Together with friends I met through MGGFF, I went to the launch of Threesome: Books to Break the Rules. It was the launching of the following blogs-turned-books: McVie's The Wetbook: Stories from the Bathhouse, E's The Chronicles of E, and Migs' Dear Migs: Letters to MGG, the Manila Gay Guy.

It was a mix of emotions. There was anxiety of what to expect at the launch. I also felt the paranoia and excitement of seeing familiar faces, paranoia because of the possibility that I'll come out once more to someone I know personally, and excitement because of the thought that if I indeed see someone familiar there, it's either he's one of us or at the very least accepting of us. Then as the authors presented their books, I laughed at the authors' humor, got teary-eyed a bit at the heartwarming stories, admired the courage of E and Migs to come out in the open (sige na nga isali ko na rin si McVie, hehe), and just felt happy that I witnessed this momentous occasion for these three bloggers/authors, their editors, and the new publisher in town, Grey Matter Publishing. Congratulations to all of you!

I was also able to see, although not mingle with, Cookie Chua, Ryan Chua, and RG Cruz—haha shy type ako. :)

Of course, I was able to see some friends again, meet new ones, see online friends in person, and see a number of hot, goodlooking guys. I'd like to send a special shoutout to that one hot guy who, most of the time, caught me looking at him. Haha. I wish I could see you again. :)

Now I can say that once in my life, I joined a threesome and it felt gooood—way better than what any casual sexual encounter could offer. :)

For those interested in buying the books, you can buy online at mybookstore.ph for now. Soon they will be available in National Book Store. So buy, read, and share with your friends. :)

Mr. Hairstylist

Whenever I need a haircut, there's this feeling of anxiety because I might end up having a bad haircut. So when I get to have a barber or stylist who's familiar with the hairstyle I'm comfortable with, I stick with him/her.

I remember the first time I "met" him, he was wearing this white polo that really looked good on him. He's fairly cute, err... hot. His biceps were to die for, and I love seeing him smile. So yeah, by now it must be clear to you that I have a crush on my hairstylist. :p He has been my suki for months now.

I skipped one haircut last month and instead went to another branch of theirs, the one in Makati, since my schedule was hectic that day and it was practical for me to get it done there since I was in the area for a meeting.

After a month, my hair started to make me feel that it needs some grooming. So earlier this evening after office hours, I went to the mall to get my haircut. Of course, I called on my crush, I mean, suki. When he examined my hair, he asked me who last touched it. I told him I had it done in their Makati branch. So he started telling me that he used to work in that branch, and he asked me the name of the stylist, which I forgot. Haha.

As the conversation continued, I learned that he also worked in their branch in Ortigas before transferring to TriNoma. During the conversation, and while he was giving me a haircut, I was subtly trying to get a glimpse of his face. Haha. I don't know if he sensed it, but I was really enjoying the moment.

When he was done, I was a little surprised that he made the effort of blowing my hair dry and applying hair gel to my hair since there are times when he usually leaves the task to his assistant. He might just really be in the mood to do that, but deep inside I was hoping he was doing it to impress me. Haha.

Up until I paid for the service and before I left, I was really tempted to get his number, or to at least subtly give him my number. But then again, I felt this was uncalled for, as I could just be assuming too much. I'm not hoping that he would make the move either because he is employed there and I'm a client. And of course, I was not even sure if he is gay or bi. He might be straight for all I know. There are straight hairstylists, even though I've only seen one in fiction—Adam Sandler's character in You Don't Mess with the Zohan, who's also good in one other thing aside from hairstyling. (wink wink)

To my hairstylist: If by any chance you happen to read this entry, and you happen to realize that this is you I'm talking about, please ignore my Zohan remark. (Peace! and Hugs!) Hahaha landi!

Fail

I was on my way home aboard a tricycle when I saw my crush who lives somewhere along the way. He was walking his dog again. Since he was looking at me (or I was thinking it was me he was looking at) I decided to look him straight in the eye just to try if he will look the other way. After all, I was riding a trike and I don't think he will make a big deal out of it. Plus, I've been wanting to give him a hint that I like him since the day I saw him, but something always held me back. So this time, I decided to give it a try. And so there, I looked him straight in the eye. He seemed to grin, but then as the trike I was in drove past him, I just realized that perhaps the way I looked at him was fierce enough that he could easily misinterpret that I was frowning at him, or that I had a bad day. Blame the trike and the road 'coz it was not an easy ride. I should've smiled. Haha.

Hmm, calling the Quezon City Engineering Department: Please conduct road repairs at _________ Street as soon as possible. Dahil sa baku-bakong daan, nasisira ang diskarte ko. Hahaha. Kiddin'.

Airport

It happened during one of my recent trips back to Manila. Before boarding the plane, I usually go to the restroom to prepare myself for the flight so that I won't have to compete with other passengers for a turn in the lavatory before the plane takes off. So at the pre-departure area, I went to the restroom. On my way to the restroom, I noticed this cute guy seated on one of the front row seats. I just glanced at him and I think he also glanced at me.

Inside the restroom, while I was urinating, I noticed him enter and wash his hands first. He then went to the urinal. I was finished by then and went to the sink to wash my hands. Then I stayed longer to check how I look. He then went to the sink and made his way to the only working faucet--the one I recently used. I glanced at him to acknowledge his presence and to signal that he can take his turn. Then he walked away.

To my surprise, before walking through the door, he asked, "Ilang taon ka na?" to which I asked back, "Are you talking to me?" Then that was the start of a conversation. I answered his question and then asked him the same question. He is one year younger than me. As we made our way out of the restroom, we talked about why we were traveling. I learned that he was from the nearby municipality and just visited his relatives. I wanted to ask his name and number, but I couldn't find the courage to do so. Then he asked, "Can I have your number?" I gave him my phone number and then he asked what my name is. Then I also asked for his name and number. Let's call him L.

Then the call to board came. He asked what my seat number was. I told him I was seated at row 30. I was with a superior that day, so I couldn't let him see me talking to this new guy I just met. As I made my way to the plane, I texted L and told him I was seated on this row and asked for his seat number. He told me he was at row 26.

Inside the plane, I realized we were both on the aisle seats on opposite sides of the plane, and we could see each other from where we were seated. We exchanged smiles once in a while. He also talked to me while waiting for his turn to use the lavatory. Good thing my companion was asleep that time.

When we reached Manila, I was able to spend a little more time with L at NAIA Terminal 3. On our way to the baggage claim area, I asked him where he was going, and he said he was on his way to Manila. On the other hand, I will be going to Quezon City with my superior. While waiting for our baggage, we were exchanging text messages, trying to know more about each other. Then I left ahead of him.

We continued to exchange text messages in the evening upon returning home. However, he left for a one-week trip abroad with his boss last Sunday. His phone was not on roaming though. I hope when he gets back, he would still keep in touch and I hope this could be the start of a new friendship. Or if something better comes out of it, then that would be great. On the other hand, if he won't keep in touch, sorry na lang siya! Hehe. But I'm hoping he will.

Edit (November 4, 2009):
--When he returned we continued to exchange SMS but could not schedule a meetup. We were okay, but it seems he only wants to be friends. Haha. Hay naku, naudlot na naman. :p

Some Random Thoughts

Last Father's Day, I received a call from my Dad. I greeted him, and we talked for a while. He asked me how I was, in terms of work, health, etc. Then he asked me: Are you planning to stay single all your life? (My immediate family knows I'm gay, but so far, only my sister is okay with it. My parents are okay with it as long as I don't act on it. Kumusta naman 'yon di ba?!) I was stunned and speechless. Fortunately, he followed the question with the statement that I should ask God what His plan for me is, etc. So I just replied that I'm doing it. Well, I really am asking God to show me His plan for me, but still I hope He gives me a guy to be my partner, if He wills it. :p I wish I had the strength to tell this to my Dad, but I didn't want to ruin his special day. Still, I'm hoping the day will come that He, along with the rest of my family, would be okay with it.

Just the other day, my colleagues and I were talking about sexuality. I was surprised to learn that one of them was very okay with her friends being gay, and that she was even trying to pair two of them up. I was almost tempted to come out to them that day, but still, I didn't feel like I have to announce it. It has been my decision that in coming out to friends and other people, I must not tell them I'm gay unless they ask. The problem is they don't ask. They didn't even ask me that day. So I'm still stuck in my closet. Anyway, I have a feeling that this colleague of mine will sooner or later ask me, because I think she already saw my gay blog subscriptions more than a year ago when she suddenly used my PC. (so careless, haha. buti na lang RSS feeds lang yung nakita nya at walang kasamang NSFW images). She never asked me about it though. :D Maybe if I add her to my Facebook friends, she would see my fan pages on several gay-themed movies. Haha. And then I would have the chance to come out to her. Or maybe I won't. Bahala na si Batman! :D

Treat Yourself to BARE: A Rock Musical

Starting February 17, 2009, the Ateneo Blue Repertory Company will stage Bare, the rock musical revolving around the story of Jason and Peter, two gay teenagers struggling to find their place in society as they are about to graduate from a Catholic high school.

Jason, the senior class golden boy hides a secret romance with Peter, his roommate. Peter wishes to drop the facade, but this could destroy Jason’s reputation. Ivy’s entrance to the scene makes the situation more complicated, as the popular girl pursues Jason.

Bare is a musical tackling the tensions faced by teenagers struggling to find their identity. With musical direction by Felix Rivera (Musical Director of Blue Rep’s High School Musical) and directed by Ana Abad-Santos (Director of Repertory Philippines’ Hamlet), Bare runs from February 17 to March 7 at the Fine Arts Exhibit Hall, 3/F Gonzaga Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

With tickets at P200 each, why not give yourself and your friends a post-Valentine treat? For details, contact Alexa Yupangco at 09177220805, or visit http://BareManila.multiply.com. Play dates are as follows:

February 17, Tuesday – 8 PM
February 18, Wednesday – 8 PM
February 19, Thursday – 8 PM
February 20, Friday – 8 PM
February 21, Saturday – 8 PM
February 24, Tuesday – 8 PM
February 25, Wednesday – 8 PM
February 26, Thursday – 8 PM
February 27, Friday – 8 PM
February 28, Saturday – 8 PM
March 3, Tuesday – 8 PM
March 4, Wednesday – 8 PM
March 5, Thursday – 8 PM
March 6, Friday – 8 PM
March 7, Saturday – 8 PM

Updated (February 26, 2009)

No Way! Are You Serious?!

We were on our way to church. I was clad in Barong Tagalog, and so was everybody else (except for the ladies, of course). My Mom seemed excited over what was going to happen. It was not until after a few minutes that I realized we were on our way to a wedding. I wondered whose wedding it was. When we arrived at the church, I found out that the wedding’s motif was yellow. Everything seemed nice. But still, one question bothered me: who’s getting married? Then, it suddenly dawned on me. I was getting married. What?! What the heck was that? As far as I can remember, I’m gay and I had no girlfriend. But no, everything seemed so real. It was really happening. I even knew the name of the girl I was marrying.

I was so shocked and did not know how to react. How could it happen? At that moment, I was already thinking of whether to push through with the wedding, and make my life even more miserable by living a lie, or just abandon the bride and embarrass everyone. I wanted to scream. I felt I was cheated because somehow a wedding was arranged between me and someone without me knowing it until the day of the wedding. I couldn’t breathe. And then...

I was on my bed. I was not wearing any Barong. I was in my room. It was all just a dream...err, a nightmare! Thank God! Whew! What a relief! :p If it had been for real, I would have chosen to be a runaway bride, err... I mean groom.

>>How about you? If in real life you were forced to marry a girl, would you give in?

Eating Out

Nope. This isn't about the movie. Hehe.

I just wanna share what happened last night when I ate at a fast food outlet near our place. I have been at that branch only once and decided not to eat there again because their tofu there really sucks. Last night, however, there was no other open fast food outlet in the area, and I was very hungry and had no time to cook dinner. So I decided to eat at this fast food outlet.

I ordered one meal of breaded pork with rice, and a serving of soup. When I realized that it's taking way too long for my meal to arrive, I asked the service crew about it. I heard the cashier, the store manager, and kitchen crew discussing that my order had already been served minutes ago. It turned out that they gave my order to another group. The service crew got my rice meal from that group's table, and served it to me. What the?! I almost lost control. Annoyed and hungry, I asked him to get me another one from the kitchen as it has already been exposed to others, having been served minutes ago.

Upon finding out that the soup I ordered, which unfortunately was served upon the wrong table was the last they could offer, the manager decided to give me the free soup that usually goes with their meals, and offered me a complimentary serving of another side dish. I also got a refund for the soup which I originally ordered.

While all this was happening, I was really telling myself not to eat at that fast food outlet again, at least not at that branch. I would have complained. But thanks to the store manager, she knew what to do. At least I was satisfied with what I ate.

I was just appalled at how the customers at the other table behaved. I mean, they knew that the food given them was not included in their order, but they did not even inform the crew who served it. The nerve!

Awkward Moment at SM

Last Saturday I bought a DVD of the movie Ang Lihim ni Antonio (Antonio's Secret) at the Record Bar of SM Department Store. I watched it at home, but realized that the disc is damaged because there was a particular frame where the movie pauses for a few seconds and could not be controlled by either the forward or rewind buttons. I was able to finish the movie, but I thought I had to have it replaced to get my money's worth. So last night I went to the record bar to have it replaced.

When I arrived there, the saleslady asked me what the matter was. So I told her what was wrong with the disc. To my surprise she said, "Let's play the movie, and show me where it pauses." What?! I asked her where she plans to play the movie, and she told me she would play it right there, at the TV/DVD Player in the Record Bar in full view of other shoppers. At that moment, the disc being played was still in full volume, so I told her never mind. But she insisted. All this time the disc was with her, and she was about to put it inside the player. I was hesitant. I really wanted to have the disc replaced, and thought maybe it would be alright if she would just mute the volume. But I also didn't want to get embarrassed, so I changed my mind. But she was insisting that we play the movie. Our conversation went like this:

Me: Miss, kailangan pa ba talaga i-play?

SL: Yes, Sir, kasi kailangan naming i-note kung saang particular part yung sinasabi n'yong sira, kasi tatanungin din kami.

Me: Ganun ba? 'Wag na lang.

SL: Hindi, Sir, okay lang. I-play na natin para maituro mo kung nasaan yung sira.

Me: 'Wag na lang kasi nakakahiya. Kitang-kita ng mga dumadaan.

SL: Okay lang yan, Sir, pinanood na rin namin 'yan.

Me: 'Wag na nga, kasi not for the general public yung movie, restricted kaya yan, tsaka diyahe talagang makita yung exact frame kung saan nagha-hang yung movie. Tapos ang lakas lakas pa ng volume n'yo.

SL: Napanood na nga namin yan Sir. Kung gusto nyo, i-play n'yo na lang ulit sa bahay then i-note n'yo yung time code kung saan tumitigil. Tapos ibalik n'yo dito.

Me: Ah, so pwedeng ganun na lang?

SL: Opo, tapos i-play pa rin natin dito.

Me: Ha?! Ipe-play pa rin talaga dito? 'Wag na lang, Miss. Akin na, hindi ko na lang papapalitan. Diyahe talaga eh.

SL: Okay sige po.

And then I left. I was laughing at myself, thinking of what just happened. Oh well, I'd rather keep this disc even with a little damage, than risk being humiliated in front of other shoppers who would have seen the movie playing. Now, for those of you who are curious regarding the exact frame I was talking about, watch the original DVD release and set this time code: 00:22:11. You would know why I didn't agree to play it at the record bar. Hint: the scene involves Antonio (played by Kenjie Garcia) and Nathan (played by Niño Fernandez).

I should have asked them if they have a private viewing room or something. Haha.

It's Over

We both wanted it. When he asked for a cool-off, it gave me time to think things over. In the end I realized I'm better off without him. Two weeks before we talked, I already had a feeling that we are headed for a breakup. I thought it would make things easy. We met last Saturday to talk. We gave our reasons and decided to put an end to our relationship. It was a mutual decision. But moving on could be a difficult thing to do--especially after he told me that he's already seeing someone new. I don't know if it was just my ego that was hurt, but one sure thing is that it hurts to know that it was that easy for him to replace me in his heart. Well, I guess I really am better off without him.

Of Jeeps and Creeps

Last Thursday night was just a regular night on my way home. I rode the jeep at Philcoa. Then somewhere along the Elliptical Road, a guy came on board. While I kept looking at the road, I could see from my peripheral view that this guy was looking around, looking at the other passengers, looking at me (but trust me, he was beginning to freak me out...), and looking and looking. He then called the attention of the old woman beside him by tapping her lower back, and when she looked his way, he pretended not to notice. *&^$, I even thought he knew her! Then as a few passengers went aboard the jeep in one of the stops, this guy looked my way and smiled (from ear to ear, showing teeth and all). I thought it was just nothing, but then he kept looking at me. He kept looking once in a while and smiling (again, teeth and all). I was only relieved when I alighted the jeep at my destination and he did not follow me... Whew! Scary!!!

It would have been better if he just glanced at me once in a while, without trying to send any message at all. I was so freaked out. So that's how it feels, huh?... :p

Gay and Happy!

Redundant eh? I'm just so happy that my sister and I had been closer than ever, and she already accepts me for who I am... She now knows I'm seeing someone, and last night, she met him, although not formally, hehe.

And there's another reason why I'm so happy today! I'm not saying though... I just wanna cherish the moment. :)

Coming Out: Latest Edition

Last Saturday morning, I was bored and had nothing to do. I remembered a friend way back in 2nd year college who I just saw again last week. We had a great conversation when we met. I actually felt infatuated with him that night, although during our college days he was really just a friend. Anyway, I asked him how he is, and here’s our conversation:

Him: eto, cute pa rin. :-) kaw?

Me: hahaha… eto payatot pa rin at cute pa rin (gaya-gaya, hehe)

Him: ano balita? ano bago?

Me: Ganun pa rin. work, ganun pa rin. lovelife, ganun pa rin. single. (I actually opened up the lovelife part in the hope of him saying that he’s also single…)

Him: choice mo ba’ng maging single?

Me: hindi… actually, it’s complicated.

Him: hehehe, friendster.

Me: hahaha… basta… can u keep a secret?

Him: sure, ako pa.

Me: I’m gay.

I was worried of what his answer would be. And then:

Him: so? it does not make you less of a person. kelan pa?

I was relieved of his open-minded answer. So I told him the same old story of coming to terms with my sexuality. I was actually frustrated that he said he's straight, but nonetheless, I’m glad that he was okay with what I told him. Thank God for people like him. I actually took a very big risk by coming out to him, but whatever happens, I don’t really mind. At least I can be myself when I’m dealing with him.

P.S. Now you know where boredom could lead to.

Here I Go Again...

This morning, on board a jeep on my way to work, I noticed this cute moreno guy sitting at the end nearest the door. He was wearing a shirt, gray shorts, white socks, and white rubber shoes. I was on the opposite side, with three others beside me. I glanced at the guy, and he also looked at me. Our eyes met, but we immediately turned our eyes away from each other's eyes. (puro eyes ah) When the three people beside me alighted the jeep, I moved to the end right across the guy. He looked at me, I looked at him, our eyes met again, we looked away again; all this happened twice I think. I did not actually know what he was thinking so I waited for him to make a move. Unfortunately, he didn't make any. I looked at him more, but when he finally called on the driver to stop as he was about to leave, I looked away. On his way out, I saw from my peripheral view that he looked towards my direction. But since I was not looking, I never had the chance to see if he made any signal or what. He alighted near the PLDT office along East Avenue, and walked towards Jollibee without looking back, even as I was looking at him the whole time.

Could he be gay? Or was it just nothing at all? Anyway, if he is gay, I hope he reads this and realizes that he is the guy here and that I really like him. And that I hope to see him again, and that next time, I hope he makes a move. Haha.

Anti-Discrimination in the Philippines

As I was reading through my blog subscriptions this morning, I came across AJ's entry on what we should know about the Anti-Discrimination Bill (HB 956), which he got from Jonas Bagas. After reading the entry, I checked the House of Representatives website to check the status of the bill. Here is what I found:

HB00956

Session No.: 14-1RS-006

Significance: N

Date Filed: 2007-07-10

Full Title: AN ACT PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR

Short Title: "Anti-Discrimination Act"

Principal Author: HONTIVEROS-BARAQUEL, ANA THERESIA "RISA"

Date Read: 2007-08-01

Primary Referral: HUMAN RIGHTS

Bill Status: Pending with the Committee on HUMAN RIGHTS since 2007-08-01

*Source: House of Representatives. House Bills and Resolutions Online Query

It's sad to know that the bill as filed during the 14th Congress is still pending at the committee level 10 months after it's referral. But what's more saddening is the fact that LGBT groups have been pushing for this since 1999, according to Mr. Jonas Bagas. I am hoping that this bill becomes a law soon, but to do that, there is a great need to educate and enlighten those who are against it, and to gain the support of those who are inclined not to act for or against the approval of the bill. While this blog may only be visited by a few, I am still hoping that I could help in little ways for this cause.

Allow me to repost an excerpt of Mr. Bagas' entry:

Ten things you need to know about the Anti-Discrimination Bill:

Fight for equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs) by pushing for the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Bill (HB 956) authored by AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel.

Here’s what the bill is all about:

Equal rights, not special rights. The bill does not grant additional or special rights to LGBTs. What it does is criminalize violations to the human rights and freedoms on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill affirms and promotes human rights and freedoms that are enshrined in the Constitution.

Equality in schools. The bill prohibits discrimination against LGBT students, which usually takes place through unfair admission policies, unjust expulsion, and unreasonable disciplinary actions.

Equal opportunities in employment. By criminalizing unfair labor practices and policies on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, the bill promotes decent jobs for LGBT workers.

Removing stigma in healthcare. The bill bans hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel like doctors and nurses from discriminating against or abusing LGBT patients.

Fighting police abuse. Stiffer penalties are imposed on law enforcers who abuse the law – from bagansya to the anti-trafficking law - to harass, torture, or extort money from LGBTs.

Organizing for LGBT pride. The bill affirms the freedom of assembly and association by disallowing discrimination in the establishment of LGBT groups in schools, workplace, communities and in politics.

Equal access to establishments. The bill ensures that establishments that are open to the public like malls, restaurants, and bars, among others, are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Gays and lesbians in the police and military. The police and military are barred from screening out competent LGBTs who want to join the force. Under the bill, they are also not allowed to remove LGBT policeman or woman and soldiers due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Penalizing discrimination. Under the bill, a person found guilty of discriminating against LGBTs can be fined up to P500,000 and/or imprisoned for a maximum of six years. S/he may also be required to undergo human rights education.

About non-discrimination, not same-sex marriage. Homophobic groups wrongfully claim that the bill is about same-sex marriage. Here’s the truth: 1.) the legal recognition of same-sex marriage requires a separate bill, and; 2.) there is absolutely nothing wrong about consensual same-sex relationships.

Is it too much to ask not to be treated as second-class citizens? Please, WE DO NEED THIS BILL SIGNED INTO LAW!

Oh My Friend, Are U One of Us?

I went out with my college friends a few weeks back. One of them was the guy who I would consider my first love, although it was a one-way thing because I never told him how I really felt for him despite the fact that I already came out to them (my barkada) a few years back. As usual, we all tried to catch up on what's happening with our lives, in terms of career, family, karir (as in love life). Haha. My friends teased him that he's gay, 'coz he never talked about who he is dating, although it seemed pretty obvious that he was indeed seeing someone. And while all this was happening, I was so hopeful that he would finally come out to us. Although I never really thought that he could be gay, I have always wished that he is. I was so into him during our college years. I remember even giving up some time to study on weekends just so I could be with him. We were actually very close until I came out to them. He became aloof. And so I did not have the chance to even tell him how I feel. I don't know if the reason why he distanced himself from me was that he felt that I had a thing for him and didn't want me to pursue it, or that he is indeed one of us and was afraid that I would find out. Anyway, up to now I still am clueless as to whether he's straight or not. But I do hope that if ever he is one of us, he would tell me eventually, not so much because I hope to get romantically involved with him, but because I need to have someone close to my heart with whom I can really be myself.

Please Release Me...

The other night, I dreamed of meeting one hot guy who told me straight in the face, "Sige na, mukhang gustong gusto mo na akong halikan eh." ("Go ahead, it seems you badly want to kiss me.") And so we engaged in one long torrid kiss. It seemed so real. Unfortunately, nothing else happened.

Last night, I slept with hopes of this dream having a continuation. When I woke up this morning, I was frustrated that I had no idea what my dream was all about. On my way to work, I sat beside this tall and cute guy and I was lucky enough that the jeep was full, so I had an excuse to rub my thigh against his. (I'm so bad...) I felt the tension inside me. But then, I had to go to work and had to be contented with that. At least my mind could be diverted from thoughts of hot guys and stuff while I'm at work.

As I was checking my blog subscriptions, I had to see this post from Migs, the Manila Gay Guy! Oh brother! Dennis Trillo is dancing topless, with Careless Whisper as BGM. It seems I hear another song singing, "Please release me, let me go..." from inside me... Waaah! It would be one hell of a day. Hay...

Lea...

Lea Salonga celebrates her musical career on May 23 and 24 at the PICC Plenary Hall with Lea, My Life... On Stage. Join her as she relives the highlights of her career from childhood to West End to Broadway and to what she is as a performer today. Buy your tickets now at Ticketworld outlets or at the Ticketworld website.