Written last month as an introduction for the JCI bid book of our org "ilang ilang" for the best sports event. Thanks to Madam Pres Kaye for editing..
THE Agilympics
The term gay was originally used, until well into the mid 20th century, primarily to refer to feelings of being "carefree", "happy", or "bright and showy"; it had also come to acquire some connotations of "immorality" as early as 1637.
Bading as they call it in the Tagalong language, Bayot in Cebuano and Agi in Ilonggo. Gays as we call them, in spite of their contribution to the society, their talents and accomplishments, there are still a lot of prejudice and discrimination attached to them. Thanks to their efforts and some open minded individuals or groups who have paved the way of their acceptance, the third sex has indeed gone a long way. Gone is the dark-age where homosexuality is considered a metal illness. We have gay rights movement not only in prominent countries of Europe and US but around the world. Yes, there are still places who have remained conservative and closed minded about these issues and occurrence like some Middle East and other Muslim countries but gay rights have been an emergence in which people not only tolerated and accepted but embraced in a general sense. We have annual gay rights parades here and elsewhere. In 1996, the Philippines staged the first ever gay parade which is also the first in Asia. The event is celebrated yearly since then.
In business, arts and mostly in the entertainment industry, there are several names we could come up who are prominent and successful gays. In the country we have designer Renee Salud, entrepreneur and designer, Inno Sotto, make up artist, Fanny Serrano and Ricky Reyes and the list goes on. Of course who would fail to mention the very controversial celebrity /entertainer BeBe Gandanghari who recently emancipated and claimed her “self confessed birth right of being a woman!” Save for that which created a spark of controversy both from among his/her peers and the public, they are respected and valued in their own fields. However in some scale the third sex is still a very marginalized and discriminated group especially in sports. These brothers (or sisters as they preferred to be called) are not given due recognition much less given an opportunity to excel. They are not given an avenue to demonstrate their talents and capabilities.
The Agilympics (Agi is actually a local term for gay or bading) was conceptualized in this premise. It is a showcase of talent through sports and other equally challenging activities. The JCI “Ilang-Ilang” together with the office of the Hon. Julienne Baronda, councilor of Iloilo city thought of giving gays the chance to showcase their talents on one Olympics like event that was called “Agilympics (Gaylympics). Councilor Jam, being the chair on the Committee for women and children is an active Vice President for Community of JCI Iloilo “Ilang-Ilang”. Together, the JCI Iloilo “Ilang-Ilang” and the Iloilo city government facilitated the event. With the catch phrase, “Be there, Be a Part and Be counted”, the Gaylympics was born. It was a one day activity especially conceptualized for the members of the third sex in Iloilo. It was designed to acknowledge the contribution of gays in our country.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
300
Written last march 09 (grammy time)
Just the other day, I woke up early so before I go to work I’d be able to catch all the performances for the grammys. In fact it was on of the reminder in my phone’s calendar. But as I expected I was late and I waited for a while for Rihanna’s performance but I was running late for work as well so I did not finish the show. and I thought I missed it. When I get to work my officemate showed me a news from the net about Rihanna and Chris Brown trouble. Too bad, I was rooting for this couple. In fact when I learned that they were having a concert in the country, weeks before Nov 17, I was deciding I am definitely flying to Manila for the concert me & my bestfriend tweety. It was even amazing that Globe is sponsoring and I thought- id look for Padrino – you know friends from higher places to get us to the front row! And front row we went!
300 (not the movie)
Allow me to quote Celine Lopez in her column, “ I will not apologize for liking Rihanna at my age” my bestfriend, tweety and I will Ditto to that! (Actually, she like Miley Cyrus as well ( in fact tweety has got all these Dvd compilation of all the Hannah Montana series so apologizing is a far out idea).
November 17, It was one fun day watching Rihanna and Chris Brown at The Fort Concert ground in Taguig. Indeed it was a double whammy for all the audience having watched two concert in one.
We stayed at South of market Condo aptly named for being south of market market and across Serendra in a friends condo. As in practically when you look up from the venue you’d see our window and vice versa.
Chris Brown is hot! Full of energy and good looks. No wonder all girls are just screaming their lungs out. Tweety and I would kid around that that Rihanna is one lucky girl . Tweety would gush!
From Iloilo I would travel and as soon as I get to Tweety’s hotel in Makati we immediately went to ticketworld to buy our P300 ticket knowing the implication. ( we will be in with the crowd ) While we were lining up at the mall we were with some mall utility buying their ticket as well availing discount. We were making fun of the fact that we have to buy tickets in the 300 area just to have it and if ever its just going to be our donation to the promoter.
It was such an auspicious day! We just have to wait for the security chief to bring us to the Platinum area where most of the celebrities are Sam Milby, Karyl, the models, mtv vjs, Tesa Prieto Valdez in her grand get-up where every one else is dressed down she is her usual standout. Everybody’s having so much fun especially during Chris browns part of the concert, I think that was everyone’s sentiment _ that Chris part of the concert is more fun than that of Rihannas.
The 300 ticket is still in my carel, Chris and Rihanna fought and yet again kissed and made up after the very public and very physical struggle which ended in court. And me, well - I am just looking forward to more concerts that my company is sponsoring!
Just the other day, I woke up early so before I go to work I’d be able to catch all the performances for the grammys. In fact it was on of the reminder in my phone’s calendar. But as I expected I was late and I waited for a while for Rihanna’s performance but I was running late for work as well so I did not finish the show. and I thought I missed it. When I get to work my officemate showed me a news from the net about Rihanna and Chris Brown trouble. Too bad, I was rooting for this couple. In fact when I learned that they were having a concert in the country, weeks before Nov 17, I was deciding I am definitely flying to Manila for the concert me & my bestfriend tweety. It was even amazing that Globe is sponsoring and I thought- id look for Padrino – you know friends from higher places to get us to the front row! And front row we went!
300 (not the movie)
Allow me to quote Celine Lopez in her column, “ I will not apologize for liking Rihanna at my age” my bestfriend, tweety and I will Ditto to that! (Actually, she like Miley Cyrus as well ( in fact tweety has got all these Dvd compilation of all the Hannah Montana series so apologizing is a far out idea).
November 17, It was one fun day watching Rihanna and Chris Brown at The Fort Concert ground in Taguig. Indeed it was a double whammy for all the audience having watched two concert in one.
We stayed at South of market Condo aptly named for being south of market market and across Serendra in a friends condo. As in practically when you look up from the venue you’d see our window and vice versa.
Chris Brown is hot! Full of energy and good looks. No wonder all girls are just screaming their lungs out. Tweety and I would kid around that that Rihanna is one lucky girl . Tweety would gush!
From Iloilo I would travel and as soon as I get to Tweety’s hotel in Makati we immediately went to ticketworld to buy our P300 ticket knowing the implication. ( we will be in with the crowd ) While we were lining up at the mall we were with some mall utility buying their ticket as well availing discount. We were making fun of the fact that we have to buy tickets in the 300 area just to have it and if ever its just going to be our donation to the promoter.
It was such an auspicious day! We just have to wait for the security chief to bring us to the Platinum area where most of the celebrities are Sam Milby, Karyl, the models, mtv vjs, Tesa Prieto Valdez in her grand get-up where every one else is dressed down she is her usual standout. Everybody’s having so much fun especially during Chris browns part of the concert, I think that was everyone’s sentiment _ that Chris part of the concert is more fun than that of Rihannas.
The 300 ticket is still in my carel, Chris and Rihanna fought and yet again kissed and made up after the very public and very physical struggle which ended in court. And me, well - I am just looking forward to more concerts that my company is sponsoring!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Frank Factor
(Frank happened June 21 last year (2008) and I read my blog from another site and thought of posting it here as well as a tribute - frank is 1 year already)
Missing frank
( written last year as an afterthought of the Big Storm and when ask to comment on volunteerism/the companys CSR)
09.08.08
Its been more than three months ago and the dust has been settled ( literally, I hope & figuratively of course) After the rain has fallen - brownouts, countless complaints we encountered, ( I work in a telecom) cancelled dates ( our sportsfeast for one) and all there was Frank brought us , we pick up the pieces of what’s left. Last Friday I was out with my friends, Councilor Jam & boyfriend Alan with some other friends in Bourbon. Oscar Nava of ABS & ON Productions , showed his work - a documentary on Typhoon Frank- series and parcels of interviews and videos during the typhoon ( this is actually shown in some theaters nationwide and he won the an award for the documentary). People were out to party but momentarily paused and concentrated on watching the video. It was kind of depressing but all eyes were on the two wide screen of Bourbon and Oscar have to stop the viewing when it almost gets to the part where there are dead victims.(good call!)
For months on end most people would talk about the infamous Frank, endlessly everywhere- in bars, jeepneys, offices and what not! Each one has their own story to tell – gloomy, devastating, some even funny and touching. Significant thoughts worth remembering is the part where you see random acts of kindness, sharing and volunteering. It is on these times that you would know people who care about you especially those from a distance. Friends from all over the country asking how we are doing here. Because of the brownout I missed my Lovers due to brown out ( the Korean Novela that is). A friend who knows my thing for this show offered to buy me the dvd version knowing how I am feeling bad to missed the last remaining episode and the ending. Sometimes, I also attribute the strain in my relationship because I can’t be with someone as often as I want to due to some schedule changes. Although I know this is somewhat irrational. But some relationships are. So…
Our gimik was continued in Bacolod together with good friend and City Vice Mayor Jed. We talk about it again and he told us that one time or another he’s still having some nightmares especially when the phone rings and that remembering those times still give him the dread. The city mayor was out of the country during the typhoon and so Vice Jed was the OIC.
During the flood, our town was not greatly affected but those around the neighboring barangays have to be evacuated. I was so beholden by a baby boy brought to me by my mother saying that she volunteered to take care of the baby while the mother have to do some stuff while they are evacuated to the school in front of our house. He stayed with me overnight- I have to fed him and treat him like he is our own. And the next day the mother took him and we learned that his name is actually Vince but to us he would always be Baby Frank. There was no water in most part of the city even my officemate and her family has to stay in a hotel. We would also hear stories of animals being strayed. And so we also have a share of our own Frank the kitten, my two year -old niece would call Pang.
When I learned about globe bridge relief operations needing volunteers I did not have second thoughts on replying right away. My only hesitation is that because I have work that day. When I talk to Ms. Erna my boss, she encouraged me saying I can volunteer for the morning part & she could volunteer for the afternoon part of the relief operations. And so the next day, I was in Brgy Tabuc Suba with Julie my officemate who was on day off that day. There were loads of people who came and claimed the goods causing traffic in Tabuc Suba. It was a sunny day and – seeing all these people smiling and saying thanks made it even warmer.
For several weeks after the flood we would endure the dust and traffic especially my way to my place everyday since it was the most affected . I thought ironically only one big rain could clear the dust. In spite of these, most of us who were not affected, are still lucky and sharing whatever we could was a good opportunity for giving back and be thankful.
Truly, in our lives, some rain must fall…..
Missing frank
( written last year as an afterthought of the Big Storm and when ask to comment on volunteerism/the companys CSR)
09.08.08
Its been more than three months ago and the dust has been settled ( literally, I hope & figuratively of course) After the rain has fallen - brownouts, countless complaints we encountered, ( I work in a telecom) cancelled dates ( our sportsfeast for one) and all there was Frank brought us , we pick up the pieces of what’s left. Last Friday I was out with my friends, Councilor Jam & boyfriend Alan with some other friends in Bourbon. Oscar Nava of ABS & ON Productions , showed his work - a documentary on Typhoon Frank- series and parcels of interviews and videos during the typhoon ( this is actually shown in some theaters nationwide and he won the an award for the documentary). People were out to party but momentarily paused and concentrated on watching the video. It was kind of depressing but all eyes were on the two wide screen of Bourbon and Oscar have to stop the viewing when it almost gets to the part where there are dead victims.(good call!)
For months on end most people would talk about the infamous Frank, endlessly everywhere- in bars, jeepneys, offices and what not! Each one has their own story to tell – gloomy, devastating, some even funny and touching. Significant thoughts worth remembering is the part where you see random acts of kindness, sharing and volunteering. It is on these times that you would know people who care about you especially those from a distance. Friends from all over the country asking how we are doing here. Because of the brownout I missed my Lovers due to brown out ( the Korean Novela that is). A friend who knows my thing for this show offered to buy me the dvd version knowing how I am feeling bad to missed the last remaining episode and the ending. Sometimes, I also attribute the strain in my relationship because I can’t be with someone as often as I want to due to some schedule changes. Although I know this is somewhat irrational. But some relationships are. So…
Our gimik was continued in Bacolod together with good friend and City Vice Mayor Jed. We talk about it again and he told us that one time or another he’s still having some nightmares especially when the phone rings and that remembering those times still give him the dread. The city mayor was out of the country during the typhoon and so Vice Jed was the OIC.
During the flood, our town was not greatly affected but those around the neighboring barangays have to be evacuated. I was so beholden by a baby boy brought to me by my mother saying that she volunteered to take care of the baby while the mother have to do some stuff while they are evacuated to the school in front of our house. He stayed with me overnight- I have to fed him and treat him like he is our own. And the next day the mother took him and we learned that his name is actually Vince but to us he would always be Baby Frank. There was no water in most part of the city even my officemate and her family has to stay in a hotel. We would also hear stories of animals being strayed. And so we also have a share of our own Frank the kitten, my two year -old niece would call Pang.
When I learned about globe bridge relief operations needing volunteers I did not have second thoughts on replying right away. My only hesitation is that because I have work that day. When I talk to Ms. Erna my boss, she encouraged me saying I can volunteer for the morning part & she could volunteer for the afternoon part of the relief operations. And so the next day, I was in Brgy Tabuc Suba with Julie my officemate who was on day off that day. There were loads of people who came and claimed the goods causing traffic in Tabuc Suba. It was a sunny day and – seeing all these people smiling and saying thanks made it even warmer.
For several weeks after the flood we would endure the dust and traffic especially my way to my place everyday since it was the most affected . I thought ironically only one big rain could clear the dust. In spite of these, most of us who were not affected, are still lucky and sharing whatever we could was a good opportunity for giving back and be thankful.
Truly, in our lives, some rain must fall…..
Sunday, June 7, 2009
lost
Losing a cellphone is very much the same as losing a “loved one”. Pardon me for equating love and stuff as worldly as cellphone. I am quite the material girl, not “Madonna material girl” but someone who’s got a liking for stuffs. Now and again I have to detach myself to actually appreciate the fundamental . Perhaps the right equation would be losing a wallet & losing a loved one, but since I haven’t lose any wallet in a long time as compared to losing a lot of cellphone in as span of a few years the comparison is quite explicable.
We become attach to our cellphone because like our wallets we store a lot of stuff in there. When we lose a cellphone we lose all the valuable things we have kept there for a long time, pictures, music, text messages and what not( probably a scandal- a video of you singing scandalously) wink wink! We miss the comfort the predictability and the routine. Even if the time comes that we need a new one we still hold on to the old one. And sooner we got ourselves a replacement but we just seem uncomfortable using it. There’s just no match to the old one. We still long for the comfort and the familiar so we just go through the motions of using it without necessarily storing new files, new numbers etc. But in time we began to be familiar with the new stuff, and you begin to appreciate it, you still remember your old cellphone but you no longer feel the pain of losing it. ) So we begin to store new data, new pix new messages, new memory which doesn’t involve the old one. Just like when you accepted the fact that you lose someone you love - you’re no longer hurt you’re no longer hoping. Only time heals all wounds as they say so when we lose someone, we try to create memories which doesn’t involve that person anymore.
In my case Christmas and new year including valentines day were spent entirely with family and friends save for my birthday ( I was actually in the process of bargaining at that time ) So you begin to store new data, new pix new messages and a whole new dimension.
In losing important stuff just like in losing someone we should always “level up” -that is in finding a replacement look for a better version of the old one. Get “upgraded”
We become attach to our cellphone because like our wallets we store a lot of stuff in there. When we lose a cellphone we lose all the valuable things we have kept there for a long time, pictures, music, text messages and what not( probably a scandal- a video of you singing scandalously) wink wink! We miss the comfort the predictability and the routine. Even if the time comes that we need a new one we still hold on to the old one. And sooner we got ourselves a replacement but we just seem uncomfortable using it. There’s just no match to the old one. We still long for the comfort and the familiar so we just go through the motions of using it without necessarily storing new files, new numbers etc. But in time we began to be familiar with the new stuff, and you begin to appreciate it, you still remember your old cellphone but you no longer feel the pain of losing it. ) So we begin to store new data, new pix new messages, new memory which doesn’t involve the old one. Just like when you accepted the fact that you lose someone you love - you’re no longer hurt you’re no longer hoping. Only time heals all wounds as they say so when we lose someone, we try to create memories which doesn’t involve that person anymore.
In my case Christmas and new year including valentines day were spent entirely with family and friends save for my birthday ( I was actually in the process of bargaining at that time ) So you begin to store new data, new pix new messages and a whole new dimension.
In losing important stuff just like in losing someone we should always “level up” -that is in finding a replacement look for a better version of the old one. Get “upgraded”
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Break up diaries
12.03.08
I was reading Cosmo Dec issue the other day and I run through a write up which says that, according to survey most breakup happens between December to February. Ironically this is true as to personal experience. I remember two of my breakups w/ my exes happened in January. Let me have my take on this matter. I am a psych major yes, but this has nothing to do with this crude analysis an attempt to comprehend this occurrence. People break up for so many reasons but breakups that happens supposedly in the most romantic (however, materialistic/ expensive ) seasons of the year being the trend is quite odd . I guess, the pressure of the season ender, deadlines most working couples have to hit in their respective jobs (or one of them gets busier than the other) , the pressure of juggling social events parties to attend, family affairs, visiting relatives and friends, guests to entertain, budget and financial considerations etc. However, being the romantic that I am can never quite justify all these reasons why two people who profess love for one another would break-up for such mundane reasons. I mean if you two are willing to work it out with the other person isn’t it fair enough that you have to fight it out till the bitter end?
Christmas is supposedly a happy season and the pressure to be so is magnified. I guess when one of the other is experiencing unhappiness and discontent it is during these season that it is felt more profoundly. And even more so during February, being the so called "lovers month". I remember one friend telling me that one Valentines he was HHWW with his girlfriend watching Boys II men concert in February 14 but exactly the next day they’ve broken up. So Christmas breakups - Karyl and dingdong, Vicki & hayden jolina etc. (excuse my being shobizzy!just want to stress my point ) is quite understandable.
The article also stated that men who wish to break up with you would spend less and less time with you and more with friends and would from time to time mention a girl, for instance a girl from the office to show you that your not the only girl on his mind! Clever! and you are expected decode it?
I wish men would be honest enough to tell you to your face that they are breaking up with you . Hurting as it may seem at least you are being spared with the confusion and the trying to figure out things! But sometimes, we stay deaf and blind just to be with someone. We never run out of reasons why we stay in a rutty relationship for fear of being alone. Decembers because its Christmas . We would stay till February so we have someone for valentines day then after that its going to be summer can we just survive it till holy week so we can have someone to go on vacay with. Me, Guilty!
Makes me wonder, maybe my bestfriend is right in saying that indeed I am a sucker for mutuality, that is I can’t stand being alone. Am I just in love with love?. Quite so, but for now, I will love somebody really fabulous! ME
I was reading Cosmo Dec issue the other day and I run through a write up which says that, according to survey most breakup happens between December to February. Ironically this is true as to personal experience. I remember two of my breakups w/ my exes happened in January. Let me have my take on this matter. I am a psych major yes, but this has nothing to do with this crude analysis an attempt to comprehend this occurrence. People break up for so many reasons but breakups that happens supposedly in the most romantic (however, materialistic/ expensive ) seasons of the year being the trend is quite odd . I guess, the pressure of the season ender, deadlines most working couples have to hit in their respective jobs (or one of them gets busier than the other) , the pressure of juggling social events parties to attend, family affairs, visiting relatives and friends, guests to entertain, budget and financial considerations etc. However, being the romantic that I am can never quite justify all these reasons why two people who profess love for one another would break-up for such mundane reasons. I mean if you two are willing to work it out with the other person isn’t it fair enough that you have to fight it out till the bitter end?
Christmas is supposedly a happy season and the pressure to be so is magnified. I guess when one of the other is experiencing unhappiness and discontent it is during these season that it is felt more profoundly. And even more so during February, being the so called "lovers month". I remember one friend telling me that one Valentines he was HHWW with his girlfriend watching Boys II men concert in February 14 but exactly the next day they’ve broken up. So Christmas breakups - Karyl and dingdong, Vicki & hayden jolina etc. (excuse my being shobizzy!just want to stress my point ) is quite understandable.
The article also stated that men who wish to break up with you would spend less and less time with you and more with friends and would from time to time mention a girl, for instance a girl from the office to show you that your not the only girl on his mind! Clever! and you are expected decode it?
I wish men would be honest enough to tell you to your face that they are breaking up with you . Hurting as it may seem at least you are being spared with the confusion and the trying to figure out things! But sometimes, we stay deaf and blind just to be with someone. We never run out of reasons why we stay in a rutty relationship for fear of being alone. Decembers because its Christmas . We would stay till February so we have someone for valentines day then after that its going to be summer can we just survive it till holy week so we can have someone to go on vacay with. Me, Guilty!
Makes me wonder, maybe my bestfriend is right in saying that indeed I am a sucker for mutuality, that is I can’t stand being alone. Am I just in love with love?. Quite so, but for now, I will love somebody really fabulous! ME
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