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Movie Review: Love of Siam

Looking for a movie that touches you? Watch The Love Of Siam.

Note: If you belong to the category of the "short attention span audience", which I belong to, the slow-paced unfolding of the narrative will try your patience.

But! It didn't deter me from sittng through the entire two and a half hours simply because of its honest and straightforward film style.

The opening scene of the film pretty much sets the pace for the entire film. Extremely slow tracking continuity shots which reveal different parts of Mew's house. Medium shots, with no sudden close-up or unexpected camera movements, frame the characters in their mundane daily lives. Furthermore, the use of lighting accompanied with non-diegetic music ease the smooth flow of the narrative.

The effect of the mise-en-scene and cinematography is verisimilitude: a simulation of reality, naturalism that the audience can relate to instantly. Stylistically, The Love Of Siam allows audience to easily identify with the issues, characters and their situations in the film.

Apart from the technical aspects that have achieved its intended effect, there's one character that will capture your full attention.

The cutest boy in the cast that will not only make sure you have your eyes on the screen every second but also wish you have a Thai-German boyfriend that looks exactly like him.

Mario Maurer, plays the character Tong in the film, who falls in love with his childhood best friend and neighbour, Mew, played by Witwisit Hiranyawongkul.

Tong belongs to a staunch Christian family who faces problems as their daughter, Tong's elder sister Tang, goes missing. As Tong's parents leave him to stay with Mew and his grandmother while they look for their daughter, the friendship/love between Tong and Mew develops.

Perhaps what draws gay audience's attention is not merely because of the cute boy. And neither does the setting in Thailand distances us. But the issues such as societal norms and expectations, peer pressure, family values and objections are all too familiar and resonates in most of us.

For instance, Sunee, Tong's mother witnesses her son kissing Mew and was negatively impacted. What's new?

Her inability to accept what she saw caused her to confront Mew, where she said to him:

"Tong is the only one we have left, and I don't want to see him taking a path that is not right ... In the future, when Tong has graduated, he has to find a job, save money, and look for a good wife, get married and have a happy family; where they can take care of each other when they grow old. That is life, Mew. I tried to make sure he grows up that way. Do it for Tong, Mew. Stop this relationship that you have with him."

My heart sank. It was something that I could not only understand but completely relate to. The pervasiveness of social norms and what is expected of us, or Tong as the only son in the film, haunts us. Until we can find a solution that can free us from the entrenchment of designated social roles and responsibilites, some of us will find that we will still have to hide our true emotions as Mew did.

Along with social norms, there is peer pressure where Tong's friends appear insensitive and not understanding of his frustrations. Thus, the issue of understanding and coming to terms to one's self-identity or sexuality becomes not only an evident but personal struggle. It often reminds us of the harsh reality that we are not individuals living alone in a vacuum but with one another in a heteronormative society.

Indeed, this naturalistic film with no drastic dramatic high points or sensationalizing of any sort may not appear appealing on its movie posters or DVD cover, it is definitely worth a watch for its ability to capture the sentiments of gay love, if not, relationships.

BY Shayne

Q: How can I find the right bathing suit that suits my body?

A: Skip the board shorts this summer and show a little more skin without reaching for the bikini banana hammocks. This season’s sexiest swimsuits are cropped well above the knee from retro boxer-short styles to square cut lycra, ball-hugging skivvies. They are revealing without being obscene. And you don’t have to be a muscle mary or pack some major cargo up front to look great.

If you’ve got the body and the goods, bust out the tighter, more form fitting styles to show it off. Everyone from Burberry and Diesel to Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci have great styles this season. If you’re a little more reserved, mature or modest, opt for a classic look with a pair that fits but has a more forgiving and loose, boxer-style fit like those by Vilebrequin.

And don’t be afraid of bold colors and patterns. Not only will they add a fun and stylish touch to your poolside style, but large patterns can help camouflage any assets you wish were a bit larger.

Movie Review: Fate

“Ooh. Topless Korean boys. We have to catch this preview.”

That, in essence, summed up my thoughts. I was having lunch break with my colleagues when my roving gay eyes caught the A0 sized poster for Fate. With those dreamy Korean eyes and lean bodies, I was smitten.

This is, of course, despite the fact that I knew it was a gangster movie, which is hardly my cup of tea. Every inch of my cranium was warning me against watching this movie. But oh, the boys, the boys. I had to see them, even if it meant brain damage.

I was conned. My brain was right. This is the last time I let my nether regions trump my head.

Let this be a warning – if you're watching this movie in the hope of glorious topless images that pay homage to the beauty of Korean male bodies, you're in for a very nasty surprise. The only chance one gets to perv at the bodies of the two leads, Song Seung Hun (Kim Woo Min) and Kwon Sang Woo (Chul Jong), is in a gritty 5 minute rugby sequence at the end.

Indeed, sex sells. However, this isn't to say that the movie is lacking in cinematographic merit.

The leads have put on an admirable performance as two polar opposites, proving their acting worth as Korea's rising stars. Kwong Sang Woo and Song Seung Hun have, admirably, reversed their usual roles, rising above the usual typecast roles that they have played.

Kwong Sang Woo breaks out of his soft-spoken image as Cheol Jung, an expletive-spewing villian. Comedic at times, while just plain temperamental at others, Kwong Sang Woo puts on such a natural performance, playing the hot-tempered Cheol Jung to great effect.

It's hard not to warm up to this character with a sense of comic irony, who cares for his sister by day, and raids gambling dens by night, swearing all the way. If anything, you'll definitely learn a few Korean vulgarities from his lines, including the Korean word “Sheeba.”

Conversely, Song Seung Hun plays the scapegoat, Kim Woo Min, taking the rap and a two-year prison term in an effort to protect his lifelong friends. Managing emotional sensitivity in an action-laden plot like Fate is no mean feat, but Song Seung Hun manages to do so with grace and maturity.

Either that, or I'm just mesmerized. Casting good looking people has never worked better in Fate, and indeed, a handsome man can convey so many things on-screen more effectively.

The plot isn't very original of course. One has the usual back-stabbing emotional drama that is characteristic of such Asian gangster movies. It's the usual tension between brotherhood and camaraderie versus the more worldly temptations of money, power, and heroin.

Set behind a backdrop of absolute tragedy, the melodrama in this film is a bit much. Imagine watching a Hong Kong serial, replete with hysterical mothers, screaming girlfriends, and lots of crying. That, in essence, captures the emotional mood of Fate – absolutely wacko.

The script, itself, is filled with ridiculous lines as well. Woo Min utters lines like “don't be mistaken, I was never striving to attain happiness,” which just reeks of a self-aggrandizing and ennobling sort of brooding. Granted, something may have been lost in translation, but the sentiment is still quite ridiculous.

Who is this script writer? How can happiness not be the aim of life? Does he mean to undo Aristotle's centuries of wisdom with a 2-hour Korean gangster movie?

Staunch non-smokers would not be pleased with this film either. I'm guessing that a large part of the budget came from buying smokes for the film – a cigarette is lit nearly every 5 minutes. Mother goes hysterical, lead smokes. Best friend tries to kill himself, lead smokes. Business not going well, lead smokes. Getting out of the car, lead also smokes.

And these are Marlboro cigarettes, at that.

Anyway, after I watched the movie, I left the cinema with two life lessons.

The first, is that one should listen to one's head, more so than one's dong.

The second, is that there are only two paths in life. One must be extremely smart, cunning, manipulative, and ruthless. Without appearing to be so.

If one can't be that, one should resign oneself to a life as a junkie. Because apparently, these are the only two characters that succeed in the world of Fate.

- Tim, Trevvy

Climax 2 - Indie Boys

As I write this letter, CLIMAX 2 is currently with the printers and set to be released on August 15, 2008.

It has been a long wait but I guarantee a worthwhile wait. CLIMAX 2 features the biggest actors in independent movies today, which is why the issue is aptly called INDIE BOYS. Check out the photo section in our Yahoo group to get a glimpse on who will be included in this installment of CLIMAX.

You, our loyal readers, know that CLIMAX magazine seeks to push the limits set by commercial publications. But it is also these same limits that prevent us from exposing frontal nudity that may compromise on the creativity and image of the magazine. Our distributors also have limits and we have to conform to them as well.

Some of the models in this issue of CLIMAX had no qualms about exposing themselves but we stuck to our limits and still tried to give you the best possible product we can. It is a product we ourselves will shell out our hard earned money for if we were in your position. Our quality pictures and production values speak for itself and I hope that you will enjoy looking through the magazine and find every cent you've spent on it worthwhile.

We want to keep a low profile for this issue. CLIMAX 2 will be sold only through THREE retailers. These are namely CV Magazine in Landmark Makati, Dongskie (below QC MRT and Cubao MRT Walkway) and through Filbars branches. I am glad that Filbars has agreed once again to distribute our product despite the many protests from its conservative customers. This issue will not be displayed on the shelves. You will have to ASK the sales attendant for a copy. Do tell your friends about this so that they know how to get the issue. I know that you may have to exert more effort in getting the magazine but once you get a hand on the copy, I know you won't feel short changed. This is CLIMAX and it has not disappointed our readers yet. Those close friends who have seen this issue through print outs agree that this is our best issue yet.

And for those who are asking what's next, I can only hope that we can complete a new X-RAY installment. Currently, we have started approaching stars to appear in the magazine and I hope that you can keep your fingers crossed for us. Do continue to check on this group from time to time for updates.

Enough said. I won't keep you any longer from checking out the photo section. Thank you once again for all the support you have given us.

Regards,


DANIO CAW
X-ray Books Publisher

* * *

As much as I enjoy photobooks, I'm sorry to say that while the (back) cover and some of the models are nice to look att, I was hoping (and failed) to see that this would be tastefully done. I liked the way the original X-ray books were made. The climax line just proves to be a bit away from the style that I'm looking for. Still, it it does please the others...

Movie Review: No Regret

A powerful and emotionally rewarding gay romance that turns abruptly violent at the end. Up to that point, assuring direction and intense performances help make No Regret one of the best gay dramas to come out of Asia.

While watching the Korean indie film No Regret, I could not help making comparisons between it and Wong Kar-Wai's masterpiece Happy Together. I think the comparisons are entirely valid; both films deal with realistic male homosexual relationships, both often delve into the dark side of these relationships, both feature graphic sex scenes; and both would be just as compelling if the relationships depicted were heterosexual ones. Fortunately for No Regret, which managed to capture record audiences during its limited run, they are both also just as good.

No Regret opens at a countryside orphanage that Su-Min (Lee Yeong-Hoon) is forced to leave upon reaching adulthood. Su-Min moves to Seoul, where he struggles to afford school and works two jobs, as an assembly-line worker during the day and as a private chauffeur at night. While he is openly gay, he takes no interest when customer Jae-Min (Lee Han) hits on him. Su-Min is fired from his job at the factory just as he finds out that Jae Min is also an executive there. Jae-Min tries to save Su-Min's job at the factory, but he quits out of pride anyway. Strapped for cash, Su-Min reluctantly becomes an escort at a gay bar, where he's warned by the head of the bar, Madame, that he doesn't like hiring gay men because they elope when they fall in love with customers. Luckily, Su-Min is so disillusioned that he's convinced that money is more important than love. Jae-Min eventually manages to track Su-Min down, and after Jae-Min's many advances (not to mention Su-Min's many rejections), they finally fall in love. However, real world circumstances will come to drive them apart, and violence ultimately threatens to plague their relationship.

While Happy Together tells a messy story about the slow destruction of a relationship, No Regret uses a simpler love story structure: two people meet, fall in love, and fight. And as oxymoronic as it sounds, the film also possesses some clichés that one is used to seeing in a film with homosexual themes, such as Jae Min's fiancé and his family forcing him to get married. Yet, writer/director Leesong Hee-il, an openly gay man himself, manages to create convincing emotions throughout. This can be credited to the screenplay, which develops not just the two focal characters effectively, but also the supporting characters who will come to impact the plot. Although not all bases are covered, as Jae-Min's clichéd subplot still rings somewhat false, the screenplay manages to be strong enough that the audience is still involved even when the film takes an absurd turn at its finale - which is really the film's only noticeable flaw.

Shot in digital, No Regret captures the shadowy world of gay prostitution using impressive handheld long takes and polished visuals, which are very rare in an indie production such as this. As in the works of Michael Mann, digital provides a better way to capture low-light environment, helping No Regret build a dark atmosphere that represent the sometimes-dangerous world Su-Min lives in. The film's look is supported by Leesong's strong direction and dependency on visual storytelling rather than verbal exposition. As polished as the visuals are, the storytelling remains gritty, and while the sex scenes are explicit, Leesong still presents them in a fairly tasteful fashion.

No review of No Regret can be completed without mentioning the performances. As the conflicted Jae-Min, Lee Han expresses the dilemma that faces a closeted gay man with an equal dose of pain and conflict. However, the star of the show is Lee Yeong-Hoon, who also starred in Good Romance, a short film by Leesong that was eventually expanded into No Regret. Lee's intense performance effectively brings out the anger, the desperation and the courage of Su Min - the anger of being betrayed, the desperation of his situation, and the courage to fall in love. They may not be as seasoned as Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, but Lee Han and Lee Yeong-Hoon are definitely actors to watch out for in the future.

While I mentioned that comparisons to Happy Together or even Brokeback Mountain are valid, it should be noted that No Regret is strong enough to stand on its own among the pantheon of great gay films. The direction is confident, the script is strong, the performances are intense, the emotions are credible and the film is easily as engaging as any heterosexual love story. The film may not be everyone's cup of tea based on the subject matter and its graphic depiction of sex, but anyone who's willing to take the plunge will find No Regret to be one the strongest and audaciously authentic indie films to come out of Asia in 2006.

- Kevin Ma, LHKF

Movie Review: Bangkok Love Story

It's clearly monsoon season. Can't you tell from all the rain?

To say that Bangkok Love Story is a gay movie is spot on – it has quite the exhibitionistic streak. Bathing in the open, smooching in the streets, having sex on a water logged rooftop – it appears that while killing people is a crime in Bangkok, lusty gay sex in the open isn't. If only Singapore were like that, oh what a gay place it would be.

Besides the exhibitionism, it appears that Bangkok is also facing a shortage of clothes. Stone, played by Chaiwat Tongsang, is clad in very skimpy boxer briefs for a large part of the movie, and seems to have no sense of shame running around in them 24/7. For a brief (pun unintended) while I contemplated the fact that perhaps his clothes were dirty, but wait – even in the comfort of his highly luxurious home, he's still topless, and I highly doubt it's because he wants to seduce his wife.

Not that I'm complaining of course. Stone's rekindled my interest in Thai men, and has given rice queens all over the world a new reason to celebrate. This boy is drop dead gorgeous from head to toe.

While the actors might be one of the most gorgeous guys that Asian film has seen, the plot itself suffers from an overdose of melodrama. In general, most movie characters seek to have a sense of emotional progression. Dramatics are good, if there is a build up that manages to soften its shock value.

But Bangkok Love Story, being a groundbreaking gay movie, has dispensed with this tradition. You'll find yourself jumping from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other in a matter of seconds. Mothers hang themselves, tears pour forth in buckets, wives open fire on their gay husbands, and the rain, oh, the rain. Suffice to say that the proponents of the Save Water campaign would not be pleased.

I have a small quibble with the love story too. Stone falls in love instantly. I know being the saved damsel in distress often precipitates this sort of affection, one only needs to look at fairy tales for a precedent.

But this is a bit too much of a jump here – holing up in a rooftop for a few days and scrubbing each other down doesn't quite necessitate the kind of undying, unrequited, and highly persistent love that Stone seems to have for Cloud. If you ask me, the best man in his wedding video didn't look like a bad alternative at all. At least that one didn't seem to come with all that emotional baggage.

Yet, if you ignore the implausible ground from which this unconventional love sprung forth, you'll find pretty sweet depictions of love. You can't quite fault the actors in this department – the loving that goes on at the rooftop is rather tender, be it gingerly feeding each other food, playing glancing games, or passionately making out in the streets. It's so sweet that when it ended, in a Bollywood hide-and-seek game of unrequited love no less, I did feel a small tug at my heartstrings.

Perhaps the photography played a part. The true beauty in this film lies in the cinematography. Images are juxtaposed to interesting effect, and unconventional angles capture the scraggly Bangkok city against the wondrous open sky. With scenes like the shootout in a Buddha statue factory, the grunge of Bangkok is contrasted with slow, moving music that creates an interestingly engaging effect. I was particularly struck by the image of the two leads making out on a reflective sheet of water, so much that I forgot the incredulity of it for a moment.

In essence, the key to enjoying this movie is to believe in it. The story, at its very basic premise, is engaging. It's a romantic gay love story filled with manly shoot-out action that's portrayed in an artistic yet nail-biting way. Throwing away stereotypes of traditional Thai kathoey and replacing them with hard gangsters results in a drama that involves the audience, instead of alienating them through comedy. Add a socially responsible sub-plot aimed at raising awareness for AIDS victims, and you've got a movie that has the potential to engage most gay audiences, if you believe.

And while I was a little skeptical, judging from the teary-eyed audience, it seems that it succeeded

- Tim, Trevvy

Sunkist Iced Tea - "Basketball"

This clip is so funny!

Levis Gay Commercial

Seems there's a new Levis ad which came out. Interestingly enough there's a gay version of it. Wish all sexy commercials had this kind of twist.

Straight Version:



Gay Version:

ICON Unpublished 01

Ever wondered what happens during an ICON photo shoot? You at least want to know what it’s like huh? Well, wonder no more. Your favorite ICON magazine just released another first - ICON Unpublished 01. A collection of never-before-seen photos from the ICON archives. Funny, provocative, sexy and definitely exclusive photos that will give you a glimpse behind the scenes!

First Love

I was throwing around with a Daniel a movie idea in the past couple of weeks. Basically it's about a depressed gay guy (Piolo) who gets into a car accident. He survives but required therapy. He is assigned a doctor (Sam) to help him overcome his condition and eventually falls in love with his doctor. Convinced that his feelings will not be returned he sinks further into depression. Unknown to him, his doctor has likewise started to develop the same feelings for his patient.

The atmosphere of the story is a combination of that of a love story with a touch of romance and comedy.

I'll try to post the story here as the days go by. The pic in the right just about sums it all up.

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: A NEW BOOKAZINE FROM X-RAY!

While X-RAY#3 is still in the works, we've decided to launch a new
bookazine series that promises to be not only different but more
daring and sexy than anything we've ever done before.

I'm proud to introduce CLIMAX.

CLIMAX is about ordinary men in their most provocative form. The
bookazine pushes the limits in male photography but still maintains
shots and concepts that are classy and well done. We've wanted to
come out with a publication like this for so long and we think this
is the prefect time. Though we love working with celebrities, CLIMAX
allowed us to do shots beyond what we usually are allowed to. We are
glad that we were able to work with very professional and open-minded
models.

You may find the models in CLIMAX quite familiar. The models were
selected from the men who starred in Viva's PROVOQ video. The video
became such a hit in town. A lot of people wanted to see more of
them so we decided to have them appear in the first issue of CLIMAX.
Who can better define the word "provocative" than these men? And
they did not disappoint. If you liked the pictures in the video,
then check out their new photos specially shot for CLIMAX. These men
took things to the next level.

We hope that you will support our new bookazine as much as you've
supported all our other products. We've already gotten your trust in
terms of quality. Expect this product to meet and exceed your
expectations. CLIMAX comes in a 9 x 9 format, an inch smaller than
our regular X-RAY issue and retails for P380. We've made CLIMAX
smaller because we wanted X-RAY to still be our mother title. As
usual, this maiden issue has a limited print run so go out and buy
your issue before it runs out. We intended it to be this way. We
know this will become yet another collector's item similar to X-
RAY#1. CLIMAX is now available in store starting today.

Visit the photo section of this e-group to see who among the PROVOQ
men have been included in this upcoming issue of CLIMAX. For CLIMAX,
we will not be posting pages like what we normally do for X-RAY.
This is because most of the photos are very sensitive. (You'll know
what I mean when you buy the bookazine.) I'm sure you will agree
that after looking through their photos, you'd want to see more and
more. That's what CLIMAX is really about.

Sincerely,

Danio Caw
PUBLISHER

P.S. We have some changes in our distribution channels. We will no
longer be available in PAPYVORE but instead we've added BOOKSALE to
our list of outlets. I know a lot of you buy their copies from the
Papyvore's Robinsons Manila branch so instead, get your copies from
BOOKSALE located at the ground floor or in their branch at SM
Manila. Hope that you spread the word among your friends where
CLIMAX can be bought: CV Magazine Landmark Department Store, Bufini,
Fully Booked, Bibliarch, Booksale, Filbars and Eddiemar (Iloilo City).

MEN OF FANTASY UNDRESS, An X-ray Book Press Release

Riding on the popularity of fantaseryes airing on television today, X-RAY returns to feature the sexiest heroes primetime has to offer.

Top billing the roster of fantasy men is none other than Encantadia star, Alfred Vargas. After winning GMA 7’s coveted Viewers Choice Awards for Sexiest Male Actor, Alfred brandishes his hunky appeal in a special X-RAY shoot pegged as his most daring to date. This time, he goes all the way--proving that he is truly a sex symbol of our time. Also included is teen hearttthrob, Jake Cuenca who is part of GMA7’s new fantaserye, Majika. Jake sheds his clothes for the first time--showing all his fans that he is all grown up. He banishes his awkward boyish body to exhibit a body fit for a future underwear model.

Joining the elite fantasy roster as well is Arthur Solinap, Alfred Vargas’ comrade-at-arms in Encantadia. Arthur is set to make his own mark in the local showbiz scene as he plays a bigger and more pivotal role when the fantaserye hit returns. He works out daily in preparation for his role and he reveals this well-toned body exclusively in X-RAY. Also look out for Justin Cuyugan of Etheria. The tall, dark and handsome actor had no qualms in starring in a pictorial where he portrays a boyfriend who videotapes himself for his girlfriend’s pleasure.

The jam-packed issue includes other stars like Biboy Ramirez, Jake Roxas and Kris Martinez, a showbiz newcomer who was a former Close Up To Fame finalist. Lastly, Starstruck Ultimate Survivor Mike Tan goes shirtless only for X-RAY.

Wait no longer for the anticipated return of X-RAY featuring sixty pages of pictures showcasing the finest photography in the country today. Also included is a special folded insert featuring five hot male models.

X-RAY Number Two is available only in select stores starting April 7. Get your copy for only P380 from CV Magazine in Landmark, Fully Booked, Bibliarch, Papyvore, Bufini and Filbars outlets. X-RAY is published by X-RAY Media Publications.

X-RAY Magazine

A "friend" of mine dreamed of publishing his own magazine - it's topic, likewise a favorite of mine: men!

Now, a couple of months his dream finally come true.

"X-Ray is a visual sensory indulgence that exhibits the adoration on the male human form. It is a collection of candid iconic imagery that displays lust perfect men as objects of sensual art made for worshipping. The first of its kind, this photo-intensive bookazine (book and magazien format) of hedonistic appeal celebrates A-List celebrities at their sexiest. Each sensually guiltless and expressive page leaves constrasting sensations, bringing excitement to tickle one's imagination. The uninhabited display of heavenly bodies through extensive photographic exhibition boasts of simplicity, elegance and seductive sophistication as seen in the male form. Lauded for his keen eye, acclaimed photographer Ronnie Salvacion expresses artistry in this tribute masterpiece on masculinity. In this age where Eve is glorified in countless forms, the modern Adam rises anew in this moment in time. The beautiful imagery void of masculine guilt is venerated in a universal language that holds no boundaries. As the embodiment of manly sexiness is redefined, the mood, feeling and desire in this essay of post-modern photography are arrestingly breathtaking. This unforgettable sybaritic experience can be seen as we enter the world of X-ray."

Source: Multiple Choice by Luis Espiritu (Philippine Star, November 27 2005)

Whether he is a movie hearthtrob, rock god, top model or sports superstar, this bookazine promises to portray the local male through the finest photography in the country today. For so long, male celebrities have eluded exposing their intimate selves - giving way to women gracing covers with their sex appeal and sensuality. Now, through X-RAY, readers can see the male celebrity in his most tender and vulnerable form.

The mag features Rafael Rossel, Mark Herras, polo Ravales, Ryan Eigenmann, Rich Vergara and Andrew Wolf

Generation Pink (GP) Magazine

Pride-filled first issue out to paint town pink

September 2005, Manila, RP - Announcing the publication of a proud quarterly magazine: CircuitAsia Generation Pink (GP) Magazine! Out to
paint the town pink on, GP presents the new urban demographic: young,
sophisticated, politically liberal, metrosexual, and fashion and image
conscious. The focus of the first issue is Pride and how it influences the
disparate constituents of Generation Pink: Pride in self, community,
friends, advocacy, celebration, and sexuality.

Also included are interviews with various entertainment and cultural luminaries such as Danton Remoto, Colin MacKay, Mon Serrano, and several others. Generation Pink readers will also discover reviews and discussion of recent film, literature, theatre, and music, all specially chosen to appeal to this unique demographic. The magazine is intended to educate,
entertain, empower, and edify the modern reader while keeping a sharp eye on what's sexy and what's fun. It doesn't matter if it's parties, fashion, politics, relationship advice, activism, or opinion, GP will have the latest and best information for our hip readership.

Lucky readers will have a chance to win a pair of free tickets to CircuitAsia's next mega-party event, Salvation Masquerade Ball on October
28, 2005 at the World Trade Center! Over 1000 tickets will be randomly distributed in pairs in the premiere issue of GP Magazine. The winners will be able to experience an intense party featuring DJ Luke Hope (London) and the tempestuous Tonnic (London).

Available in the Metro Manila area on all major bookstores and magazine shops.

Source: Fabuloush

Oh, check out the trunks. They're made by a good friend of mine. You guys can check more of it at Zon7

Kodak fits gay into the picture

The gay and lesbian market has developed such that Kodak has brought them into the advertising picture. Literally.

The company has introduced a new campaign featuring gay-specific ads. Digital, Simple, fabulous ...

While most of the ads feature three women who could be friends - or a lesbian's ménage a trois - one has two in a very top/bottom close position ...

Source: Ohlalaparis.com

Since You've Been Gone

Since You've Been Gone
by Kelly Clarkson

Here's the thing we started off friends
It was cool but it was all pretend
Yeah yeah
Since you've been gone

You dedicated you took the time
Wasn't long till I called you mine
Yeah Yeah
Since you've been gone

And all you'd ever hear me say
Is how I pictured me with you
That's all you'd ever hear me say

But since you've been gone
I can breathe for the first time
Im so movin on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you
Now I get
What I want
Since you've been gone

How can I put it? you put me on
I even fell for that stupid love song
Yeah yeah
Since you've been gone

How come I never hear you say
I just wanna be with you
I guess you never felt that way

But since you've been gone
I can breathe for the first time
Im so movin on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you
Now I get
I get what I want
Since you've been gone

You had your chance you blew it
Out of sight, out of mind
Shut your mouth I just can't take it
Again and again and again and again

Since you've been gone
I can breathe for the first time
Im so movin on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you (thanks to you)
Now I get
I get what I want
I can breathe for the first time
Im so movin on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you (thanks to you)
Now I get (I get)
You should know (you should know)
That I get
I get what I want
Since you've been gone
Since you've been gone
Since you've been gone

Providential

"Providential"

That's how Paris describes last Saturday's (or early Sunday's) incident.

A bit of background before I explain why: Bumped into Daniel at the Gym in
the morning. Wasn't really planning to, but Anne kinda screwed up the
schedules and made mine coincide with Daniel. Anyway, after a week of not
seeing him, we had lunch and coffee together (offsetting all the plans I
had for the day, which included getting my phone repaired and going home
and prepare before meeting up with the gang for that night's videoke
gimmick).

During which time Daniel told me that he wouldn't want to go to Makati for
a wholesome night out with the rest of the gang coz of several reasons,
namely
(a) Makati is too tempting a hunting ground for him. He fears he'll be
exposed to other teamplayers (and his ex) and that he might jump on any
chance he could even though he doesn't want that.
(b) He doesn't want to bump into his other group which is of "bad
influence" to him
(c) He's avoiding the temptation of going to the hot spots and be thrust
into the action.
Bottom line, he said he can't go and asked me to explain to Paris and Luke
why.

Well, the videoke session night out went well (even if Luke had to leave
since he had a date with Stellar Eyes). By twelve, Paris, KC and I were
still wired and decided to hit the road. We joked of going to Government
but when we got there we found that the crowd outside was pretty thin and
decided to move to Malate instead. Inside the car, I was joking that we
should bump into one of Daniel's friend. I even added that it would be
funny if we went there and found Daniel with him.

Guess what. It wasn't funny. When we got to Malate, I spotted the friend
along one of the tables in the bar outside of Bed. I jokingly pulled Paris
back to point him out. To our shock, there seated beside him was Daniel.
He must be likewise surprised coz he hurriedly stood up and started to
explain himself. I don't think Paris and I were in the mood to listed and
waved him off. We decided we needed a drink and went in to Bed.

After a while, Daniel came in. He said hello. But still pissed at him, we
just gave him the cold shoulder.

Same thing happened when he came over to say he was going home.

Can you blame me for being a cold hearted bitch?

Paris is more pissed coz he things that Daniel might have been just making
excuses and avoiding the group.

I'm pissed coz I've been betrayed and lied to.

I guess the coincidence was still working for me. In a sense Paris is
right, that night has indeed been Providential. I got to see the side I
didn't want to see.

Hopefully, that incident have knocked some sense into me.

I think it has.

Different Planes of Existence

In one of the theories of existence I've read, it states that aside from
the world we're living in are other planes of existence - different
realities with interwoven connections. Except for rare linking points, each
plane is effectively its own universe with its own natural laws. For
example, there is our plane (the material plane) which coexistent with that
of the Ethereal Plane - a plane which is mirrors that of the Material plane
but exist in a different level. That is, these two planes overlap each
other and yet stuff from one plane cannot affect those on the other. On
many levels, that's how one can describe my existence with Daniel and the
thing that I have to realize.

Hale: Here Tonight

I bought the Hale CD a couple of weeks ago and had Daniel hear it. He
didn't really say much or made any sign he appreciated it. I though, fine,
we have our own taste in music. That was until yesterday when he told me
that he now likes the CD after Mark's wife had him listen to it.

Okaay!

I don't know if I'm just being a bit too sensitive about it but doesn't he
have the decency to at least recognize that I was the one to have him
listen to it. Oh yeah, he doesn't know I would feel hurt about it. I'm
too sensitive and he's a jerk.

I should really stop setting myself up like that.

That was strike one. Here's strike two. He says his favorite song in the
album is "Here Tonight", a song about a guy who was left by his love. Like
come on! The guy left you! Get over it! For pete's sake, the guy's
pimping himself on the internet to get f*cked! You're crying over someone
like that?!

You know what? I am tired of hearing the Cain stories. An I'm tired of
writing Daniel stories.

* * *

Here Tonight

Hale
So long to you my love
dont be afraid to run away
I know you'll be okay
just take your time to find

but I need you here tonight
I need you there inside
I need you here tonight
I really really need you here tonight

made up my mind on this
too late for me to hold you back
maybe too short or dumb
to try for you but I will anyway

It's all my fault
to feel this way for you that day
i know I am and I will
though it's wrong, so wrong

cause I need you here tonight
I need you here inside
I need you here tonight
I really really need you here

I need you, I need you
I need you here inside
I need you, I need you
I really really need you here