VerveEarth invite

I feel honored to be invited to join VerveEarth hosted by Clayton Brown, which is  a cool webbie interactive geographic map of the world much like pinning done in the Google Earth but instead of places here they use blogs as markers. 

Should you be interested to check it out you can just click their banner on the right side of my blog to see what it is all about.

Yes Levi Can

As much as I wanted to go and see Levi Kreis in flesh romancing the tunes to my heart's delight. There are some good things that you can't simply have. Sad! sad! sad!

No, I don't want my frustrations spoil the party, if you have the means to see him he'll be strutting his stuff in these following gigs:

Friday, May 2nd, 9pm @ Room 5:
Tuesday, May 6th, 8pm @ Genghis Cohen: Writers Circle w/ Chantelle Barry & Wendy Piatt.
Friday, May 16th, 11pm @ Molly Malones: Live taping of
"Where I Belong: Live" including songs from Levi's coming CD "Where I Belong" Come be a part of our very first DVD!

Enjoy his heart-wrenching music and good looks as you can see in this picture. Wowwowoweee! Am drooling......

Thanks Matthew Fouste for the newsletter and also of letting me know updates about him!

Blog Phenomenon

Fifteen years later, blogging have been a way of voicing out one's opinion and individuality in the world wide web. It's been successful as until now it is the most widely used form of information dissemination besides e-mails, forum and messengers. The craze have caught on immensely that it already competed with the major types of mainstream media such as broadcast and print.

However, do you know whom do we owe this wonderful tool of communication? We owe them to these people such as Brian E. Redman who in year 1983 created his mod.ber which is like a serial journal publishing style and features links interesting and cool places on the net. While Justin Hall blogged his life as a student at Swarthmore College in 1994. But it was Steve Gibson who earned the first paycheck from Ritual Entertainment in 1997 from his blogging. The term "weblog" was coined by John Barger but was later modified by Peter Merholz into "blog" by breaking the word into a phrase "we blog".

Of course drawbacks such as cases of bloggers settling cases in courts for invasion of privacy, infringement, defamation, libel suits just to name a few are inevitable. A blogger's code of conduct proposal was made by Tim O' Reilly, click on the link to give you an idea.

Blogger's Code of Conduct

First of all, please yourself!

Actually in the blogosphere there's an unwritten mandate, that is, write whatever pleases you. READ ALOUD: write whatever pleases you.

You are not writing for the sake of being read or to be criticized. You write because you just want to share things about you and your world around to others. Now it's up to them, your readers, if they would agree or disagree with you. I've yet to find a writer who could persuade everyone to just do the former solely.


Autografication, my fellow blogger Quentin Xavier from OZ pretty sums up what I am trying to convey here. He's not limiting himself to a particular topic, which is why he's a prolific blogger. He blogs about almost everything. Creativity stems up from having freedom and from thinking out-of-the box more often if not always. Just imagine the world if everybody thinks and behaves the same. It would be oh-so-boring monotonous you'll just cut your throat yourself than live.

A Green Apple a day, keeps the bigots away

Words can wound someone more than a sword itself. It can be used as a powerful weapon. The hurt it impales never ceases not until erased by another. That's how powerful it is.

Now, imagine a world without a freedom of speech. A world without words. It's utterly unimaginable. Would you agree to that?

Such is the blog author of 'Berdeng Mansanas' who willfully crafts words into expressing what his thoughts are. A true writer in heart never fails to turn the most mundane topic into a wonderful and evocative pieces of art.

The intense asterism of Saphiroboys

Saphiroboys' blog is as unique as it is. I especially like how the author uses different hues in his slides of pictures of cute boys from Germany. For reasons that I don't have any idea, but it seems to be working because in each slide of photo you can see how sometimes the subject itself changes aesthetically. That's why I chose 'asterism' in my title to describe this uniqueness, which is a property unique to the gem that might have been the source of this blog's name.

When love replaces friendship

My Own Private Idaho


I've finally had a chance to watch this movie which I've been wanting since I was seventeen. When I saw it where I usually rent my DVD's it's still out so I have to wait until it was returned. Anyways the wait was well worth it because the movie was awesome that is if you are an art movie connoisseur. It is a critically acclaimed movie and also a gay movie classic which definitely a must-have and must-watch for every PLU, just like James of the film Shortbus who inferred the former when he came out.

The movie centers on two street hustlers, Mike (River Phoenix)



and Scott (Keanu Reeves)



embarking on a soul search that takes them to Mike's hometown in Idaho (hence the title) and then to Italy in search of Mike's mother. Scott is the son of the wealthy mayor and claims he's a rogue and that he hustles mainly because he wants to rebel. Mike, however, is a narcoleptic gay and has no other means of support. They've develop a strong friendship that is tested by Scott's ambivalence to street life and his forthcoming inheritance, as well as Mike's budding affection for him.

One particular interesting scene in the movie which Phoenix re-wrote himself is the camp fire scene where Mike professes his love for Scott implicating that his character was gay whereas Gus Van Sant had originally made it more obscure. Scott did not take Mike's feelings seriously and married a girl. Reeves reportedly was uncomfortable with this aspect of the film. He said in an interview that although he is not against gays or anything he won't have sex with guys. That he would never do that again on film. Could it be that he is afraid that he would be taking it with him on the real life just like what happened to River Phoenix?

An asian taste of the American Dream

Me and my blogfriend Christian of 'Queer Culture Clash' share a fascination in learning about other cultures. It is an interest that a few people can or may have the opportunity to be into. And the fact that the liberal outlook in life is still uncommon for most of us Asians, just imagine if one have this chance to be in a country with a culture totally opposite to ours.

His blog tells about his everyday encounter of these differences while I, on the other hand, just interjects one or two posts about my observations about Dominicans every now and then.

Enter his enchanted world

It's been awhile since the author of this blog 'Shizahi's World'


and I have met each other personally. We were college friends before and come to think of it we just found ourselves online after 3 long years. It was fun as we shared some of the things we've been into and the next thing we were already talking about our own blogs. I couldn't believe that the most admirable creations he did while were still in college have made it through the web. Of course I will not be so damn uptight not to share you his blog which is an extension of his overflowing creativity.

His fantastic world of gargoyles,



centaurs,



mermans



and other out-of-worldly creations would never fail fancying you. Even the bugs



and cacti



alike have not escaped his lens nor his witty captions.

A stunning visual and poetic entries would surely entice you to visit this one of a kind blog.

Enter his world, enter the world of Shizahi.

Cruising T-rooms

Much to dismay media brouhaha over Walter Jenkins, George Michael and lastly Sen. Craig t-room affairs it did not stop the gays craving to have sex in public places. Who wouldn't want the thrill in that? The thing is we don't have the same freedom as the straight ones have, all the more adding to the excitement doing it.

Although this type of sexperiences for me is a thing of the past,I still wonder what if all the internet ruckus over the proper male etiquette in the toilet have gone over the roof. And by goodness gracious a gorgeous guy is pissing beside me giving me the hints, what should I do???

Hold your breath then free your mind

Even in this ever-changing world it's no joke to find one's trueself. Sometimes it just a flip of the hand but more often than not it would take a whole lifetime. It's a journey that each one of us needs to trod no matter what the expectations are, in the end it is our will that surely will prevail. Such is the story of my blogfriend Kai,

though his life maybe full of heartaches and headaches of different proportions he's still trying to overcome all of these. And his account of the said tribulations were masterpiece stories that allows you to enter his world em by em. Boring not a single reader of "Low, Highs and Alibis" but keeping them wanting for more and more.

The TIME is within our hands

This ad from D&G is an out and loud expression of the unstoppable coming of our time. The time in which we will never be loathed nor besmirched again ever. It's the time for the freedom of one's sexual preference or lifestyle.


Hurray to Domenico and Stefano for heralding the time to come!!! Hurray to LGBT!!!

Reality bites

I admire people with perspective in life and see humor in it. In my age now, I can say I've been there and done that but the sad thing was I never had the opportunity to make a record about it unlike the generation of today. Blogging is truly wonderful, now you can even take a picture of every second of your life and re-live it. Share it for the whole world to see, just like my blog friend Mandaya Moore-Orlis.

The story of his life, his lover and his set of friends is so inspiring that it definitely would make your day worthy of living, whether you're gay or not. Kudos to you Mandaya and more power to your friends. Thanks for linking up to B^2!!!

An obsession you truly want to have

Yes, I admit I am one of those who have that Peter Pan complex and longed to keep my youngness intact. How can I not be? Seeing these wonderful and yummy pictures of teens by my blog buddy "Current Obsession"


just make me keep wishing I could be young again. Hmmmmm so much have happened and invented in science and technology, haven't they found the "elixir of youth" yet? 'Coz I don't wanna go into a gamut of cosmetic surgery just like Jacko (have you heard that he's about to lose his Neverland ranch too?) Tsk! tsk! tsk!

The children of the sea

"El Mar"

I've never seen a movie so gory and disturbing as this one. Actually when I saw it I ended up having a nightmare. Well if you're into looking for something not Hollywoody films then this one is for you.



The story revolves around the three childhood friends; Ramallo(underground accomplice played by Roger Casamajor),



Manuel(religiously devoted played by Bruno Bergonzini)



and Francisca(Antonia Torrens as a nun that harbors the secrets of the three). Set during the Spanish Civil War, their lives were marked by a vengeful slaying of another child and they have carried this secret until they were adults.






The three reunited after a few years in a hospital for the care of tuberculosis. Where their lives have entwined again in desperation to find deliverance from its horrors. A particular interest here is that Manuel is trying to repress his sexual desires for Ramallo. He turns to religion in order to avert it, but to much dismay. (Does this sound a bell???) While Ramallo is particularly obsessed to be in the beach, hence the title "El Mar". Metaphorically signifying that the torment in our lives will one day find its calmness.

Although the casting was not that remarkable, their performance have suited the strange but beautiful story. The cinematography and sound effects succeeded to evoke you the feeling that there's hope to look forward to.

Be the best, be in the Best Gay Blogs

I am so honored to know that I am finally included in this blogroll that comprises internationally known blogs.

Guys thank you so much! More power to all of us......

Gay-ishly spooky Halloween to you!

It's that time again of the year when everybody can just frock themselves without any qualms of being stereotyped. Goulish creatures are being celebrated with so much party that they can be double-dead afterwards due to exhaustion and too much booze. Kids forget their worries about tooth decay and tooth fairy as they gobble up the candies they gathered from trick or treating.

Others love to watch horror films while their boyfriend does not disagree, of course be wary he might be shrieking more than you do. TV shows that tell spooky stories about places and events are also in every channel. Are all of these stuff are giving you goosebumps? Would you not be much more happy if being spooky can also be funny? I chanced upon this website about The Gay Monsters

ala Adams family via Queerclick, which is a must see. The characters are so beautifully created you'll be hooked once you get to know them. And here they are;

Xander - In love with a living man but heartbroken, dreamer, modest, often pitiful, glum, romantic, thinker, gentle

Wylie - Xander's bestfriend, desirable, happily unattached, sexually outgoing, popular, sensual, egotistical


Francis - Manny's boyfriend, flamboyant, sociable, glitzy, selfish, showy, colorful, loud


Manny - Francis' boyfriend, totally in love, very jealous, insecure, suspicious, dedicated ang faithful

Presley - Bar's Karaoke host. He's always drunk. although he's the "scary-oke" host he's still a dreadful singer

Countless Dragula - The bar's featured drag queen, sriking, clever, brassy but tasteful, funny, wise

Jack The Stripper - Sexy go-go boy at the bar, youtful, full of dumb ideas, talkative, lively, dim-witted, addicted to porn

Hagitha - An adorable straight girlfriend to the gay monsters, fun, outgoing, loyal, free-spirited and trendy

(Note: All character description were taken from the original website)

Have a roll of laughter instead of goosebumps for this wonderful Halloween, while you watch this:

When sex is not just S-E-X

"Short Bus"


You've just lost half of your gay life if you haven't seen this movie yet. I suggest that you and your beau go to the nearest video rental and grab a copy and watch it. While the movie got some banging from the critics for the sexual content, I guarantee you that it would not raise any horny goosebumps on the back of your head neither because the way it was relayed in the movie is a contradiction to the definition of pornography. The plot which Revolves around the lives of a sexually diverse group of emotionally challenged New Yorkers trying to connect with each other after the 9/11 tragedy. Actually there are more than 3 subplots that the movie contain, but in our interest I will be discussing more of the gay subplot here:

A soft-spoken James (Paul Dawson)



which is a former male whore suggest to his boyfriend whose name is James (PJ DeBoy)



also that they should have an open relationship. Meaning they could have sex with another guy. They met a young ex-model and aspiring singer named Ceth (Jay Brannan)



and the three begin their menage-a-trois. Meanwhile unknowingly James and Jamie's life is stalked by their across-the-street neighbor Caleb(Peter Stickles).



He fears the inclusion of Ceth in James and Jamie's relationship might break them up and thus destroy his ability to live vicariously through them. One time he attended Shortbus and confronted Ceth. And what goes on after this rendezvous is all for you to see. I'm not going to spoil your excitement, am I? Here's a sneak preview:

A set of role models for the younger gay generation

You just couldn't imagine how we are so visible nowadays dominating every field of media from comics to television programs to the big white screens. Which is very good actually because we are seeing a lot of these role models making it big and recognized albeit their chosen lifestyles.

First in the list is George Takei, who is best known for his Mr. Hikaru Sulu (helmsman of the starship U.S.S. enterprise) role in the quintessential series Star Trek. Now he has a recurring character in NBC's new series Heroes as Kaito (time traveler) Nakamura's father. An asteroid was also named in honor of him, the asteroid official name is 7307 Takei, and is located between Mars and Jupiter. It was in October 2005 when he finally outed himself in an issue of Frontiers magazine and has been in a committed relationship with his 18 years partner, Brad Altman. A member and a spokesman of Human Rights Campaign's Coming Out project he embarked on a nationwide speaking tour called the "Equality Trek" in which he talked about his life as a gay Japanese American.





Sir Ian McKellen is our second subject who played the famous character Gandalf in Lord of the Rings



and Magneto in X-Men.



He outed himself on a BBC's radio show year 1988 and lobbied off the Section 28 bill. He's still very active into forwarding our gay cause. He is is the co-founder of Stonewall and patron of LGBT History Month and GAY-GLOS.

Recently, our beloved franchise book and film "Harry Potter" have outed Albus Dumbledore. J.K. Rowling answered a fan question about the characters true love with a shocking revelation ,"Dumbledore is gay."


And further explained that the mage was smitten with a rival with whom he defeated long ago in a battle of good and bad wizards. Now the character in the movie was played by two straight actors; Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Would it be better if it is really played by one?

Be forewarned, looks can be very deceiving.

Hey! I'm not about to be converted by posting this video, you will have to see and watch it. And you'll know what I mean.



Hahahahah! The miracles of the modern day medical breakthroughs. Thanks Sam for this wonderful find.