November 19th, 2008 by Remcyl

Ever since my blog started 5 years ago, though I had been fighting for equality and acceptance for my community (the LGBT), I don’t think I’ve ever made an article to at least impart knowledge about how WE all started. Then I thought, what do I know that I could possibly impart to the world? As shocking as it can be, I really had no idea.

For starters, I had the biggest question in mind. Why has the rainbow been the symbol of homosexuality around the world? Do you know? Well, lucky for you, I did some research of my own in Wikipedia and together, let’s find out.

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information courtesy of Wikipedia.com

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities have adopted certain symbols and symbolates for which they are identified and by which they demonstrate unity, pride, shared values, and allegiance to one another. LGBT symbols also communicate ideas, concepts and identity both within their communities and to mainstream cultures. Arguably the two most-recognized international LGBT symbols are the pink triangle and the pride flag.

Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag for the 1978 San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Celebration. The flag does not depict or show an actual rainbow. Rather, the colors of the rainbow are displayed as horizontal stripes, with red at the top and purple at the bottom. It represents the diversity of gays and lesbians around the world. The purple stripe is sometimes replaced with a black stripe to show masculinity or leather pride. Red stands for life, orange stands for healing, yellow stands for the sun, green stands for nature, blue stands for harmony, and purple stands for the soul. The original rainbow flag had two additional stripes: a pink stripe and an aqua stripe. These two colors are in the Bisexual Double Triangle and the bright pink is also similar to the Pink Triangle. The original eight color rainbow flag flies over the Castro in San Francisco and from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center in New York City.

Pairs of male gender symbols and female gender symbols are used to form symbols for gay and lesbian, respectively. Variations on this theme can be used to represent bisexuals and transsexuals.

Popular transgender symbols, used to identify transvestites, transsexuals, and other transgender people, frequently consist of a modified biological symbol, originating from a drawing by Holly Boswell. In addition to the arrow projecting from the top right of the circle that comprises the biological symbol for the male (from the astrological symbol for Mars), and in addition to the cross projecting from the bottom of the circle that comprises the biological symbol for the female (from the astrological symbol for Venus), the symbol incorporates both these devices as well as a cross topped by an arrowhead (combining the male and the female motifs) which projects from the top left of the circle.

Another transgender symbol is the Transgender Pride flag designed by Monica Helms, and first shown at a pride parade in Phoenix, Arizona, USA in 2000. The flag represents the transgender community and consists of five horizontal stripes, two light blue, two pink, with a white stripe in the center. Helms described the meaning of the flag as follows:

The light blue is the traditional color for baby boys, pink is for girls, and the white in the middle is for those who are transitioning, those who feel they have a neutral gender or no gender, and those who are intersex. The pattern is such that no matter which way you fly it, it will always be correct. This symbolizes us trying to find correctness in our own lives.

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And there you have it. I certainly became more aware of how certain little details came about. It was a bit enlightening to be honest and I could definitely say that having known such information made me prouder than I already am of my community’s wide spectrum of diversity and creativity.

Remcyl Viloria. Pro-equality. Pro-freedom. Pro-life.

April 24th, 2008 by Remcyl

Right after finishing the two additions to my portfolio as a graphic designer (2 banner samples for Thad), I got the chance to chat with him over GTalk and got to know each other a bit more.

Right after discussing our dreams in the future and mentioned that he is an aspiring writer, he told me about a great web site that I should join because of its great vision for the gay community, Pinoy Gay Blogs. I asked him what it was for and who manages the entire thing and told me that the genius behind Manila Gay Guy is the genius behind the entire concept.

I’ve never had my site reviewed by anyone other than myself (who believe me, has never admitted that at times my site has some what-was-I-thinking moments believing that everything’s perfect LOL) and having a site to do just that was great news.  But putting that aside, I have loved the whole concept of the site which was to bring the gay community united. Whether you’re discreet, blatant, a tranny, confused, or plainly just gay, you’re welcome.

I remember the exact day when I bumped into Kuya AJ’s blog and saw how proud he was of saying he was gay. I was always proud of who I am but was somehow scared to let the whole world know (given that I do accept the fact that we, the gay community, could not be accepted by everybody). But there he was, proud as ever. Which gave me the sudden boost and push I needed.

At that time, I was contemplating on a domain name. I couldn’t go back to my previous one, remcylviloria.com because I want to try something new. So after asking for permission from Kuya Aj if it was okay for me to use BadingAko.com, I didn’t think twice and bought the domain. It was surely a purchase I never regretted.

Now I have this power. With this power comes the responsibility of making good use of it. I’ve realized, if Kuya Aj was able to inspire me and others in being proud of who we truly are, then with these little steps, we definitely can move mountains.

Pinoy Gay Blogs gives gay bloggers the chance they deserve, the respect they deserve, the acceptance they’ve been deprived of. I joined Pinoy Gay Blogs for the right reason. Not to gain traffic or whatnot, but to add to the growing list of incomparable talented people in the fight that one day, be considered like everyone else who deserves respect.

April 6th, 2008 by Remcyl

Remcyl’s article on Alcohol post…

Right after making my article about my sister and dad’s alcohol addiction, someone so kind posted it on his site and featured my writing. I felt as though one person alone who got my message and was somehow an inspiration to someone’s life made me fulfilled and got me thinking why I make articles like that.

The thing is, I write about what I think needs to be spoken for. There are a lot I’m sure of those families suffering from problems within themselves because of such addiction and those affected by it are trapped because no one seems to know the kind of “darkness” if you may term it, they are in. But the good news is, they are not alone. And I want them to know that there is groups they could talk to, to help them make it through such troubled times.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you dear sir for the compliment.

Blogger Beware!

Well, those with troubled relationships that is.

I don’t know if you happened to watch this news days ago (or maybe a week ago) about this Australian blogger who got his 15 minutes of SHAME after posting a blog entry about his Filipino ex-boyfriend.

I know the news is in the Filipino language but for the sake of my international readers (if I have any who are not Filipino) I’d be translating it to the best of my abilities (since I too have difficulty with my own tongue). *Video courtesy of TV Patrol WorldKaren Davila: An Australian native is doing research on how what a blog can do. This is where he is finding justice for the trouble, after the lies and manipulation, his Filipino ex-boyfriend caused him. Gigi Grande, Australian Bureau chief, for the news.Gigi Grande: This is what Australian blogger, Brian Gorrell, sold when he decided to reside in the Philippines. A three bedroom house on top of the rain forest and more than 12-hectares of land for his flower business. As to what happened to the money after selling the property can be found on his blog which is followed by several Filipinos around the world. A blog is an online diary that could be read by anyone who has internet access. In Brian’s blog, he narrated how he sent $70,000 (U.S.) to his Filipino boyfriend, a well-known socialite and columnist in a daily newspaper. The money was intended for what supposed to be a restaurant the two of them would own and a tour-booking company. It was too late when Brian found out that there was no restaurant and that he was scammed.Brian Gorrell: (Girl it’s in English so just watch the video for his statements!) lolGigi Grande: According to the web tracking tool site meter, his blog received 2 million views since it started last March 4. His viewers show their continuous sympathy with his experience. If Filipinos are glued as well, this is because of grandeur stories of Brian’s ex-boyfriend’s peers who are socialites, including the selling and use of drugs at parties.

Brian Gorrell: (Blah blah blah)

Gigi Grande: Any day now, Brian would spill the beans about what he knows about the death of a Filipino socialite a year ago.

Brian Gorrell: (Blah blah blah)

Gigi Grande: Brian needs to surrender the real estate to the new owners within 3 months. He would move out to Canada but he won’t close his blog till he gets his money back. Blogs has proven it’s influence on politics and business. In entertainment, a blog could either send a talent to stardom, or to failure. No one knows whether Brian would succeed. In case he does, this would prove once again, the power of a blog.

Whew!

That was tiring! I just hope my translation would be all worth it if you bitches would read it! LOL

Anyway, the reason for putting this worthy (I believe) topic as an entry is that we could learn a thing or two from this scan-DUHl this Brian Gorrell had to go through.

First of all, I think it is sooo cheapness of Brian to be putting the cat out of the bag just because of his money. I mean, let’s give the sympathy he needs for being scammed with his $70 grand, but come on. Just because of money, not only did you show how low you could go, but also how much of a scumbag you are.

Relationships are supposed to be private as much as possible. Though relationships of celebrities are exposed, I’m pretty sure that is not with consent whatsoever due to the rampant paps. If he has issues unresolved with his ex-boyfriend and that he wants legal actions to push through, why not get a lawyer and legally deal with the subject matter.

A blog can be powerful given that a lot of people now has access to the internet, but the plan to use it to destroy someone’s dignity is overly low and classless. And take note guys, low is a complete understatement.

I’m not saying Brian deserves what he has suffered if this is how it’s all gonna turn out, but I’m not saying either that whoever his ex-boyfriend is deserves what Brian is burning him with.

After all, a break up was a break up for one and one good reason alone, and that is for us to learn the valuable lessons from the relationship that was not meant to be. A lesson to take the blame for the mistakes done, and to forgive the other for the wrong he/she has committed.

Kiss and make up you guys. Come on, if Pope John Paul could forgive the guy who nearly killed him, I think someone who took a small amount of $70,000 wouldn’t be that hard.