A Thousand Years (Cover)

Cover by: Dalisay Diaz

I don't have anything to post right now so I hope you enjoy this one. Before I enjoyed writing for blogs and stories, singing was my first love. I started singing since I was five years old and the first song I learned was When You Tell Me That You Love Me through the help of my mom. She was my coach and number one critic/fan. In college, I joined the Glee Club and got in a band in 2005 that lasted for three years before working for a bank. Then two years later, I re-joined my former bandmates and created Heaven 17 band that lasted for almost five years. This is just one of my many talents (charot), so please bear with me. Hahaha!

DREAMS: A Peek on Reality

Dalisay Diaz

Dreams for me are manifestation of something you desire most, something you want or need to have, something that you dream to be or dreamt of having or just simply something that you fantasize often. Well, let me share to you the thing that most of my dreams are made of; Zombie Apocalypse.

Now, some of you who will read this may be a fan of the gruesome zombie-drama “The Walking Dead” which tackles life after an unknown infection that wiped almost the whole population of the United States –or the entire world, but seriously speaking, even before this awesome show was aired, I have dreamed of being in an apocalyptic scenario when I was a child.

Weird, aren’t I? Not really. Some people dream of being rich, as in billionaire-rich while others as super-heroes with really cool powers. You might even heard of someone who dream of finding their “Mr. Right” which in real life is really hard to find so I guess dreaming of zombies doesn’t qualify as weird. In fact, it may not even be far-fetched an idea.

Why? It’s not because there’s a secret facility somewhere in this world that cultivates a deadly virus that can cause a world-wide infection causing the dead to be un-dead. It’s the nature of some people who unfortunately walks this beautiful planet of ours alongside us, the general population.

I’m talking about terrorism of first order. Zombies, as you watch them in television and movies –fast or slow- are destructive by nature. They only want to eat anything that moves. They don’t think for a second and they always come in herd. Same as these notorious people who only want to bring destruction to others. Sometimes, even to their kind.

I am not pointing out a particular group here. I am not looking for any trouble either. I just want them to understand my point of view. What’s with the zombie-like characteristic? I know these groups have something that they are willing to die fighting for, but again, why resort to violence? Because it’s the only way they can be noticed? So what? The lives that were lost because of their belief are just collateral damage? That it is for the greater good? I think these people watched way too much TV more than I did I’m starting to think I’m a hermit.

While dreaming of being rich, famous, powerful and finding Mr. Right is something that one should work hard for, fighting zombies should be everybody’s advocacy. Children are dying everywhere. Women are being taken and raped. Men are being slaughtered. These are something very familiar to all of us. Not just because we saw it on TV or in the movies, it’s not. These things happen almost every day in different parts of the Earth. Some are not even broadcast-ed by the media and it’s not even zombie apocalypse yet. Or is it already?

I just hope that these “zombies” or “walkers” that roams the Earth finally come to their senses. I know that by hoping this would happen is a long shot, like asking the moon to be square but let’s not dwell on that.

There are also people like the protagonists in “The Walking Dead” who are trying to make a difference. But it’s not just a group of people that should work. We all should. I don’t know how but in our own little ways we can help. There are a lot of us who dream about world peace. And everyone can participate. After-all, it’s not action that we should worry about, only inaction.

So dream away, and do something to make it happen.

100 Truths About Dalisay

By: Dalisay Diaz

I was browsing Facebook when I saw my friend Dyo Chii's note about 100 truths about her and I was like, well that's interesting. So without further ado, It's high time you know things about me and I promise to be honest. So help me God.

1. Real name : Jordan Diaz Polison

2. Nickname(s) : Ryan, Yoyoy (to my aunties on mother's side), Isay, Dali, Ate Dolly

3. Fav. color : Violet, blue and green

4. Male or female : Female (palag ka? haha)

5. Elementary School :  Gen. Vicente Lim Elementary School

6. Middle School :  Wala kaming ganon. Wag kang ano!

7. High School: Antonio J. Villegas Vocational High School

8. College : EARIST (Ang haba kapag buo eh)

9. Hair Color :  Light brown and black

10. Tall or Short : Not so tall, not so short.

11. Sweats or Jeans : Jeans

12. Phone or Camera :  Neither. Depende sa topak ko.

13. Health freak : Not really.

14. Orange or Apple : Apple... Kasi siya si Karding Mah Labs ko.

15. Do you have a crush on someone : I have crushes. I'll give you two, si Papa Wek and Harvy.

16. Eat or Drink : Both

17. Piercings :  Yes. ears

18. Pepsi or Coke : Both

HAVE YOU EVER?

19. Been in an airplane : Yes

20. Been in a relationship :  Yes, in and out. Parang hospital lang. Charot.

21. Been in a car accident : No! And i'm not looking for one. 

 22. Been in a fist fight : Yes. 

23. First piercing : Yes.

24. Best friend(s): I have plenty of true friends. :)

25. First award : Kindergarten, valedictorian. Lolo ko kasi yung chairman. Hahaha

26. First crush :  If I remember correctly, it's Ranillo and Rustan.

27. First word: Bazinga! Joke lang. Siyempre, Mama. Hahaha

28. Zodiac Sign:  Cancer

29. Last person you texted : My gurl-friend, Mishelle

30. Last person you talked to: My sister Eliza

31. Last person you watched a movie with:  Jefferson

32. Last food you ate :  Pancit canton with eggs

33. Last movie you watched :  A Love Affair

34. Last song you listened to :  My Happy Ending

35. Last thing you bought : A book by Sandra Brown.

37. Food : Favorite? Well, almost anything.

38. Drink : Brandy. Hahaha

39. Bottoms : Bottom lang. Paano mo nalaman? Charot.

40. Flower : Santan.

 41. Animal :  To be honest, I don't have time to pet one.

42. Color/s : Redundant.

43. Movie/(DRAMAS) :  Sister Act, My Bestfriend's Wedding, Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw

44. Subject:  Math...ulog.

HAVE YOU EVER:

(Put an X in the brackets if yes)

45. [x] fallen in love with someone. with Ray-Ann, Echo and Enzo. 

46. [x] celebrated Halloween.

47. [x] had your heart broken. refer to the three names above.

48. [x] went over the minutes/texts on your cell phone. kapag bet mag-moment. Hahaha

49. [x] had someone like you.

51. [] got pregnant. Gusto ko lagyan ng X, pwede ba? Hahaha  

52. [] had an abortion.  Nope. Dami ko ngang anak.

53. [x] did something I regret. I never had regrets.

54. [x] broke a promise. 

55. [x] hid a secret.

56. [x] pretended to be happy. Most of the time.

57. [x] met someone who changed your life.

58. [x]pretended to be sick. kapag ayaw pumasok at may rampa. Haha

59. [x] left the country. 

60. [x] tried something you normally wouldn't try and liked it.

61. [x] cried over the silliest thing.

62. [] ran a mile.

63. [x] went to the beach with your best friend.

64. [x] got into an argument with your friends.

65. [x] disliked someone. It's normal. You can't please everybody and vice versa.

66. [x] stayed single for 2 years since the first time you had a boyfriend/girlfriend. 

CURRENTLY:

67. Eating : No

68. Drinking : no

69. Listening : nah...

70. Sitting/Laying : sitting, yes.

71. Plans for today: Going to Tondo

72. Waiting for: nothing.

YOUR FUTURE:

73. Want kids : I have kids.

74. Want to get married : ........................... with the guy who can make my heart beat fast.

 75. Career : Writer

76. Lips or eyes : Lips and eyes...

77. Shorter or Taller : Taller

 78. Romantic or spontaneous : Romantically spontaneous

 81. Hook-up or relationship :  Relationship

82. Looks or personality:  Looks... no one falls in love in personality at first sight.

HAVE YOU EVER:

83. Lost glasses/contacts : No

84. Snuck out of a house :  Yes.

85. Held a gun/knife for self defense : I did.

86. Killed somebody : A lot. In my head and in my stories. Hahaha

87. Broken someone's heart : I think so. 

88. Been in love : Over and over again.

89. Cried when someone died :  Yes.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN: 

90. Yourself : Yes

91. Miracles: Sometimes

92. Love at first sight :  Yes

93. Heaven : yes

94. Santa Clause : No

95. Aliens:  Yes. It's a vast universe. 

96. Ghosts :  I can see them.

TRUTHFULLY:

97. Is there one person you really want to be with right now : Yes. Ahihihi!

98. Do you know who your real friends are :  Yes

100. Post as 100 truths : I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. :))

There you have it, I hope you guys had fun like I did. If you want, you can also make your own 100 truths about yourself and tag your friends. Tell them not to be a party-pooper and answer the list as honest you can get. 

VILLA BITOY'S: A HIDDEN PARADISE

The original members of Manila Youth enjoying the cold waters of
Villa Bitoy's Resort in Rizal, Laguna.

photo credits: Gilbert Galvez

                                                                    By: Dalisay Diaz

It was quite a cloudy morning when my friend Iyay and I arrived in the street behind Kwadra Bar and Billiards located at Lacson corner España, Manila. Upon arrival we were greeted by former colleagues in Youth Development and Welfare Bureau or as we call ourselves; The Manila Youth. Yes, we are the original members of Manila Youth formed by former Mayor Lito Atienza and while we are not looking as “youths” ourselves, this article is not really about politics. This is about a beauty unrecognized to most of citizens of this region. I am talking about the stunning and majestic place called Villa Bitoy’s situated at Barangay Laguan, Rizal, Laguna.

If you want a quiet place away from home with the lush greens that surrounds you and the mesmerizing sound of the birds, this is the place for you. The place was called Villa Bitoy’s because apparently, that’s the owner’s nickname. Obviously, you don’t need to travel that far if you want to experience a convenient and peaceful get-away for the weekend. If you’re from Manila, buses in Buendia are almost always available to take you in Laguna.

Villa Bitoy’s offer its house with two rooms, a common bathroom, living and dining room, with kitchen and access to a dirty-kitchen plus two additional common restrooms at the back if you happen to be a big group for a very affordable price –free of gas and drinking water. You can also rent the Videoke Machine which you can use anytime. Aside from that, a very cozy and comfortable “bahay-kubo” can also be rented with basic necessities of a home. Believe me, I slept on it and it was great. The boys can also play ball on the half-court beside the house and girls can nap if it’s not a very sunny day in duyans scattered all over the courtyard.

Duyans are available in the courtyard where you can also set-up
tents to rest-in.

photo credits: Villa Bitoy's FB page

Just when you think that this is all they have to offer, you have another think coming. If you want to experience a good little trekking and get wet after, Villa Bitoy’s offer its fantastic and very cold waters from a man-made lagoon out of an active river. The water is quite deep but calm because it is designed to be a pool. The water is filtered through that made it looked like a mini-dam. Some tourists gets wet by soaking themselves through the filtered waters of the river where the current is quite strong but seems to have its appeal to the public because, well, I’ve seen it and my friends can’t get enough of it. You can also try the balsa which you can also rent an hour for twenty pesos.

Fish-eye view of the river made to look like a pool.

photo credits: Villa Bitoy's FB Page

The structure that holds the water from the river and serves as a
diving spot and bridge to cross-over

photo credits: Villa Bitoy's FB page

The combination of a villa and resort is epic and I will definitely want to come back. The place is good for team-building, seminars, group outing, family outing or just simply unwind from the stressful life in the city. I recommend it to my friends and please, don’t forget to invite me. I just said that I wish t come back, aren’t I? I want to come visit this hidden paradise called Villa Bitoy’s.

LOOKING AT OUR WORLD DIFFERENTLY

video credits to: Yagbadoodles

By Dalisay Diaz

I am always amazed how technology helps our society by capturing acts of violence through the use of CCTV. We never know why but it seems that bad people has a thing for making their deeds viral; because owners of these security cameras immediately posts the videos online. But this post is not about random videos of villains caught-in-the-act by "big brother": because not all CCTV captures bad things. It's actually the opposite and will make you take a look at the world a little differently.

I don't know if it is a soda brand commercial but who cares -my bet is Coca-Cola. It is a great compilation of good deeds and gestures caught by security cameras around the world. Watching this video made me smile and I actually have my personal favorite among the videos. Well, I won't spoil you any longer but if you have a favorite, tell me. Let's discuss it in the comments section.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/yagbadoodles/videos/599878973387555/?fref=nf

MSOB EBOOKS PROMO DISCOUNT ON BUQO (ONE DAY ONLY) AND MIBF PARTICIPATION

            In line with several nationwide campaigns, buqo is planning to facilitate a couple of promos for the month of September. These promos are:

·          September 8 – National Literacy Day (For books only)

o   All participating authors and publishers will have their books sold at $0.99 and P45 FOR THIS DAY ONLY

o   Promotion of books included in the sale in buqo’s social media channels (Facebook page, email and boosted posts)

·         

            September 16-20 – Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) (For both books and magazines)

o   30% price slash

o   Promotion of books and magazines included in the sale in buqo’s social media channels (Facebook page, email and boosted posts)

I will be attending the Manila International Book Fair on the 20th. I am not a guest of honor or anything, I will be there, roaming around and hunt for books and boys. LOL! The venue is in SMX Convention Center, Pasay City so it's not that hard to find. If you happen to see me, approach me. It would be nice seeing you. :)

LINKS TO MY E-BOOKS (Click on the Title)

GVLES Romances: Call Me Dan

A Long Over-due Love Story

Irreversible

The Martyr, The Stupid and The Flirt

Dalisay Diaz/Miss D

GVLES Romances Series 1: Call Me Dan (E-Book)

Finally it's out on Buqo! Download your copy now!

G.V.L.E.S. Romances: Call Me Dan

Wriiten by: Dalisay Diaz

Cover: Clarence Guntang Ochinang

Under: Michael's Shades Of Blue Ebooks - MSOB Ebooks

Distributed by: www.buqo.ph

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Synopsis:

Simple lang ang pamumuhay ni Martha bilang isang OFW na nagtatrabaho sa Singapore upang suportahan ang kanyang pamilya. Although her marriage was not successful, blessed naman siya sa ibang bagay. Until one day, she was invited to a reunion by her former Elementary classmates sa Gilberto Villaruiz Luciendo Exclusive School and memories of her childhood crush flooded her entire system. Ngayon, naiipit siya sa kanyang paniniwala't prinsipyo laban sa pansariling kaligayahan.

THAT TWINKLE IN HIS EYES

copyright 2015 justpurewritings.blogspot.com

By: Dalisay Diaz

Do you still remember the last time your heart fluttered? Or the imaginary butterflies in your stomach and the unusual pounding of your chest because your heart is beating like crazy? I do. And I will try not to sound defensive (you don’t believe me, do you?) and dreamy, but I just want to talk about that certain “twinkle” on somebody’s eyes that made you feel what I mentioned above and where did it take you.

It was said that the eyes are the windows of one’s soul and I believe so. I would like you to remember what it’s like seeing the eyes of the person you love for the first time. You may or may not be in a relationship right now with them –that’s alright- but this goes for all of us who were taken in another dimension just by looking to those eyes.

It was a not-so-hot morning of November 2013 when it happened. I was still working for a top real-estate developer as a team-leader when I saw a guy named Abbey from another Sales Manager but of the same Division. It was their turn in about five minutes to replace us on our queue. We were exchanging pleasantries when I saw this tall guy with a cute smile and quite messy hair approaching our way.

I’m a sucker for tall guys and it is hard for me not to notice him because of his good physique too. But what hooked me the most that I couldn’t take my eyes off of him? Yes, his creamy-brown eyes. I wasn’t even aware that he was talking to me already. If it weren’t for my colleague, Rhaichard who deliberately called my attention just so I could compose myself, I would be looking like a fool. It was like he took me to Wonderland, where everything is yellow, flowery and bright and we are the only person in that moment and in that particular time though I feel like drowning I can’t breathe easy. I knew what exactly was happening, I am attracted to him.

It was embarrassing but I have to cover it with a smile. I simply told myself: “Be still, my heart!” My chest was literally pounding at the sight of him and I couldn’t say a word. He was there, two-freaking-feet away from me and all I did was stare at him while he is talking about how early he had to wake up since he’s from Antipolo and stuff. Nothing ever gets in my head clearly. I guess it took me the whole time left in our queue to find my voice.

That’s just the beginning of us seeing each other until we started our relationship on December that lasted eight months. There’s so many good moments we’ve shared including riding his bike from Araneta Center to my place in Tondo to celebrate our first month together. We’ve even have little teddy-bears named Eneru and Josephine. Our name combined together was EnJo. It was good while it lasted until he had to leave for abroad to work. Don’t worry, we’ve had our closure.

While he may not be my great love, he definitely left me something. That whenever I look into his eyes he’d take me somewhere far and we can be alone. That looking into those eyes I can see who I want to be and I can be who I wanted to be. I miss him, not romantically though. I know I have a special place in his heart as him in mine. I miss talking to him because we both shared a dream once and I miss those eyes.

Now, he has Eneru, I have Josephine and I moved on. I know he is happy where he is right now. I will never forget what I felt when I first looked in his eyes and I hope you too, who’s reading this right now remembered how you felt too the first time ever you saw the eyes that made you weak on your knees. As I’ve said earlier, you don’t have to be together to remember it but if you still are, take every moment you can to look into those eyes. Cherish it every waking day and treasure it for the rest of your life.  

DO PAST LOVERS NEED CLOSURE?

photo credits to theangrytherapist.com

By: Dalisay Diaz

This topic might raise some eyebrows especially to those who recently experienced a break-up. But fear not, I just want to know why some people felt the need of having closure and why some don’t. Yes, I’m talking about relationship closure. Do we really need it or we just want to justify the actions we’ve made when we broke-up with someone we used to love?

Finding closure implies complete acceptance of what has happened and honoring of the transition away from what’s finished to something new. After-all, it means finality; a letting go of what once was. Although some people may not believe or accept that reality, it’s understandable. We need to put ourselves in their position to be able to understand where they’re coming from. It is not a debate. It never was, but the question of needing closure depends entirely to the person who was hurt the most during the transition (break-up) and that is what this article is all about.

I asked some of my Facebook friends to share their thoughts about my question; KAILANGAN BA NG CLOSURE SA DATING MAGKASINTAHAN? (Do past lovers need closure?) Surprisingly, they have a lot to say. Here are some of the answers that I think can help you if you’re caught in this situation:

Miss Erika Ison, Former colleague. “I think closure is essential for people to be able to fully move-on after ending a relationship. It eliminates the hanging questions in your mind –no more what ifs and what could be and all. So, you will end the relationship knowing it really isn’t working for both of you anymore and at the same time; it’s a good learning opportunity. You would understand –maybe not right away or at the moment- what things make a relationship work, what can hurt it so you’ll know what to do with your next one.”

Winky El, Admin of BOL page. “The break-up is a closure in itself… When one says it’s the end of the line, that’s it… Fin… Closed book.”

Dadi Jo, Entrepreneur. “Hindi na siguro kinakailangan pa kung matagal na panahon na ang lumipas. Pero for the sake of respect siguro, mas okay na yung may closure.” “I don’t think it’s necessary if you broke up years ago. But for the sake of respect, it’s okay to have proper closure.”

Michelle San Pedro, Friend. “Nope, if you’ve had enough, might as well close your own f*cking door and glue it shut, then grab that beer and you walk away.”

Iice Andres, FB friend. “I think yes. Para yung mga tanong na di pa nasasagot, masagot na. Just prepare yourself for the truth. Ang hirap kasing magmove-on kung di mo alam kung anong nangyari, bakit bigla na lang siyang nang-iwan, biglang naghanap ng iba, biglang nagloko.” “I think yes. So that your questions be answered. Just prepare yourself for the truth. It’s hard to move-on not knowing what really happened between the two of you, why he/she dumped you, why they looked for another, why they cheated.”

Ms. Beth Cuento, Former high-school teacher. “Yes, para walang regrets kung bakit kayo naghiwalay.” “Yes, so that you have no regrets why you parted ways.”

Ms. Lea Balledo, FB friend. “I think no need. It happened… so be it.”

Dante Boado II, Childhood friend. “Hindi. Time changes. Kapag wala na, wala na talaga.” “No, time changes. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Doc Yammie Santos, Anchor/Host at ABS-CBN. “Yes, everything needs closure to move-on.”

Ms. Jasmine Esperanza, Writer at PHR. “Yes para malinaw on both sides at para mas mabilis ang moving on. No, kung masyadong masakit ang pinagdaanan ng isang relasyon at makakadagdag pa sa sakit ang isa pang pagkikita. Mag-move on ka na lang agad. Or no because you still love the person yet you want to preserve your dignity and you don’t want him/her to see how much you are hurting especially at that moment of breaking up.” “Yes, to make it clear on both sides and the faster you move on. No, if you’re still hurting and chances of seeing that person again is not possible. Move on already. Or no because you still love the person yet you want to preserve your dignity and you don’t want him/her to see how much you are hurting especially at that moment of breaking up.”

Telling somebody you’re through is tough but it’s tougher to give or to receive closure. Sometimes we cannot or we don’t ask for it because of pride even if we badly need it. Believe me, I’ve been there and much as I want to deny it, it was presented to me even if I’m not asking. Fate can be a real pain, but you’ll thank her… in time.

In reality, not everyone is given the opportunity of closure. Yes, it is an opportunity; your chance to move on with a clear mind and conscience. Finding it might bring back feelings of remorse, guilt, betrayal and even love but you have to keep in mind that it’s all in the past. It’s up to you if you want to wallow on it or live for your future. You have all the right to be bitter but what good can it do? While you’re busy weeping (silently), your ex is so happy and blessed. Suck it up. Time flies and heals all wounds. I guess what I’m trying to say is that; closure can only be given to you by you and you don’t need anyone to get it.

GREAT DEALS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS

photo credits: buqo.ph

By: Dalisay Diaz

I have been writing since 2010 and I am always fond of using Blogger.com until now. Every day I get to update my stories and that’s when I started to form the hobby of writing. It is nice when you were being followed by readers. You get to interact with them as time progress -that sometimes your lack of sleep because of the time that writing for your blog eats- that it can be a little bit rewarding. But then, the concept of electronic books or e-books came and some of the readers online preferred it than waiting for an update from the writer that sometimes takes weeks before they can read something.

I never believed that at first but then it dawned on me, I’m a writer after-all. Why not embrace the change and see if I can adapt through it. So the idea of Buqo came in mind when my friend Michael Juha asked me to join him as he venture for e-books through a digital bookstand, magazine and reader in one single app.

I am quite familiar with the kind of app he was talking about but the sound of having your work downloaded by paying readers got me hook, line and sinker. Don’t get me wrong. I love writing and to turn my hobby to a side-line is a great thing to do. Imagine hours of not sleeping and you get paid through your work, that’s something I’m going to love doing for quite a long time.

Buqo, under Hand.Interactive Inc., taps authors like me to be their partners through their online platform. It is made for Pinoys and made by Pinoys to give Pinoys access to best-selling books or magazines. What I love about this app is that they have made it easier for aspiring writers like me to distribute our works through this very powerful medium; the internet. Some of the reasons why I consider Buqo as my home now are listed below:

Non-exclusivity – we can distribute to any platforms, as many as we want. They believe that Filipino publications should be found anywhere.

Global reach – since it’s for Filipinos, Buqo is attracting migrants and workers across the world to try this Filipino bookstore online. The second largest market they have is the United States next to the Philippines. How cool is that?

Marketing Support – because almost everyone is using the internet nowadays, they help their partners to the best they could, from in-app banners, in-app buttons, reading articles, etc. As a writer, it really helped me a lot when it comes to promoting my novels/stories.

Free partnership. Revenue Sharing Scheme - It is free to partner with Buqo. They only have a revenue sharing scheme. Nonetheless, publishers and authors always get the lion’s share of the profit: 50% of list price for publications sold through the iTunes or SMART payment gateway and 70% for publications sold through credit card.

         That’s just some of the perks when you partner with Buqo. Right now, our publishing, MSOB Books has encouraged quite a number of aspiring writers to partner with them. I hope that through this app, we discover the next big thing in Philippine Literature and in the whole world. So if you are a budding artist, feel free to comment here and I will direct you to the right venue where you can grow on your own. I should know, it’s my home now.

UNCLEAR HEAD FOR 2016 ELECTIONS

photo credits to arawaraw.com

By: Dalisay Diaz

          Election 2016 is coming and majority of the hopefuls for the positions available is swarming the Filipino television sets with their paid advertisements as early as this month. Little by little, some of them are making their presence known to the public. But what are their true intentions in running? Admittedly, this article is about my doubt about the candidates who would be gunning for public office as high as President of our country. Simply put, I am merely expressing my thoughts. I have very little knowledge of these politicians and I am not being judgmental, I just want to write what I thought is doubtful about these candidates. As of now, I don’t have a clear idea who I’m going to vote for. I hope these reasons might help you understand my doubts:

Vice President Jojo Binay – I am not from Makati but from what I have seen of it, I’d say I would like to live there. Technically, it is a beautiful city. I worked there, hanged-out, walked its streets and made friends with its residents. But, the big city might not be able to help VP Binay from the serious allegations about him and his family. I have been a fan of his family because of what they did to Makati but all of these things should not be left unanswered for most Filipinos even though none of the allegations made transformed into a case.

Senator Grace Poe – I admire her simplicity and wit. Most of Filipinos who admired her late father voted for her too. She’s always so calm and I know that she takes her job seriously. But, these past few days has thrown her into a myriad of controversy. The equally controversial protest of Iglesia ni Cristo members had become a platform for some politicians including Senator Poe by expressing their thoughts about the issue. Some did not like it because it seemed that she was after the block vote INC has known for. Well, my only concern is how long will she be using her father’s image to her political career? She’s been doing great so why not stand on her own. And please, answer this issue.

Secretary Mar Roxas – I watched his wedding with Korina Sanchez and I loved it. He’s also a very active cabinet member of the Aquino administration. I also read some of the accusations thrown at him in the midst of the SAF 44 controversy. I don’t have any idea about his involvement regarding the issue but if it is not answered yet, he should for the benefit of his candidacy. But what I really like to know about is his stand for the members of LGBTQ. Apparently, some month ago, according to an article, supporters of Secretary Roxas organized an event dubbed as the First National Gay Congress or so. I’m gay, but I never heard of it. Is he one of the TraPo who would use us members of LGBTQ to reach his political ambitions? What about us after he succeeded in doing so? Well, just asking.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte – I haven’t been in Davao but a close friend of mine said that it is a very picturesque place. The people are disciplined and it is really peaceful. So when I heard of Mayor Duterte and the news of him running for president, I have only one thing on my mind; who is he? Admittedly, I didn’t know him at all. Then I heard and saw his statements of what he would do if he is President, I immediately remember how my grandma experienced Martial Law. Seriously, we don’t need that now. But most Filipino seems to like Mayor Duterte. I have friends who said they will vote for him. Again, I don’t know him, and I can tell that he has political will that we badly needed for a leader but I don’t like his would be methods. I know he is a good man and a lot of people admire him and his guts but I just don't feel safe with him. I hope to get to know him more though. Sorry, it’s just me and it’s not personal.

          I really (do) hope that I get past these feelings of doubt that I am having right now. Last Presidential Election, I have a clear mind of who I’m going to vote (Gibo Teodoro), though he did not win, I didn’t feel that my vote was for nothing. If ever he runs for public office again, I will support him.

          This post was never made to give or feed doubts to anyone’s mind. The Filipino voter is intelligent. They will vote according to their conscience and ideals. Some may be inclined to sell their votes but it is us the majority who will rule and choose the next leader of our country. I just hope I straighten my head before I cast my vote.

    

TOP 5 PERKS OF STRAIGHT GUYS BEING FRIENDS WITH GAY-MEN

                               photo credits: rehabforthefabulous.com

By: Dalisay Diaz

     There’s nothing cuter than seeing a straight guy having a close-tie relationship with a gay-guy. Not romantically speaking, but a true friendship between two guys from a different side of the bench.

     Of course, being around gays (straight guys) may cloud some people’s judgment and perception but c’mon, save it ‘till you read the perks of having a gay-guy for a friend. Guys can be friends with gay-men without raising suspicions about his sexuality. Let us tell you why. Here are the top five reasons why it’s nice keeping a buddy like no other:

1.       Connections – talk about crashing in to the exclusive events and parties that most people are having a hard time getting in to. Stag parties and other “bachelor only” conventions may be available around your corner but sometimes, they tend to be the same. But with a good buddy on the “pink side” can land you to the hottest, wildest and out of this world events that most of the pretty girls can be found. If super cool gay-friend works in the fashion industry, think about a good seat on a runway show full of beautiful models. How cool is that?

2.       Good company, good laugh – now, it’s not that being with your straight buddies is boring, most of the time it’s more ego-centered than hanging-out and just having a good time. With gays, conversations can be really interesting, frank and mind-stimulating. Sometimes, you’ll find yourself laughing so hard you’ll forget all your problems about your boss, girlfriend, family, work, etcetera, even just for a while. 

3.       Benefits – not materially speaking though. We’re talking about meeting the prettiest girls in campus or in workplace. Without sounding like a pimp, this perk has been tested and proven. They don’t have a harem of beautiful women though, just friendly, that’s all. They can even put a good word for you to the girls you like and set you a date.

4.       Drama-free – sometimes, girl-friends fight over petty things and you’re left rolling your eyes or worst, as referee.  If it’s your gay-buddy, unless you’re being an a**hole, you’re cool. You can do a lot of things without getting into a cat-fight.

5.       Ego-booster and being cool – Having a gay friend can help your confidence, a lot. Most girls dig guys who are secured enough to have a friendly relationship from the LGBTQ community. Take for example that high-school guy who invited his gay best friend to the prom. He was regarded as the cool guy. It speaks of his character and how he was raised. Hell, they were even invited to Ellen! Not to mention $10,000 richer. Wasn’t it a huge boost to one’s ego? Of course!

       So now you know the perks of keeping gays for a friend. All friendships have its benefits as well as its flaws. We just want you to keep in mind that a true friend does not require anything from you, just your time and companionship. Be it gay, straight or whatever labels we can think of. You don’t need a reason to be friends with anyone and you certainly can’t choose your friends. Life is short; keep as many friends as you can. The perks of having them around will come naturally as life progresses.

Source: 100 gaymen and straight guys on my FB account.