Manila Gay Guy

Dear Migs, I don’t know you personally except through your blog. And amidst the titillation and the good advice through the experiences through your blog you have touched my life. I don’t believe you to be an expert, let alone a role model. I prefer a friend. At least a friend can cry with you, or at least laugh with you, foibles and heartache, bad judgments and triumphs. So please keep on being yourself. I don’t think anybody should ask more from you than being you. Though megalomania and messianic prophecy aside, I think you really are special. – Sam

Thank you, Sam. I needed that!

I’m back, but not unchanged.

There were several things I learned during my short cocooning phase. One of which is that to espouse “World Peace” — which for me personally means optimism, hope, and positive attitude, characteristics I wish for myself and for many of my brother PLUs — I don’t necessarily have to always be the weak, kind one. I don’t have to be the typical Juday, Nora, or Sharon character. I don’t have to be the perennial underdog, the victim-heroine, the melodrama queen.

Many of you see only the glitter and glamor hovering about my blog — very few know that I have in the past suffered silently because of it.  Harsh, venomous vituperations which, in my heart of hearts, I believe I do not deserve.  I learned during these past few weeks that for me to continue with my advocacy for more optimism, hope and positive attitude among the gay community — through my blog or through other means — I need to tend to my own capacity to believe that it is possible.

Given the reality of this world, and my experience of it as a blogger of 2+ years, I would say I need to evolve to someone more firm, someone who can take more control of myself and my blog. Blogging does not just require time, it can sap one of energy. As I continue this online endeavor, I keep this in mind.

And you, my readers who are able to understand, you are my strength. I do not desire that you never disagree. What I desire, if you ever care reading my blog, is that you think with me.

Thank you.

Here’s a series of letters I received from someone who calls himself “ILoveAlec” a Pinoy gay guy in Malaysia.

Hi Migs,

I’m a big fan of your site. I always read whatever you put there. I’m the guy that hates drama hehehehe. I’ve been wanting to write you for the longest time but can’t find good story to share until yesterday Nov 8, 2008.

I’m currently in Malaysia for a short visit. Yesterday I went to see the Petronas out of curiosity because I’ve been hearing a lot of good words from people who see it and also from the movies. (more…)

Hello Migs. I have been a subscriber for a couple of years – in fact, when you started your chat box, we got to chat for a bit. I’m from the Bay Area, you told me you lived here for a while. Well, I finally have reason to write you a letter – the title says it all.

Yes, I have been partnered with “Dee” for 10 years now. He’s an American, a lawyer, divorced twice (he thought he was bisexual, but finally came out gay and wouldn’t have anything more to do with women), and have been told that he has Richard Gere looks. I agree. We met when I was still living in Manila and he was visiting for a conference. It was love at first sight, a la Miss Saigon. But like Chris leaving Kim, he left too – only, he came back a year later. (more…)

Anyone can be anyone if he so chooses, as long as he owns up to his choices, and takes responsibility for them. I do not believe in being just completely black, or completely white. I like the rainbow — it has so many colors, in fact the whole spectrum — it is beautiful and yet it does not have to be just one color. One thing I like about the community that has gathered around MGG is that it allows for different views among its members. There are certain things I strongly believe in, yet even as the blog owner I do not feel the need to impose; I do not feel that my strong beliefs should be anyone else’s strong belief as well. Thank you all for your openness and understanding.

Hi Migs,

I bet you might be tired of getting emails about guys being in the closet, but reading some of the letters on your blog I muscled up some strength to ask for just assistance, I’m actually looking for like a support group for people like me, or others like me (confused, troubled, down-low, closet). I’m just a regular working bloke and can’t afford a shrink, I’m living independently both of my parents passed away already, and as for support of my brothers & sisters that’s another story.

I always try to brush away this dilemma of mine and think there are way more serious problems in this world we live in and just be content that I have a place to sleep, food to eat, money in my pocket, stable job. But then..(I know it sounds like a cliche)..for the past 30+ years of my life there’s like a big sack of dirt in my shoulders that I’m trying to lift each and every single day, trying not to drag me down.
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Today, September 11, is my birthday. I have no wise words to say, just thank you, salamat, salamat! On this day, I am overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude for the innumerable blessings I constantly receive from every direction. I resolve to spend my day celebrating these blessings and honoring everyone around me who has made me a more joyous person now than last year, than ever before. This includes you, dear MGG reader — salamat for being part of my life. I may not know all of you personally, but rest assured that just by being there you’ve made me a better person. Because of you I constantly strive to be as open, as accepting, and as loving as I can possibly be. Thank you, salamat, salamat po!

For lovers of full-figured cuties, I’m sure Geoff Eigenmann fulfills your fantasies. Here are shirtless photos of dear Geoff who’s recently trimmed down to a delectable, still full-figured, hunk. Thank you Mommy Gina for bringing forth this cutie!
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Today, MGG turns two years old!

TWO is such a small number, but for MGG, TWO means…
… 1,085 total posts
… 30,700 total comments
… 1,000,000+ page loads per month*
… 191,000+ unique visitors per month*
… #1 Community / Groups blog (Philippine Top Blogs)
… #17 in Top Philippine Blogs according to Alexa (August 2008, published by PMT)

but really, for me, the following numbers are more important:

For MGG, TWO is ONE – unity in diversity! Despite the differences, world peace pa rin!
For MGG, TWO is INFINITY — because the love you dear readers have showered on MGG is priceless! Thanks to all who sent it their greetings — some coming all the way from America and Africa! Salamat, salamat! (Text messages after the jump.)
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Tomorrow I’ll be catching Bebs Gohetia’s Thank You Girls at the UP Cine Adarna. Speaking of UP Cine Adarna, there will be gay films galore showing there this September. Here’s the schedule…

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