Come Out For Love: The 2014 Metro Manila Pride March

We all have LGBT friends. Yesterday when I was in an event, I heard from a man seating in front of me reading aloud a text message he received anonymously, apparently containing some really ridiculous notions about the PINK Film Festival Trinoma, Quezon City and how it will turn the place into Sodom and Gomorrah if they don't stop it from showing films that contain things discussing LGBT on it. They've been fighting for years now, even straight people are supporting them, because ultimately they are seeing them as people, without prejudice to what color, shape or form they are. 

Unfortunately, there are still ignorant ones who ridiculously think spreading hate is the solution. We all want to fight for equality in the workplace, at home, and community - and that goes the same with the LGBT sector, they don't want special treatment, they just want what you and I are getting. Yesterday, whilst some government officials were undergoing HIV tests - it kind of struck a cord on me to think how many people are still getting that stigma, either from what they learn from backward thinking folks, or merely not understanding the whole problem at hand. There are a lot of things that contributed to HIV but most of it is because of unprotected thingy. 

Tonight, while I was going home from watching Chicago, I met a friend while heading to my place. He's part of the LGBT community and is part of the organizers of this year's pride march. Their theme this year is "Come Out For Love: The 2014 Metro Manila Pride March" and they're in need of support from everyone, LGBT or not, crooked or straight, to head onto Malate in Manila at 2PM. Please register at their event page here and invite yourself, your peers to support the cause. Their build up will start at 2PM and the march will start at 4PM today December 6 (TYPHOON OR NOT, RAIN OR SHINE, THEY HAVE A RAINBOW). All they need is your presence and support. A worthy cause I might add. Think of your friends, all those who have been part of the LGBT community and have done a great deal of good for you. This might be a nice way to give back. 

For more details please check their Pride March 2014 details here.

For more information about their event:

Metro Manila Pride

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Visit their official website

http://metromanilapride.com/

Sun Cellular Rolls Out "Sun Shop on Wheels"

Look at what just rolled in your neighborhood. For the love of giving you the best deals and affordable rates, Sun Cellular just added another way to get them closer to home that you ever think possible. From now on, you'll be seeing the Sun Shop On Wheels popping up in strategic locations nationwide. They launched this in Eastwood a few days ago in a very grand way too. 

I haven't seen any rates as low as the ones seen in these Sun Shop On Wheels because they were almost literally giving away phones. I even found one that costs P1 (One Peso) if you get the Plan 200. That's almost as cheap as the load kids use in one month and once that they get the plan, it's almost free no?

Sure enough, people flocked to the shop and got those phones in a jiffy. Since it's in Eastwood city, they got the yuppie crowd and the people living in condominium units getting those offers like hotcakes in the morning. I also saw some internet packages with exclusive gadget deals like 52 hours internet on Alcatel Pop 73G Tablet on Plan 450 of if you prefer, there's the 79 hours Internet if you get the Plan 600 plus TV Link. Plus that afternoon, look at who manned the Sun Shop On Wheels!

Oh yeah! It's Solenn Heussaff!

Model, host and all around lovely girl, Solenn Heussaff took time and got so many people inside the shop. Heck when they bought new phones, it's but right to at least have someone memorable in selfies too.

Then when everyone thought the festivities were already done, tons of people clad in Yellow also roamed around the area and pumped up the volume. It was a flash mob!

It was awesome and I've also seen several people shocked when these guys and gals bursted into a frenzy with their crazy dance steps right in the middle of Eastwood City!

Then after that, a short awarding ceremony was done to the first few subscribers who signed up for offers in the first ever Sun Shop on Wheels. He's a pretty lucky guy because he got to be with Sun endorsers Saab Magalona, Lauren Young and Mikael Daez.

Not only that, these models also handed out free gadgets to the first subscribers as an added bonus treat. They're very lucky because I know some of these are very expensive too!

Congratulations to the winners!

Michelle P. Curran, First Vice President and head of Sun Cellular Data and International Services said “We are now making it easier for Filipinos to go connect with friends and loved ones and go online, anytime. Our newest broadband services complement the broad range of products and services now available in our Sun Shop On Wheels - ensuring a rich and fulfilling Sun Cellular experience for all our subscribers.”

So make sure you follow all their media channels below so you know when Sun Shop On Wheels will be in your neighborhood soon!

For more information about their services:

Sun Cellular PH

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Visit their official website

http://www.suncellular.com.ph/

Tito Chef Express Introduces New Travelers Menu

Chef Menoy Gimenez of famous "Tito Chef Restaurant and All Things Culinary" based in the south just opened Tito Chef Express at the ground floor of Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis just right across Eastwood City. Now, you don't have to go far in order to get to taste what he has in the nigh side.

I've been able to take a look at Microtel's properties in Manila Bay and Davao, I must say, even at the time I got to know some of their executives back then, I marveled at how humble they presented their property and the restaurants available in those branches. Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis only felt special as it is located in the suburbs of Quezon City - but it can also service those who have business in Pasig, Mandaluyong and Makati. Travelers tend to only spend a few days in the hotel - and since this is not that expensive to stay here, people mostly want something filling, something delicious, something that they can carry around easily and very light on the budget. This is the reason why Tito Chef Express and Chef Menoy Gimenez wanted to design a menu on based on these needs. We tried them over lunch - and having been to a lot of 5 star hotels, their offerings provide quality yet at par meals but priced reasonably.

Salmon Miso Ramen

The Salmon Miso Ramen is made of seared fish, probably dredged in Indian based spices like cardamom and the likes, ramen that's hand made and prepared inside the store then topped with mushrooms, spring beans, nori wrapper (seaweed) and miso based broth. It's perfect for cold weather and can probably feed 2-3 persons depending on their appetite. I would suggest you ask for something to make this hot (pepper or chili) so you can perspire a little and have that spicy kick.

The American Burger

Gentlemen, meet "The American Burger". A quarter pound of pure beef patty topped with onions, tomato, pickles and hot melted sharp monterey jack cheese. To keep it healthy in some way, they put in potato alumettes and their side salad with balsamic dressing. It's beefy, it's filling and tasted so good in the middle. I might have reservations about the bread and prefer something more textured or super soft with oats so it would have a sweet profile. Their sesame seed bun felt a little plain. 

Crispy Squid and Watermelon Salad

 This Crispy Squid and Watermelon Salad might be simple but it's totally good. It's a good thing for lunch or for those watching their weight because it's very good having sharp, tang and sweet profiles because of the fruit and the balsamic dressing. Plus, who doesn't love crispy squid?

Fish in Basil Cream Sauce

 Fish in Basil Cream Sauce is crispy fried Dory fish with a light cream sauce with chopped fresh basil leaves that's very light. For those who prefer a light lunch, this would be a good alternative. It's lightly seasoned and won't be too salty if you're watching sodium intake.

Pork Binagoongan

  This is Tito Chef Express' Pork Binagoongan. If you want something fishy, not too salty and have that pork goodness you love, then this would be perfect for you. The rice is also something to commend because it's perfect to pair with any viand on their menu. You can also opt for plain rice, but just tell them beforehand. They have a cucumber concoction too on the drink list which is very refreshing, order that as well.

Barbecued Chicken Jambalaya

This one is my personal favorite on their menu. The Barbecued Chicken Jambalaya is a pretty tasty dish with intense flavors both coming from the chicken meat which is sweet and savory plus the Jambalaya rice which dawns a more herby, chorizo, smoky flavor. I finished this in a few minutes and it's not that expensive even if it looks like a designer plate that you are getting. You might think it is too oily but that's where the coleslaw looking thing on top goes. I love this!

Spanish Chorizo and Mushroom Penne

This hearty plate is the Spanish Chorizo and Mushroom Penne. It is good too, don't get me wrong, but the Spanish Chorizo chunks is a little too big, making every bite of it a bit too salty. I would have loved to have that sliced a bit smaller (small diced pieces) so you get to have the flavor without making it too salty. It's totally worth it though because the price point is one of the cheapest in the menu. They don't hold back on ingredients which is a good thing.

Smothered Pork Chop on Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy

The pretty plating of this Smothered Pork Chop on Mashed Potatoes was not just for show. I loved the hefty slices of pork lying on the lovely buttery mashed potatoes served with it. It's soft and they make a pretty good mushroom gravy to complement the Pork Chops and not having it too salty. The dish was hearty, you'll love to have this on a rainy day because it's comfort food that would not break the bank.

Caramel Cheesecake

If there's something that you shouldn't leave with in Tito Chef Express, it would be this Caramel Cheesecake. The sweet part would only be the caramel and the cheesecake seemed to be light and you would be able to eat this with ease because of that. I wouldn't be surprised if ladies would eat a whole cake slice because it's that good. I suggest you take some home for your family and friends, they'll surely love it too.

Eastwood City might be a little saturated with restaurants already and having this place on the other side of the road would present a more classy, yet same priced hearty food choices. If you're out on a date, or have small meetings, or if your team building budget could only allow you to have intimate dinners, you should definitely try out Tito Chef Express. Their Travelers Menu would change from time to time but you get the picture. They can also whip up things not found on the menu just as long as the ingredients are there on their kitchen. So if you are missing something from the Tito Chef Restaurant and All Things Culinary spot in Paranaque, this would definitely be the spot to be in QC. Good comfort food, good location, good ambiance at one of Quezon City's busiest spots, Tito Chef Express could likely be your go to spot if you need something new in the area. Take time to try it!

For more information about their restaurants:

Tito Chef Restaurant

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Visit their official website

http://www.titochef.mobi/

Free HIV Counselling, Testing and Treatment at QC's Klinika Bernardo

It's alarming, it's not a joke and it's time we put it to stop. I've joined several causes for HIV and it's good that there is an effort at least, but still the rate of increase is something to worry about. Unfortunately, Quezon City has the highest registered number of cases, and in the Philippines 77% of the total new cases come from NCR. It has increased up to 25 percent and estimates say that in 2015 we might get to 45,000 no joke. I am distraught at the numbers, but more importantly depressed at what could happen, the person beside you might be a carrier and we don't even know it. 

Danton Remoto says "Mind you, we've got 1.5 Million people already who died from for AIDS/HIV cases and since I'm from "laglag" now and not from "ladlad", I'm helping the Quezon City government with efforts to address these issues." 

"The state of HIV in the Philippines has rapidly changed in the last 5 years, and it's growing. The number of HIV infections is now 1 new case every 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is about 17 cases per day. There is now 21,000 diagnosed since then. Sexual contact is still the number 1 way of getting it and sharing needles is next. Filipino males are the highest, it also stems from unprotected sex. What's alarming is 15-24 years old comprise 30 percent of this number. We might have less smoking, drugs and vices but have increased sexual adventurism. Thank you to USAID for their invaluable assistance to this effort. We hope all government units follow suit." says Assistant Secretary Pauline Urial of DOH. 

Senior Public Advisor in USAID Dr. Milton Amayun adds "In the Philippines when we talk about HIV we often think of bad news, but really the threat is real. Out of the total number of HIV cases, 93 percent is male. This requires focus, and would you believe there is 812% growth since 2008. We congratulate the QC Government for we encourage everyone, just like Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte here to get tested. The US Government is supporting the Philippine government efforts, and piloting things like this one in Quezon City is impressive. I hope others follow suit. We are very please to partner with them in fighting AIDS/HIV with the objective to have 0% increase, 0 discrimination and reaching out to more people in need." 

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte says "The first step in making a solution in this problem is accepting that there is a problem. We proactively partner in Government and NGO's to set up places like Klinika Bernardo and ensure the health services are given to them. The change will make it conducive to people and we will make additional clinics in other parts of Quezon City. This is part of our continued support to the youth so they have somewhere to seek advice from, especially health concerns. We are progressive, we are going to move forward and will also put up a specialized one for women at the Quezon City General Hospital. We have a gender sensitive anti discrimination ordinance that includes the LGBT sector, they now have equal rights in services. To know is to live, we recognize it is our responsibility to address this issue." 

Mayor Herbert Bautista proudly says "The officers of our health department are professional career officers. They are the ones who are really running the government. To be able to continue programs and implement policies, our thrust is heavily relied by bureaucracy. We come up with the policies and have a progressive council that knows that this issue should be dealt with. We do not condone, but we accept facts and reality. Klinika Bernardo is only a small investment and we hope it gets done in other cities especially in highly urbanized ones. The impact of this is very strong, we thank USAID when they first presented it to me. It was impressive, the purpose is to make the HIV council to monitor on a regular basis. We are very fortunate to be lower than some ASEAN countries but we do know this contribution is important and we will annually do this in our programs without compromising their privacy. We will also launch more communications plans, and perhaps build homes or shelters for people with HIV too. USAID has been our partner in TB and other diseases and I hope we continue to do this with Department of Health and our Vice Mayor for this, and the other issues that have been addressed with that. We just have to let them know that there's government presence, a government that will take care of them too." 

Klinika Bernardo is the first male sexual and reproductive facility in the country. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get treatment. This is why Klinika Bernardo had a facelift, it is now conducive to go back for testing and counseling. Their clinic is just behind Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao, Quezon City. It's easy to see and spot, just look for the leaf symbols on the street and on the building!

For more information about their cause:

klinika.bernardo

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Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/KlinikaBernardo