Category: Culture and the Arts

The Culture and Arts Managers of the Philippines, Incorporated (CAMP, Inc.) unites the arts and HIV advocacy for an “art for healing” exhibit on June 13, 2018 (4PM-11PM) at the Casa Real, Acacia Estates in Taguig City where 30 phenomenal artists and art patrons will donate about 50 artworks for auction.

CAMP, Inc. Executive Director Ian Felix Alquiros underscored, “We’ve seen in the previous years that arts have been pivotal in bridging people to take bold action, especially in turning the table of HIV epidemic in the country.” Latest data from the Department of Health showed that 871 individuals were diagnosed with HIV in February 2018 alone, bringing the total cases to 52, 280 since 1984.

According to Alquiros, “The launching of CAMP, Inc. excites the Filipino arts and HIV advocacy communities in the effort to formally merge culture and the HIV cause into a singular functioning organization to utilize the arts as a tool for personal and societal journey of healing.”

Continue reading “CAMP, Inc. to hold “Art for Healing” fundraising exhibit on June 13, 2018″ →

Saw an old friend at an event recently and we briefly discussed this book, Always Forever. I have long wanted to buy it but have been putting it off until I have the time to sit down and read it. I did, however, read the preview at Amazon and already I felt like I was reliving the most private thoughts of the author.

With mostly friends and familiar people playing major characters in the story, I almost felt guilty, like I was peeking at someone’s diary. The book’s author, Ansh Das though is hardly a stranger. We started communicating through Facebook not long after the time when the story in the book started. As a fellow supporter of gay rights, Ad and I had discussed about writing for a website called globalgam.com then known as sfgam.com.

The book’s subject, Mikee, was a constant companion when I used to cover for the Mr Gay World competition here in the Philippines. Mikee died in 2011. He was only 24.

More than a personal tribute, this is a story about love and loss. It is a story about soulmates and a promise that is kept, Always Forever.