Theo and Hugo

It is a borderline French gay porn and indie film set in Paris and was released in 2016. The scene starts in a club where orgies are held. Theo and Hugo met, had sex and then decided to go out on a stroll in the streets of Paris at dawn. The streets are mostly empty. They rode a bike, bought some kebal from a store that opened early, went to a park to talk more. I can't remember whether Theo was the top during the sex act, but the top guy decided to penetrate the bottom with a condom (they refer to it as a rubber).

The conversation turned into a heated argument because the bottom is apparently HIV positive but is taking meds regularly. The bottom guy encouraged the top guy to immediately visit a hospital after calling the AIDS hotline. They proceeded to the hospital one at a time. Eventually they meet there, and got advised from the nurse. This is where the education part about HIV happened. Apparently, if they take some pills within 24 hours (and continued it until the 28th day), the risk of being infected with the AIDS virus will be gone. They were advised to go back to the hospital 4 days after to have HIV tests.

After going to the hospital, they decided to go to the top's apartment, riding the 1st metro train for the day and chitchatting with an elderly rider. Upon reaching the apartment (which he refer to as a maid's chamber), a hot scene was shown where the bottom really appreciated the top's asset. Eventually they decided to visit the other guy's apartment.

This film reminds me of the 2008 Pinoy movie "Day Break" starring Coco Martin, wherein there are only 2 actors in the entire movie and the movie's settings is just within 24 hours. The film is mostly dialogue's between the two characters. In Theo and Hugo, it's about meeting a potential boyfriend -- how it all starts. Sometimes, love can really happen in weird places. Sometimes, all it takes is eye contact. Towards the end of the movie, I believe it was Theo who sums up a gay relationship -- where it starts, where it's headed, how long it might take (same 20 years), and eventually breaks up. What's important is how the two parties enjoy their time together.

I love this film.

BuzzNet Tags: Day Break,Theo and Hugo,Gay Film,Gay Movies

Center of My World

This 2016 German coming-of-age romantic drama movie reminds me of "The Love of Siam". It's about this guy who arrived from a summer vacation to find that he became distant to his sister (who he grew up together). They grew up without knowing who their father was. Their mom had a lot of relationships after their biological father but it never lasted. The film is full of family drama but at the center of it is the protagonist -- a gay guy who has a close female friend.

Their close friendship was tested when the new guy at school -- Nicholas -- became their classmate. I got star struck with the German actor who played Nicholas (Jannik Schümann). I love his blue eyes, his build and his accent. He’s definitely the most gorgeous German actor I’ve seen on film. The film by the way is in German language with English subtitle.

The protagonist met Nicholas when they were boys, in a supermarket. It was a onetime accidental meet-up, but the protagonist clearly remember young Nicholas' eyes, smile and wink. The scene at the shower room and at the vacation house are wonderfully done.

I would rate this film 4.5 out of 5.

BuzzNet Tags: Center of My World,Gay Movies

Concentrix and This Year's Pride March

First it was LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender). Then it became LGBTQ+ (Queer). Now it's called LGBTQPIA+ (Pansexual, Intersex, Asexual or Allies). Our community is expanding and encompasses all sorts of labels other than straight. I wonder what new label will come up next and what letter will be added to our very long acronym.

Last June 30, members of the LGBTQPIA+ held their annual Pride March at the Marikina Sports Center. It was organized by the Metro Manila Pride and attended by several organizations and call centers -- including my current one, Concentrix. It's a festive event but a very conservative one, compared to other Pride March celebrated in other countries and cities. It's a day full of rainbow flags, unicorns (I still wonder why this is our national animal), music, foods and love.

Concentrix was very kind enough to provide a royal blue t-shirt to those employees who registered for the event, as well as an umbrella, water and a small rainbow flag that we waved during the event. They even provided a float to promote the company as LGBTQPIA+ friendly.

The shirts could have been more colorful though -- instead of sticking with a solid, royal blue color. The booth was a bit boring though, as if it's just set-up there to claim the goodies and register. No fun activities were held or no pamphlets were distributed to tell the participants of the pride march how fun it is being an LGBTQPIA+ employee of Concentrix is. In fairness to Concentrix, prior to this event, they have a Pride Talk held in one of its site.

This year's team #RiseUpTogether is very timely since the oral argument regarding same-sex marriage were discussed at the Supreme Court. #RiseUpTogether denotes unity and demands equal rights from the State. Indeed, the LGBTQPIA+ community showed that we're here, we exist, we pay taxes just like everyone else, and therefore we should enjoy the same benefits and responsibilities just like any other citizen of this country. This is my 2nd time to attend the Pride March and my 1st time with a boyfriend. We're definitely joining again next year.

How about you guys, how great is your company when it comes to promoting diversity in the work place?

BuzzNet Tags: Concentrix,BPO,Gay Pride,Marikina