Horny Net

So there’s this new app targeted to gay men that wants to unseat Grindr. Hornet is available on both OS and Android, and its interface is easier to navigate compared to Grindr.

But what sets it apart from other gay hook-up apps is this:

Ooh yeah, a gay hook-up app with a conscience! Actually it just encourages you to know your status, a.k.a. have yourself tested. But going beyond it, it has a feature wherein you can announce your HIV status on your profile: positive, negative, or not sure. You also have the option to leave it blank.

So I take Hornet out for a spin, and so far it’s all very Grindr-like. But aside from a few who placed “negative,” most everyone kept quiet about their HIV status. How come? That led me to think of several possibilities:

1. The person hasn’t taken the test yet, so he doesn’t know his status. But because he doesn’t want people to know that, he keeps it blank instead of declaring, “Not sure.”
2. He knows he’s positive, but doesn’t want people to know.
3. He knows he’s negative, but doesn’t want people to know.

In example #1, why would he prefer to keep mum instead of outright declaring, “I don’t know”? By stating clearly that he is “not sure,” he may give one of two impressions: (a) he’s scared of taking the test and knowing his status; or (b) he prefers to be ignorant because ignorance is bliss. One makes him look like a coward, the other makes him look stupid. Despite the fact that it’s very human of us to be scared or to be ignorant, most people will want to avoid being tagged as either.

In example #2, it’s likely that he’s afraid of the stigma associated with people living with HIV. Fearing such stigma from others, he chooses not to declare anything.

In example #3, perhaps he doesn’t want to flaunt his negative status. Or perhaps he doesn’t want to pressure others, thus he’d prefer to keep his negative status to himself. It can be seen as a form of humility, regardless of whether it’s genuine or misplaced.

Either way, I am disappointed though totally not surprised that many choose not to state their status. For the positives, perhaps it is not yet time, given the current stigma surrounding HIV. But for the negatives, it is an opportunity to encourage others that having themselves tested is both necessary and, given the opportunities for free testing these days, not a big deal. It also helps lessen the stigma if HIV is discussed out in the open, whether in local media or even in your smartphones.

What’s my take on all this? Until all the #3s start declaring their negative status, I will take the cautious approach and assume that everyone else is either positively scared or blissfully ignorant. And it’s still a personal responsibility to always play safe.

The Many Sides Of Suicide

“UP student kills self over unpaid tuition.”

“Unable to pay tuition, UP student commits suicide.”

Those were two of the headlines that appeared online on March 15. Upon further reading of the news articles, and the subsequent stories that came out after, the following are what we can clearly establish:

[1] Kristel Tejada, 16, taking up Behavioral Sciences at UP Manila, was forced to file a leave of absence (LOA) because she could no longer pay her tuition fees.

[2] In an interview in The Philippine Collegian, official student publication of UP-Diliman, professor Andrea Bautista Martinez of the Department of Behavioral Science claimed that Kristel was extremely affected by her LOA. According to Ms. Martinez:

[a] “We texted each other and she told me how sad she was and how much her taking an LOA affected her life and her family.” [b] “Since February, she has not been going to school. She was always texting me, telling me she couldn’t handle the problem.” [c] “She was ashamed that she had to file a leave of absence and work to earn money and pay for her tuition in June.”

[3] Excerpts of the contents of a suicide note were revealed yesterday, March 17. The note was allegedly found in the pocket of Kristel’s pants. Most of the excerpts focused on love:

“I love my family very much, and all those who love me. I just could not take it anymore. I hope that they will forgive me and pray for me. Thank you for everything and we will see each other again. Sorry but I really need to do this. Remember: Without true love, we’re nothing.”

[4] In a press conference on March 18, UP Manila Chancellor Manuel Agulto, M.D. revealed that Kristel was unable to give supporting documents that would allow her to get to a bracket more favorable to her family’s financial situation.

[5] And according to records, UP Manila officials allowed Kristel three extensions to pay for her P6,377 student loan incurred during the first semester. The deadline for the payment was moved to Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 19 after several appeals from her parents. That’s almost three weeks.

I personally am taken aback at how a lot of people have simplified the story: UP student is unable to pay tuition. UP forces her to go on LOA until she is able to pay for tuition. Student gets depressed and commits suicide. Therefore, UP caused her death.

Meanwhile, I like to ask questions:

[1] Did Kristel clearly mention in her suicide note why she was taking her life? What was she referring to when she said she “could not take it anymore”?

[2] Did the family allow the full contents of the suicide note to be revealed? If not, what were the stuff left out?

[3] Prof. Martinez’s statements are her personal conjectures. Sure, it sounds reasonable that Kristel’s anguish over her failure to enroll may have caused her to end it all. But is that the only reason?

[4] Prof. Martinez also said that Kristel “...was always texting me, telling me she couldn’t handle the problem.” Did Kristel actually mention suicide to Prof. Martinez, and did the professor do anything about it?

[5] The people who claimed that Kristel killed herself because she couldn’t enroll were Prof. Martinez and her parents. How are we sure that these people aren’t mistaken? Or worse, what if they have other agendas in mind?

[6] Why were Kristel’s parents unable to give supporting documents when such documents are essential to the application process? And why were they still remiss in paying for the student loans, despite three extensions given by UP Manila?

Suicide is a complicated issue. Sometimes it is not just one reason but a combination of several factors which can push someone to end her life. To simplify the cause to the failure to enroll is unfair. And for the media that initially reported the story using that particular spin, it was sloppy journalism and a downright irresponsible act.

It is understandable why people with agendas will use Kristel’s suicide as the impetus to question, reconsider, or review the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). And maybe STFAP is a flawed program that deserves to be improved. But let us refrain from saying that a flawed program and a school administration strictly following its rules should be blamed for a student’s suicide.

If you really want to point blame on someone’s suicide, remember that suicide is self-inflicted.

Random Musings At 47

Drift Would

It’s funny how easy it is to drift apart. Once your interests diverge, and your priorities become one’s option, it’s so easy to slip into “I’m not sure” and “Perhaps” and “I’ll see.” And from there the slope slides precariously. It’s true with hobbies, friends, and blogs. And the only thing that will keep you hanging on is your personal decision.

They say everything is cyclical; unfortunately that’s something beyond our control. Commitment, fortunately, is within our control.

Papa-Rape-Papa, Lab Ko ‘Toh

The whole Catholic world is watching as the conclave of cardinals convenes to convict, err, elect a new pope, just as the Catholic Church is reeling from being repeatedly rocked by scandal after scandal.

Ironic then that the CBCP still acts as if they have the moral high ground on all things—politics, sexuality, women’s bodies, etc. The Inquisition is so 1200-and-late. Man has already discovered the God Particle. And yet here in the Philippines, it seems like the Spanish friars are back. Who the hell do they think they are?

I’m not rooting for our very own Cardinal Tagle. No, I’m not being unnationalistic. He’s interesting, but I do wish a more forward-thinking priest be put in place. Wishful thinking, yeah, I know. In fact, I’m not even sure if such a priest actually exists. If the Church is to change from within, it’s going to take more conclaves and decades.

But I’m not waiting for that. I’ve moved on a long time ago.

Nearing 50

So in several years, I’ll be half a century old. Funny, it doesn’t feel like what I imagine turning 50 would be. My generation is definitely different from my parents’. I thought at 50 I’d be physically weaker, I’d look older, and I’d be less busy. Well, my body isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago, but I definitely am not sickly yet. And I’m busier than ever, although now my tasks have moved on from menial to managerial. Still, I don’t necessarily see myself as staying in this business or this company ‘til I retire—if I even decide to retire. I think I’d prefer to be busy until I kick the bucket.

The 2013 New Year Fabcast, Part Two

Here is the second of the two-part Fabcast.

Here we turn hopeful and look to the future, as we also say goodbye and thank you to the year that was. We especially take note of all things new for 2013, from looking forward to new jobs to new investments, new friendships and relationships, and a new appreciation of the phrase “tempered exuberance.”

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Music credits:

“Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin
“Love Is Strange” by Everything But The Girl
“Gimme Hope Joanna” by Eddy Grant
“Why Do Fools Fall In Love” by Diana Ross and the Supremes

Brand’s Essence Of Humor

“Mariah Minaj!”
“Reclaim KKK, so then the Ku Klux Klan won’t have a logo.”

Russell Brand’s brand of humor isn’t for everyone. Not only that, he’s often hit-or-miss. But I have to admit, in this particular clip he had me giggling then laughing out loud. Oh okay, so not that loud. But still.

The 2013 New Year Fabcast, Part 1

Every January the Fabcasters and the peanut gallery get together to celebrate the New Year and new beginnings, and this 2013 is no different. But things aren’t all the same either. People are busier, lives are different, schedules are tighter. But still, whenever two or more are gathered for a fabcast, the spirit of inquiry and good natured ribbing remains.

Migs and Gibbs couldn’t be with us for this particular recording, so instead we had CC do the hosting task this time.

Listen in and enjoy the first of two parts.

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Music credits:

“Glad You Came” by The Wanted
“Good Old Days” by Pink
“We Take Care Of Our Own” by Bruce Springsteen

Going Green Minded

I never thought I’d see the words “high school fair,” “La Salle,” and “bodybuilding competition” in one sentence, so when our friend H told us that it was open to the public, we didn’t hesitate to troop to Greenhills on a Saturday afternoon. I like eye candy just like any hot-blooded gay guy, but I’m not a big fan of those bikini competitions and Mister Baranggay pageants. I guess I find it limiting if it’s only a look-but-no-touch set-up. But this is in La Salle! In terms of livestock, this is prime-grade meat. Don’t get me wrong, I like down-to-earth proletariat male beauties too. But it’s rare to see Catholic school boys bearing their bodies to be ogled and cheered by spectators, so I decided to go out of my way for this one. It’s the closest thing to a Magic Mike by way of UAAP.

Thank god for insider friends who were able to get us tickets before they sold out. “Us” here included D, his friend Kid, fellow Fabcaster Tony, and our friend T. When we entered, the auditorium was already jam-packed. We decided to sit at the very front row. The onstage speakers and footlights blocked parts of our view, but we figured that the contestants would move to the front of the stage to pose anyway. All the better to look up at all those green family jewels.

Tony had his kick-ass camera ready, so he abandoned the front row for a front seat at the balcony box nearest the stage. Better vantage point, he said. A few minutes later, I received an SMS from him: “FUUUUCK! I left the memory card in the car!” It was most unfortunate because his car was parked in Robinson’s Galleria, and the contest was about to start. Apparently God does have a wicked sense of humor.

To further remind us of Him and the fact that we were in a Catholic school, the contest started with a prayer. Jusko. (Literally.) The prayer was a reminder to everyone that “our bodies are temples.” I had a sudden urge to desecrate temples all of a sudden.

The contest had two categories, students and alumni. Except for one or two vertically-challenged boys, the students looked like they could belong in college. Maybe that’s what happens when they lose their boyish shapes. But hey, college is still college, right?

After the first round when I saw all the contestants, I got bored and started playing games on my iPod Touch. I would look up once in a while to check out the ones I found cute and/or hunky, but otherwise I was more challenged with getting pixelated jewels to align for points than trying to get a glimpse of the boys’ family jewels.

We did have a couple of favorites. In the student category, one of the shortest guys was also the cutest, face-wise. While he was posing, we received another SMS from Tony, “H said that Cutie is gay. May jowa! OMG!” And during the alumni portion, this “Richard-Poon-knocked-down-a-couple-of-socio-economic-classes” guy caught my attention because during his “most muscular pose” he grabbed the edges of his short shorts and pulled them up even further. In his next round Tony SMS’ed again: “Look at him. Bakat na bakat.” Yup, I believe he may be the most muscular in that aspect.

While walking out of the campus grounds after the contest, I vowed to myself to find a way to convince the Jesuits that their high school should have a macho dancing contest in their next school fair.