L.A

16/06/2025

11/06/2025

11/06/2025

HAPPY PRIDE

Your mom didn’t cry when you told her you were gay. She cried when you said you might need an HIV test.

Your dad said he loved you no matter. Then changed the channel when two men kissed.

This isn’t a youth crisis. It’s a gay boy crisis.

When you saw the 500-percent spike in HIV among Gen Z, you figured someone had accidentally sat on a calculator.

But the numbers are real. And almost all of them: boys sleeping with boys.

You used to fake or***ms. Now, you fake test results.

Progress?

There is nothing more dangerous than a boy who thinks he’s too woke to get sick. You know your pronouns, but not what PEP is. You have pride, but no protection.

That’s not freedom. That’s how the celebration ends in silence.

11/06/2025

Yesterday, I had the saddest jeepney ride I have ever experienced…

I was right behind the driver, a Manong, probably in his late fifties. Whenever we had a delayed stop, he would check his phone and try to spin a few more slots on Bingo Plus. When we had a really long stop, he kept loading 50 peso with gcash, losing it quickly, and reloading…

Sad to think, he easily blew all his earnings for work in the day… in minutes. It was one of the most depressing rides I have ever had.

We all may have vices… I mean gambling has always been deep rooted in culture here. Just look at perya or sabong. But grabe, it just seems like online gambling has completely taken over. Billboards everywhere, ads in apps, random text messages… even slot machines being modeled by Miss Universe contestants on coronation night, talking about being “empowered”.

As I watched Manong, I couldn’t help but think…

Gcash, please disconnect from gambling websites. It is just too easy 😞

Just couldn’t help but share my sadness and thoughts. That is all.