The Pioneer of Digital Movies is Back!

Cris Pablo, the pioneer of commercial digital filmmaking in Philippine Cinema is back with two new digital features: "SEB Cyber Games of Love" and "Quickie". And more importantly for my readers, they are "gay" features.



"SEB Cyber Games of Love Love" is a compilation of four stories on the kind of relationships Filipinos get into in this age of cyber hook ups.This movie will premiere at Cinemalaya Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on July 17 at 9pm.


On the other hand, "QUICKIE", which stars the daring Andro Morgan and newcomer Topher Barreto will premiere at the UP film center on august 9, 2008, saturday.



So from today (JUne 30), there are three gay fims to look forward to:



* Kambyo -- premieres July 5 at the UP Film Institute/ Regular Run: July 9 at Robinsons Galleria



* SEB Cyber Games of Love



* Quickie



And for all those people wondering and whining about how come so many gay films are being produced nowadays. The obvious answer is that the gay population watch movies. They PAY ticket prices for FILIPINO produced films.



Why? because the Filipino gay men are no longer ashamed to claim their own sexuality and desires. Our identity has been compromised, our desires have been suppressed for the longest time. But not anymore.



And as long as filmmakers like Cris Pablo, Joselito Altarejos and this writer included are alive, the Filipino gay man's stories and desires will always be told and will never be silenced again.



Mabuhay ang Baklang Pelikulang Pilipino! (Long live to the Filipino gay movies!)

Weapons of Ass Destruction

I found myself waiting for my mango shake in the lounge of my gym. And a guy's crotch suddenly caught my attention. Wearing white, shiny basketball shorts, this guy's underwear was evidently overstuffed by his manhood. Oh, have I said that the guy was also fairly good looking as well and looked like someone in his early 20's.

I tried very hard not to stare at his crotch but my eyes won't just follow my commands to look away from it. The guy caught me staring at his crotch.

And to my surprise, he even pinched his crotch to ensure better shape from that screaming bulge between his legs.

No, nothing happened after that. As I decided to just look away after feeling slightly embarrassed.

The sight of that bulge didn't just grab my attention. It also made me realize how some men, would actually carry their sex organs with much pride and joy. Carrying the male penis is very much part of one's identity. And some may even consider it as a source of power, probably just like Iraq's alleged "weapons of mass destruction".

And to my silly mind, these sources of power should aptly be called , "weapons of ass destruction".

Experiencing "Serbis"

Serbis is raw social picture from the formidable force of Philippine cinema: director Brillante Mendoza and my teacher Armando "Bing" Lao.

The film frames one day in a life of a family and all their moral compromises as they live inside a third run cinema. Gina Pareno, Jacklyn Jose, Kristofer King, Coco Martin and Julio Diaz lend genuine sincerity to their characters. And I must say the screenplay is the gem in this film.

Watch this film with eagerness to understand and interpret all the narrative elements of this material. And you shall be rewarded with a very interesting viewing experience.

Oh by the way, the sex scenes in this film are must see! hehehe!

lexuality.com

Hi guys,

This blog is now www.lexuality.com.

You may also get in touch with me at my new email address: lex@lexuality.com

Thanks for regularly visiting this blog.

Ang Paghihintay sa Sauna

I got back into poetry writing again. Here is a poem I dedicate to all the gay men in the sauna of my gym :)

Ang Paghihintay sa Sauna
Tula ni Lex Bonife

Nakaupong nag-iisa
Nakatapis ng basang tuwalya
Nakikinig sa katahimikan
Binabalot ng init ang buong katawan

Dahan dahang bumabagsak ang mga buhangin ng orasan
Nakatunganga, umaasa
Naghihintay ng biyaya
Sa nag-iinit na pakiramdam
At nanunuyong labi at lalamunan

Sa bawat wisik ng tubig sa mga bato ng sauna,
Lalong tumataas ang temperatura ng kapiligiran
Sa bawat segundong walang tigil sa pagdaan,
Lalong tumitining ang pangungulila ng kalamnan

Johnron and Rayan's love scene

One of the highlights of the film "Kambyo" is the love making scene of Johnron Tanada and Rayan Dulay in the film. Johnron plays the long lost friend of Rayan. And their first night of reunion ends up in a steamy love scene.

According to Kambyo's director Joselito Altarejos, this scene is the most beautiful love scene he has ever directed in his past three adult gay films (Ang Lihim ni Antonio and Ang Lalake sa Parola)

Watch "Kambyo" and be the judge.

Acceptance and Antonio

I would like to share another letter from one of the viewers of "Ang Lihim ni Antonio" (Antonio's Secret):

Hi Lex,

I just can't help but praise Ang Lihim ni Antonio.. It's really really good!

...On every film I watch I make sure that not only my eyes are open.. my heart and brain has to be open too. With that given, your film really reflects on how things are to all the Antonios out there and it speaks. It relays one thing: ACCEPTANCE. Accepting one's self.. and accepting others

Wah ang corny ko but really.. i learned a lot from this film.. after watching it nga i've fully accepted who i am. :)

and thank you for that!

from WORM (19, Manila)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Worm,

Thanks for sending this letter.

Go dear friend! Celebrate your sexuality! Celebrate life!

Yours truly,

Lex Bonife

Kambyo Presscon: One of The Boys is Gay?

Here are some photos I took during the presscon of Kambyo a while ago at Jayjay's restaurant in Timog. One of the female reporters naughtily insinuated that one of the actors are gay saying, "Ako may naamoy ako" (I can smell someone gay from one of these actors).

Who could that be? I have spent time with the "Kambyo boys", and I have not really sensed any "gay tendencies" from any of them.

This makes me remember that the original actor (a newcomer) we first tapped to play the role of Xavier, was an actual gay man whom I met through a friend. He could have been a very lucky gay man because his scenes would require him to have sex with Gabz del Rosario in three different situations! Must be a dream project for many gay men out there. Well, he was eventually replaced by a more experienced actor Harold Macasero since the role is quite challenging for a newbie.

Rayan Dulay being interviewed by GMA, ABS-CBN and Cinema One Staff

Harold Macasero on a table with press people. At the foreground in white shirt is entertainment editor and "Manay Po" screenwriter Dinno Erece

another TV interview

Rayan and Gabz del Rosario busy answering questions

KAMBYO Trailer

Finally, this is the trailer of our new film Kambyo, which I and ickyg (of vivahotmenofprovoq blog) edited last night :)

Just to reiterate the major change on the premiere night schedule: it will be on JULY 5 (Saturday) at the UP Film Institute.

Final Kambyo Sked

I am upset.

The Kambyo premiere night has again been moved to JULY 5 (Saturday). This is the final schedule at the UP Film Institute at 7pm.

I, myself can't attend the premiere, as I have a scheduled yoga class in Hongkong on that day.

Hope you guys can watch the screening. And tell me what you think about this film.

Kambyo Boys Pictures

Here are some publicity photos of the Kambyo boys.

Final schedule of premiere night is on JULY 5 (Saturday), 7pm at the UP Film Institute.

Antonio's Secret in New York

Ang Lihim ni Antonio (Antonio's Secret) has been officially accepted to its first film festival -- Image Out, The Rochester Gay and Lesbian Film and Video Festival in New York this October, 2008.

Kambyo Snapshots 2

I'd like to share more stills from our shoot in Kambyo.

Johnron Tanada with Mayi Fabros, who plays his wife in the film

Kenjie Garcia, TV actor Harold Macasero and Gabz del Rosario during the first night of the shoot

Gabz needs a dry towel.

Hubad na Katawan

An online friend, Ciccogreen has started a blog called "hubad na katawan" (http://hubadnakatawan.blogspot.com/) where he practices his photography skills on sexy and daring gay men.

I met ciccogreen online when he messaged me after watching "Ang Lihim ni Antonio". He actually lives within the vicinity where we shot the film. And he introduced me to his very interesting blog.

I personally enjoy this photoblog because even if the models are ordinary men, their sex appeal was captured by ciccogreen.

So if you think you've got the body and the guts to show it off, check out this blog and get an appointment from ciccogreen.

In Demand: Johnron

Due to several requests for more pictures of model (who's now an actor) Johnron Tanada, here are some of the other photos I took during our break in our shoot "Kambyo" in Urbiztondo, La Union.

Viva Hot Men of Provoq: Kambyo: A Roadtrip to Rediscover One's Self

Blog "Vivahotmenofprovoq" features Kambyo in one its posts :)

Hot Men in the Philippines: Kambyo!

Popular Blogger RD Dantes of "Hot Men in The Philippines" writes an entry about Kambyo. Check it out :)

Snapshots from Kambyo

Here are some snapshots from the shoot of Kambyo. Photos courtesy of one of our lead actors, Harold Macasero.

4:30 am. Philcoa, Quezon City. (from L to R) Kenjie Garcia, Johnron Tanada, Rayan Dulay and Gabz del Rosario waiting for the pullout of the whole team.

Kenjie Garcia and Rayan Dulay rehearsing their lines inside the Van.

First night. Who wants to sleep beside Johnron?

Gabz del Rosario posing in a fake, concrete wave inside the resort in La Union.

This writer and Gabz waiting for our bottled water

Remember your first Queer Summer?

Here's the poster of Kambyo showing the lead actors Kenjie Garcia (Ang Lihim ni Antonio), Rayan Dulay (Bath house), Harold Macasero, Johnron Tanada and Gabz del Rosario.

Photography by Edward dela Cuesta and the beach at the back of the boys is at Urbiztondo, La Union

Kambyo is Coming Very Soon!

Kambyo: Synopsis

From the makers of “Ang Lihim ni Antonio” (Antonio’s Secret) comes a heartwarming story of four men, their friendship and a road trip that will change their lives forever.

It’s the last summer of their university life. Cousins Macky (Rayan Dulay, Bathhouse) and Manuel (Kenjie Garcia, Ang Lihim ni Antonio) start on a road trip to look for the Macky’s long lost friend Philip (Johnron Tanada). They bring along with them their fun loving friend Xavier (Harold Macasero), who tags along a hunky guy named Aldo (Gabz del Rosario), whom he just met right before their trip.

As the engine of Macky’s old van begins to accelerate, their relationships start on a new journey. Love blooms. Secrets unfold. Insecurities collide. And hidden desires set in.

As they drive their way up north of Manila, this unrestrained group of three friends and a stranger explore the boundaries of their friendships, their sexualities, their dreams and the future that lies ahead of them.

COMING VERY SOON!

Screenplay: Lex Bonife

Production: Viva Digital and Beyond the Box Production

Direction: Joselito Altarejos

Hunk in Profile: Gabz Del Rosario

A business management graduate from Far Eastern University, Gabz never thought he could be a model. Growing up with his friends and cousins in Manila, girls never paid attention to him. Back then, he was lanky. He was average.

It was through modeling that he was able to finish his college degree, a significant achievement for a young man whose family experienced a financial crisis during his sophomore year at the university. He enjoys the fact that he has a solid educational background that he can always turn to, should his modeling career slow down.

And now that he is a model, he claims to be quite choosy when it comes to dating women.

Gabz is one of the lead actors in the upcoming film “Kambyo”


“Kambyo”
From the makers of “Ang Lihim ni Antonio” (Antonio’s Secret) and “Ang Lalake sa Parola” (The Man in the Lighthouse)

Screenplay by Lex Bonife
Produced by Viva Digital and Beyond the Box Productions
Directed by Joselito Altarejos

Viva Hot Men of Provoq: Gabz del Rosario: Kambyo

Viva Hot Men of Provoq: Gabz del Rosario: Kambyo

Viva Hot Men of Provoq: Kambyo: A Roadtrip to Rediscover One's Self

Viva Hot Men of Provoq: Kambyo: A Roadtrip to Rediscover One's Self

Kenji's Fan

Just like so many people writing me professing how much they have become a fan of Kenji Garcia after watching “Ang Lihim ni Antonio”, I admit, I’m also his fan.

Kenji (Rikiboy, in real life) is a natural actor whose face can ignite any scene within a frame. Aside from his talent, I’m a fan of Kenji, because unlike any other young men of his age (he’s about 20, now) he is very determined to succeed in his craft. He’s discipline in the set is impressive. He’s never late. And he has studied all his lines prior to his shoot.

I remember my acting teacher in University of the Philippines, the theater icon Behn Cervantes, once said that to become a good actor, one must be totally comfortable with his body. And Kenji was definitely comfortable with every inch of his skin despite his lanky frame and barely there muscles. He was able to be in his character with all his nakedness. That for me is a test of a good actor.

I really hope Kenji gets somewhere with his craft.

(Kenji Garcia is one of the stars of our upcoming digital film “Kambyo”)

Kambyo
Screenplay: Lex Bonife
Produced by: Viva Digital and Beyond the Box Productions
Direction: Joselito Altarejos

I'd Like to Hear from You

On a daily basis I get emails from different gay men on what they think about the films I have written (Ang Lihim ni Antonio and Ang Lalake sa Parola). Most of them are simply messages on why the like the film. And some are quite personal sharing their life issues as gay men.

And these letters are quite dear to me. I love reading them.

And because, I'd like this blog to be a resource for gay men like me aside from being a collection of information that are of interest to the community, I'd like to encourage you my dear reader, to send your personal letters so we can talk about your different issues on living a gay man's life.

If you'd need my advice or opinion, I'll gladly share my insight. Other readers could also bring in their perspectives.

More importantly, because I know that living a gay man's life is far from being easy, I'd like to hear from you...

Letter to Antonio

Let me share a letter I have received in my friendster from someone who has just seen "Ang Lihim ni Antonio" (Antonio's Secret):

Dear Lex,

Let me THANK you for such a beautfiul film. No other film has touched my heart, as deeply and as genuinely as yours. With all sheer honesty, I can totally relate with the film - in more ways than one. Only no one gets killed in the family. =D

Seriously though, at 25, I still have demons to battle with, skeletons to hide, and a career to purusue. I was Antonio and Jonbert altogether, and Tere is my mother personified. I have a great father though. =D

Your movie is WONDERFUL.

With POWERFUL yet SENSITIVE performances from all your actors.

Shamaine Buencamino is an acting god, as always, brilliant.

Josh Morales is truly a character - moving his image and person out of the role to become someone else.

Jiro Manio - what can I say? I think he acted before he could even learn to talk. A phenomenal acting progidy.

However, amongst all, the most powerful and most brilliant performance comes from the title character Antonio, as played by the wonderful Kenjie Garcia.

He truly is a best kept secret, a revelation to Philippine Cinema. I saw me in him 10 years ago. And now, I've started asking myself again.

Kenjie is so good I don't see him as Kenjie anymore. He's an amazing actor. A perfect marriage of talent and role. I can't praise him enough.

If I were to count me bucket of tears, I think I did around 3 drums. hehehe...

Thank you for mirroring so many of us, who might have had the same or at the very least similar experiences.

Thank you for speaking for us. For bringing to memory the fondest and darkets moments in my life and helping me understand myself and knowing I can make a difference, and that it's ok to be me, to be who you are, to be who I am.

Sorry if I talked to much. The movie (still) gives me goosebumps. No length of writing can express how much I love and appreciate your craft and your film, and the people behind it.

To the Producer, Director, Writers, and the people behind the film - as I have said, Congratulations. Thank you. I appreciate your craft. God bless you.

Your work brings to mind that of the great Lino Brocka's - how you work with a limited scope of people in a limited family unit, but with an extensive range of emotions, conflicts, and situations to a climactic revelation of (non)absolute redemption.

Hoe you conveyed issues on society, morality, the family, manhood, womanhood, incest, deceit, abuse, and homosexuality - all, so VIVIDLY and powerful, in 100mins.

To Dir. Joselito Alterejos, Mr. Lex Bonife, Mr. Arvin Viola, Mr. Ajit Hardazani, and to VIVA Films, congratulations.

I feel bad for not beeing able to see the film on the premiere. I honestly didn't hear/know of it. I missed half of my life.

Thanks again. I hope that someday, I get the chance to meet all - Cast, behind the scene team- of you in person to thank you.

In God's perfect time, I will be able to thank all of you.

May all of your careers shoot up to the heavens,
Jeff

-------------------------------------------

Dear Jeff,

Thank you very much for appreciating this small film of ours. Receiving such letter is the best reward in doing this kind of project.

When I was young, way back in the 80’s, the images of gay men in mainstream cinema were comic and slapstick. They were best represented by Roderick Paulate’s characterization of “Petrang Kabayo” and Dolphy’s iconic “Facifica Falayfay”. These film characters were certainly far from who I was and who I wanted to be as a gay man.

It was only before the end of the century that Filipino gay men were more accurately represented in film through “Ang Lalake sa Buhay ni Selya” (by Carlitos Siguion-Reyna) and Pusong Mamon (by Joel Lamangan). And it was just in 2002, that Pinoy films started to honestly represent the angst of the urban gay men through Crisaldo Pablo’s “Duda” and “Bath house”.

Writing the screenplay of “Ang Lalake sa Parola” (The Man in the Lighthouse) and “Ang Lihim ni Antonio” (Antonio’s Secret) represents my sincere effort to connect to other gay men out there, to share their voice and to continuously remind our society about who we really are and why we deserve acceptance not just tolerance. And if you'll allow me to qualify further, what I actually demand for is acceptance without compromises. And there's a long way to go from here.

In love, light and freedom,

Lex Bonife

PS Please come to the premiere of "Kambyo". Be my guest.