Juan Trailer

Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan explores two hours in the life of Juan Reyes (played by Ray An Dulay), known to others as Erwin. Juan is a 25 year old Masbate native who just found his way to Manila three years ago. Erwin has tried his hand at many odd jobs and now works as a live-sex performer at an underground gay bar but has decided to leave Manila for good.

On the day of his departure, he will take us with him as he makes life decisions—big and small. The most important one of all is leaving the impoverished place which he called home for a year, capping it with his emotional goodbyes with his lover, Noel (played by Nico Antonio of all-male vocal group VOIZboys). And, how a raid by the authorities marred his last performance in an underground bar called Inner Sanctum which changed his resolve.

The film marks the beginning of filmmaker Joselito Altarejós foray in producing his own films under BEYONDtheBOX. It stars 2008 Cinemanilas Asian Best Actress Angeli Bayani, Richard Quan, Perry Escaño, Lex Bonife, Nico Antonio and Ray An Dulay. The support cast is led by daring newcomer Ace Ricafort (as one of the live show performers called Tupada Boys), Ivy Sumilang, May-i Fabros, Bobby Reyes, Michael Cayetano, Tony Lapeña, Dexter Pelagio, Annelle Durano, Arlene Pilapil, and Mark Fabillar.

Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan will be showing exclusively at Robinsons Cinemas (Galleria and Manila) on October 21st.

Sid

I admit I stole this photo from the facebook acount of its photographer JC Cerilla. This is Sid Lucero, that talented actor from the film "Selda" and another "Eigenmann" creation (son of Mark Gil). Just like his dad during younger years, Sid is today's one of the most promising serious actors in the industry.

Gay Men Murdered

A reader sends this article on several gay men murdered in Jamaica with homophobia as a clear motivation behind the crimes:

BRITISH CONSUL MURDERED IN JAMAICA

An honourary consul to the British High Commission in Jamaica was found brutally murdered in his Montego Bay home on Sep 9.

John Terry was found naked, wrapped in a bloody sheet, with a cord wrapped tightly around his neck. He had been brutally beaten in the head. There was reportedly a note left with Terry's body that read, "This is what will happen to all gays." It was signed by "Gay-Man." Police reported that Terry likely knew his assailant.

Terry lived in Jamaica since 1967 and was an honourary consul for 13 years. He became a member of the Order of the British Empire in 1982.

Jason Mcfarlane of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays says at least one of the members of his organisation knew Terry.

Based on the note that the press says was found and the contents of it, and the fact the person had time to sit and write it, it's really premeditated and clearly homophobia linked."

This is only the latest in a long string of eerily similar homophobic murders in Jamaica. In 2004 the semi-nude and butchered body of gay activist Brian Williamson was found in his New Kingston apartment. He was reportedly stabbed and chopped at more than 70 times with a machete. Eyewitnesses to the aftermath say his neighbours gathered to gawk and celebrate his death in the street outside his home. A young male newspaper vendor subsequently pleaded guilty to the killing.

In 2006 Jamaica's highest ranking trade official, Peter King, was found brutally murdered in his Kingston home. He was reportedly found naked with stab wounds to his upper chest. His throat was slashed and, according to several sources, his genitals had been hacked from his loins and stuffed in his mouth. A man was sentenced on a manslaughter charge in King's death earlier this year.

Body Image

Recently, mayoclinic.com has published an article on commone health issues among gay men. One of which is eating disorder. Here's what the medical publishers have written about it:

Gay men are more likely to experience body image problems and eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, than are their straight counterparts. One explanation is that gay men aim to sexually attract men, which subjects them to the same kind of body image pressure as heterosexual women. Gay men also may engage in more social comparison than do heterosexual men, possibly causing gay men to feel more dissatisfied with their appearance.

If you're struggling with body image problems or an eating disorder, get help. Talk to your doctor or a trusted friend or loved one. Together you may find possible treatment options.

Source: mayoclinic.com

A Woman Likes It

Jennifer Lee in "Ang Lalake sa Parola" (photo courtesy of Pep.ph)

Here's a reply from Karen, a Filipina from the US who likes gay films:

You're welcome, Lex!

I guess in your eyes, it's a bit strange for a Filipino woman to enjoy your films, since women in a Filipino society look down upon men being "feminine" in any way and that homosexuality is still looked upon as a sin in the Philippines, but I guess you can say that I even though I was raised in a Filipino background, I appreciated the homosexual lifestyle even though I'm straight because a lot of my friends are gay, and I accept and am proud for who they are. I just wish that the Philippines was as open as it is in parts of the US.

If I can be frank, your stories about homosexuality in the Philippines are a very beautiful thing, which is refreshing after having to see so many Filipino films with gay men being depicted in a stereotypical "crossed-dresser" with the lispy-overtly feminine accent (which, can be over the top, but can be somewhat true to a point), but at the same time, it degrades homosexuals as less than human, something to be laughed at, a complete joke. The characters you create are real, believable, dark and emotional, adding a lot of depth to the messages that are subliminally conveyed on the screen.

I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but I felt compelled to respond to your message...LOL

-Karen


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Salamat Karen at Mabuhay ka!

Lex

Naked Tony

His name is Tony. He was referred to us by the owner of a blue bar "Dtour" in Mandaluyong. And he was the bar's most sought after exhibitionist/ client as he enjoys stripping off in front of the other bar clients.

We first got him for the film "Little Boy/ Big Boy". But his exposure was cut by the censors. Now, he's doing it again for the latest film of Joselito Altarejos "Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan" as he plays one of the sex performers together with Rayan Dulay and charming newcomer Ace Ricafort.

When I asked him why he enjoys doing this even if he's not a model or a professional actor, he admits to have a heightened sense of arousal when other people enjoy his nakedness. To me, such claim of sexual freedom is quite enviable.

Female Admirer

(Scene from Ang Lihim ni Antonio featuring Nino Fernanez and Kenjie Garcia)

Hi Lex!

I'm a big fan of yours from the US, I loved the script that you wrote for "Ang Lihim ni Antonio" and "Ang Lalake Sa Parola"...keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future! Mabuhay!

-Karen

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Hi Karen,

I am surprised. I never expected any female to appreciate my works. Thank you very much. Mabuhay ka!

Lex