Same love

VINCE Uy (left) and Niño Gaddi, the couple on the controversial billboard

The Bench Valentine—themed billboard of Vince Uy, magazine creative director, and his boyfriend, events organizer Niño Gaddi, caused quite a commotion.

It depicts a gay couple’s love. A few days after it was put up on Edsa-Guadalupe, the billboard was unceremoniously defaced. Vince and Niño’s interlocked hands were painted black. Of course, that form of censorship did not sit well with the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender community and free spirits comme moi.

Having a gay son (whom I fondly refer to as my “dalaGAY” IC), my heart goes out to Vince and Onin.

I remember when we were in Naga with the Captured Dream team a few weeks ago for the Miss Teen Earth auditions, Onin showed me his pictures with Vince for the billboard. He told me that the photos had been shelved due to the controversial theme. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw their billboard on Edsa.

“Surprised” is the key word, not “shocked” as some close-minded people out there were. Wake up, guys! One love fits all!

Let’s hear it from Vince.

What are your thoughts on censorship?

We are not fully knowledgeable about the rules and regulations in advertising … But we do hope that those rules are more accepting of, than discriminatory against, the LGBT community. We think that now, more than ever, the public is finally opening up and becoming more accepting of the LGBT community.

What’s your advice to gay couples?

Keep living life and keep loving each other every single day. Never stop doing new things together like traveling or trying out new restaurants. Keep creating new memories together.

What’s your advice to closet gays?

You may begin to smell like mothballs! Being in the closet may sometimes be a choice. Some prefer being discreet since they feel that it makes them more “marketable.” Some simply cannot come out because of their family or the community where they live or work.

Whatever the reason, accepting yourself is the first step. Be comfortable with who you are. Have a set of friends you can talk to about your “true” self. That’s empowering. Sooner or later, when you are ready, you can spread your wings and fly like a beautiful butterfly.

What exactly is gay love?

We don’t really think that gay love is any different from straight love. In the end, love is simply love and we must not be selfish about it. It does not have to be romantic; a simple act of kindness is a sign of love.

ARA MINA and Baby Mandy

Mama Ara

I checked on brand-new mom Ara Mina and her adorable baby girl, Amanda, via SMS.

Her reply: “My baby Mandy is starting to see things and she gets attracted to colors. I often catch her smiling or giggling while asleep. She’s such a happy baby. Patrick (Meneses) and I are planning to have her baptized in March when she turns three months old.”

Arriba, hot mama Ara!

‘Clash’ champ

After weeks of intense competition in the kitchen, baker-entrepreneur Cynthia Patos won the coveted Great Dessert Master title in Lifestyle Network’s

CYNTHIA Patos

reality cooking competition show, “The Clash.”

According to Cynthia, the best lesson she gained in the show was learning to trust her instincts. In the show, she had to master the art of balancing her responsibilities as the owner of her business, Cynfully Sweets, while perfecting each challenge.

“What is in store for me after the show? I am setting no limits,” remarked the dessert master.

Sweet victory!

For updates, visit (www.facebook.com/LifestyleNetwork) and www.lifestylenetwork.com.ph.

Personal

Muchisimas gracias to my wonderful Bicolano friend, Alan Ranola, for the red-carpet treatment every time I’m in Bicolandia.