NO QUALMS – There are actors “allergic” to gay roles. And there are those who have no qualms about doing them… onscreen (TV and movie) and stage.
Let’s name the latter.
As they come to mind: Ricky Davao, Polo Ravales, Jake Cuenca, Sid Lucero, Joseph Bitangcol, Joem Bascon, Alan Paule, Eric Quizon and brother Epy, Ronaldo Valdez, Tirso Cruz III, Eddie Garcia, Michael de Mesa, Albert Martinez, Robert Arevalo, Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez.
Guess they are secure about their sexuality… or don’t care what people say.
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GREAT DOLPHY – Not to forget the late comedy King, Dolphy, a ladies’ man who played gay roles to perfection. Think of those funny characters like Jill, Fefita Fofonggay, Karioka.
But then he turned serious in Lino Brocka’s “Ang Tatay Kong Nanay” and Gil Portes’ “Markova,” where he earned raves and awards.
The late drama king Dindo Fernando also didn’t mind doing gay roles.
And Joey de Leon played one in “Barbi,” where he was most convincing… not as gay but woman, inspired by “Tootsie,” topbilled by Dustin Hoffmann.
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MR. GAY WORLD – Speaking of gays, beauty expert Jay P. Delgado sent Highspeed this piece on Mr. Gay World. Take a bow, JPD.
CHRISTIAN Reyes Lacsamana, a 30-year-old high school teacher from San Fernando, Pampanga, copped second runner-up honors at the 8th Mr. Gay World international finals held at Palazo Villa Rosa in Malta last April 23 aside from winning three other awards namely: Best National Costume, Mr. Social Media, and Mr. Popularity.
It was the first time in the history of the pageant for straight-looking gay men that a Filipino contestant made it to the winning circle. A total of 22 delegates worldwide vied for the title after competing in national costumes, swimwear, formal wear, and sports and social media challenges.
The Mr. Gay World 2016 title went to Spain’s Roger Gosalbez Pitaluga, a 30-year-old graphic designer from Murcia who was college-educated in Germany.
The other runner-ups were Austria’s Christ Krauel, 28, 1st; Sint Maarten’s Kyle Patrick, 28, 3rd; and Brazil’s Rafael Fagundes, 30, 4th.
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ROLE MODELS – Lacsamana, a graduate of BS Secondary Education at Honorio Ventura Technological State University in Bacolor, Pampanga, was sent to the pageant by Wilbert Tolentino, newly-installed national director and the first Filipino to compete at the international tilt in Whistler, Canada in 2009.
Lacsamana topped the online poll to win Mr. Popularity and tied with Mr. Sint Maarten for the social media award.
His winning costume, which drew inspiration from the Moriones Festival of Marinduque and the iconic jeepney, was designed by Nap Brandon.
Tolentino and members of the Mr. Gay World Philippines organization travelled to Malta to support and cheer for Lacsamana.
The winners of Mr. Gay World, chosen annually in different countries and continents, serve as role-models for young gay men and become ambassadors of friendship, diversity and respect.