EVENT | Group Fun - Tanay Rizal - Aug 3, 2024

Feeling the need to escape the busy streets of Manila? We've got the perfect getaway for you! Join us on August 3rd for an overnight camping trip in the scenic Tanay, Rizal. It’s going to be a great time to meet new people, enjoy fun activities, and relax in nature. Here’s what you need to know.

TV SERIES | House of the Dragon, Season 2 - Episode 2: Rhaenyra the Cruel

House of the Dragon, Episode 2 gave us a lot to think about with its mix of politics, personal grudges, and complex characters. The episode’s focus on dialogue set up some big conflicts and showed us what drives the key players. Here’s a look at what we saw and where it might lead.

Power Plays and Politics

The argument between Aegon II Targaryen and Otto Hightower showed the growing tension in the royal court. Aegon II’s attempt to show his strength didn’t go as planned because Otto showed compassion for the innocent people hanged outside the castle. This was unexpected and made Otto’s character more interesting. Instead of being a typical power-hungry advisor, Otto seems to have a more complex personality. In future episodes, we might see Aegon II trying even harder to take control, possibly leading to drastic actions.

EVENTS | Highlights of QC Pride 2024 - From March to Cancellation Due to Rain

Here's a quick rundown of this year's QC Pride: From the long marching lanes of people showing support for various causes and social issues, to the heavy downpour that caused the cancellation of the concert, to the ruckus caused by those who came only to see BINI, this year’s event was certainly more colorful, albeit wet.

ARTICLE | How to Organize Group Fun

Throwing a Group Fun event is like planning the ultimate soirée – it takes flair, finesse, and a whole lot of fabulous! In this article, we provide a detailed guide to organizing these gatherings. It emphasizes meticulous planning by a dedicated team, effective marketing strategies via social media and targeted ads, careful screening of attendees to ensure a curated guest list, clear communication of event rules beforehand, and the execution of a structured and engaging event program. 

MOVIE REVIEW | Atlas (2024) - J.Lo's 'Atlas': A Star Power Misfire in a Predictable Plot

Seeing J.Lo in "Atlas" left me with mixed feelings. The last movie of hers that I genuinely enjoyed was "Maid In Manhattan." While I’m not an avid fan, I have to admit that Jennifer Lopez has undeniable acting skills. Unfortunately, "Atlas" wasn't the right project to showcase her talent. 

TV SERIES | House of the Dragon, Season 2 - Episode 1: A Son for a Son

After a two-year hiatus, "House of the Dragon" Season 2 has finally premiered, and its first episode, "A Son for a Son," proves that the wait was well worth it. Drawing heavily from the book chapter "Blood and Cheese," this episode sets the stage for a season brimming with tension and drama. Warning: spoilers ahead.

TV SERIES | House of the Dragon - Season 2: Who's Who This Season?

As the anticipation for Season 2 of "House of the Dragon" builds, fans of the "Game of Thrones" prequel are eager to dive deeper into the world of Westeros. Set nearly 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones," "House of the Dragon" explores the Targaryen dynasty at the height of its power. With a rich tapestry of characters, the show promises more political intrigue, epic battles, and, of course, dragons. Let’s take an exhaustive look at the key players set to dominate Season 2.

JOURNAL | Halfway Through 2024

Here we are, right in the middle of 2024, which means the "BER" months are just around the corner again. This year has been tough in many ways, and I've realized that rushing to achieve our goals doesn't really help. With the current economy, starting a new job means it could take 6 to 12 months just to recover from debts and obligations. But despite everything, life is good. I have a roof over my head, and everyone in the family is healthy. People say it's better to live in the present, but I often catch myself worrying about the future. Maybe I should listen to Louise Hay's affirmation videos more often—they really help me stay calm and focused.

ARTICLE | The Rise and Fall of Gay Malate - Manila's Queer Mecca

When we talk about PRIDE in the Philippines, we cannot ignore Malate - the cradle of gay safe space in Manila until its eventual demise in the early 2000s. The younger generation will never know how cool it was to spend Friday nights in this small alley of the Orosa-Nakpil intersection, where the entire gay population of Manila flocked.

Read more about my encounters in Che'Lu 
https://www.pinoyinthecity.com/2009/10/last-night-i-lost-my-cellphone-at-chelu.html

ARTICLE | Pride and Progress: Celebrating Pride Month and Addressing the HIV Crisis in the Philippines

It's Pride Month once again—a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and take pride in the progress we have made together. Since the first Pride March, we have come a long way in our fight for equality and acceptance. The history of the Pride March dates back to June 28, 1970, when the first official march was held in New York City to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. These riots began on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. The patrons, tired of constant harassment and discrimination, fought back, leading to several days of protests and clashes with law enforcement. This uprising is widely regarded as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.