"Noong panahon namin, kami ang hinahabol ng mga lalaki."
It was Mother Leony's turn to speak. We have come to that portion where the golden ladies shared their lives with the audience.
"May lover ako nun. 30 years rin kami nagsama." I wasn't able to follow the rest of her story. We were busy giving away meals to at least thirty senior guests who showed up for the get-together. It is safe to assume that he left like all the men who came into her life.
At 80 years old, Mother Leony is the eldest resident of the Home for the Golden Gays. The place is a retirement home for old and abandoned gay people. But as I learned through talking with the visiting residents, it has also become a sanctuary for drifters - young and old alike. People come and go, but those who find the place warm and cozy, stay for the rest of their lives.
The change in venue didn't stop me from my pursuit, which is to mingle and learn from the elder folks. The resource speaker spoke about the value of being successful in our career while we are still young.
"Ang lalaki, kusang lumilipas yan. Mahalaga na mayroon kang trabaho kasi pagtanda mo, walang mag-aalaga sa iyo." He was a confessed ex bath house queen and I think he was referring to the stereotyped PALs (palamunin) abounding in his time.
I wasn't able to get his name, but he spoke well of the founder of the retirement home, Justo Justo. He was a councilor in Pasay City before half of his body was paralyzed by stroke. The way it seems, the idea grew during JJ's time in show business. Though very popular and much sought after by celebrities, he knew his time was running out. He also wanted to look after his clique who were fast aging and had no place to go.
Justo Justo offered his home, and through his showbiz ties and extended connections, he was able to build a network of self-supporting individuals who combined their resources and pioneered what has become the Home for the Golden Gays.
After the resource speaker had left, a beauty pageant followed (what's new!) The lolas strutted the stage with their gowns and witty banters. To make the beaucon more exciting, kids from the MGGFF (Manila Gay Guy Find a Friend) sent their own delegates.
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| Mother Leony in her Puta Red Saya |
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| Miss Gloria "Ertha Kitt" Manila in her Polka Dot Lounge Gown |
Just imagine the aspiring beauconeras standing beside their elder counterparts. The scene could have been more dramatic if the younger contestants paid tribute (a beso perhaps) to their living ancestors. While not being fan of beaucons, I saw the significance of the pairing. Amidst the okrayan and laughter, you would know the seasoned from the rookie.
The legends have been doing the same routine their entire lives. It's almost like a passing of the torch.
It's a good thing there was no swimwear competition. The lolas were seemed game and it could have been a riot had they showed their sagging skin. Queeriosity would sure grab the headlines by sponsoring the first-ever swimwear competition between the elderly contestants and their younger counterparts.
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| Miss Hispaniola in her Sheath Backless Gown |
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| Miss Lola Gaga in her Lavender Wig and Violet Blouse |
I have never really understood the fine art of Q and A portion, but I think for all Miss Gay Pageants this has been the soul of the competition. Miss Hispaniola won the crown. The judge asked if she was a faucet where does she want the torrent of water come out of her body.
"Siyempre sa bunganga, para pag mabaho, diretso hugas na!" Everyone clapped at her answer.
Her younger counterpart, a broad-shouldered manly looking chic (?), took off her gown to expose a black lingerie before answering the question.
"Lotion, Baby Oil or Powder?" He chose rubbing alcohol.
And for that answer, she was crowned runner up. In a beaucon, it seems, the more unexpected your performance, the better the chances of winning.
Meanwhile, I was talking to this Chinese-looking old chap sitting in across. His soft features reminded me of our kid, Shoti (Punked)
-tobecontinued-