Beefcake Power

(Written by Lex Bonife, this article first appeared in Cruise Coffee Table book)

 

 

“Who among the Filipino sex symbols during your younger days has been the most consistent object of your fantasy”? This was my question to several gay men. And answers would always begin with half a minute of silence and a nostalgic smile probably brought about by remembering the days when masturbation was the primary source of sexual release in our lives.

 

A few giggles and some muted laughter would accompany memories of some respondents as they recall slipping inside movie houses just to see Alfie Anido in his skimpy shorts, collecting Kislap magazines for a photo of Richard Gomez or Gabby Concepcion in their swimming trunks or silently getting glimpses of the Ginoong Pilipinas contestants in their underwear in the “Abante Tonite” tabloid.

 

Since the 1970’s, the entertainment world never ran out of beefcake images to satisfy the ever changing fantasies of every gay man. In the decade of the martial law up to the 80’s, gay sexual diversions were realized in the images of Vic Vargas, Ernie Garcia, Al Tantay, Orestes Ojeda, Daniel Fernando and Gino Antonio.

 

Gay men from the 90’s have been blessed with images of Gardo Versoza, Leandro Baldemor, Leonardo Litton, Rodel Velayo and Anton Bernardo courtesy of Seiko films. Who could ever forget this film company’s tagline, “If it’s from Seiko, it must be good”? And their hunks were surely more than good, they were heavenly!

 

Portraying a “beefcake role” would usually assure a new actor a place in local cinematic history. Some of these actors include Allan Paule (Macho Dancer), Lawrence David (Sibak), Coco Martin (Masahista) and Tyron Perez (Midnight Dancers). Perhaps, the adoration of such actors in these memorable roles is a reflection of the fact that many gay men are quite influential when it comes to writing and recording the Filipino cinematic history.

 

Aside from helping out new actors, the “beefcake formula” has proved to be an effective way to prolong the career of countless actors. Matinee idols and “boy-next-door” types would have to be photographed in their under wears at a certain point of their career to mark their readiness for “serious roles”. The biggest actors of the country have stripped off in movies and in fan magazines at one point in their individual careers – Richard Gomez, Christopher De Leon, Cesar Montano, Albert Martinez to name a few.

 

For the gay man especially to the younger ones, the beefcake image of actors and models hold an immense power in itself. Aside from the fact that these materials have surely launched countless orgasmic trajectories, they have also served as a blue print for the kind of men that one always crave for in their lives. The collective power of these images lies in their massive diversity. From the innocent probinsyano, to the naughty college boy, from the hunky daddy to the athletic jock, from the affluent looking boyfriend material to the raw appeal of a blue collared worker, these images have continued to visualize every gay man’s preference for an intimate partner.

 

Considering all these, the beefcake image may be seen as a force that helps sustain the media industry, maintain careers, create sources of income and more importantly, physically represent the gay men’s inner longings in their lives. The power of these images is undoubtedly quite strong, that to some, it’s almost divine.

Selling Sexuality

(written by Lex Bonife, this article was first published in Cruise Coffee Table Book by Viva) 

Just like models and sexy stars, ordinary gay men are also peddlers of their own sexuality. 

For instance, someone who would want to attract other men in the internet should have at least any of the following images in his profile: a face picture preferably a close up; pictures revealing one’s gym-ripped biceps, abs and pectorals; photos of gifted crotches wrapped in designer under wear and of course a showcase of one’s man tools popularly known as “cock pics”. Chances are, the more images you have, the more messages you can receive. But should one prefer to do a partner search in person i.e. clubs, gyms, malls, etc., a gay man is forced to invest in fashionable clothes, gym-toned body and an attractive personality that exudes an aura of success and personal security. 

Selling sexuality is every gay man’s business. And we almost never stop doing this. It is inherent in many aspects of one’s life: career, friends and dating. The sexually attractive gay man has a greater probability of earning more money, creating a wider network of friends and obviously having more partners and more sex.  

In a broader perspective, selling one’s sexuality is a collective behavior that as emphasized earlier is not exclusive to models, actors or porn stars. It is a phenomenon interwoven in our daily lives regardless of one’s sexual preference and marital status. Women crave for their husband’s attention. Straight men crave for adoration from as many women as they can handle.  

This business is found in our everyday choice of clothes, scent, gadgets and lifestyle. It is in our choice of words, in the tone of our voices and even in our slightest gestures when communicating with people. It is rooted in our dreams, fears, hope and aspirations.   

Sigmund Freud was right all along. 

But what exactly is the purpose of selling sexuality? For one, it is about getting attention, favors and even trust from the society we interact with. We listen to beautiful people. The sexy person gets a special consideration. In advertising, we pay for what they ask us to buy. And in many instances, we even trust them to be our government leaders. Sexuality indeed is a tool of power. 

To several individuals, this behavior is also a deep source of psychological pleasure. The stares from admirers, the curious hits in your personal website, countless people asking you out for a date – all these attention could temporarily bring in self fulfillment. And such feelings of being wanted can easily overwhelm the normal and most especially the neurotic person. 

A strong sex appeal is a solid rock within the foundations of a relationship. The more attractive partner can always use his sexuality to his favor. Personal insecurity can always threaten the less attractive partner. The charming one wins the bargain with less effort. Sex appeal is indeed a strong influence in the management of intimacy and the dynamics of control between lovers.  

Every single day, we are in the business of marketing our own selves and our own sexuality. Because the truth is, life tends to be a lot easier for those with the sex appeal.

Ang Lalake sa Parola (The Man in the Lighthouse)

“Ang Lalake sa Parola (The Man in the Lighthouse)” is my first screenplay directed by Joselito Altarejos.

 It received a “Grade B” from the Cinema Evaluation Board and was cited by the Manila Tribune as one of the best Filipino films of 2007. It was also the highest grossing digital film released for that year.

 SYNOPSIS:

After meeting Mateo (Harry Laurel), a lighthouse caretaker, Jerome (Justin de Leon), a gay man from the city finds himself deeply attracted to this simple yet seductive man.  Soon, Mateo finds himself entering a subtle homoerotic journey with his newfound friend, while Suzet (Jennifer Lee), Mateo’s girlfriend, continues to struggle for his love and attention.

Will Mateo bravely cross the thin line between being straight and being gay in the midst of his conservative rural community? This story is a search for oneself as seen through the lens of rural homosexuality, legends and fairies and the lies that men create to escape the bitter realities of this world.