Program, talent contest

The United LGBT of the Philippines (ULP) is gearing up for a series of events that include a livelihood program to provide professional trainings and seminars for the LGBT community, and a talent contest titled “May K Ka Ba? LGBT Got Talent.”

These activities come after ULP, with the support of Korina Sanchez-Roxas and her Sunday magazine show “Rated K,” mounted the first ever “KeriBeks” job fair the other day at SM North EDSA Skydome. The job fair opened to all Filipino lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender men and women who are seeking employment. Project Red Ribbon also conducted a free seminar on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. The event culminated with special performances by boy band 1:43 and singer Dessa.

The whole day event was the followup to the “KeriBeks National Gay Congress” held at the Araneta Coliseum last August.

“KeriBeks” is the brainchild of several gay men from the entertainment industry. These gay men have gone through many trials in their lives yet they still managed to hold jobs and support their families and loved ones. The group aspired to mount an event that would inspire, motivate, celebrate, and educate gay men, who like them, come from different walks of life.

Aside from “Rated K’s” “Handog Tsinelas Campaign,” “KeriBeks” is one of the major advocacies of Korina, which her husband, presidential candidate Mar Roxas, fully supports.

“I’ve been in the business for over 30 years and gays has always been there for me,” said Korina. “They were with me through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad times of life. They accepted me for who I am unconditionally.”

She added, “For me they are heroes because they support their families, they send their nephews and nieces to school – and they still manage to be fabulous!”