Editor’s Note
One month before our 19th anniversary, we give you another landmark issue. For the first time in this magazine’s history, we are featuring on our cover a same sex married couple: Tim Yap and Javi Martinez. Tim is no stranger to Philippine society, but he is also one of our closest and dearest friends. He is a trailblazer in all he does (TV and events hosting, club business, events promotion, etc). There is no one like him in his generation; but because of him, many have followed. Javi, who was born in Madrid, is a successful events director, who has done some of the most magnificent weddings and launch parties. They got married three years ago in New York and are a few of the very visible gay couples that have come out of their shell and are proud of their union.
The theme of this month is optimism, and there’s nothing more optimistic than love. We want to showcase love in all its forms and splendour, to be inclusive no matter what gender, race and creed you are. Their story is truly one of fighting against all odds, of finding acceptance and of changing the stereotypes of being gay. To Tim and Javi who have broken down the norms, changed the landscape and helped put a face to the “future normal”, never stop believing and celebrating your love and your narrative.
This is the first issue since March where we were able to do a photoshoot again. One of the best photographers in the country, Mark Nicdao, was at the helm, and he told us that this was his first shoot as well after the quarantine. It was uncanny and surreal, having to take the rapid test, to keep socially distant and wear masks the whole time of the shoot. Nevertheless, we are not complaining and are ecstatic with the outcome.
To complement this month’s cover story, we tackle the history of the Gay Pride movement in the country as well as the issues the LGBTQ+ community is facing today. We interviewed BJ Pascual, Jon-jon Rufino, Queenmelo Esguerra , Samantha Samonte and Leah Castañeda, who are advocates of the movement, to know what needs to be done for the hearts and mindsets to be changed in the nation.
As you navigate through this month’s issue, you will come across a feature on the graduating class of 2020. We ask them their thoughts and hopes, given the threat of the pandemic. They may not have had the pomp and pageantry traditional to a graduating class, but they have a wealth of empathy, character and hope to change and help make this a better world.
Our other articles include asking connoisseurs from music, arts, philanthropy, stocks, literature, etc to speak to us about their expertise, so that when you find yourself at a cocktail or dinner, you will have something to contribute. We cannot go out to parties yet, but it pays to be ready. We have an interview of Hollywood Fil-Am actor Manny Jacinto (someone to watch out for); a profile of National Geographic photographer Hannah Reyes Morales who has been reaping accolades for her work; and a travel feature on Asia personalities and where they want to go when the virus is no longer a threat, a tribute to our never ending wanderlust.
We will catch you next month as we celebrate 19 years of Tatler Philippines. We are elated beyond words and can’t wait to share this special and commemorative issue with you! Till then, spread the love!
–Anton San Diego, Editor in Chief