Ambient Masthead tags
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Like or Dislike: Alyanna Martinez's Outfit During the Mega Event
Labels:
Like or Dislike,
stylist
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Much of a Team Player
Image courtesy of www.canstockphoto.com
Finally, the wife had enough and threatened to leave him and bring along their kids. TP grew up with a very strict mother who raised him and his siblings single-handedly when his father abandoned them at an early age. The threat from his wife jolted him. TP soon realized that his family mattered most. Soon, with his wife's support together with other religious personalities, TP had a major conversion. The most drastic change happened when the old entourage was banned from his home. TP then gave away his old possessions, everything that was connected to his old, despised lifestyle. He and his family began reading the Bible and found justification in the Word of God. Within a few weeks, TP became a changed man and lived it. Suddenly, he started to preach and testify to people about his transformation . While TP found his inner peace, he was not spared from those who want to dip their fingers into his pie.
In one gathering, a religious personality commented on the awful sound system. In a few minutes, TP signed a check for the purchase of a new sound system for their fellowship services. Then, another head of a church admired TP's nice car. The next day, a car was given to the pastor courtesy of TP. Still, another one lamented the need for a bigger venue for their gathering. So, TP donated a piece of land and the construction of the bigger venue. Of course, this kind of generosity (or abuse) did not escape his alert and eagle-eyed wife.
Although TP had been transformed in more ways than one, it seemed that the people around him have not seen him beyond being an ATM or cash machine. TP is trapped in a difficult situation where he could not afford to ignore financial requests from his organization. Otherwise, he will be in a quandary where he can be subject to criticism for not being a "happy giver," a most-abused term often used by some of those running a similar organization. At this point in his life, apart from his family, TP takes his spiritual life very seriously. And anything that merits acceptance to a religious organization that he believes in is of paramount importance. This is quite a touchy situation to be in. Makes one think - when TP is stripped off his material wealth, will the people in the organization still treat him accordingly?
Can you identify who TP is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Athlete,
Blind Item
Friday, July 13, 2012
Her Wish Should be Granted
Image courtesy of www.123rf.com
When it was reported that a versatile performer (VP) was enamoured with the attention given to her by a young hunk (YH), people immediately branded it as another gimmick concocted by their network. After all, it seemed to be an impossible partnership because her conservative family closely guarded VP, while YH had a playboy image. However, their first movie as love team showed that they had chemistry, and fans hoped they would become an item in real life. VP's was complacent because it was clear from the very start, that the scenario was really just make believe. Having the element of love would keep people interested in VP, and YH needed a change of image after his break up.
The tandem of VP and YH brought in another movie and a third movie was already being drawn. What people did not know was that both had began to fall in love for real. Sensing something was not going on as planned, VP's camp declined the third movie. This decision affected VP because she was also banned from seeing YH. To make matters worse, YH was no longer allowed to visit her even if he asked permission. VP had to air out her feelings to friends, who encouraged her to do what was right. VP continued the open relationship she shared with YH.
The shock came when VP did something in a public event where her family was present. VP expressed her desire to be given the gifts of freedom and love. This revelation was allegedly not part of the script, which also infuriated a member of VP’s family. The audience, however, sensed it was about the feelings VP had for YH, who was also present to watch her perform.
The other day, VP and YH were seen in a private event, where YH was part of the entourage. Was VP finally showing signs of defiance? Did she join YH without telling her family or did her family finally grant the wishes she had long desired? At almost a quarter of a century old, isn’t it about time for VP to grow up and to be allowed to live the life that she wants? What do you think, readers?
Can you identify who VP and YH are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actor,
Actress,
Blind Item,
Singer
What Happened to the Abs of Jake Cuenca?
Labels:
Actor
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Keep Her Behavior in Check
Image courtesy of www.myfashionjuice.com
Sometime ago, diminutive actress (DA) gifted the hottest actor (HA) from the rival network with an expensive accessory (FP sources said it was an Hermes belt.) The people who saw the gift wondered why DA would splurge a huge amount on HA. First, apart from the fact that they are from rival networks, DA and HA have never worked together on a project. Second, both do not really have chemistry in terms of their career image. Third, there was no special occasion/event for the gift.
Apparently, DA is quite smitten with HA and in this instance, she does not hesitate to show how much she likes him. Unfortunately, HA seems not interested. After all, he belongs under the supervision of a very influential executive, who can very well give him more than a dozen Hermes belts. Given the denying record of DA, people will not be surprised if she refutes the veracity of this story. Besides, her network might not like the idea of their star giving gifts to a fellow star from the other network. And even in these modern times, people still frown when girls make the first move. (As an aside, someone actually created a page in Facebook for DA and HA.)
Shortly after this story came out, press releases say that DA is now eyeing a model actor from her network. Is this a way to fan out the flame caused by DA’s gift-giving?
Do you know who DA and HA are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actor,
Actress,
Blind Item
Inspiration or Imitation: Givenchy vs. Charina Sarte
Labels:
Inspiration or Imitation
Thank you, Dolphy.
Image courtesy of www.eripplescebu.com
Rodolfo Vera Quizon brought life and laughter to several generations for sixty long and fun-filled years. We all grew up with the man who has remained humble and fun to his final dying days.
He was 83, would have been 84 had he made it to his birthday on July 25. He had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and died from cardiac arrest at 8:34pm last night at Makati Medical Center.
He danced, he sang, he acted to our hearts' content. Our parents and grandparents had only good things to say of the man who entertained and made them laugh when internet, twitter and facebook were not even in anyone's consciousness.
We grew up knowing John Puruntong, the generation after me will remember him as Kevin Cosme. He lived through 10 Philippine Presidents from Quirino to PNoy. All had nothing but only good words for the King of Comedy.
Sixty years of non-stop entertaining is a tough act to follow for the man who was at the top of his game, yet remained humble and real till the very end.
Behind the camera, he helped people quietly, without fanfare. He gave till it hurt. He was loved. To people whose lives he had touched, Dolphy was a friend, a father, an angel.
Thank you for the memories. There's nothing we can offer but prayers that you find peace in the after life. You will be greatly missed, that's for sure. Millions will cry. But your legacy will stand out. Forever it will only be... DOLPHY.
Labels:
Commentary
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Mother versus Manager
Image courtesy of www.thelocal.se
When the mother of YA (MY) got wind of the request, she took it calmly and said she was fine with the behavior of her daughter. However, when MY and TM found themselves together in an event, MY gave TM a piece of her mind in the presence of other managers. First, she said there was nothing wrong because YA and VA were both single. Therefore, there was no need for that information to be sent to the network. Second, as a mother she trusted that her daughter would not engage in scandalous behavior, and that no one had the right to tell her what to do with her daughter. (Looking back, YA did not grow up with MY because she left YA to a family member when she was little. MY went abroad to work, where she found love. However, when she had enough of her stint abroad, MY came home and made up for the lost times with her daughter.)
TM kept calm and simply allowed MY to rant. However, the last line of MY almost infuriated him. MY said that perhaps the reason why TM approached the management was that he had another agenda with VA. The reason for such a statement was that VA actually lived in the same pad where TM also stayed. As a talent manager, he allowed VA to stay with him until VA was ready to have his own place.
The latest is that YA and VA have gone separate ways. YA already found a new love in the same network where VA works. VA has earned praises for his characterizations of the diverse roles he played in movies and teleseryes. Meanwhile, MY is enjoying a resurgence of her career and showing to the public she can be a very good actress regardless of the genre. As for TM, he still handles the careers of the most good-looking and talented set of actors.
Do you know who TM, VA, YA, and MY are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actor,
Actress,
Blind Item,
Manager
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
She's No Heartbreaker
MC developed a friendship with another talent (AT) who was later declared as one of the big winners in a reality show. MC and AT were together for a time but AT kept quiet because both of them wanted to protect MC's image. And so, they both denied they were in a relationship. However, this strategy backfired because MC was pictured as the “bad girl” in a number of showbiz relationship break-ups. For example, MC was pinpointed as the reason why young star and her hunky boyfriend broke up. She was also blamed for ending the relationship of AT with his non-showbiz girlfriend. Even MC was linked to another hunk actor who is going steady with the queen of his network.
MC was seen with AT at his home province, and she had met his family. They even travelled together out of the country. AT was very supportive when MC was bestowed an honor given to someone endowed with over-all fitness and physical looks. The surprise came when the press leaked information that AT was courting a young actress (YA) of his network, while MC was dating a non-showbiz athlete. Earlier, MC, AT, and YA developed a close friendship and they followed each other over twitter. Late last year, someone overheard a significant person in MC’s life saying that MC and AT have indeed broken up, and that MC has unfollowed YA on twitter. This strange turn of events actually places YA as the “reason” why MC and AT broke up. Hence, MC is not a heartbreaker after all, as it was she whose heart got broken.
Can you identify who MC, AT and YA are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actress,
Blind Item
Monday, July 9, 2012
Roderick Paulate Suspended over 'Ghost Employees'
Image courtesy of www.kakulay.blog.com
MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the preventive suspension of actor and Quezon City councilor Roderick Paulate in connection with raps filed against him and three others for supposedly hiring ghost employees.
Paulate, councilor Francisco Calalay, Jr., and liaison officers Flordeliza Alvarez and Vicente Bajamunde are facing charges of Serious Dishonesty, Gross Neglect of Duty, Grave Misconduct, Falsification of Official Documents, and Conduct Grossly Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service.
Morales found sufficient grounds to suspend them for six months without pay.
The 11-page order dated July 5, 2012 states that “strong evidence of guilt on the part of the respondents… the indorsement of these contractual employees to the Legislative Department and their attestation that these employees rendered services, tend to show that they knowingly or willfully used their positions in placing under the employ of the local government of Quezon City."
The Field Investigation Office noted that the National Statistics Office (NSO) and theNational Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have no records of birth or records or clearances, respectively, of a number of these contractual persons.
The investigation was hinged on the complaint filed by Jimmy Lee Davis, a “QC insider”.
The ghost employees supposedly received monthly wages ranging from P2,500 to P5,000.
For the period January to November 2010, Calalay allegedly maintained a total of 29 ghost employees, while Paulate maintained 30 for the period July 2010 to November 2010.
Calalay supposedly disbursed a total of P2,175,000 while Paulate disbursed P1,125,000.
Source: ABS-CBNnews.com
Labels:
News
The One That Got Away
Image courtesy of www.tradebit.com
DA preferred a certain roughness and challenge with her men. For example, DA allegedly had an affair with an athlete host actor (AH). The complication was that AH was in what was then a solid relationship with another actress of the network. Then, DA was observed to be charming her way into the arms of a cute actor model (CM). The problem was that CM was not a local boy, and was candid enough to admit that he was in a relationship. Still, that did not stop DA from showing flirtatious behavior towards CM.
A few weeks back, DA found the opportunity to corner an actor singer (AS) of her network. Since both DA and AS were performing in the same concert, DA thought she could have some private time with AS. He happened to be one of the good-looking performers of the network, and one of the most talented, too. Moreover, his love life is quiet, even though he said he found someone in his recent trip abroad. One night, DA went to the room of AS, and knocked on the door. AS, having sensed that it was DA, pretended to sleep. DA waited for the door to open, but AS remained still. Is AS aware that DA is called “hagip” behind her back? When DA wants her man, she merely “sideswipes” him, but her ways did not work on AS.
Do you know who DA, BT, AH, CM and AS are? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actor,
Actress,
Blind Item
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Rationalizing the Gimmick
Image courtesy of www.docstoc.com
An issue that was accidentally discovered is that OH herself was feeding the press the intrigue regarding the impending end of the show over poor ratings. Hence, OH jumped the gun by leaving ahead of everyone else. In addition, the staff noticed that while she was on the show, OH complained a lot, was quite fussy, and was busy with other matters most of the time.
The news is that another host has already been tapped to fill in the role of OH. The other hosts also seem not to have been affected by her leaving. If the show does fold up soon, then OH did find a good excuse for her “untimely” exit from the show, and she keeps her record of quitting while still ahead of the pack.
Can you identify who OH is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actress,
Blind Item
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Worries of the Sexy Actress
Image courtesy of www.dreamstime.com
SA explored other horizons and other possible ranges of her talent. She had a guest stint in a show of another network and people thought she was moving. After a few shows, she was not seen anymore. Rumors were rife that the host might have had a thing or two for her and that she turned him down. However, that story was refuted because she did fit the type the host would fall for. Sadly, they blamed her outfits as being too risky for the show. Another angle has something to do with a misunderstanding regarding her talent fee. It’s not that SA is materialistic, but she’s known for being careful with money.
More colorful than her career is her love life. SA has been linked to a sexy turned drama actor, an athlete, a former child actor, and even to politicians. SA would always come to the point that she seemed to be about to marry. Then, the next news would be her break up. However, a persistent rumor is the one that linked her to a politician. SA never denied nor confirmed her links with the politician, and no one was brave enough to present proof that the politician was not faithful to his wife. To make matters worse, SA got the scare of her life when she was being linked to the investigation of corruption charges against the said politician. SA was alleged to have been given a house by the said benefactor. Suddenly, her world could have been thrown in a scandal that would not be funny at all. For now, SA is lying low as far as her career is concerned. However, SA is also seen having another comedian in tow.
Can you identify who SA is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actress,
Blind Item
Benchingko Trailer
Labels:
Bench,
Press Release
Friday, July 6, 2012
A Tale of Two Endorsers
Image courtesy of www.fanpop.com
Even if she comes from a wealthy lineage, first endorser (FE) works very hard to make a living. FE has earned her status by dint of hard work, media exposure, and ability to rise even amidst of the worst of controversies. Despite what her detractors say, FE remains among the top product endorsers of the country. Without a doubt, her possessions are earned - literally and figuratively, from long work hours of taping, hosting, modeling, among others.
In terms of popularity, this other endorser (OE) belongs to a league of her own. OE was able to move networks, sustain supportive relationships, and transcend boundaries of performances successfully. This girl knows no limits as far as what she wants to achieve is concerned. Throughout the years, OE worked hard as shown by her very visible presence in media. Because of her immense popularity, she belongs to the circle of trusted and credible endorsers.
Recently, a story is abuzz that OE is the new owner of a pricey condominium unit. Unlike FE who took a while before being able to afford purchasing one, it was quicker for OE to afford this one which has raised doubts from observers.
The question is how was OE able to afford such an expensive purchase. Observers now raise doubts about the credibility of ownership of the said possession. Is it possible that OE has a rich and generous benefactor who could be behind all of this?
Can you identify who OE is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actress,
Blind Item
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Prize of Accolades
Image courtesy of www.jmhmarketing.com
The story of hotshot discovery (HD) is nothing new in showbiz circles. When he was starting out, HD was just one of the boys in the talent pool of a network. He played supporting roles in non-primetime shows, thus his exposure did not generate much interest. It was only after a real life drama that HD got involved in, that somehow the public got to notice him. His co-participant in the drama, a promising female lead (FL) was forced to take a break from showbiz as a matter of course. As thus, it was HD who got suddenly thrust into the limelight. People became curious of him. But given that, still, HD was dismissed as ordinary because he did not possess the matinee idol looks - hunk body and an acting potential of a serious primetime lead.
Alas, all those weaknesses took a 180- degree turn when HD left his network and transferred to another. Overnight, his name became hot and suddenly, he exuded a certain appeal that was quite the opposite of the shy image in his previous home. He started showing off his body in provocative shoots. He became visible in magazines and other media. In less than a month, he had gotten significant roles in drama tv projects. And in no time, came his biggest break in the top drama series of the network.
And not too long ago, HD won an acting award for a movie. The award came from one of the prestigious award-giving bodies such that winning the recognition added another feather in his cap, so to speak. However, during his acceptance speech, HD did not acknowledge FL and their love child. In his interviews regarding the award, there was no mention of the significant people in his life. Viewers dismissed his behavior as a result of the network war because FL, who is the mother of his son, works for the rival station. Rumor has it that a top executive instructed HD not to mention them. Otherwise, he will lose his projects. Consequently, HD is bearing the brunt of criticisms for all of these indiscretions. HD had no choice, he had to endure lest he loses the perks being handed down to him by a top network executive. As to how this will entirely affect him and his personal life, only he will be able to tell if the end justifies the means.
Can you identify all the characters in the story? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Enjoy updating my blog using my new I-PAD powered by SMART BRO!
Labels:
Actor,
Blind Item
Amalia Fuentes Stabbed with an Umbrella
Image courtesy of www.pinoyweekly.com
It was learned that Ms. Fuentes and her son went to the tenant to inform him that his check payment had bounced upon bank presentation. She also reprimanded him about his other shortcomings like non-payment of his Meralco bills and violation such as tapping of electricity. It was reported that tenant did not take Fuentes' words kindly, heated words were exchanged and soon he started punching and hitting Jeric at the back with a gun. When Fuentes tried to pacify and mediate, she was likewise punched at the right jaw and was attacked at the back with an umbrella by the tenant's wife. Jeric sustained wounds and cuts in the process. Fuentes and son had the incident blottered, but the tenant and his wife managed to escape from the authorities.
As of seven thirty in the evening last night, mother and son were confined at St. Luke's Medical Center for a series of tests. Both have undergone CT scan of the head, X-ray of the neck and hands, thoracic and skull. According to the doctor, Fuentes' dizziness was caused by her elevated blood pressure.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Resisting Your Charm
Image courtesy of www.amillionmemoriesblog.blogspot.com
The flirty behavior of audacious actress (AA) towards an unassuming lead actor (UA) during a show's rehearsal and the live show itself did not escape the eyes of the people around them. At the rehearsal, AA tried to strike out a conversation with UA several times, something that she didn't do so previously. UA was surprised at the behavior of AA, and tried to just be civil about it. Those who saw them felt the uneasiness of the situation. In one of the gaps of the show, AA started touching the arm of UA, making him uncomfortable. Then, as the show progressed, AA always reacted to whatever UA did or said on or off camera. She smiled, commented, and even winked at him every so often. AA also made it a point to come out of the dressing room the same time as UA did.
Adding to the discomfort of the situation is the fact that AA is in a relationship. Besides, her behavior comes as something unusual because never has she shown fondness for UA in the past. Someone commented that AA behaved similarly in the past before she broke up with a previous boyfriend. Hence, some got worried that AA and her current boyfriend might be in rough sailing. UA is also a prized catch considering that he is not formally committed to anyone as far as the public knows. Is AA setting her eyes on UA despite her relationship? Why does she have a thing for the boys, rather former boys, of a talented singer (TS)? Will UA succumb to the charms of AA, inspite of his reported special feelings for TS? If AA continues to pursue UA, could we expect more intrigues to drag TS into the picture in no time?
Can you identify all the characters in the story? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Love blogging using my new Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook!
Labels:
Actor,
Actress,
Blind Item
Nothing Cheesy Happening?
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Love blogging using my new Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook!
Labels:
Actress,
Politician
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
A Little Hygiene, Please
Image courtesy of www.istockphoto.com
UA has that fresh look. It is as if he had just stepped out of the shower. When UA was just starting in showbiz, he always stood out and got easily noticed because his features were different from the moreno image of the other actors in the network. He was just so physically blessed and talented, too. UA can very well carry a tune and can look quite charming on TV. However, UA should have been more aware and cautious of his personal hygiene when doing projects like photoshoots. Being quite popular that he is, someone might just find it really tempting to smell anything that UA had just worn.
Follow micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving Fashion PULIS.
Love blogging using my new Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook!
Labels:
Actor,
Blind Item
Is She the Alleged 500M PhP Birkin Scammer?
Labels:
Fashion Scam
Anderson Cooper: "The Fact Is, I'm Gay."
Image courtesy of CNN
All of which is a prelude to my saying that I've known Anderson Cooper as a friend for more than two decades. I asked him for his feedback on this subject, for reasons that are probably obvious to most. Here's his email in response which he has given me permission to post here:
Andrew, as you know, the issue you raise is one that I've thought about for years. Even though my job puts me in the public eye, I have tried to maintain some level of privacy in my life. Part of that has been for purely personal reasons. I think most people want some privacy for themselves and the people they are close to.
But I've also wanted to retain some privacy for professional reasons. Since I started as a reporter in war zones 20 years ago, I've often found myself in some very dangerous places. For my safety and the safety of those I work with, I try to blend in as much as possible, and prefer to stick to my job of telling other people’s stories, and not my own. I have found that sometimes the less an interview subject knows about me, the better I can safely and effectively do my job as a journalist.
I've always believed that who a reporter votes for, what religion they are, who they love, should not be something they have to discuss publicly. As long as a journalist shows fairness and honesty in his or her work, their private life shouldn't matter. I’ve stuck to those principles for my entire professional career, even when I’ve been directly asked “the gay question,” which happens occasionally. I did not address my sexual orientation in the memoir I wrote several years ago because it was a book focused on war, disasters, loss and survival. I didn't set out to write about other aspects of my life.
Recently, however, I’ve begun to consider whether the unintended outcomes of maintaining my privacy outweigh personal and professional principle. It’s become clear to me that by remaining silent on certain aspects of my personal life for so long, I have given some the mistaken impression that I am trying to hide something - something that makes me uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid. This is distressing because it is simply not true.
I’ve also been reminded recently that while as a society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible. There continue to be far too many incidences of bullying of young people, as well as discrimination and violence against people of all ages, based on their sexual orientation, and I believe there is value in making clear where I stand.
The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.
I have always been very open and honest about this part of my life with my friends, my family, and my colleagues. In a perfect world, I don't think it's anyone else's business, but I do think there is value in standing up and being counted. I’m not an activist, but I am a human being and I don't give that up by being a journalist.
Since my early days as a reporter, I have worked hard to accurately and fairly portray gay and lesbian people in the media - and to fairly and accurately portray those who for whatever reason disapprove of them. It is not part of my job to push an agenda, but rather to be relentlessly honest in everything I see, say and do. I’ve never wanted to be any kind of reporter other than a good one, and I do not desire to promote any cause other than the truth.
Being a journalist, traveling to remote places, trying to understand people from all walks of life, telling their stories, has been the greatest joy of my professional career, and I hope to continue doing it for a long time to come. But while I feel very blessed to have had so many opportunities as a journalist, I am also blessed far beyond having a great career.
I love, and I am loved.
In my opinion, the ability to love another person is one of God’s greatest gifts, and I thank God every day for enabling me to give and share love with the people in my life. I appreciate your asking me to weigh in on this, and I would be happy for you to share my thoughts with your readers. I still consider myself a reserved person and I hope this doesn’t mean an end to a small amount of personal space. But I do think visibility is important, more important than preserving my reporter’s shield of privacy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)