NOTE: Utopia actively promotes gay social alternatives to the commercial sex trade. Please help us keep these listings current and correct. Special thanks to carlianz22, Ryan, Kjell, Oscar, Michael, Kenneth, Kent, Walt, Michael G., Jovem, J.D., Wetzki, Mark, Ken, Markos, Jeff, Edward and Phillip!
Recently, the Committee on Human Rights of the House
of Representatives “approved in principle” what could
be the first legislative measure on LGBT human rights
in the country. H.B. 2784, more popularly known as the
Anti-Discrimination Bill, seeks to criminalize
discriminatory practices and policies against Filipino
homosexuals. Such discriminatory offenses include
policies of some schools that prohibit the admission
of gay applicants and the use of homosexuality as a
cause or reason for the dismissal of lesbian and gay
employees. It also intends to punish medical
institutions and commercial establishments that refuse
or maltreat Filipino homosexuals.
The Anti-Discrimination Bill is authored by Akbayan
Rep. Loretta Ann Rosales and was formulated after a
series of innovative dialogues with LAGABLAB, or the
Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network.
Utopia has assembled the world's first guide to the G&L scene in 16 Asian countries including complete listings for the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Nepal, plus "best of" listings for select major cities in a dozen other countries. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians and gay travelers. Click here to order the collector's First Edition
Looking for some Leyte singles on your trip to the Philippines? Just look online. There are many dating sites where you can find single men and women around the world, so you're bound to find love soon.
Comments from Utopians:
"For the adventurous, the Philippines has much to offer: beautiful beach resorts at bargain prices, winsome smiles and a friendly mabuhay (hello) from nearly everyone, and gorgeous gay men who would like nothing more than to share some romantic times with the right guy. After a quick glance at the various gay guidebooks and Internet web sites covering Southeast Asia, I assumed that the gay scene in the Philippines was minimal: few gay bars or other establishments are listed. As the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country I also made the mistake of assuming that whatever gay life there was in this country must be deeply hidden. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gay men and women appear to be so integrated into the general society that there is less need for a highly-organized gay sub-culture. Society at large appears to be tolerant of gay lifestyles in ways that would be unthinkable in most other countries within the region. One movie shown on national TV while I was visiting depicted the life of a married couple and the husband's gay lover who helped to support the family and also had a friendly relationship with the husband's wife. There is also a Filipino TV show, called '1for3', which features a gay male couple. I was pleasantly surprised to see how straight Filipino men interact with gay co-workers. The straight guys teased the gays about their sexual orientation, but in a nice way that also revealed how much they valued their friendship. My Filipino boyfriend from Boracay Island also advised me that the Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality is rarely emphasized and that many gay Filipinos are active and integrated Catholics." -- Markos, Oct 14, 1998
Local publication especially developed for gay men and women, metrosexuals and liberal minds. the lifestyle-conscious, shop-savvy, socially-aware, party-loving and liberal individuals -- Generation Pink. The magazine specifically showcases personalities, fashion, music, literature, theater, movies, parties and more. Artful lay-outs and high-quality. Proceeds from the magazine go to HIV/AIDS awareness programs in the Philippines as well as youth advocacy.
Golden Legacy Bld Unit 304, 98 Xavierville Ave Corner E. Abada St, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, 433-0674, 0921-784-3260, email. A national organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Filipinos, founded on September 1, 2003. It supports legislation for non-discrimination against LGBTs and equal opportunities for them.
1-908-888-2428 anytime anywhere in the Philippines, 10 Philippine pesos per minute for virtual or live chats and information on the local lifestyle and recreation scene for gay/bisexual/lesbian Filipinos and friends.
Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB)
LAGABLAB
is the largest network of LGBT groups in the Philippines and has actively campaigned against discrimination, along with Amnesty International Pilipinas, an international human rights NGO.
Mailing address: 2577 A. Bonifacio St., Bangkal, Makati City 1233 Philippines, email. A membership organization of educators committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights education and empowerment among vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly among communities of bakla, gay, bisexual and other MSM (men who have sex with men).
A network of individuals and representatives of private companies, NGOs and participating government agencies including the Department of Tourism (DOT) that help facilitate publicity and participation of the local GLBT community in Pride events.
Suite 1005, Medical Plaza Ortigas Building, 10th Fl, 25 San Miguel Ave, Pasig City, Metropolitan Manila, (63-2) 412-8349, FAX 636-8823, email. November 5-9, 2003 at the Ayala Greenbelt Theater, Makati City. This festival has been organized to benefit HIV/AIDS education, awareness, prevention and care in the Philippines; and to enhance development of local filmmaking through exhibition of international films and videos.
35 Scout Delgado St, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, (632) 367-3109, FAX 371-2302, email. Gay rights and service organization providing public education, counseling, publicity for gay events, human rights advocacies, sports activities and health advice since 1993. Progay led the first Gay March in Asia on June 26, 1994. Sponsors the Pink Film Festival and other pride events.
Email. A network of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations and LGBT-friendly groups committed to promoting respect for the diverse expressions of responsible sexuality, and the recognition of the right of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders to a dignified life without discrimination and prejudice. They organize the annual Philippine Pride festival.
BAGUIO (Cordillera)
The population of Baguio is over 260,000 (that's over 10,000 Utopians).
Comments from Utopians:
"Baguio is very quaint and exciting, abounding in beautiful guys. But the city airport was surprisingly small and the location on top of a mountain that goes uphill when you land was a bit scary for me. Once on the ground and a distance to the center of the city you are engulfed in a beautiful cool environment and the locals become very hot and spicy." -- a_winslow200, May 1, 2006
"Baguio is a wild place once you work it out. The hunks are outstanding in this town." -- Neomatrix, Dec 2, 2005
Unit 4,5,6 Nevada Square, 1 Loakan Rd (near the entrance gate of Camp John Hay). 092-8401-2868. Very nice and cozy bar. Most popular dance bar in Baguio City. Opened in Feb 2005.
"When you get tired of the hectic Manila scene, fly out to the island of Boracay for as low as US$200 for a couple of days. The men are gorgeous, and personable! The servers at restaurants are always attentive, but never intrusive." -- redd, Apr 27, 2006
"Boracay is also accessible by air from Manila and some other cities, with Asian Spirits airline.
The flight takes you direct to Caticlan from where you take a short boat journey to Boracay. A
little more expensive than Philippine Airline to Kalibo, but a much shorter trip." -- Kevin, Oct 14, 2003
"After a few days of cruising Metro Manila's crowded, traffic-snarled streets you'll likely be yearning to make a get-away. Boracay Island is one of the more delightful holiday spots, popular during high season (November through April). Even during low season the weather can be quite nice and you will not have to put up with the throngs of tourists. Hotel rates, meal prices and other services are also discounted heavily from May through October. To get to Boracay you can catch one of the daily flights offered by Philippine Airlines to Kalibo. From there take a two-hour bus ride to Caticlan where you can catch a boat ride to one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia (try to catch the Southwest Tours bus and boat connection as they will do their utmost to transport you with a minimum of muss and fuss). Don't worry about being bored by the two-hour bus ride as you will have ample opportunity to see dozens of smiling Filipinos as you pass through the small towns along the way. Be sure to wear your shorts and sandals before you board the boat at Caticlan as you must walk through some water to get on and off the boat. Otherwise you'll just have to be carried on and off the boat by one of the strong Filipino seamen!" -- Markos, Oct 14, 1998
Manggayad, Malay Aklan (near Lorenzo Resort), White Beach, 634-2639. The owner will direct you to the bars and nightclubs where gay people go.
Coco Loco
Malay Aklan (near Boracay Beach), 288-3028.
Summer place (mixed)
White Beach
Comments from Utopians:
"Just wanted to update you on Boracay. You're missing Hey Jude, a fantastic bar on Boracay, near D'Mall. It's not GAY but is gay friendly and is the BEST bar on the island." -- Rod, Jan 22, 2004
Beachcomber Disco (mixed)
White Beach.
Sulu Star (mixed)
Southern end of White Beach. Karaoke competitions. Popular with gays.
South section of White Beach, near the rocks, daytime.
Comments from Utopians:
"Boracay Beach -- literally HEAVEN ON EARTH -- I was there for a week in Dec and cried when I left. I spent one week of leisurely beachcombing, sailing and meeting the locals -- definitely a beach you do NOT want to miss in your lifetime!" -- a_winslow200, May 1, 2006
"Unlike the island of Phuket in Thailand, Boracay does not have any gay-specific venues. But rest assured that there are plenty of handsome men here if that is your desire. One place worth visiting in the late evenings is the Sulu Disco, which is located on the main drag across from Boat Station #3 and above the Sulu Thai restaurant. This bar features sing-along contests each night, with the venue turning into a disco sometime after midnight. The two MCs are gay, so if you visit this place with a Filipino friend you should expect some good-natured teasing about having a new boyfriend. Some of the island's sail boat operators also seem to be offering stop-offs at secluded beaches and caves. If you take a late-night stroll down the beach you also might make some interesting encounters. On one midnight walk down the beach I was treated to the vision of a gorgeous, naked man emerging from silver waves that glistened in the moonlight. Another way to meet local guys is to visit one of the late-night beach parties at venues such as Fridays or The Beachcomber where the gay Filipinos working in the island's many restaurants and resort hotels like to go after a long day's work is done. Keep a lookout for a cute sign on the main drag for Marie's Haircuts, which offers beauty services 'for males, females, and the third sex.' Marie reportedly caters to the island's transgender community." -- Markos, Oct 14, 1998
Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao)
The population of Cagayan de Oro is over 600,000 (that's about 25,000 Utopians).
"I am originally from Cagayan de Oro, the gateway to Mindanao, also known as the City of Golden Friendship. It is the fastest growing city in the Philippines. There is so much to see here, from prehistoric caves to the white water rafting, from beautiful country scenery, to the nearby mountainous province of Bukidnon. People from neighboring cities around Mindanao come here every weekend to enjoy parties and nightlife. Gay life is abundunt. The city is young but has preserved its greenery. Visitors love our colorfully decorated jeepneys. Come and experience this peaceful paradise." -- kamiguy, Aug 29, 2006
Rizal Gomez St, (63-927) 394-9121, email. Gay bar with KTV VIP-rooms, darts, billards, shows and more. Utopia Member Discount
Comments from Utopians:
"Navigator is located at Osmena St (near Discovery Hotel and Limketkai Mall), 856-5628. You can go there riding a motorela or a taxi. Motorela would cost P$5/person from Divisoria and taxi would cost around P$40 from Divisoria. It is a strip club. On Fri and Sat they have special singing and performing events. Admission is only P$50, beer is P$80/bottle and rum and coke is P$210. The manager's name is Toto." -- Sekjr, Nov 24, 2007
"In Cagayan de Oro, try Navigator." -- kamiguy, Aug 29, 2006
Divisoria Downtown
Gaisano Mall
Limketkai Mall
McArthur Park (popular around this area)
Opol Beach
Ororama Megacenter
Pelaez Sports Center
The Site
Limketkai Rosario Arcade. Most gays hang around here on weekends.
SM Mall
Comments from Utopians:
"The Park Café in the downtown area of Divisoria is a favourite hangout for gay people." -- kamiguy, Aug 30, 2006
Comments from Utopians:
"The gay-friendly internet cafe in Cagayan de oro is Neverland Café and Cyvilnet Café" -- kamiguy, Aug 30, 2006
Camiguin Island
Camiguin is the 2nd smallest province of Philippines. Camiguin Island is in the Bohol Sea.
Comments from Utopians:
"Camiguin Island is a gay haven every Holy Week. Many gather here from nearby cities. It's like a gay paradise for people from Northern Mindanao, especially gays from Cagayan de Oro." -- kamiguy, Aug 29, 2006
CEBU (Visaya) -- area code (63-32)
The population of Cebu is over 750,000 (that's over 30,000 Utopians).
"If you are looking for hook-ups or something like a gay scene, Café Theatro at Crossroads Mall is the place to be." -- stede26, Nov 9, 2007
"Nothing specifically GAY in Cebu. The closest you have is Café Theatro at Crossroads Mall in Banilad (take a taxi, just say CROSSROADS). It's close to Vudu -- the premiere nightclub in the city. Open 7 days but happening only in the weekends. Vudu gets cruisy too sometimes. Yo Latino and East-West Cafe at THE VILLAGE are gay-friendly and interesting hang-outs. For gogo, try The Hunks and The Navigator, both in Mandaue City, close to Cebu." -- salcedo, Mar 20, 2005
Arcade at Pelaez & Colon intersection
Ayala complex, across from Harrison Plaza and Robinson Mall
Cebu Coliseum Roller Skating
Eden Theater
Colon St, Cebu City
Fuente Osmena skating rink at night
Maroco Beach, Dumlob Talisay
South Expressway Bus Terminal
Ultravistarama Theater
Legaspi St, Cebu City
University of Visayas, Colon St
DAVAO (Southern Mindanao)-- area code (63-82)
The population of Davao is close to 1 million (that's about 40,000 Utopians).
"There's one place at Madrazo Compound, Ponciano Reyes St. The name of the bar is Boyztown. That's the 1st time I saw a gay flag hanging in Davao." -- gorio, Jan 14, 2008
Boulevard Strip
Gaisano Mall
Ilustre Avenue
Lawaan Theater
Rizal Promenade, Mi Piace
Victoria Plaza
Hinunangan (Southern Leyte)
The population of Hinunangan is over 30,000 (that's over 1,200 Utopians).
Click here for Hinunangan hotels and accommodations.
Mandaue
Comments from Utopians:
"Try The Hunks and The Navigator, both in Mandaue City." -- salcedo, Mar 20, 2005
"Last Weekend was another smashing success for the Philippine gay community in Puerto Galera. It's been years since I have seen such a great concentration of gay men in that beach. It is possible the fear of travel due to the SARS has persuaded many to go for the local tourist spots instead of the favorite foreign destinations such as HK, Singapore or Thailand. There was also a Miss Gay contest held. The bushes near the beach has never been this busy. It was good the Library Foundation, our local Gay Lesbian health watchdog was there to give away leaflets information on safe sex as well as sell condoms and lubricants." -- Michael G., April 21, 2003
"Puerto Galera, like Boracay, is a beach destination popular with locals, on the island of Mindoro. It is accessible by regular boats and motorized bancas (local boats with rigs) from the Port of Batangas. The port is quite modern and it has a parking space for long term parking in case you bring your car. There are roll-on/roll-off ferries if you want to drive your own car, but the hassle is not worth it. The port is accessible by bus from Manila. It takes less than two hours to get there. Hotels can often arrange bus and round trip boat packages to and from Puerto Galera. The beach sand (beige to light brown) is not quite as nice as Boracay. There are many beaches on Puerto Galera, but the most popular for the local gay scene is White beach. The place usually goes wild on long weekends or holidays, especially during Holy Week. There are rocky areas on the left and right side of White Beach which are inviting for cruising. There are also waterfalls near the beach, and another one accessible by boat. One can also go mountain climbing, the ascent is easy for neophytes." -- Michael G., May 10, 2001
East end of White Beach, walking towards Minolo Bay, in the bushes.
The rocks on the other end of White Beach, towards Aninuan Beach, afternoons.
May 2008
What's Up In PHILIPPINES
1 May (Thu):
LABOUR DAY Public Holiday
ADD YOUR OWN EVENT to this list by promoting on UTOPIA. Click here for more details.
SPHINX, Bangkok's popular eatery now open in Phuket!
Lesbian listings
Utopia Member Discount
![[HOME PAGE]](homopage.gif)
SPHINX, Bangkok's popular eatery now open in Phuket!
