by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 25, 2022 | Book Reviews
Double Bossed by Rare is one of those books I started to read out of curiosity and later, thankfully, enjoyed. The main characters in this story are the bosses, a gay couple named Jacob and Hardin, and their assistant Faith.
Hardin was sexually abused by his mother when he was a teenager and forced to participate in sex for money. Because of this, he had a strong phobia of women and could not stand to be around them. Jacob encountered Hardin while on vacation and from the moment they met, it was magic. Jacob took him away from that life and they have been together since and established a fashion empire.
Hardin and Jacob never get female employees reporting to them directly because of Hardin’s condition yet of all the applicants to apply for the assistant position, Faith’s stood out.
There was hesitation at first to even interview her because but they gave her a chance. It was worrisome for Hardin because 1) she is female, 2) she is attractive, 3) he could see that Jacob was attracted to her, and 4) although he would not admit it, he was attracted to her, too.
Thankfully, for Faith, she turns out to be the best assistant they’ve ever had. Things start to get interesting when Faith finds herself drawn to both Jacob and Hardin. This started when Jacob would openly caress Hardin in front of her while the 3 are in a meeting. It all comes to a head when they go overseas and all stay at Jacob and Hardin’s house and their feelings for each other surface.
Classifying Double Bossed by Rare as a reverse harem does not really fit the bill since all three participants are in love with and physically attracted to each other. During their trysts, it was not uncommon for one man to be between Faith’s thighs while the other is in his ass at the same time. You’d think it would bother me, but it was well-written in a loving manner, and considering that the men are supposed to be gay, it made sense. I guess, in a way, it means they’re bi for Faith.
You can read Double Bossed by Rare at Goodnovel.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 14, 2022 | Book Reviews
Have you heard about Gay Sugar Daddy by HotTraunasaurus? I came across this on Goodnovel and three things stood out about it … gay, sugar daddy, and the main character is a woman named Estelle.
Estelle is 22 and a sugar baby. This means that she joined an agency that handles all the legalities of her becoming a temporary girlfriend for hire – this entails anything and everything girlfriend related, including sex.
The book actually opens with her having sex with her college professor who happens to be her sugar daddy. Their relationship is a secret and only lasts as long as the contract dictates. To date, she has never allowed an extension to the contract, no matter how much the sugar daddy asked for one.
Her professor was her last sugar daddy before the agency matches her with Owen.
Owen is a chef. He is handsome and charming, and everyone knows he is gay … which is why she didn’t understand what was expected of her. Owen goes on to tell her that while he was happy as a gay man, he wanted to know if he was gay because he was never physically involved with women and was surrounded by men his entire life or if he just really preferred being with men.
Estelle found this challenge intriguing and the fact that he was willing to pay triple, and have her stay at his mansion the entire time, while still allowing her a regular life (aka a job) made the decision easy.
Reading their relationship and love unfold was fun and interesting and the direction the story took halfway through was surprising and disturbing. At that point, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading or not as the story got darker. I’m ok with some angst in a story, but it got to be too much for me.
As the story progressed it just got heavier and heavier and I again found myself questioning my decision to keep reading. But the thing is … at that point, I was already very invested in the story and just HAD to know how it would end. I’m a fan of happily ever after but I know that it doesn’t always happen in real life. Gay Sugar Daddy by HotTraunasaurus is an interesting story. You should check it out on the Goodnovel app.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 10, 2022 | Book Reviews
The Hybrid Alpha by Bryant is different from most of the shifter romances I have read because it deals with a same-sex relationship which is not usually tackled in popular shifter stories. However, Bryant does it in such a fun and playful way that even those who might otherwise have a problem with it should be able to enjoy most of it.
Alpha heir Andre D’Amore is fabulous to the core! From a very young age, he knew he was gay and he had no problem letting people know it. Thankfully, he has a supportive family. Andre is impulsive, fun and fab, and always the life of the party. At the same time, as an Alpha, he is also strong, charismatic, authoritative, and effective in leading the pack as interim Alpha while his father is indisposed.
Capt. Darren Delaney of Bloodmoon is sent to Incubi by the Bloodmoon Alpha Logan to aid the Incubi in the war against Madonie. A few minutes after landing they are immediately pulled into an encounter with Madonie.
Of all the places for Darren to sense his mate, he didn’t expect it to be on a battlefield in Italy. Imagine his surprise when the wolf shifted to human form to discover his mate is male. All his life he saw himself as straight, he was never even in a gay relationship. But as Andre says, Darren may never have been gay before, but he is gay for Andre. After all, the Moon Goddess does not make mistakes.
If you are looking for a story that will make you giggle from start to finish, then this is the story for you. You can read this as a stand-alone but of course, it would be more fun if you’ve read Alpha of Nightmares first. I enjoyed every moment of reading it and when you finally get to the sex scenes … phew! fans self Super hot!
You can read The Hybrid Alpha by Bryant on Goodnovel. I am eagerly awaiting its release on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback format. I hope it happens soon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 25, 2016 | Events
The Rave Industry is somewhat saturated with artists and festivals. Boxed by commercialism, only a few try to make a difference in the sea of sameness. But there will always be good music, and interesting artists just looking for opportunities to be seen and heard in EDM’s process of evolution. And because fans deserve something new, a new sound and a new experience, we dare to bring them to you.
Equinox: A Drag|Rave Halloween Ball – the most anticipated pre-halloween event
Headlining this event are up and coming Filipino LGBT superstar artists: DJ SweetHeart, SuperStarletXXX and DJ Duo “Boys Can Trance”.
headliners for Equinox
The Ball will also feature a mini Drag Battle segment where Amateur Drag Enthusiasts will lipsync and Dance for their life. Suprise live vocals and performances are also being lined up for the event.
Our goal for the evening
We are taking the opportunity to make a difference and in true spirit of PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity and Respect) we are immersing the RAVE party goers to different subcultures through Music, Artistry, Self Expression and Creativity.
The event serves also as an avenue for promotion of different advocacies concerning self worth, responsible reproductive and sexual health, HIV awareness, treatment and management and sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
When is this happening?
Happening this Friday; October 28, 2016, 11:59PM until morning at the newest Super Club in the Metro; “BeLOW”- Driveway Exit, New World Hotel Makati (beside Greenbelt 3).
Tickets – where to get them and how much do they cost?
Tickets are pre-sold at PHP 350 (w/ 1 free Hennessy VS Cocktail) and can be purchased at SM Ticket Centers at all SM Malls nationwide or online via SM Tickets (click here to be brought to the link directly). Tickets will be sold at Php 400 at the venue on the event date.
The following tables are available:
- Standing/Cocktail table (PHP 5,000) – inclusive of 1 Hennessy VS bottle, 1 mixer, and 13 complimentary tickets
- Couch table (PHP 10,000) – inclusive of Hennessy VS Bottles, 2 mixers, and 25 complimentary tickets
For inquiries and table reservations, kindly contact Equinox Hotline (09064549523) or private message Emergence on Facebook.
Event sponsors
Equinox A Drag|Rave Halloween Ball is brought to you by:
The Halloween Ball involves the participation of the following online media partners:
Philippine Local Media/Groups and Sites:
Social Media Influencers:
Fun, fun, and fun!
So what should everyone expect on October 28? Equinox, a balance of elements in a mix of different subcultures. An Unforgettable experience, a happy place – a Very Special Night for everyone!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 27, 2006 | Theater Review
8 pm … February 26, 2006 … CCP Studio Theater … my friends (Madz, Alz (Madz’ friend), Nudge, Silverhakai, Dekya, and Maigaray, and I watched that AWESOME musical play ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH (Ze Muzikal). I’m actually having some difficulty writing this review because, so far, everything about it is not just good, it’s great! The set, the costumes, the actors, the lines, the music … everything!
In any case, I will try my best to break it down into coherent components … for the benefit of those who may want to see this play. By the way, as far as I know, the tickets are sold out already and they may not extend the show ’cause of the schedule of the actors. Info taken from Carlo Vergara’s blogsite.
Carlo Vergara‘s Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah is considered by many readers and critics alike as a tour de force among the recent crop of Filipino comic books. Combining irreverent humor, pop culture sensibilities, and nuanced writing, Zsazsa Zaturnnah has been postively received by readers of various age groups and economic backgrounds.
Zsazsa Zaturnnah tells the story of Ada, a cynical resident of a small provincial town, who gains superhuman abilities through a stone that falls from the heavens. With the ability to transform into the voluptuous and powerful Zaturnnah, Ada defends his hometown from dangerous otherworldly threats.
Adding color to this simple tale is the fact that Ada is a homosexual, proprietor of his own quaint beauty salon. Joining him in his extraordinary adventure is his frilly-mouthed assistant Didi and his secret love Dodong. Because of strong language and suggestive imagery, the comic book is strictly for mature readers.
Zsazsa Zaturnnah was first released in December 2002 as a two-part limited series, and since then has been prominently featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Businessworld, Manila Standard, Art Quarterly Manila, Culture Crash, etc. as well as the television show Knowledge Power.
After winning a much-coveted National Book Award, given out by the discriminating Manila Critics Circle, the two part Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah has been compiled into a single trade paperback by Visual Print Enterprises, and should hit the shelves of major bookstores within the first half of 2004.
For more information on the Collected Edition of Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah , please email Visual Print Enterprises through bo**********@******nt.net
The Author
Carlo Vergara — I have a funny feeling he is not only a Trekkie but also a lurker member of Via Astris. Trek references are all over the place! We are Amazonistas (a.k.a Borg).
The Story and The Play
Very funny, very entertaining, and beautifully adapted from a comic book to the stage by Chris Martinez. I don’t normally watch anything in the vernacular, but this is DEFINITELY a show to watch.
The Songs/Original Soundtrack
I LOVE the songs and the arrangements! This is superior work by Vincent de Jesus, folks! I loved the songs so much that I bought the soundtrack.
The Actors
Eula Valdez in the title role as Zsazsa Zaturnnah
Eula Valdez
Eula will always be remembered by me as that lovely girl in Bagets. I was frankly surprised that she sings so well. And she plays gay so well. I knew she could sing, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t know she had those pipes! Excellent acting as ZsaZsa Zaturnnah. If there is any downside, all I can think of is that she doesn’t quite fit the top of the costume so well. ZsaZsa Zaturnnah is supposed to be top-heavy and Eula is supposedly well-endowed also, but I guess the skin suit she was wearing must have suppressed her “endowments”. But that is a minor detail. I’m sure that in succeeding shows they will fix that inconsistency with the character. Overall, fantastic performance!
Tuxqs Rutaquio as Ada, the gay parlorista and secret identity of Zsazsa Zaturnnah
Ricci Chan, Lauren Novero, and Tuxqs Rutaquio
Tuxqs’ (on the right) rendition of Ada is very soulful and moving and at times quite saucy. He was not the greatest singer in the group but he sang very well. He was able to project Ada’s emotions so well that I felt as if I was going through them with him. The pain of rejection, the anxious hope of love, and the fear of disappointment. He was just fantastic! I would love to catch him again. I can imagine that life has not been kind to Ada. He was lucky to have such a class act of a friend like Didi (played by Ricci Chan).
Ricci Chan as the irreverent Didi
Ricci, Ricci, Ricci (on the left in the picture above with Ada). All I can say is … I love you, I adore you. The first time I ever saw you perform was in Rent (by New Voice) as Angel. In my opinion, your star was born on that day. If I could I will watch every play you are in. Ricci as Didi is the SCENE STEALER of the show. In just about every scene he is in, he steals … but you forgive him for it. He is just too adorable. In my opinion, the best singer in the show … and the best actor in the show. At the same time, Ricci’s acting reminded me so much of Miao. It was actually eerie, ’cause Miao was sitting in front of me but I was seeing and hearing him on stage as well. If Miao were to audition for the part he wouldn’t be acting at all … he would be himself.
Arnold Reyes as Dodong, the hunky boy-next-door
Sigh … sigh … sigh ulit. I word to describe him Y-U-M-M-Y! I realize it doesn’t seem like it in the picture (he does not photograph well) but believe me, under those clothes, is your favorite dessert dripping in honey. He isn’t as beefy as the other guy who plays Dodong (see picture above. He is between Ada and Didi), but that is immaterial. What he has is good enough for me! When I saw him by the (fireman’s) pole making sexy poses I was thinking — cheesy but sexy still. And then he takes his shirt off and I almost lunged out of my seat. WHOA! Especially later when his shirt got ripped to pieces right by our (VA peeps) feet. Singing was not stupendous but I can forgive him for it. Pretty good acting. I really loved the part towards the end when he was declaring his intentions to Ada. He looked unsure and nervous — exactly how Dodong would be in that situation. There is speculation in the group if he is straight or not. Truth is … I don’t really care. I just think he is great! It’s not like I have any chance of intimacy with him, right?
Agot Isidro as Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux, the antagonist
Agot is an established singer and I was curious to see how she would fare on the stage. I am happy to say she plays the role of Queen Femina magnificently! She was able to maintain the accent even when she sings. Actually, her acting and singing really reminded me of another actor (and friend of mine) — Lynn Shermann. On a side note: she looked really good in the “battle gown”.
There are only 3 performance days left and from what I hear all shows are sold out. I hope I can watch it again. I’m still trying to score tickets from Vince.
The remaining playdates are:
- March 3 – 8 pm
- March 4 – 3 pm
- March 4 – 8 pm
- March 5 – 3 pm
Estelle is 22 and a sugar baby. This means that she joined an agency that handles all the legalities of her becoming a temporary girlfriend for hire – this entails anything and everything girlfriend related, including sex.
Alpha heir Andre D’Amore is fabulous to the core! From a very young age, he knew he was gay and he had no problem letting people know it. Thankfully, he has a supportive family. Andre is impulsive, fun and fab, and always the life of the party. At the same time, as an Alpha, he is also strong, charismatic, authoritative, and effective in leading the pack as interim Alpha while his father is indisposed.
I knew she could sing, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t know she had those pipes! Excellent acting as ZsaZsa Zaturnnah. If there is any downside, all I can think of is that she doesn’t quite fit the top of the costume so well. ZsaZsa Zaturnnah is supposed to be top-heavy and Eula is supposedly well-endowed also, but I guess the skin suit she was wearing must have suppressed her “endowments”. But that is a minor detail. I’m sure that in succeeding shows they will fix that inconsistency with the character. 
Agot is an established singer and I was curious to see how she would fare on the stage. I am happy to say she plays the role of Queen Femina magnificently! She was able to maintain the accent even when she sings. Actually, her acting and singing really reminded me of another actor (and friend of mine) — Lynn Shermann. On a side note: she looked really good in the “battle gown”. 
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