June 2021 Issue
NEWS
AMOS TARA: Digital Pride Festival a success! written by Lanscap Anthony Caputilla
we are. This is one of the things I should be proud of, because it gives me an opportunity to show that we are capable of doing something especially in our Community,” he said. Mamac also explained that winning the crown is a huge responsibility. He also added that it needs you to be mentally and emotionally stable. “I [conceptualized] how to show to everyone – my talent, my skills, and my dedications. [I focused on my advocacy –on how everyone would be aware and be informed politically].” Mamac told Amos Tara. Tens of participants auditioned on the First ever Pride Digital King/Queen and only fifteen (15) participants were officially selected and competed which Jenerson Mamac won the crown. Meanwhile, eleven (11) individuals were officially selected and competed for the Shade of Pride which Royet Dela Vega hailed as the first ever champion.
Pride Month takes over Puerto Princessa, Palawan as Amos Tara Community Center launched Pride Digital King/Queen and Shade of Pride Pride Digital Festival. Reaching thousands locally, pride truly knows no boundaries to bring visibility to communities and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. The Amos Tara Community Center launched the events online – as a part of the annual celebration of Pride Month. Due to the risks of COVID-19, the said management came up with the idea to maximize social platforms which their online event took place. The Amos Tara Community Center aimed to showcase the creativity, inclusivity, beauty, and the voice of the LGBTQIA+ community. Royet Dela Vega, Grand winner of the first ever Shade of Pride - Creative Make Up Slogan Contest, told Amos Tara that the inspiration of his masterpiece is the LGBTQIA+ itself. “As you can see, there is a zipper. And that zipper [symbolizes] deep meaning. It is a reflection of an obscure heart of what we call HUMAN. That masterpiece gives courage to everyone to come out, to look for the positivity of life, and give power to everyone to show to the world what’s running in our blood,” he said. He also added that the zipper would set us free; would make us extraordinary from doing things out of our individual comfort zone. “We must be fearless to unzip the whole body of ourselves. But we must be brave to see the light as the flowers bloom when it comes out. We must be visible for what we stand for, because PRIDE starts with U! Dela Vega added. On the other hand, the winner of Amos Pride Digital King/ Queen 2021, Jenerson Mamac, who also got the People’s choice award because he has the most referred clients for HIV Screening, shared his views after winning the crown. “[It is an honor for me and a responsibility, too]. [Am] so thankful because I [was] given a chance to show how unique and diverse
Winner Royet Dela Vega channelled fearlessness and acceptance in his Creative Make-Up Slogan art. Photo from Amos Tara Community Center.
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