BB Ganganghari..still banned from Aruba restaurant
Dear Readers,
I've been trying to write a follow up story on the BB Gandanghari vs. Aruba Restaurant discrimination drama. However it's difficult due to the fact that Aruba just does not care at all (their words exactly) and BB is being quiet apart from a tid bit here and there on Philippines Entertainment Portal (PEP) and let's face it peeps, it's not hard to get on that web site.
The core bloggers in the Philippines have not taken up the BB 'issue' and the reality is that Ganganghari is still banned from Aruba restaurant if dressed as a woman. I spoke to the owner of the restaurant and his exact words were,
"If he comes in dressed a man, we will let him in". I said, "But BB is a woman", his reply was, "No he is not a woman". And then he hung up the phone.
That's the fact.
Look readers, I actually care about this issue no matter where it happens. I care deeply, because it's not the first time this has happened in Manila nor is it the first 'incident' I've written about over the last 14 months. It's discrimination pure and simple, but BB is just another casuality and nothing will change because of her entry refusal. This issue transcends BB. She is just another victim of discrimination.
"He's just not famous enough" I was told by a amazing Manila friend in the know.... not famous enough to effect real change it seems. I said to my mate.. "You mean SHE is not famous enough, NOT he".
"Whatever" he said.
And I had real hope.. but you have to SELL IT! You literally have to picket the place to get on the news BB. In a dress loud and proud.
Are you prepared to make a stand this time BB?
Or will this go down as a publicity boost?
You have to jam it down throats like porn cock I'm afraid.
And why the hell are BB's mates performing in a bar which will not allow his 'friend' in anyways?
I say the boycott needs to start with the people who claim to accept BB. If they do, then CERTAINLY this performer could have pressed the issue with the Aruba management. Money over morals will ALWAYS win in Manila.
I've written to Gandandhari and requested an interview by email and sent some questions but I've received no reply which surprised me because I've been writing about Manila restaurant dicrimination bullshit long before she became BB and I was hoping to ACTUALLY do something this time. But the issue is dead again.
I know BB did a tiny amount of press but nothing on the big networks because no one cares except for bloggers. Aut it's not like the gate were smashed open to get to the base line of the issue anyways because it's happened time and time again. I know how to blog and I feel the buzz, and I'm afraid the steam has already escaped from the pressure on Aruba really never took off.
Apathetic. If it doesn't happen to me, I don't care.
Unless you get on ABS-CBN or GMA 7, your story is over in a few days. In this case... three days.
Sure you can do the occasional media spot over the next five years and mention it over and over again... but I ask you..
What are you actually doing about it BB?
Are you going to unvestigate your legal options if indeed you have any?
Or will you go the way of your prediseccors who have aslo been denoied entrabnce because they are a 'man' wearing a dress. Will you form an on line bloggers alliance to assist you.
I've been waiting for this to unfold in some fashion but all I see is tiny media inteview repeating what we all know.
You were denmied entry into a retaurant because you were wearing a dress.
BB Gandanghari's recent incident rejection because of her attire was tabloid fodder when she had a brush with a bar's dress code last April 23. BB recounted the incident in a taped interview shown yesterday, May 2.
According to BB, she was invited by singer Rannie Raymundo to come see him perform at the Aruba Bar in Metrowalk. BB obliged but her assistant reminded that this was the place where stand-up comedian Inday Garutay was denied entrance for breaking the bar's dress code. (Click here to read related story.)
"Sabi ko, let's check," BB said, referring to her companion's story about Inday Garutay. "Pagdating ko doon sa parking, kinabahan na ako. So, sabi ko sa assistant ko na siya muna umakyat. Yun na nga, I was told na hindi puwede [pumasok]."
BB said she wasn't wearing anything indecent. "Yun nga, ipinakita [ng Aruba] sa kanya [BB's assistant] yung dress code and everything. Tapos sinabihan ako na kung aakyat ako, e, doon lang ako sa labas. I was dumbfounded, na parang 'Why?'"
BB tried to call Rannie but, apparently the singer was already setting up so he could not answer her calls. "By the time na tumatawag siya," added BB, "after mangyari na yung hindi dapat mangyari, e, hindi ko na siya sinagot kasi na-bad trip din ako after. I really got mad after and first time nangayri ito."
Did she talk to the manager?
"Yes, my assistant did," BB replied. "She talked to the manager, and the manager kinausap yung owner."
Did the manager know that she is BB Gandanghari?
"Sinabi ng assistant ko," said BB.
VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. BB stated that her rights were violated. "Parang ako naman, feeling ko, e, no to cross-dressing, parang 'Why'? Ano ang ayaw nila sa cross-dressing? It's also a fact that I don't consider myself a cross-dresser. I feel like a woman and I'm a human being."
BB asserted that she didn't do anything wrong. "Hindi naman ako mananakit ng tao at nandoon naman ako just to enjoy the music. I'm just an ordinary person."
What is her advice to cross-dressers?
"Siguro sa kagaya kong ladies na who express themselves in this kind of situation and this manner of dressing, keep your dignity and be respectable, and people will respect you."
On a last note, BB said: "Ang mga tao talaga may iba't ibang uniqueness. Hindi porke't ganito ako manamit, e, masama ang ugali ko. Hindi ibig sabihin na ganyan ka manamit, e, okay ka, hindi ba? Wala 'yan sa appearance."
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