How did you guys meet?

Raf Fortus (RF): We met in Manila in 2015, while I was working at Makati Medical Centre. We met the modern way—through an app! We ‘clicked’ straight away and have since enjoyed exploring Manila and the world together. Sometimes love arrives when you least expect it.

Ludo Branellec (LB): We really enjoyed each other’s company, however. we were at a point in our lives where getting into a relationship was not the priority, let alone a long-distance one! Our connection was so special though that we decided to give this relationship its chance, little did we know that it was the beginning of our beautiful love story.

Who proposed?

RF: Actually, it was mutual. We love the outdoors and did our favourite hike along the Calanques of Cassis (south of France) overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Before we jumped off the sunny rocks we paused and looked at each other and decided that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. It was spontaneous but authentic—we didn’t even prepare rings!

LB: It was completely impromptu and unrehearsed while on our first trip to France during this pandemic. We had been living together already for three years, so being locked down together 24/7 for several months showed us that our relationship would survive any challenge life would throw at us. Without even talking about it beforehand, we both felt it was the natural progression for our story. We kept the news for ourselves for a few months before announcing it to our family and friends.

What’s the wedding plan?

RF: Our priority is to bring all our families together safely. Hopefully, in the near future, we can have a party—either in Sydney, Manila or Paris. Regardless of the destination, there will be great food and wine.

LB: We haven’t finalised the plans yet since our families and friends are scattered over several continents and travel restrictions make it challenging for everyone to get together in one place. We are lucky that we have the choice to officiate it legally either in France or Australia. For sure we will have a party or a beach celebration with our family and friends here in the Philippines. The beauty of same-sex marriage is that we do not have any social pressure or tradition to follow, we can make our own rules!

Given the fact that same-sex marriage is not recognised [in the Philippines], how do you see this?

RF: Culturally, same-sex marriages are not yet as common here in the Philippines as they are overseas. This mostly stems from religious teachings. However, our relationship is built on trust, compassion, and unconditional love—values compatible with any of the faiths. We hope to see a shift in the modern mindset by beginning with an open, non-judgmental conversation and a loving attitude.

LB: Growing up, I struggled with my identity and couldn’t embrace the way I came into this world. The social and religious pressure made it extra difficult for me to learn to love myself or make any plans for my future. The main reason was not having any positive role model to look up to back then. Fortunately, I feel like over the past decade Filipino society has started to shift and has become much more inclusive towards all communities and minorities. Although we both respect the cultural norms of the Philippines, I believe that there can be no growth without a change of mindsets and preconceptions. We are both low-key professionals and do not need any attention or publicity with this decision.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, we found ourselves in a very surreal situation: Raf couldn’t enter France, being non-European, and I couldn’t enter Australia. . . so at some point, during the hard lockdown, the only way for us to be together on this planet was to stay in the Philippines, where we were not recognised as a couple and where at some point if I left the country I wouldn’t be allowed back in! This unprecedented situation, plus the fact that in case of a medical emergency neither one of us would have the right to see each other or even make any decision for one another, made us realise how essential it was for us to secure our relationship and to be recognised for what we were: a couple that shared our lives and dreams. Luckily, both France and Australia recognise our union today. 

We also decided to do this in order to give hope to anyone who feels like they do not fit in or are not good enough for the world they live in, just be yourself, be kind and truthful. . . the rest will follow. Real friends and family will always love you for who you are and will want to see you happy in life. . . the rest is either irrelevant or just happening in your head!

What trait/s on each other do you most admire?

RF: I really admire Ludo’s appreciation for nature and sense of adventure. His ability to speak four languages helps when we travel. Mostly, I admire Ludo’s zest for life—his ability to find the positive in all situations with a laugh, a hug, and a good meal!

LB: Raf is one of the most level-headed and generous people that I know. He has the gift of listening to other people and always finding the words to make them feel better in every possible situation. He is extremely smart yet humble and soft-spoken which makes being around him always a treat.

How does your family look into all this given the fact that same-sex union is relatively new in the PH? Are they cool with it?

RF: It can be very scary coming out to family, friends, and colleagues, fearing rejection and ridicule. But when you do, it can be very liberating to live your most authentic self. Once you step through the threshold, you are awaited by a joyous LGBT+ community that is filled with fun and lifelong friends.

We are lucky to be surrounded by loving family and friends. It can be an adjustment for them too, but when they see the love and companionship we have for each other, they realise that sexuality doesn’t matter as long as you’re hard-working, family-oriented, and community-minded.

LB: It took me years to overcome the fear of disappointing my loved ones. However, looking back now at the rewards of being true to myself I’m so glad that I took that leap of faith. Just like with anything new, there are always some adjustments and compromises to be done in the beginning, but in the end, it’s all worth it! Today, we have a beautiful relationship with our respective families and feel loved and supported by all members.

Complete the line “Love is ___”

RF: The greatest gift that you can give and receive. It costs you nothing and gives you everything.

LB: Love is not staring at each other but walking hand in hand in the same direction.

Jordan Prieto-Valdes has been staying in Siargao for quite some time now and has even been visited by her mother, Tessa,  prior to the onslaught left by Typhoon Odette. Up until now, Jordan remains on the island, thus celebrating her 24th birthday last January 19. She is actively helping the community to fully recover - a place she has grown to love as a second home. Here are parts of her story, as relayed to Tessa:

“My eyes flitted open, sleep-deprived and sensitive to the first signs of daylight peeking over the horizon. At first, I wondered if everything that had happened was only a bad dream, but as I sat up in the front seat of my Pajero, parked underneath my porch, still tied to the grills of my kitchen windows and the concrete posts of my house with wet curtains and surfboard leashes, I knew that it was all real. Undeniably, sickeningly real.

“The sky was a bright explosion of orange and pink, one of the most beautifully tragic sunrises I have ever witnessed. I climbed the hill to assess the damage: wooden houses stripped of their roofs and walls; crumpled-up yero scattered all around; confounded families walking through the rubble, trying to make sense of what once was.

“Somehow I felt everything and nothing at all—I couldn’t stop thinking about the entire experience, yet I also could not find the right words to describe how I was feeling.

“I had never been one to fear death, already having accepted it as a natural course of human existence from a young age. I know that at any moment we might succumb to our soul’s final slumber. Though perhaps for the first time in my life, I truly felt like I was staring at death’s door, just waiting for it to be opened.

“For days after the storm, I looked outside at the sunny skies, seeing no sign of help arriving. We still had zero signal, so I had no idea of the destruction that had taken place along the central belt of the Philippines. All I knew was that we were in pain and no one was coming to save us.

“Frustrated by the slow response from our government, I started fundraising online to provide roofs and walls for my neighbours on my street. I was able to raise enough money to give out 530 sheets of metal roofing, 330 pieces of plywood, and 50 kilogrammes of umbrella nails. Though that is hardly the end of it, we continue doing our best.

“I try hard to stay positive, to know that every day, things get better, little by little. Though as the Talisay tree in my garden is beginning to sprout again, I am reminded that all things get better with time; it is just a matter of watering the spaces in which we need to grow.”

We catch up with superstar mum and YouTube vlogger Small Laude while in LA for the holidays. The success of her YouTube channel has spawned a TV show, endorsements, and has made her a household name. She shared with us that she has numerous projects on the pipeline this year, including a movie! There’s no stopping her, of course! 

How was the family celebration in LA?

Small Laude (SL): We have been doing this for the past few years. It felt familiar and comforting but different because the whole family was not complete. Like how it used to be with my parents and siblings.

What are the things that you have been doing?

SL: Enjoying some sense of normalcy with my husband and children. Slowly starting to dine out, see friends and get some shopping done. Tending to the garden has also been therapeutic.

How are you staying safe?

SL: We eat well, take our supplements, get some sun and do the usual masking up and washing up.

What’s your plan for 2022—any upcoming projects?

SL: I have endorsements in the pipeline but all confidential for now. Then, talks of a movie. I get excited when it’s discussed but I’m not sure my family will allow me to do it. Unless I do it in secret and say: "surprise! No bashing!"

Message to your friends/fans for 2022.

SL: Thank you for the abundant outpouring of love and support. All this is because of you guys. I hope to make you laugh more in the coming years.

Le Bal 2015 debutante Dominique Cojuangco has said yes to her significant other, businessman Michael Hearn. The two initially met when they were studying at British School Manila but their love story blossomed when they reconnected mid-2018. Dom was invited by their mutual friend to Run Rabbit Run to support Michael in the opening of the said bar he co-founded. In 2021, the couple launched The Collective, a multi-brand e-commerce skincare shop that aims to create an inclusive space for Filipino customers.

How did he propose?

DC: Michael proposed at the same spot where we initially locked eyes and knew something was happening. His sister, Rachel, had been in the Philippines visiting us before her move to the US from the UK. She and Michael planned to tell me that she would be throwing us a ‘thank you’ dinner before she leaves. Unassuming, I hopped into the car, ready for our meal. Michael received a call for a faux emergency that led to us re-routing. I had no idea what he, truly, had in store.

Michael got down from the car and walked in, someone came out to tell me he was asking for me. As I went up the stairs, I slowly got a glimpse of the floor; perfectly adorned in petals. I walked towards Michael, feeling light on my feet and full of emotions. He spoke about our life together, got down on one knee, and proposed. We were served dinner that he curated with a nearby restaurant and finished the night with bespoke cocktails as we looked upon the glass drinks cupboard that he had filled with framed photographs of us.

When are you planning the wedding?

DC: Michael and I want to enjoy the planning process and take time to consider everything, particularly the logistical issues of the pandemic.

What's your idea of a dream wedding?

DC: The dream is to share the day with our family and close friends, have the time to feel reconnected to each of them, and celebrate. We both believe that there is beauty and elegance in balancing size, location, and theme.

Can you give some gown details? Or what's your style?

DC: I visited designers in London with my two close friends. Each design and styles were unlike the other, and I went into the process with an open mind. I tried on various silhouettes to find a gown that not only made me feel beautiful but truly myself. I am happy we found it! I cannot give away too much, but two words to describe the dress are "feminine" and "romantic".

Why do you think Michael is the one?

DC: He has this ability to find a solution and silver lining in all situations, with a love for making people smile. I am comforted by his wit, love for God, his family, and others, as well as his drive and determination.

How does he get along with your parents?

DC: Absolutely! Michael has really become a huge part of our family. He and my parents have their own banter, and it truly is a joy to watch on as well as to be a part of it, there are always smiles and laughter around the dining table. He also makes time to help them in whatever they may need. 

Complete the line “Love is ___”

DC: Love is unassuming.

Gen.T List 2018 and 2019 honouree Alex de Leon has posted on his social media that he has just returned to HBO to help launch HBO Max and other digital projects of the company in the pipeline. De Leon recently worked with Instagram as a product marketing lead, and also in YouTube and Google. In his post, de Leon mentioned that he used to intern at HBO. What a way to come back!

Everyone is talking about the new series The Gilded Age about 1880s New York where we see the clash between the Old World and the New World of society women and industrialists. If you haven’t seen it, drop all your Korean telenovelas cause this one is sizzling. . .Meanwhile, there’s a growing community of Pinoys and expats who are die-hard Padel tennis fans. On its heels is the sport of Pickleball which is similar to padel but with a different racket and smaller court. Pickleball is relatively new but there is a Philippine pickleball federation in Metro Manila. Head on to their website to check it out. . .Lastly, if you are craving for Indian cuisine, the recently opened Indus modern Indian kitchen in BGC will clearly satisfy your cravings. For reservations, contact +63917 311 132 or check its website indus.ph.

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