User:Philanthropines

I Am Not Immoral Celebrity World By CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN December 12, 2009, 6:10pm

‘Not Immoral’ photo, video project launched

The recent birthday party of philanthropist and businessman Francis Martin Baraan, held at the Waterfront G Hotel along Roxas Blvd. was well-attended. The occasion also marked the launch of TEAM Pilipinas’ “I Am Not Immoral” photo and video project. Francis sponsored the event to show his support to a cause he strongly believes. It was also his way of giving back to the community.

Conceptualized by celebrated photographer Niccolo Cosme and indie film director Jethro Cuenca Patalinghug, the event was peaceful response of TEAM Pilipinas,’ a gay and lesbian rights and equal rights advocacy group led by Filipino gay activist Bruce Portugal Amoroto, to the Comelec’s dismissal of Ang Ladlad, another gay rights group, to join the Party-list race this May elections on moral grounds.

A lot of celebrities came to share their voice and face to the video and photo project and make the statement: “I Am Not Immoral.” The photos and the videos are expected to be launched on the Internet through social networking sites and dispel the stigma of immorality attached to the LGBT (lesbians, gay, bisexuals, transgender) community. Among those spotted during the event were Opposition leader Rep. Risa Hontiveros, John Lapus, Rey Pumaloy and comedian Diego. Francis Baraan also serves as the ambassador of the Philippine Forum on Culture, Sports, Sexuality and Human Rights.

Risa Hontiveros became a Congresswoman of the AKBAYAN Party-list last 2004. She is a women rights activist, a human rights advocate and a staunch opposition leader. She was first known as a broadcaster. Because of her excellence in journalism and broadcasting, Risa was awarded the Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster in 1994. She is also a Peace advocate and a member of the government peace panel. In 2001, she was awarded as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Men and Women Awardees for Peace Advocacy. She was also a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize award.

Now, she’s running for senator under the Liberal Party. She attends the Pride March every year because she believes in the equality of all mankind despite differences in culture, religion, sexual and gender identity. She authored the Anti-Discrimination Bill and the Reproductive Health Bill. She also authored the Cheaper Medicines Bill CARP extension with reforms and other bills that help improve the quality lives of the grassroots, the fisherfolks, the farmers, women, the children and the youth and the urban poor.

Link: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233718/three-kings-out-help-sen-villar-s-2010-bid