Sunday, August 24, 2014

The Results, Dear PLU Catholic

Throughout the years of my blog life, I would occasionally post thoughts on my Catholic faith. At other times, it would be my interpretation of a gospel reading.

I have noticed that not a few of the raiders would actually read these posts. Some would even comment, agreeing or otherwise. So I felt that my posts on faith strike a chord in some of my raiders. So I posted the survey as a way to confirm whether some of you out there are like me, travelers in this journey of [Catholic] faith.

The Survey Results

To those of you who replied to my questions, first, a big Thank You. It was gratifying to hear from you. I summarize the results:

Half of the respondents felt the need to deepen his faith. 30% have joined a Catholic community (either a Church group or a charismatic community) to continue deepening his faith. A tenth does some meditative prayer.

50% wished to be part of a dyad, a group, or even a community that would help them know and understand their faith better but with no judgments, no admonitions.

Questions to be asked a Catholic priest include teachings on homosexuality, Catechism and some other matters on dogma.

One or two wrote about their spiritual journey. I really enjoyed that. I wish I could post them. They were quite inspiring.

In general, I was able to hear from you, fellow travelers in this journey. You noticed how I carefully avoided citing the actual number of respondents. Lol There were 6 of you, assuming a unique individual per response. I was glad to note that 3 of you were looking for someone or some people with whom to discuss their Catholic faith. You are the people to whom I was specifically addressing the post.

The Background

Even as I attend the services and/or actively pursue my expression of Catholic faith, I still wished I could belong to a circle who understands the unique combination of Gay + Catholic. Within that circle, I would share my insights on the faith, as well as learn from the insights and experiences of others like me. Perhaps that circle would also have an outreach, an outward manifestation of Catholic charity.

I shared this with one of my dear friends over dinner, because he had always been quite devout as a Catholic. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this also resonated with him. He even knew of other PLU's who felt similar stirrings. My friend was even more active in his faith. He would attend recollections and retreats, or organize personal ones. He told me about the non-judgmental priests and nuns he had encountered during such activities.

In short, I found a kindred soul, a fellow traveler. And together, we wondered whether we could be part of a community that embraced both being gay and being Catholic, and everything else in between.

The Big Idea

So now, we wondered if we could just set up one instead of looking for one. A community of believers with whom we can regularly share the experience of being Catholic and gay. That community would have an explicit objective of helping each other deepen the faith. We hope that we could come across a Catholic priest to guide our discussions. It should be a safe haven, with no judging or labeling.

From time to time, there would be organized retreats or recollections. We can even take up some advocacy, some outreach.

Though I would have wanted less structure, I am imagining that the regular group meetings would be more like 'book club' gatherings. We all read certain books or chapters ahead of time as assignments and discuss when we meet. I remember the Jane Austen Book Club movie and how they just talk about one book at a time, try to relate or even critique it. And in the process, they get to know each other better.

There isn't much yet. I am open to comments. But, would you be interested?

corpcloset@gmail.com




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Friday, August 15, 2014

Typhoon Tryst 2

The news about the typhoon hitting Metro Manila bulls-eye was creating buzz since Sunday. And it was scheduled to hit on Wednesday. So even as he received Gabe's confirmation message, he wasn't sure it would push thru.

"Hey, Gabe. You sure you want to push through. Typhoon's going to hit on that day."

"I'm still good. If work gets cancelled, even better."

"But wouldn't we have a hard time?"

"I'll make it. And come on, you live nearby, too."

"Ok. Anyway, we're still set."

"Don't go chickening out. My hole's waiting. LOL"

"Haha Okay. Fine. I'm no chicken."

True enough, the typhoon started howling Tuesday early morning. The strong winds woke Luke up. He got up and took a leak and went back to bed. He was sure Gabe would cancel.

At around 7am, he received the message that his office cancelled work that day. He was having his morning coffee as he watched the morning news. He texted Gabe.

"Good morning. You still up for it?"

Gabe's reply came 30 minutes later. "Hey. Good morning. Just woke up. Of course, I'm still up for it. Dick's raging hard right now."

"Whoa. You are a horny one. Ok. So how do we do this?"

"Give you plans in a while. Lemme get breaky first."

Luke stared at the window. The winds were still at it. But there wasn't much rain. It would actually be quite an experience to have hot sex in a weather like this. The message came in.

"I'll meet you at McDonald's Eastwood. Wanna meet up earlier? No work, too."

"Actually, let's meet mid-afternoon. Let's get the winds to quiet down a bit."

"Chicken."

"No, I'm not chickening out. Storm is expected to leave by noon. Just to be safe."

"Hahaha. Okay. 3pm then."

Electricity went out at around 1 pm, just as Luke finished his hastily-put-together lunch. The winds had died down considerably. And even the rains weren't so bad. But with the lights out, he was wondering how high up the unit was. Gabe texted by 2pm.

"Leaving in 15mins. See you."

"K. Prepping, too."

There were still a lot of vehicles on the road. With less rain, there weren't much flooded streets. But you could see the havoc caused by the gusts of wind on the trees, foliage. He was able to get a ride that took him to Eastwood.

He was planning to get a burger while waiting at McDonalds. But Gabe was already there waiting. He walked up to Luke and offered a "Bro" handshake. That made Luke smile.

"Dude!" Luke teased.

"Glad you're here, Bro!" Gabe jested in return. "Did you see how bad the winds were? Trees and branches all over!"

"Yup. Hey, are you going to grab something to eat?" asked Luke.

"I'd rather grab something else" he said with a wink.

"hahaha Ok. Let's go. Wait. Do they have electricity here? Where are we going?"

"There." He points at the building. "19th Floor. Electricity? Why? Was it a brownout when you left?"

"Uh huh. Electricity was still down. But McDo has electricity."

"Come on." Gabe tugged at Luke as he started walking towards one of the high rise condos there.

They looked around to see more of remnants of the destruction. There were even some air-conditioning units that were blown away, with wreckage on the streets.

Gabe went inside first. When Luke got in, he realized that there was no electricity yet. He asked Gabe "Dude, what floor is the unit at?"

He grinned. "We'll put those nice legs of yours to work. 19th Floor."

"What?? Are you insane?"

"Hahaha! Come on! What's a little adventure?"

"Dude, 19 floors walking up is not adventure. It's torture."

"So you're chickening out?"

Luke hesitated a bit. "Fine. Let's go. Where's the stairwell?"

Gabe located the stairs and opened the door. "At least they have some emergency lights on some floors. How exciting!" he chuckled.

They started the ascent.

"So who owns this unit?"

"Nobody you know. Hahaha. A good friend from high school. Based in Hong Kong. I mind it for him."

"Housekeeper?"

"Sort of. More of property manager. I take care of looking for tenants, negotiating, even preparing lease contracts, etc."

"Nice. How'd you get into that?"

"Just by chance. I had another friend way back who had a similar situation. So I offered to take care of it, for a fee of course."

"Of course. Nice business model."

"Yeah. Gives me some extra cash. And when vacant, I get a playground." he said as he poked Luke on the side.

Luke saw the sign "8th Floor". "Almost halfway there."

"Do you want to stop first?"

"No need." even as he started to pant a bit. "It will be over soon."

By the time they got to the unit, Luke was sweaty and tired. His legs were totally worked out. He regretted doing his squats early in the week.

"We are here." Gabe struggled with the keys, for the hallway was quite dark. After a while, he was able to open the door. "Psst. Come on."

Luke walked in to the well-appointed condominium. Unmistakably a bachelor's pad, a very tasteful pad. But he couldn't see much as the lights were still out.

"I'll get some water. You want some?"

"Yeah sure." Luke sat down on the sofa. "So he has it rented fully furnished?"

"Uh huh. He gets to jack up the price that way." Gabe answered as he brought him a glass of water. Luke quickly drank it.

"Nice. Really nice."

Gabe sat beside him. "Yeah, this fetches a good price." Then he put his hand on Luke's thigh. "But we are not here for that."

Luke felt Gabe's hand up his crotch suddenly. He turned to him and Gabe pulled him close to kiss him.

Despite being tired from the climb, Luke was still horny and excited. He kissed Gabe deeply as he put his arm around him. Gabe reciprocated, letting his tongue dart in and out of Luke's mouth, sword-playing Luke's own tongue. He would gently bite his lips, or suck on the tongue.

Gabe's free hand was massaging Luke's already-stiff cock through his jeans. His touch was heavy and firm. He was squeezing and rubbing the cock. He pulled away and told Luke to stand up.

Luke stood up and saw Gabe removing his belt and yanking down his jeans. His cock straining in his white underwear. Gabe licked the cock through his briefs, nibbling on the length and then playing on the head. He was outlining the cock through the side of the underwear, and soft-biting the shaft. Luke was amazed at how Gabe worked it.

Then he pulled down the briefs to finally expose the hard dick. He held it with one hand and let his tongue play with the head. He looked up and looked straight at Luke's eyes as he played with the head. Luke was mesmerized.

After all that tongue-teasing, Gabe swallowed the head, but just the head. He let his tongue play with the bulb, flickering on the piss hole, then around the base. Luke closed his eyes in pleasure. And when he opened it, he realized that it was getting really dark and he wasn't really seeing much anymore. The darkness heightened the sensation of the warm mouth and tongue, even as he felt the grip on the base.

Gabe swallowed the entire cock expertly, without so much as a gag reflex. Luke saw how Gabe just buried his lips and nose on his bush. Then he moved up and dove again. Luke grabbed his head and started fucking his mouth. Gabe was just taking it all in. No gag.

Then, Gabe stood up and took off his pants and undies. He checked the pockets and found the rubber and two sachets of lube. "Fuck me." he whispered as he positioned and bent over the couch, with his palms resting on the back.

Luke got out of his clothes and put on the condom. He opened the lube sachet and squeezed some on his raging hard on.

"Fuck me, Dude."

He smeared some more lube on Gabe's asshole. First with one finger, then with two, he slid in and out of the hole. It felt warm, hot even, and tight. "Fuck me now!"

In the darkness, Luke had to grope the ass hole to make sure it was positioned right. He guided his rubbered cock inside.

"Easy. Easy, Boy." Gabe whispered, almost hurting.

"Slowly. Shit. Slowly. Put more in."

Luke did as he was told. He slowly got inside, deeper and deeper inside Gabe, finally his groin making contact with the ass cheeks. "Ahhhh. Fuck. yeah."

Luke began pumping, slowly at first, to allow Gabe to get used to the feeling. Then as he got more excited, the thrusting became more frequent. He bent over and grabbed Gabe's cock. It was thick and short. He jerked it off as he was pumping his ass. Gabe straightened up, and let the cock slide out of his hole.

He laid down on the sofa and raised his legs up. Luke grabbed one throw pillow and placed it under Gabe's back, lifting his ass for a better penetrating angle. It was getting darker, so Luke had to make sure he was able to find Gabe's hairy asshole. Finding it, he quickly inserted his cock again, a bit too fast that it made Gabe wince a bit. "Uh. Fuck!"

Luke resumed the fucking. And as his eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, he looked at Gabe. Slowly, he was able to make out the sharp, handsome features of his fuck partner. Gabe had his eyes closed, biting his lip as he jerked himself off.

Luke bent over and started kissing those thick lips. It was then he realized that both of them were sweating all over, as he tasted their sweat on his lips. He was holding Gabe's legs apart as he felt his arms wrap around his wet back.

He straightened and pumped the asshole more furiously. The air was humid and moist now. And he heard himself panting more with each thrust.

Gabe moaned. "Shit! This is so fucking good. I'm getting fucking close."

"Do it!" Luke replied. "I want to see you shoot that load!"

"Yeah?? Ok. OK. Here it comes, Dude! Oh FUCK!" And Gabe's cock started spurting out thick manjuice, all over his pubes.

Luke pumped more and let go himself. He bent over and as he pushed his cock inside one last time. "AHHHHH!" He filled his rubber with jism deep inside Gabe's butthole. Then he collapsed on top of Gabe, just as his cock slid out of the anus. His head rested on Gabe's navel, wet, musky. He felt Gabe brush his hair gently, both of them recovering.

Gabe started talking again. "We didn't even make it to the bedroom."

"We didn't, you horny bastard."

"Hahaha. Something about the storm just made me so excited."

"Well, we went up 19 floors, Gabe. All that climb heightened the thrill."

"Hahaha Yeah, in a freaking typhoon."

"Fuck, it's really dark now."

"And still no lights."

"Well, easier to go down the stairs. Hahaha Can you still walk?"

"In a while. Hahaha"

"I need to wash off."

"You sure? It's dark. Water's gonna be cold."

"I know. But I'm sticky all over."

"It's the door inside the bedroom."

"Ok." Luke got up and slowly made his way inside the bedroom. Very slowly.

"Why don't you use your phone's flashlight?"

"Oh yeah. Haha. Forgot about that."

It was easier to make his way to the bathroom. Yes, the water was freezing. And he had no idea what to use to dry off. But he showered anyway. And after a while, the cold water felt good. He looked outside the window. It was getting dark. And it was raining heavily now.

Then Gabe went in and offered him some paper towels.

"I really don't keep towels here. I bring them should a tenant ask."

"No prob. Thanks."

Luke dabbed the paper onto his wet skin. It kept on leaving bits and pieces of residue that clung to his skin. But it got him dry.

"My turn" Gabe announced as Luke was coming out of the bathroom. He chose to sit on the bed and shone his light on the surroundings. Sparsely decorated, it seemed like a hotel room. He laid down on the bed and turned off the light. The sound of heavy rain and the running shower filled the room. He wanted to play some mp3 but thought it better to conserve phone battery. He wasn’t sure whether they should go home.

Gabe approached him and sat on the bed. “It’s raining heavy.”

“It is. I don’t know if we should be heading on home.”

“In this rain? No way. And it’s probably flooded. Let’s wait for it to pass.” Gabe laid beside him. He put his arm around Luke to hug him. “Cuddle time.”

Luke hugged him back.

“I miss this.”




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Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Typhoon Tryst 1

Luke got the text from Gabe confirming the meet up in two days. He smiled. He didn’t think this would actually, finally push through. He was just finishing some ab workout at the gym when the message arrived. He stood up and checked himself in the mirror. He smiled at the thought of Gabe.

It all started when he was out on a date with Randy. They’ve been going out a couple of times. But until that time, nothing serious was developing. Randy told him that they were going to meet a friend of his, and his partner. So it was a double date.

Randy’s good friend, Freddie, was actually attractive. And so was his date, his partner, Gabe. They looked good together. But Luke was instantly attracted to Gabe. He wasn’t too tall, with an even Malay complexion. He wore glasses that managed to make him look intelligent and hot. He had an easy demeanor though he was largely quiet during the dinner. Randy and Freddie was doing a lot of catching up. Luke, for his part, was playing the part of the dutiful date, making sure that he was in on the conversation. After coffee, the couples went their separate ways.

“How long have they been together?” Luke asked.

“Almost a year now.”

“They look good together.”

“Yup, they do. Their features complement. I’m happy for Freddie.”

A couple of weeks later, Luke saw Freddie and Gabe again at a big dinner, hosted by one of their barkada. He was still officially Randy’s date, though a few days back, they already had “the talk.”

They were both honest to admit that pursuing dating to another level was not going to happen. They enjoyed each other’s company. The sex was good but not great. But beyond that, they really were better off as friends.

Nevertheless, Randy still brought Luke along. He was mentioned by the host, David, as a must-bring. He thought it woulnd’t hurt. Besides, he was going to be honest to the group, too, that they had just ‘friendzoned’ each other.

It was a long table in a nice restaurant. Luke and Randy decided to sit near Freddie and Gabe. But since the instruction was that couples were not supposed to be seated beside but across each other, Luke ended up sitting beside Gabe.

And even as they were all engaging in group talk,

“Is it true? You’re not dating Randy anymore?”

“Yeah.” Luke smiled. “We are better off as friends, really.”

Gabe smiled, too. “Too bad. But better to be honest about it now, than later, right?” Then his knee nudged Luke’s knee.

“Of course, better that way. “ Then Luke felt that the knee lingered more than ‘nudge’. Gabe’s knee was maintaining contact. Luke felt warm, all of a sudden. He broke the contact and opened another topic.

“So how are things between you?” pointing to Freddie.

“Good. Good. Can’t complain. Settled, I guess.” Gabe sipped the wine and looked away. As if on cue, everyone started singing ‘Happy Birthday’ as the waiters brought the cake in. The awkward moment dissipated.

The group talk turned to extra-curricular activities. Freddie chimed in “Gabe’s part of the a gay men’s vocal group. They’re trying to build a Gay Men’s Chorus here in Manila!”

Randy exclaimed. “Wow! I didn’t even know you were a singer, Gabe.”

Gabe blushed a bit. “I’m better as part of the chorus. I sing solo alone.” He winked at Freddie and that sent everyone laughing. “TMI!!”

Suddenly, Randy mentioned Luke. “Hey, I know Luke’s got a great voice, too. Are you still recruiting?” Luke was surprised and gave Randy the ‘look’.

Gabe replied. “Yeah, of course, we still are. You interested, bro?”

“Well… I don’t sing that well..”

“Don’t be modest.” Randy countered.

“I could probably explore it.”

“Yeah, join us and jam sometime. I’m sure you’ll like it. Give me your mobile number.”

‘Smooth. Really smooth.’ Luke thought to himself as he dictated his number.

“Are you a baritone? You sound like it.”

“Probably. I haven’t really determined that.”

“Nice, we need more of that. I’m a baritone myself. Anyway, I’ll text you once I inform the chorus about you.”

“Sure. Fine. No hurry, okay?” Luke replied.

Then it was group picture time. Everyone was standing as the photographer, another guest, tried to arrange them. It was taking time, with everyone laughing and sayin one thing or another. But Luke notice how immediately upon standing, Gabe was beside him at the back-most part, with the wall behind them.

“Cheers, guys!” as the flashbulbs started. Just then, he felt a hand on his back. He realized it was Gabe’s. From the upper back, it started sliding down until it rested on his ass. While everyone was noisy and smiling and posing, Luke’s heart rate was shooting up. He felt Gabe slowly squeeze his ass. He was also getting rock hard from the stimulation. He looked to see if anyone could be noticing. Randy, Freddie, they were all caught up in the shoot.

As they were leaving the place, Luke was still flustered.

“Hey. What’s wrong with you? Suddenly, you’re so quiet.”

“Huh? Nothing.” He didn’t know whether he should tell Randy about Gabe’s aggressive moves. But he decided against it.

“It’s just work. I suddenly remembered I had to finish something.”

“It’s still weekend, Luke. Relax.” Luke smiled as he managed to push the thought of Gabe aside.

Gabe lost no time in sending Luke a message. Luke was quite surprised to receive the message that same night, thinking it would be quite risky for him. But the message sounded tame. It was just a short follow-through on the chorus discussion. On the surface, it seemed harmless. But after that ass squeeze, that message was anything but.

Should he reply and start something with a 'partnered' guy? He had no deep moral problem with hooking up with boyfies. Gay guys have always been quite promiscuous, partnered or not. There were no marriage vows that bind. Besides, he didn't even really know whether their relationship allowed for such. He made up his mind to continue the flirting, albeit carefully. He replied the day after.

The exchange that followed was direct to the point. Gabe was being very consistent.

"I thought you'd never text."

"Why? Because of the delay?"

"Yeah."

"I just wanted to be sure."

"Sure of what? That I wanted to go fucking with you? Hahaha"

"Crazy! I didn't have no doubts after that ass-grab. That was quite 'courageous' of you."

"Couldn't help myself. Your ass was just sticking out."

"Does that make you a top?"

"Ooh. I like this. Let's establish ground rules already. Hahaha. No."

"Really. Good. I'm top."

"I just like nice, big butts. But I put my legs up. Hahaha."

"Then we shouldn't have any problem. But wait, are you open, I mean, with..."

"Open relationship? No. But we haven't had sex for 2 years, dude. So we both must be getting that from somewhere."

"You haven't been caught? And you've caught him?"

"Sure there are signs and slip-ups. But it's like some silent agreement. So we just don't bother checking up on each other."

"Ok. As long as you feel this won't get 'complicated.'"

"Hahaha. Don't worry. I'm careful."

"I bet. I just bet this is not a first time."

"Go ahead. Judge me."

"Hahaha. No judgment there, Gabe. Hahaha"

"Anyway, so when are you free?"

Jeesh. This guy doesn't waste any time, does he?

"Wednesday, next week. The 16th."

"What time?"

"You work in QC, right? near Eastwood?"

"Yup. Why?"

"Let's do a lunch quickie."

"What? Where?"

"I can use a friend's condo. Currently vacant."

This was just way too convenient. "Are you sure?"

"Again. Don't worry. The unit's vacant. I take care of it while my friend is away. I look for tenants. And I got the keys. So, Wednesday lunch?"

"Oh okay, I guess. I don't know which condo."

"I'll pass for you. Meet you at your building by 12nn. It will be quick and hot."

Luke was getting a hard-on just thinking about it. It was exciting and daring. Or exciting because it was daring.

"Ok. Done."



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Monday, August 4, 2014

Dear PLU Catholic,

Are you a PLU Catholic? Do you mind answering some questions?

You could post your answers here as comments or email me at corpcloset@gmail.com for privacy.

Do you feel a need to deepen your faith? In what manner do you think you'd be able to accomplish that? What would you wish you had, or could do, for this goal?

If you could talk to a priest about your faith, what topics would you like to discuss with him? What questions would you have for him?


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