An International Sentiment: Sofitel PH Receives Ire from UNTV’s Worldwide Supporters

Sofitel, a hotel chain in the Philippines, is at the receiving end of a massive online barrage of sentiments for removing UNTV 37, the country’s public service network from it’s program listing.

And though this act of media discrimination happened solely in the Philippines, UNTV’s supporters all across the globe have tweeted their demand for Sofitel’s management to explain the reason behind them doing so.

They also demand a public apology for blatant media discrimination against the public service channel.

Without word from the Sofitel camp, UNTV’s supporters from the Philippines and abroad tweeted their sentiment and frustration to the hotel chain.

From Asia to Africa and points in between, supporters of the #BoycottSofitelPH,  #NotoSofitel and now #BoycottSofitelPHDay3 and #NotoSofitelDay3, respectively, have dominated the Twittersphere, trending for three days straight – since the campaign started.

Katulong ng Pangangasiwa (Helper of the Ministry) assigned to the Europe and Africa divisions Bro. Sonny Catan holds up a sign featuring his support of the boycott.

Jit Plastina shows his support all the way from Peru.

Alain Jude Yamashita of Japan tweets his support of the boycott against Sofitel.

Cynthia Brul tweets of the many countries of Europe that have supporters of the boycott against Sofitel.

“The heat in the middle east continues, and so does the fight against the discrimination of Sofitel,” tweets Anton Tolentino, a supporter of the cause from the Middle East.

An emoji-filled tweet of support from Aileen Ravalo of Perth, Australia.

Bro. Ramon Bernardo, one of the KNPs in South America, is part of the campaign against media discrimination.

From Fresh Meadows, New York, Maan Romero shows her support.

Filipinos and Africa natives unite to show their sentiments towards Sofitel.

Even adorable kids from Brazil support the boycott towards Sofitel.

Twitter user @ArchRenslab shows his support from Italy.

Another boycotter from Brazil, Joyce Raggio takes to Facebook her frustration of Sofitel.

Karol Klein, a boycotter from Brazil, lets Sofitel know her thoughts.

Tamy Oliveira, a boycotter from South America tweets her support.

Oyer Sausa of Liberia Africa tweets his support of UNTV.

From Liberia,

Odette Nano Benico of Dallas Texas is against discrimination and shows her support for UNTV.

Reigne Guerrero of Winnipeg, Canada supports UNTV and says no to discrimination and to Sofitel.

Apparently, UNTV is the only local channel to have been intentionally removed by the hotel chain from its programming.

After days of trending on Twitter, Sofitel finally made its statement with regards to the removal of UNTV on their hotel chain’s program list. According to Sofitel’s statement on Twitter, which reads:

Bonjour! In line with the ongoing campaign to boycott Sofitel Manila, we would like to share with you all the official statement of the management: “We do not discriminate against any local or international broadcasting television channel. While we supply several television channels for our guests, the channels we air in the hotel are system-limited, and regularly changed based on several factors, including guest feedback and demand. We are happy to hear the public’s concerns, and will consider to re-instate the UNTV Channel if this is a request from our hotel guests”.

The statement did not bid well with the supporters, and was tagged as arrogant and illogical.  Instead of appeasing the public, Sofitel’s statement gained more of the people’s ire.

It’s not system limited, it’s “System-Manipulated”! #NoToSofitelDay3 #BoycottSofitelPHDay3 – @heymrbeardman 

CENTENNIAL VISITORS. UNTV removed from SOFITEL remote controls. Bcz Bro Eli is there. U don’t like the truth? #NotoSofitel #BoycottSofitelPH – @kotawinters

Don’t try to sugar-coat your lies. #NoToSofitelDay3 #BoycottSofitelPHDay3  – @polgeepren

Why do some creatures underestimate people’s intelligence all the time? We don’t buy your crappy excuse! #BoycottSofitelPH #NotoSofitel – @epolkerot

Sabi nga ni Macalintal, just admit that you’re wrong.. May excuses pa kayo eh. Illogical naman. #NoToSofitelDay3 #BoycottSofitelPHDay3 – @dengtamon

 

Just keep tweeting! Ayaw pang magpakumbaba ng @SofitelManila sa ginawa nilang panghahamak. Ma-ere kasi. #NotoSofitel #BoycottSofitelPH  – @jojiealabarca

 

As of writing time, the boycott against Sofitel Philippines is being continued as it stays on top of Twitter ranks since it started.

UNTV, which just recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary, is a public service network which has news and public service bureaus in several countries.

Something to be proud of: MCGI’s Hapi Christians Adopt Gays in Golden Years

The month of June marks the celebration of LGBT Pride in the USA. Here in New York, a whole week of vibrant, rainbow-colored rallies, parties and dances were organized to show that they are happy and proud to be members of the LGBT community.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, a group of proud gay Christians show the world their unique brand of gay pride – by being gay men that the world can truly be proud of.

On June 18, 2014 in celebration of Philippine public service channel UNTV’s 10^th year anniversary with the theme of “Caring for the Elderly,” MCGI’s Hapi Christians extended help to the Home for the Golden Gays – by giving them a new home, in Novaliches, Philippines.

Atty. Imelda Roque (L) and Brgy. Chairwoman Mila Uy (R) cut the ribbon to mark the relocation of The Home for the Golden Gays at Novaliches, Philippines. Rodel Lumiares, Photoville International

The Gift of Love for the Elderly Gay Community

“The Hapi Christians’ participation for UNTV’s 10^th year anniversary is the establishment of the adoption house for the special elderly. We have chosen to welcome the golden gays into our home,” said Mr. Robi Lolin, PRO for the Hapi Christians.

“This is our way of showing our love, and this is under the guidance of our leaders, Bro. Eli and Kuya Daniel,” Lolin added, referring to MCGI leaders Bro. Eliseo Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon.

 

MCGI, UNTV and Hapi Christians gleefully welcome members of the Home for the Golden Gays to their new home. Rodel Lumiares, Photoville International

To make sure that the special elderly in the Home for the Golden Gays utilize their skills, talents and time, the Hapi Christians will also organize seminars and trainings for the elderly gays.

“Based on interviews that we conduct, we check what the elderly are still capable of doing, based on their age. We want them to be productive. Some of them have experience with being masseuses, and some of them know how to cut hair,” said Mr. Relin Gimena, Hapi Christians’ Business Manager.

“We are planning to organize ways on how to come up with services for them to generate income for themselves,” stated Gimena.

Mr. Ramon Busa, President of the Home for the Golden Gays, thanked the Hapi Christians organization for their help and support to the Golden Gays during the live telecast of the MOA signing at the UNTV building.

“We greatly thank the Hapi organization for their helping and welcoming the members of our organization,” remarked Mr. Busa.

“Yesterday, we were formally relocated and were welcomed by the Hapi organization in Barangay Talipapa. In fact, some of the members of the Home for the Golden Gays are already living there. Thank you very much,” stated Busa.

“We will not be able to carry on with this project if it weren’t for God’s help. It is through Him that we are able to do this,” replied Mr. Larry Espinosa, President of the Hapi Christians group.

“Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel [always] teach us that we must help those who are in need of it,” he added.

The Hapi Christians is the Christian gay community of the Members Church of God International, who are being taught to utilize their talents, skills and abilities for the glory of God. Read more about them here.

 

 

References:

1] Pascual, P. (2014). A moment for the sunset beauty queens. Retrieved from: http://outragemag.com/moment-sunset-beauty-queens/

2] UNTVKasangbahayMo. (2014, June 23). MOA Signing between BMPI, UNTV, Hapi Christians and Home for the Golden Gays. [Video file] Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IogG3xmJ2sg