A Stand OUT.

I was born in a small town called Central Luzon back in the Philippines. And boy, when you’re queer and a softy, you know that you would have more than your fair share of being ridiculed and excluded. I must admit, growing up was a massive feat. And it taught me one of the best life’s valuable lessons - resilience.

I never wavered. There were times that I had doubts and fears like all of us. But I managed to stay true to who I was. I would not say it was smooth sailing, but it gave me the ride of a lifetime. I grew up okay given the circumstances, and you are right. There are parts of me that I hid and tried to forget - the outcasted, the bullied, the shamed and the verbally abused. That part of my life I tried to shut, seal and keep at bay throughout maturity.

“when you’re queer and a softy,

you know that you would have more than your fair share of being ridiculed and excluded”

“the practice gives me permission to unravel

And feel my feelings…”

The first yoga class I did in Singapore started my healing journey without me knowing it. I have met people who have looked beyond my gay-ness, my effeminism and celebrated what made me extraordinary - a stand out.

It was through consistent practice that I began to understand that I needed to heal and that I needed to accept me for who I am, and to finally face the skeletons in my closet. The practice gave me permission to unravel and feel my feelings, and eventually, come to terms with my demons.

Both practicing and teaching gave me the tools to finally remember how it was to become whole, that it’s okay to not conform and most of all, to be unapologetically comfortable with the man I have become.

There are still occasional episodes of insecurity and inferiority every now and again, but I guess that’s why it’s called practice. It’s a lifetime commitment.