MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Members of LGBTQIA+ communities all over the world have made strides to foster social acceptance. In the country, there are already a number of safe spaces and communities wherein LGBTQIA+ members can be themselves and totally proud of it. One of these is the fastest-growing social media app in the country, KUMU. The app’s online game show BEKI QUIZ (livestreaming on the app every Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.), is one good example of how the app welcomes everyone to its Kumunities and promotes a culture of inclusivity, acceptance, and respect among its users.
In celebration of Pride Week, KUMU’s BEKI QUIZ launches its PRIDE Merch campaign from June 22 to 30, kicking off with a special episode last Saturday, June 20, which featured special guest hosts that included influencers Gus Villa and Louie Garbarda, along with actress/artist Sheree. Jackpot prize was upped to P20,000 as the hosts gave away six special edition Pride shirts to users.
Those who missed the first special BEKI QUIZ episode can tune in again this Saturday, June 27 with P10,0000 in cash to be given away plus more Pride shirts, Pride Merch discounts for every P500 minimum purchase and free shipping via the code “HAPPY PRIDE”, or Php100 discounts and free shipping for minimum purchases of P500 via the code KUMUX1126. Both promos are good for three availments per account.
Hosts Mc Pol Cruz (more popularly known on the app as @mcpol) and Ashley Polinar (better known on KUMU as @prettyashliii), and show producer Pat Berdejo (@pat.berdejo), share how the successful online game show helped build the app into the welcoming platform that it is today.
“At first, I was hesitant to be a livestreamer because my parents don’t really know that I am gay,” @mcpol said. “Don’t get me wrong, though; I am so proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, but I’m just scared that my parents and other relatives will not like it. That’s the main factor that made me hesitant to livestream,” ze added.
Wanting to meet new people and share zis infectious laughter, @mcpol found zis niche as a host of the in-app BEKI QUIZ game show. “With KUMU, I can just sit and turn on my camera then livestream anytime. My audience gets the real and raw me on the stream, since I don’t get to edit or filter anything,” ze said. “It makes me happy when I see our viewers watching not just for the prize money, but they are genuinely enjoying the show and our company. I love seeing comments that we made them happy that day; super nakakataba ng puso,” ze shares.
“Maybe in time, Filipinos would be more accepting of our community with the help of KUMU and BEKI QUIZ as they give us a chance to share more personal and candid relationships with our audiences,” shares @mcpol.
Like @mcpol, then BPO customer representative Ashley Polinar or @prettyashlii also had zis hesitation in joining the social media app and mingling with random people. “I was afraid people would judge me because of my gender and gender expression,” ze said. “My friends were the ones who introduced me to KUMU. They told me how accepting the Kumunity is and I decided to give it a shot.”@prettyashlii eventually won the Race2Face Kumu campaign garnering the support of zis fellow-Kumunizens and now co-hosts The BEKI QUIZ with @mcpol. But the Race2Face win wasn’t what @prettyashlii was really gunning for when ze joined KUMU. “I realized that I get to inspire people to pursue their dreams and help them turn them into reality,” ze added. “Platforms like KUMU become the means to find common ground and to promote equality and acceptance. We learn to accept that though we come from diverse backgrounds, we are all human. It is really heartwarming to see that through developments like KUMU, everyone, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are able to express themselves freely”.
KUMU’s BEKI QUIZ, as a social media first that anchors on a social TV concept, opened an online LGBTQIA+ community that pushes for progressive changes in Philippine society. For the game show’s producer Pat Berdejo or @pat.berdejo via the app, being on KUMU as opposed to other social media platforms truly makes a difference. “In this day and age, acceptance to LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines is not as progressive as other first-world nations,” ze revealed. “Thanks to social media platforms like KUMU, where I can be “ME”, no prejudice, no filters, no editing, no nothing – I can share my thoughts freely,” ze added.
It turns out that BEKI QUIZ was after all being molded as an avenue to change the public’s connotations and perceptions of the LBGTQIA+ community in the country. But how does KUMU really foster empathy and compassion for LGBTQIA+ members via the BEKI QUIZ? By giving them a voice, placing a premium on their two cents about social issues, and allowing them to contribute to KUMUnities in their own ways. “It’s never easy to put up a show like BEKI QUIZ – so many ups and downs but thank goodness to our ever loyal viewers and supportive KUMU executives – we’re stronger than ever,” said @pat.berdejo. “We have so much potential in this arena. This is ‘the new’ of this generation,” says the BEKI QUIZ producer. “Hear us out! Let’s start from listening and from there on, you would have a broader understanding on where we stand. Have an open heart – if all wants equality, then why can’t we have it?” ze asks.
“Never allow people to control and change you so long as you do things in good faith. Haters are gonna hate — that’s a given! But you are not alone in this journey. We are a Kumunity,” advised @pat.berdejo, inviting all of us to enter the diverse and inclusive online landscape that KUMU graciously offers everyone.
KUMU has invited a number of talented allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to share their expertise, experiences and stories to the Kumunity via its Spotlight section. Multi-talented chef, Apple Chiu (@applechiu), kicked things off on Monday, June 22. Artist Akiro (@8akiro8) took the stage on Tuesday, June 23, and brought his creative flare to KUMU. Akiro uses makeup to paint his face and body to completely transform himself into mesmerizing characters and creations.
Comedians Romark Joseph (@romarkjoseph) and Mike Unson (@mikeunson) will close Pride Week. Romark, the well-versed entertainer is set to bring laughter — and song — to all his viewers on June 25, Thursday, at 9 p.m. And for everyone’s TGIF festivities, comedian Mark Unson, will be there for every well-deserved end-of-week celebration. Mark, who has perfected the art of perspective comedy will be going live at 9 p.m. Rounding up the Pride Week celebration on KUMU will be Rj Agustin (@rjagustin).
BEKI QUIZ on KUMU streams every Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.
