JOSHUA VICTOR CATALYA CAJOTE
“Each of us has abilities, and, with these, we will be able to create a world way better than how ‘regular’ people (deem we deserve). We just have to help each other. We just need to learn that we are more than we, ourselves, see ourselves, and we need to teach each other to believe,” says Joshua Victor Catalya Cajote.
“I’ve always had this growing interest about entertainment, particularly on event planning, even before I was open to the public about my sexuality. (But) I was completely a different person before I’d probably say I was happy about myself,” says Joshua Victor Catalya Cajote. “(My) curiosity brought me to venture (into) myself, and then (in the scene), which ultimately ended (up with me) meeting people (such as top designer Cary Santiago and Zee Lifestyle Magazine’s Jing Ramos) who became key points for my interest field. Eventually, I have made my entry to the scene.”
And so is made Cebu City’s Franck Eggelhoffer (sans the flamboyance) or maybe Marion St. Claire (sans the bitchy attitude).
GAY ATTITUDE
“Meeting a lot of people is not an option in this field of work and living. You tend to meet people, (either for) socializing or for plain business, and (and you need to learn) to be quick to respond to them (and the situations),” Cajote says, adding that, fortunately for him, being a member of the GLBTQIA community helps, since while “everybody has the best chance there is as long as they work hard for it, GLBTQIAs, I believe, have these certain abilities that aren’t mostly found on other people – they are strong willed and (has) fighting spirit, and they don’t stop until perfection is as close as possible (within) their grasp.”
Cajote adds: “Being gay is all about attitude. We are proud beings.”
Cajote, a graduate of Bachelor of Science (Hotel and Restaurant Management) from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, has “been around,” having served as production and creative specialist of Mondo Events; independent marketing liaison for special events for PRETENZ: A Halloween Party, AK&7’s SINsation: A Wicked Halloween Experience, MAGS Boutique launch, and Club VIBE launch; subsequent BEDfellas: The Alternative Lifestyle Party, and Slave to Rhythm of Club VIBE; and DJ for Y101 (DYIO FM) Always First.
“(Had I not chosen to go into this field, I would) probably still be pursuing my other interests in culinary arts and catering,” Cajote says. Alas, “(fate) smiled differently at me.”
Cajote adds: “I believe that destiny doesn’t make us, but we make our own destiny. Our actions lead to results, we reap what we plant. I cannot really determine where I would be able to bring myself in the future. My journey only happens once, and I’m living it (to the max) as much as possible, and for as long as there is left.”
BE TOUCHED
It is in partying, too, that Joshua Cajote found a way to help the GLBTQIA community in Cebu City – aiding in the holding of the Queen City of the South’s first Gay Pride Celebration (2008), as well as, more simply, “providing gay spaces (where to celebrate GLBTQIA identity).”
“When people compliment me and I get comments like: ‘Great party, Josh!’ or ‘When’s your next big thing?’. Those are when I feel satisfied with the path I chose. It’s very touching when people appreciate what you’ve been working hard on,” Cajote says.
It is in partying, too, that Cajote found a way to help the GLBTQIA community in Cebu City – aiding in the holding of the Queen City of the South’s first Gay Pride Celebration (2008), as well as, more simply, “providing gay spaces (where to celebrate GLBTQIA identity).”
“Cebu City’s GLBTQIA is different – it’s so hard to gather them in a place (to celebrate/party, simply because) they aren’t used to partying at all (and, if at all, with the commonly held parties often the wilder ones, not the organized ones),” Cajote notes. That should change soon, though, as Cajote points out what for him is inspiring about Cebu City’s GLBTQIAs: “They are such loving people, and laughter is never a scarcity to be worried about. There is not a dull moment when having them around.”
Cajote believes that GLBTQIAs know “each of us has abilities, and, with these, we will be able to create a world way better than how ‘regular’ people (deem we deserve). We just have to help each other. We just need to learn that we are more than we, ourselves, see ourselves, and we need to teach each other to believe.”
And somehow, celebrating that may just be one way to go.
And with that, Cajote is never far behind.
For more information, contact (+63) 9152704565, or (+6332) 2612196; or email jvcajote@ymail.com.
