The Dance of the Virgin

Yes, I danced - and I danced like crazy... drunk crazy... like there was no tomorrow. I danced again. I danced like I did the first time I stepped on the hallowed dance floors of Malate. It was intimidating but nonetheless very liberating - something I have held off for the longest time since I got here. Finally, I was ready - and so I danced the night away - like I used to - just like before - front and center.

It was my first club night err... gay club night in DC. I have been in other clubs before but usually with someone - a friend, a friend in hiding, and other what-have-yous - straight clubs and the "drink-chat-and-be-merry" type of clubs - where I never danced. I was already convinced that I was with the wrong crowd and I, I was not ready. Until recently.

I finally got tired of waiting for the right crowd and the right person who would take me out to dance in the hippest gay club in the city. Most of the time, I would find myself hanging out with guys who'd prefer to snuggle at home or maybe catch a drink or two at a local bar - they all refused to club. Did I say, wrong crowd? So I took matters into my own hands err... dancing shoes and took to the clubs by myself. And I was so glad I did.

I did not know what to expect. Google did not have much information on how one should dress, behave and mingle in DC gay night clubs. I have mastered the Manila night scene. I have transcended language barriers in Bangkok but I am a newbie in the States. I was a club virgin - again. And I, for the first time since I arrived here, I was intimidated by something. But Tristan refuses to be intimidated. I did what any self-respecting pokpok would do - look for a sign. Hehe. I found it in an inspiration lecture on YouTube - where this dying guy tells people to have fun. When you have time, watch it. But I digress.

And so I dressed up for the occasion - in my most "no-I-did-not-prepare-for-tonight" clubbing outfit, I braved the cold weather. I knew where I was to go. I have seen the building's facade on the net and have memorized the address by heart. I knew how much the cover charge was but beyond that, I was clueless as to what lies beyond the door.

"We're here...", said the cabbie.

"Thanks.", I said as I handed him my cab fare.

"Here goes...", I whispered to myself.

I took a deep breath and pretended to be cool, calm and collected. I started walking to the entrance where, outside, a line was starting to form. It was a good sign. I was finally ushered in. They asked for my ID - something that also took some time for me to acquire - I now have one, of course. I looked at the bouncer and took out my ID from my wallet. He looked at me and strapped a band on my right wrist - I would later find out that this magical band would enable me to get some drinks at the bar. It was proof that I was above twenty one and I could get wasted as much as I want - and I did. Haha.

Inside the club, the music pounded my soul. The green laser lights calmed my nerves. I was being reenergized. It felt like Bed, only better - with better looking people of various shapes, sizes, race and undress. I was delighted to see barely-clothed twinks by the bar. I was in gay heaven. I was home.

"What are you having?", the butch bartender asked me.

"Bud Light please.", I replied as I handed him/er a crisp twenty.

"Five for a beer.", I made a quick note.

I took a quick gulp. It was so damn good. I had to check - it was beer but never has it tasted any better than that night. The music continued to pulsate - it was mesmerizing. I was being brought to a new dimension. I took my bottle and tried to squeeze my way to the other end of the dance floor. I needed to know where I was - badly needed to familiarize myself with my new Bed. There were countless of hunky boys around me - I tried to be cool. I had to - I was not there for gay suicide - I refused to be a dork. Besides, I know my stuff - I can dance. How different can this scene be?

But it was different. Haha. Well, the expectations were different. The moment I saw three guys kissing before me, I had figured that I was in a different ball game. I had to learn quick. I had to adjust fast. It was pokpok extravaganza - I needed to be me, only better. Besides, that night, I was beyond myself - I was representing my country. Haha. And so, I turned my game face on - the "hey-I-can-show-you-some-lovin" kind of look. I almost threw up. Sa totoo, natatawa ako sa sarili ko. But I came here for a reason - I needed to have fun.

In between dirty dancing with horny strangers (male and female), bottles of beer and totally unpublishable behavior on the dance floor, I had made a meaningful connection with a gorgeous twenty-three year-old Mexican burrito, Alex.

to be continued...