In partnership with Run Rabbit Run
I thought about writing an article on Pride Month for a few reasons… The first being a strange incident that happened at the at the beginning of the month. An old acquaintance of mine (mind that I haven’t seen or spoken to this fellow in over 15 years) asked me this question out of the blue: “Are you pro-gay?”
For the record, I have no idea why he sent me a message so randomly. Whatever the reason is, it’s his story to tell… But what struck me about it was the thought that I knew what my stance has always been, and despite people around me insisting that I have a voice (I cringe at the seeming self-flattery as I write this phrase), I must not be using it to talk about issues that matter to me.
In case people are wondering, I have no problem with anyone who identifies him/her/them in whatever label he/she/they choose/s. I don’t believe in labels, I believe in humanity. In equality. In mutual respect. In freedom. In doing you. In love.
Needless to say, I felt like such a jerk for not doing anything during the month… Which was the reason why I got inspired to do a Pride Month special.
Being completely and utterly anal about making sure that I stay within the site’s equity (i.e., keeping it about drinks), I sought help from one of my similarly vocal equal rights advocate friends, mixologist extraordinaire Kath Eckstein. She then referred me to one of her mentees (and believe me when I say the guy is quite proud to have her as a mentor), the talented and ultra-creative Lorenz Luna of Run Rabbit Run (Poblacion).
For those who haven’t been there, Run Rabbit Run is a bar in Poblacion. It looks like a house, but once inside, guests would understand why it’s named so. According to one of the co-owners Beverly Yeoh (of Bitters & Love Fame), “Run Rabbit Run is a form of escapism from which we wish to whisk people away from their cares with stories of a life they dream about. (It’s) just like Alice in Wonderland, where the timekeeper rabbit led Alice into a rabbit hole and into a world of adventure in Wonderland.”
I was initially apprehensive asking Luna to work with 2shots for this project, but he reassured me that “this project (is) an opportunity to once again work with my mentor (Eckstein), so naturally I wouldn’t let this pass by. I would like to see this as my part in supporting the community – (whether) it be in the form of drinks or sharing that there is a positive space for them in Run Rabbit Run.”
True to form as one of the most exciting up and coming mixologists in town, he hit us with something that was truly inspired: Cocktails representative of each colour of the LGBTQIA+ rainbow flag.
A bit of a background, and something I recently learned: The flag is actually reflective of the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Originally designed by Gilbert Barker† (gay rights activist and artist), the six colours of the 1979 version have meanings:
Red – Life
Orange – Healing
Yellow – Sunlight
Green – Nature
Blue – Art
Violet – Human Spirit
Luna said that each cocktail represents how each colour (and their corresponding symbolisms) tastes like.
Having said all this, Eckstein and Luna came up with the following cocktails:
Red – Life
This was a twist on a classic Negroni, using chilli and sun-dried tomato infused gin, pepper infused sweet vermouth, and Campari. It is a negroni with umami packed ingredients, “symbolising an explosion of flavour and life,” said Luna
Orange – Healing
A mixture of orange juice, pineapple juice, gold rum, dark rum, angostura bitters, ginger liqueur and pandan syrup (and garnished festively with dried citrus fruits and a bamboo straw), Luna said that it symbolises an “organic way of healing, either physically or mentally.”
Yellow – Sunlight
This fun, summery (and sunshine-y!) drink is made with a dry white wine, Hedonist liqueur, pineapple juice, rum, apple juice, and lime juice. Eckstein chose the ingredients because they were synonymous to beach and summer parties, and the drink harkens thoughts of celebrations and happiness (i.e., summer sunshine!).
Green – Nature
Even for a non-mixologist such as myself, green is typically synonymous with nature. This one is made with mint and thyme syrup, lime juice, pistachio syrup, and amaretto foam.
Blue – Art
The concept of art was brilliantly represented in this cocktail in the form of a custom-made edible rice paper artwork. It’s a drink that’s both aesthetically beautiful and yummy, made with whiskey, passion fruit, violet liqueur, lemon juice, and an egg.
Violet – Human Spirit
This pretty purple concoction is made with crème de violette, Sirena gin, Opuntia brandy, lemon juice, a dash of tonic bitters, and garnished with blueberry jam (or orchids, depending on the availability). The inspiration behind it is adorable: Since Sirena gin is a sweet pea gin, it changes colour depending on what is added, like the lemon in this case. Eckstein said that the lemon signifies love, and how it changes the human spirit (and of course, without love, there is no spirit ;)).
Here’s another thing I learned from Luna, which broke my heart: In the Philippine bar industry, there are gay men who choose to stay in the closet because coming out severely limits their options for career growth.
I wish I could say that that’s the only story I know of… I know of a guy who came out to his parents, and in an effort to shield him from the world, was told, “We love and accept you, but let’s be honest, the world would not always be so accepting. This is why you have to work harder than everyone else.” I grew up with kids who were forced into the closet for Christianity’s sake, making them feel that even if the Lord loves them, the church won’t. I know of a man who scares his 10 year old son into “(being) a man” because it doesn’t suit his image of a proper, old fashioned family. I’ve heard of people driven so far off the edge because of people refusing to accept them for who they are that their only way out was death.
I don’t think it’s all a sea of negativity though. One of the best stories I know of is of a high ranking public official whose two male kids are gay… Not only does he love them, he’s so proud of them, brags about them, and protects them. I have friends who are successful in their fields, getting there because of sheer talent, and not despite being gay.
I hope that all stories end up this way in the future… And I hope that every person struggling with their identity would find their joy at the end of the rainbow. Cheers!
Those who would like to try these cocktails can go to Run Rabbit Run, 4991 P. Guanzon street, Poblacion (open 6pm – 1am Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 6pm – 3am Thursdays to Saturdays). The cocktails featured are on a per request basis with Lorenz Luna.
For the latest happenings in the bar:
Website: runrabbit.run
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Email: drink@runrabbit.run
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