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 9PM), is one good example how the app welcomes everyone to its Kumunities and promotes a culture of inclusivity, acceptance, and respect among its users.

Pride Week Celebrations

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 PhP20,000 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 Php10,0000 in cash to be given away plus more Pride shirts, Pride Merch discounts for every PhP 500 minimum purchase and free shipping via the code “HAPPY PRIDE”, or Php100 discounts and free shipping for minimum purchases of Php500 via the code “KUMUX1126”. Both promos are good for three availments per account.

Meet the Team Behind Beki Quiz

Straight from its hosts Mc Pol Cruz (more popularly known on the app as @mcpol) and Ashley Polinar (better known on KUMU as @prettyashliii) to show producer Pat Berdejo (@pat.berdejo), find out how the successful online game show helped build the app into the welcoming platform that it is today.

Mc Pol Cruz (Host, BEKI QUIZ)

“At first, I was hesitant to be a livestreamer because my parents don’t really know that I am gay,” ze 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.

Ashley Polinar (Host, BEKI QUIZ)

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”.

Pat Berdejo (BEKI QUIZ Producer)

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.

Catch BEKI QUIZ on KUMU every Saturday and Sunday at 9PM.

KUMU is a powerful social media platform that brings the voices of Filipinos from all over the globe at the forefront. Aside from presenting users real-time earning opportunities as a live streamer, chances to win cash in various game shows, and engagement in campaigns, KUMU also fosters communities that ignite relevant discussions among Filipinos. Be part of the Kumunity now and download the app for free at Google Play or the App Store.