More than once, George wished he had a smooth and peaceful soul, like the one Augustina Mendoza has. In her fifties, the religious devotee shares her values and convictions on Facebook. Meanwhile, George meets online a Sri Lankan who is struggling with discrimination for his sexuality. The 31-year-old man begs him to take him to Canada. Story by Charles Au LavoieAuthor&#39;s email: charlesaulavoie@gmail.com

Chapter 3 - Drinking Buddies

Through Facebook conversations, George gets glimpses of Filipino lives in the Philippines and among expatriates and Overseas Foreign Workers.Although he prefers to keep his emotional distance, we gradually see George’s longing for meaningful connections and his ongoing grief for his deceased partner.The interest is both documentary and personal, as he discovers the breadth and uniqueness of the gay community in the Philippines and in North America. He is often reminded of the disparity between the deprivations and emotional angst of his youth and the sufferings of the younger generation.As his health declines, George continues to encounter younger gays, writers, and others with similar interests. Facebook gives him licence to be bolder and more direct with his questions about others’ lives. Stories by Charles Au LavoieRead by Warren CarrieMusic by Angelica DayaoPainting by Detalyii/Jacob BravoAuthor&#39;s email: charlesaulavoie@gmail.com