How do you spend your chill time? Is it sipping coffee, taking a walk, or simply vibing in your own little bubble? For some, the answer leans toward something a bit more playful—board games. What seems like a simple pastime became something much more for Jurgen George, founder of Bears and Board Games. What began as casual fun turned into a meaningful way to connect people and spark a sense of community.
BBG began in 2024 when George and his friends, seeking shelter on a rainy night, found Whimsy Café and played board games. Café owner Julieanne Febiar joined them, she expressed support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and mentioned hosting drag brunches before.
That was the moment when he decided he wanted to help. He didn’t have a solid plan yet, but he knew he was about to do something good together with his friends: Joe, Brian, Phil, and their respective organizations at the time
“She went the extra mile for us, not just as a friend but as an ally to the community”
Board Games and Safe Spaces as One
Bears and Board Games’ main beneficiaries are Golden Gays and Project Duyan. These groups care for elderly members of the LGBTQIA+ community and children living with HIV and their families.
Creating BBG came naturally to George because advocacy projects weren’t new to him. For him, it’s all about perspective—he lives a comfortable life surrounded by loving people who support him as part of the LGBTQ community.
“I believe that if I can’t give back to the people in need, it feels like a disservice to the community.”
George believes BBG creates impact by honoring the pioneers of the LGBT community through the Golden Gays and by nurturing the future with Project Duyan.
From Fun to Bigger Advocacy
Last July 19 and 20, VP Team witnessed how Bears and Board Games turned Whimsy Game Café in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong into a magical place. Through Unibearsity: Board Games and Art Fest, the group brought together community, creativity, and cause—raising support for Project Duyan and The Golden Gays.
Drag Queens Pura Luka Vega, Yudipota, and Khianna with a K added flair and pride to the celebration, embodying BBG’s belief that safe spaces can be both joyful and empowering.
For founder Jurgen George, BBG is more than just board games. It’s a space for people who seek slower, more meaningful ways to connect—especially outside the usual nightlife.
“BBG gives people an alternative to the hustle and bustle of party culture. While BBG was made for the Bears at first, we have since expanded to everyone who feels the need for a safe space to meet people.”
That spirit of inclusion goes beyond events. BBG actively supports queer-owned businesses, HIV testing centers, small brands, and independent artists—turning casual play into purposeful community building.
From donation drives to direct outreach, the group continues to uplift both the Golden Lolas and the children of Project Duyan—proving that connection, compassion, and advocacy can start with a simple game.
“As time passes, there is nowhere to go but up.”
Jurgen George on nurturing a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ Community
From Bears and Board Games to the Heart
Growing and reaching more people is BBG’s goal. Plans are in place to hold BBG events in various regions to connect with LGBTQIA+ brethren and allies even more. George believes BBG is a safe space for people and, hopefully, for those who need a chosen family beyond blood.
Their advocacies reign on top now that they see increased support not just for BBG’s main events but also for other efforts, like the time they gathered close to ₱80,000 worth of donations for the Golden Gays.
“Trust and believe that this is only the beginning, and we are not stopping anytime soon.”
Bears and Board Games shows how a simple love for board games can grow into a movement of kindness and advocacy. By creating safe spaces and supporting causes like the Golden Gays and Project Duyan, Jurgen George and BBG prove that even small actions can bring big change. This is only the beginning for BBG, and their passion for community will continue to thrive.
I am a writer who believes every story holds deeper meaning. Writing is not just about retelling events, but about learning from the wisdom of others. With experience in news and feature writing, I aim to create stories that inspire reflection, connect people, and reveal life’s lessons proving that even the simplest words can carry powerful stories.
