Is it true that gay men can be open about their sexual orientation, but not their relationships with other men?

...in the Philippines? Me and my friend were talking about this and she told me that they can't hold hands or kiss in public, that they have to keep it very private. I see many feminine, overtly gays in the Filipino media, especially considering how westernized it is. And are there 'straight-acting' gays in the Philippines as well?