The hot, humid weather didn’t deter the 300,000 celebrants who paraded to UP Diliman (UPD) on June 27 as they danced, sang, and shouted for joy during LoveLab4n Pride PH Festival (LoveLab4n), one of the country’s largest Pride celebrations.
As early as 9 a.m. people were already waiting for the programs to begin simultaneously at the four stages set up around the Academic Oval: Inside the Sunken Garden, Palma Hall steps, Melchor Hall steps, and the space in front of the Oblation Plaza.
Each stage featured performances from local talent, messages from advocacy groups and testimonials from supportive families and allies.
The AS Parking Lot in front of Palma Hall served as the venue for Pride Expo where almost 150 booths for government, non-government organizations as well as small and medium businesses were packed with visitors.
The highlight of the festivities was the grand Pride March, where some 300,000 participants from over 100 socio-political and grassroots organizations as well as corporate and private sponsors paraded around the Academic Oval starting from the University Avenue, turned right into Ylanan, exit onto Commonwealth Avenue and turn left back into University Avenue.
These included the Commission on Human Rights, the United Nations Philippines, the embassies of countries like Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Australia, as well as delegations from the various Quezon City barangays.
Among those leading the parade was Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, whose programs and initiatives for the LGBTQIA+ community has turned her into one of the more prominent allies and advocates in the government sphere.
Everywhere the rainbow flag or pride flag, the symbol of LGBTQIA+ social movement, was on display, either worn as an accessory or painted directly on the faces of participants, many of whom came in costume as a form of celebration.
While many dressed for comfort in running gear, others in cute outfits, more than a few festivalgoers went all out, dressing up in fanciful costumes and sporting large wings like supermodels, but all were welcomed with cheers by the crowd as they walked past.
Pride March was followed by Pride Night, with performances from notable acts such as Cup of Joe, Michelle Marquez Dee, Nica, Justine, and Matthew, Anton Diva, Lance Reblando, Femme MNL, Ballroom PH, bands such as BGYO, G22, ALAMAT, KAIA, Babydolls, VVINK, and community icons such as Janine Teñoso, Drei Arias, Lorraine Galvez, Kio Priest, and Xandria Bautista.
Co-organized with Pride PH and the and the Quezon City Local Government (QCLGU), it was the culminating activity of QCLGU’s Pride Month celebrations.