Rainbow flags dominated the festive ground under the murky sky that burst in a downpour on June 28. At that moment at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Lov3Laban 2025 became more than a drenched march on campus: It was both declaration and living proof of Pride.

The rain transformed the biggest festival of the Pride PH coalition into a spectacle of flags, banners, and chants for equality. Thousands of people braved the muddy grounds at the Sunken Garden, portable fans whirring in defiance of the felt chill.

The colorful procession, the activity booths and the star-studded Pride Night concert were vibrant under dark sky and heavy rainfall. Among the celebrities who brightened the festivities were PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) sensation Klarisse de Guzman, Gian and Rapha of Cup of Joe, and drag queens such as Marina Summers and Minty Fresh.

They did not simply trigger smiles among the crowd; they also served as reminder of the true purpose of Pride—a continuing action for inclusivity and equality, and against discrimination.

John Joseph Orilleza and Bogs Santos are among those who walk their talk. Their relationship has spanned over 14 years and they have been actively calling for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1600, or the SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sexual Characteristic) Equality bill, for such a long time.

The measure is aimed at protecting and ensuring the rights of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and others) community by penalizing acts of discrimination against them. It has yet to be passed by the Senate since it was proposed more than two decades ago.

For everyone

Orilleza pointed out that legal recognition is not a privilege but a right: “Lahat nang LGBTQIA+ [members] ay may karapatan na ma-recognize, and sana maipasa na talaga ‘yung SOGIESC bill, para maprotektahan din ‘yung mga tulad namin.”

Said Santos: “SOGIE makes sure that everyone will be included. Walang iwanan. Lahat kasama.”

Akbayan party list Rep. Perci Cendaña and incoming Rep. Chel Diokno called on lawmakers to stop delaying and produce legislation that would ensure equality and protection for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Cendaña expressed sadness that this year marks “the 25th anniversary” of the bill and that it continues to be ignored by lawmakers. He lamented the difficulty of coming out: “Hindi alam ng marami, napakakomplikado ng proseso ng coming out. Napakahirap para sa ating LGBTQIA+ people na lumabas at magpakilala dahil nga unsafe pa ang mundo. Marami pang stigma at discrimination.”

He challenged the other lawmakers to bring the issue forward: “Come out, dalhin sa liwanag at pagbotohan. Because all this beauty was never meant to be hidden. All this pride was never meant to be carried with shame. And all this love was never meant to be bound or broken.”

Diokno said he hoped that the progressive ordinances in Quezon City, such as the fair ordinance, QC Pride Council, and right to care card, will be made accessible nationwide.

Act of resistance

Ysang Barrera, who chairs the nonprofit Tinig ng Silangan (TNS) Inc. that helps marginalized communities, said Pride goes beyond the pageant of colorful outfits and is an act of resistance: “Lov3Laban—pure love, pure fight, genuine care, concern. It is a Pride March worth fighting for…It’s not just a statement. It’s not just costume. Parang, out, lahat ng mga gustong mag-out. But it’s
beyond that; it’s a protest that’s being fought by generations.”

Barrera cited “the beauty of the continuing fight” and the necessity of being loud and heard: “Sobrang ganda na pinagpapatuloy natin ‘yung laban. We will not be silenced by people trying to silence us. Ito ’yung opportunity natin na maging loud and mapakinggan din.”

The TNS booth theme followed “Multo” by Cup of Joe, their freedom wall serving as a platform for unheard voices and silent experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Although he was not among the performers, Vice Ganda showed up as a surprise guest. The movie-TV star stressed the importance of each one’s presence and the power of numbers: “Yung presensya ng bawat isa sa atin ay napakahalaga. Kaya ang aking panalangin sa bawat isa, sa lahat natin na bahagi ng komunidad na ito, let’s all make sure that we are seen. Please be seen. We have to be heard, so please be heard. Kailangan natin lumabas, makita, at mabilang dahil ang bilang natin ay kapangyarihan.”

The gay couple Santos and Orilleza were happy to see the growing support for their community. They recalled the very first Pride event they attended in 2013, when they saw fewer than 100 people. 

A “beautiful milestone” is how Orilleza described the steady growth of awareness of the community, as well as of the rights that its members are fighting for.

Jeremy Ballesteros, Hannah Tabunda and Orlaine Antonio, third year journalism students at the University of the Philippines’ College of Media and Communication, are interns at CoverStory.ph.