LGBTQ+ BULACAN LOVE FEST!
How did we all not know about this?! How did we all miss this? Where was the media -other than us of course?
LagabLOVE 2024, the Ultimate Maloleño Pride Celebration 🏳️🌈 was the other day and night in Ulihan, at the new city!
There was no doubt, rain or shine, the spirit of unity, love, and freedom was gonna keep blazing strong!
Happy Pride Month, Bulacan!
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Malolos at-large showed mad love and support for our LGBTQIA+ fam! It was extraordinary, it was jaw-dropping, and it was one of the warmest welcomes I have ever seen, to our LTQ+ community, anywhere in the world! (And, you know, I travel!) The City of Malolos rolled out the red carpet, lit the torch, and showed out at the top of the Fabulous New City Hall, baby!
Maloleño News Feature: The premier of The Maloleño Pride Celebration showing our massive fire-hot love for our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and neighbors, hosted by The City of Malolos came alive for LagabLOVE 2024 on June 16, celebrating equality, love, and respect, celebrating every member of the LGBTQIA+ community with no shade or discrimination.
Back in October 2022, the LGBTQIA+ fam had a low-key celebration to raise awareness about their rights.
But that was just a teaser.
But this…
This, absolutely fab, leveled-up, gay, dance showdown, was a testament to the power of synergy within the Malolos Squad from the City Social Welfare and Development Office-Community Affairs Division led by Lolita SP. Santos, RSW, Local Youth Development Officer Bryan Santiago, and with ‘The Peoples Mayor’ Christian Natividad, as well as the City Council’s backing, the much-anticipated Pride Month Celebration was a hit.
In case you missed it…
…the party kicked off with a vibrant and festive Pride Parade, complete with colorful floats from the different barangay neighborhoods.
Then, they hit up Liwasang Republika for a Malolos Pride March, showcasing each city’s cluster and their allies, and organizations (like us!) who came through to show our love and support, like Team No Fears from Izah Galvez Collections, Junior Chamber International Malolos, and Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School.
Wow. And then, Councilor Therese Cheryll “Ayee” Ople, known as “The Equality Champ”, dropped a solidarity speech that left us all empowered. She’s been leading the charge in Malolos for LGBTQIA+ rights -and she did not disappoint.
“Makibeki, huwag Mashokot! [Be Gay. Be Brave]” Ople shouted out, encouraging the LGBTQIA+ to level up and push for equal rights for everyone, no matter the gender or identity. Shoutouts and support also came from everyone there, including CSWDO Head Lolita SP. Santos, RSW, City LGBT Federation President Jerome Tiongson, SK Federation President Rian Maclyn Dela Cruz, Councilor Michael Aquino, Councilor Troi Aldaba, Gender Equality Advocate Geli Bulaong, BulSU Bahaghari Leader Lovely Vasquez, and Balur-Kanlungan advisor Jaime De Guzman.
The celebration was lit.
They had free face painting, choreography that was world-class, and even free juice and water from the Association of Sangguniang Kabataan Secretaries. No cocktails, but maybe next year. And, of course, the Philippines Magazine International (www.ThePhilippinesMagazine.com), reppin’ Bulacan Lifestyle was live, on the set.
Part two of the event was all about talent, with performances by Joshua Limpo, Amazing Bioday, Matt Walet, BulSU HyperDynamics, Mutya ng Pilipinas Bulacan 2023 Shannaine Lopez, Tomboy Philippines, LesQrew, and Pink Mannequins.
For the finale, Barangay Caniogan won the float competition and snagged P5,000 cash. Barangay Mambog took second, Barangay Tikay got third, and Barangay San Vicente came in fourth.
In the Cluster Category:
- Champion: Cluster 3 (Barangays Sumapang Matanda, Bungahan, Liang, Guinhawa, Mojon, Catmon, Dakila, Mabolo, and Sumapang Bata)
- 2nd Place: Cluster 2 (Barangays Panasahan, Look 2nd, Santor, Taal, San Pablo, Bagong Bayan, Matimbo, Anilao, Bagna, Balite, and Cofradia)
- 3rd Place: Cluster 4 (Barangays Atlag, Bangkal, Calero, Canalate, Namayan, Niugan, Pamarawan, San Juan, Santiago, Sto. Cristo, Sto. Niño, Sto. Rosario, and San Vicente)
- 4th Place: Cluster 1 (Barangays Babatnin, Barihan, Balayong, Bulihan, Caliligawan, Caingin, Longos, Look 1st, Lugam, Masile, Pinagbakahan, San Agustin, San Gabriel, and Santisima Trinidad)
- Biggest Delegation Award: Cluster 3 (including Barangays Caniogan, Ligas, and Tikay)
Also, Councilors John Vincent Vitug and Noel Sacay also came through for the celebration.
As part of Pride Month, more events are lined up like BaranGAYnihan, in Barangay Tikay on Wednesday, June 19, Barangay Catmon on Friday, June 21, and Barangay Matimbo next Tuesday, June 25 along with other nearby barangays.
In closing, let’s stand tall and proud, celebrating not just an event, but a movement that’s putting Malolos City, Bulacan, and The Philippines at-large, on the global map.
Bulacan, Philippines, is the home of the new, Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea, the first Black Filipina winner, and now a beacon of love, inclusivity, and support. From the steps of City Hall, the rise of gay politicians and community leaders here is something the world needs to pay attention to and take notes from. Malolos is leading the charge, showing that unity and acceptance make us stronger. Be Gay. Be Proud!
