Celebrating pride month has been something that the country has been doing BETTER every year. Years ago, there were White Party celebrations in the streets of Orosa and Nakpil in Manila. Back then, it was a congregation of different bars and to some degree, that place died down together with the LGTBQIA+ establishments that were there in Manila. This year, Mentorque Productions under Bryan Dy felt that it is time to throw one again, with the aim to help their co-presenter LOVEYOURSELF Foundation Inc. who has been steadily helping folks with HIV+ cases, testing and information. Together with allies, and the icons of LGBTQIA+ community, WHITE PARTY MANILA: REIGNITE was finally happening (after 12 long years) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City!
Everyone came to the venue wearing their best white outfits, ethereal looking garbs and carried their friends with them. I also saw cisgender folks, family members, their Mums and Dads who came to support them too. It was heartwarming, because the crowd was mixed, of young ones and not so young, seeing hope to have a new generation continue this celebration too.
Performers were led by the Unkabogable Vice Ganda, who not only appeared, but did the fashion show by BANG PINEDA that evening. The event was also hosted by KaladKaren, with John Sweet Lapus awarding some allies who have not only talked, but walked to support the LGBTQIA+ community. We also saw celebrity couple Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño, model Joey Mead-King car pro Angie King. Direk Andoy Ranay, Alex Diaz, Klea Pineda, Mimiyuuuh, Janella Salvador, Chie Filomeno, Kirk Bondad, Ron Angeles and Teejay Marquez were also at the runway, while RPDR runner up Marina Summers opened the show!
Acts from allies and community members like Ben&Ben, Maki, Gloc-9, Maxie Anderson and SexBomb Girls (who won Gay Icon of the Year Award) also happened. White Party Manila definitely set a new standard!
Outstanding Ally of the Year went to QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. John Lapus gave the award and discussed matters that they supported like the right to care card for couples, partners or relatives. This is going to be a yearly honor for 4 individuals, hetero cis, for their contribution to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Then in a touching moment, Vice Ganda handed a 1 Million Peso check (earned from WHITE PARTY MANILA) to their supported foundation LOVE YOURSELF Inc. so they can continue their support for the cause.
Here's a toast to the lovely people who made this all happen! Can't wait for next year's WHITE PARTY!
