Vice Ganda pledges unwavering support at massive Pride Festival

• LGBTQIA+ icon Vice Ganda delivered a powerful speech at the LOV3LABAN Pride Festival on June 28, 2025, emphasizing unwavering solidarity and the universal recognition of human rights, regardless of personal privilege

• The event in UP Diliman drew an estimated 250,000 attendees, making it one of Southeast Asia's largest LGBT Pride gatherings, demonstrating the movement's sustained momentum despite scattered rains

• Rodina Singh, National Convener of Pride PH, highlighted the festival as a platform to push for critical legislation, including the SOGIE Equality Bill, Marriage Equality, and the Divorce Bill

• Vice Ganda affirmed her lifelong commitment to the community, stating, "I will not leave you," echoing the participants' resilience in pushing through the rain to celebrate and advocate for equality

Renowned comedian and LGBTQIA+ icon Vice Ganda delivered an impassioned speech advocating for unwavering solidarity and the universal recognition of rights during the LOV3LABAN Pride Festival at the University of the Philippines Diliman on June 28, 2025.

Despite scattered rains, the event saw an estimated 250,000 attendees, making it one of the largest annual LGBT Pride gatherings in Southeast Asia and signifying a sustained momentum for the movement.

Addressing the massive crowd that braved the weather, the "It's Showtime" host affirmed her commitment to the community, declaring, "Sasamahan ko kayong maulanan, nandito lang ako" (I will join you in getting rained on, I am just here).

This statement underscored the collective determination of both organizers and participants to see the festival through, unlike previous years when downpours sometimes led to early conclusions.

The resilience displayed by the attendees, who pushed through the intermittent showers, mirrored the enduring spirit of the Pride movement.

A central theme of Vice Ganda's address was the concept of privilege and responsibility. She emphasized that personal success or privilege should never lead to abandoning those who still struggle for basic rights. "Kung tutuusin, may pribilehiyo na ako eh.

Pero hindi porket may pribilehiyo ka eh iiwanan mo na ‘yung mga kasamahan mo na hindi nakakatanggap niyan," Vice Ganda stated.

"Hindi porket matanda ka na at may pera ka na, iiwanan mo ‘yung mga tulad mo na hindi nakakakuha ng pribilehiyong nakukuha mo… Dahil ‘yung pribilehiyo ngayon ay hindi dapat maging pribilehiyo mo lang.

Dapat maging karapatan ‘yan ng bawat isa." (If you think about it, I already have privilege. But just because you have privilege doesn't mean you should abandon your companions who don't receive it...

Just because you're older and have money, you shouldn't abandon those like you who don't get the privilege you receive... Because privilege now should not just be your privilege. That should be everyone's right.)

Her powerful words resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a reminder that the fight for equality is a collective effort that transcends individual circumstances.

She concluded her message with a strong pledge: "Kaya nandito ako. Tumanda man ako at saanman ako makarating, sasamahan ko kayo. Hindi ko po kayo iiwanan." (That's why I'm here. Even if I grow old and wherever I may reach, I will join you. I will not leave you.)

Rodina Singh, National Convener of Pride PH, the organizing coalition, highlighted the significant growth in participation at this year's event.

Singh underscored that the festival and march serve as a vital platform for advocating crucial legislative priorities that continue to be denied to the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Key among these are the long-awaited SOGIE (S3xual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill, which aims to prohibit discrimination based on SOGIE, as well as Marriage Equality.

In a show of broader solidarity for human rights, the Divorce Bill was also cited as a legislative priority.

The event, co-organized by the Quezon City local government, Pride PH Coalition, and the University of the Philippines Diliman, was designed to be "bigger, safer, and bolder" than previous years, accommodating the massive turnout.

Beyond the speeches and march, the festival included a Pride Expo and Pride Night, reinforcing the sense of community and celebration.

On social media, particularly in the comments section of the GMA News post, fans expressed immense appreciation for Vice Ganda's stance.

While most comments were supportive, one user, @shen.wong1988, commented "Meron kasing mga gurang jan 😂" (Because there are old people there 😂), a lighthearted remark perhaps alluding to the age range of attendees or simply a common quip.

However, the overall sentiment reflected pride in Vice Ganda's unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community and the broader fight for human rights and equality.

Vice Ganda is a well-known Filipino comedian, actor, host, and singer. He is widely recognized for his sharp wit, vibrant personality, and significant contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in Manila's comedy bars. His major breakthrough came in 2009 when he became a regular host on ABS-CBN's noontime variety show, It's Showtime. Due to his charisma and comedic talent, he quickly rose to prominence in the showbiz world.

Recently, Vice Ganda became a topic of discussion on social media once again. "Meme" (Vice Ganda's nickname) was interviewed by Karmina Constantino-Torres on her channel. During the interview, Karmina asked Vice about Ion Perez and his "COC" (Certificate of Candidacy). Ion was remembered for withdrawing his "COC" in November 2024.

During the same interview iwth Karmina Constantino-Torres, the TV anchor and host asked "Meme" (Vice Ganda's nickname) about the topic of anger. According to Karmina, she asked, "Why weren't you able to get angry at the world given all that you went through?" Upon hearing the question, Vice Ganda gave a truly authentic response.

Source: KAMI.com.gh