I ❤️ Pride Manila 2026 - UP Diliman Quezon City - 03/27/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Love Laban: My First Pride at UP Diliman 2026

It’s been ages since I last attended a Pride event here in Manila, and this time, thanks to GSM, I finally got the chance to join again! The celebration was held at UP Diliman — a location that turned out to be so convenient and welcoming, even for first‑timers like me. The event was organized by our company’s very own Pride Group, and they really took care of every detail.

 

We gathered at BGC at 12:00 noon, where a warm spread was waiting for us: lunch, merienda, bottled water, and awesome goodie bags! Inside were a knapsack bag, a soft Pride shirt, a towel, and a Pride ID lace — all useful and meaningful. It truly shows how generous and supportive our company has always been toward the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

After a quick meal at 12:30 PM, we boarded the shuttle bus provided by GSM and headed toward Quezon City. The usual traffic along EDSA was heavy, so we took a detour via C5 instead. While on the road, everyone kept an eye on the sky — the last two Pride events had been rainy, so we were all hoping for good weather. When we saw the bright sun shining through, we knew right away: this day is going to be perfect.

 

We arrived at UP Diliman by 2:00 PM, and honestly, I felt giddy inside — this was my very first time stepping foot inside the campus! For those who don’t know, UP Diliman is the country’s premier and most prestigious state university. It is massive — sprawling across hundreds of hectares, with wide open fields, tree‑lined avenues, and iconic landmarks that give it a distinct, timeless college atmosphere. Back in high school, I dreamed of studying here, but seeing how vast and far it was from where I grew up, I realized it wouldn’t be practical or cost‑efficient for me back then. Still, walking through its grounds now, I instantly fell in love with that relaxed, intellectual, and vibrant college vibe.

 

As we walked toward the assembly area, we were greeted by hundreds of fellow marchers from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Everyone radiated such positive energy, expressing their creativity through colorful outfits, flags, and accessories matching this year’s theme: “Love Laban” — meaning Love and Fight.

 

We noticed the march was already underway, so we squeezed into the line, hoping to catch up with our coworkers who had arrived earlier. Every step was filled with joy: people on both sides of the road cheered, shouting “Happy Pride!”, and we waved our flags and shouted right back.

 

Pride events began as a protest for equal rights and safety, starting from the Stonewall Riots in 1969. Today, it remains both a celebration of identity and a peaceful stand for justice, acceptance, and visibility.

 

The energy was incredible — loud music, live bands, the rhythmic beat of lyre drums, and energetic dancers leading the way. When the event host called out our company’s name, I proudly raised my towel printed with #We Are Not Neutral.

This slogan reminds us that staying silent in the face of discrimination is choosing the side of the oppressor. Being “not neutral” means we stand firmly for equality, respect, and dignity for everyone — no exceptions.

 

Along the route, there were stalls and kiosks selling food, drinks, and Pride merchandise, plus sponsors giving away freebies. Then, in the middle of all the excitement, I bumped into Mitchy — a friend I hadn’t seen since college! What a wonderful, random surprise. I also spotted several influencers, vloggers, and celebrities, and I couldn’t help feeling starstruck — of course, I had to ask for photos!

 

Our group decided to end the march early to avoid the worsening traffic, which was actually a smart move. After taking our final group photo, I said goodbye to my coworkers and stayed behind to join my friend and watch the concert.

 

As we explored the rest of UP’s grounds, I was even more amazed — it is huge, green, and so aesthetic, with that perfect mix of calm and liveliness. Walking around, checking stalls, and meeting more familiar faces, I thought to myself: “This is basically our version of Coachella — but with better purpose, no overpriced tickets, and love that doesn’t run out!” 😂

 

We enjoyed performances by popular drag queens, local artists, and celebrities who sang and danced along with the crowd. By 8:00 PM, we decided to call it a night — grateful for the clear skies, the laughter, and the memories made.

Pride isn’t just about parties or parades — it’s about reminding ourselves and the world that we exist, we matter, and we deserve to live freely and proudly. It’s about finding home in a community that accepts you exactly as you are. This day wasn’t just an event — it was a reminder that as long as we stand together, Love Laban will always win.

 

#PrideUPDiliman #LoveLaban #PridePH