CITY OF MALOLOS – The vibrant colors of LGBTQ+ communities took the center stage as Singkaban Festival celebrated both inclusivity and cultural heritage through Bulacan Gay Pride 2024 at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here last Tuesday.
The gala night was attended by various LGBTQ+ federations with more than 500 members, joining forces to promote equality throughout the province where several beauty contestants competed for the first ever ‘La Baklakenya 2024’ title, while other special awards were given to honor exemplary individuals and groups, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader Bulakenyo society.
The titleholders include Izza Galvez of the City of Malolos for the first ever La Baklakenya 2024 award with P10,000 cash prize and Tradisyonal na Kasuotang Baklakenya and Talento Baklakenya awards with P2,000 each; Anjo ‘Sofia’ Bautista of Bocaue for La Baklakenya Turismo with P7,000 cash prize and Kasuotan Panlangoy award with P2,000; Lian Tadeo from Bustos for La Baklakenya Sining at Kultura with P5,000 cash prize, Harlin Budol of the City of Meycauayan for La Baklakenya Kasaysayan with P3,000 cash prize and Jane De Leon of Plaridel for Saya La Baklakenya award with P2,000.
Additionally, Creative Guild of Marilao was recognized as the Most Active Club and Bahaghari de Mayumo of San Miguel as the Most Compliant Club, each received P10,000 cash prize, while John Carlo Manahan of San Miguel was honored as the Most Compliant Secretary, Eduard Raymundo of Marilao as the Most Active President, and Miguel Migs Delos Reyes of San Miguel as the Most Compliant President, all three took home P5,000 cash prize.
In his address, LGBTQ+ Bulacan Federation President Peter John T. Dionisio also announced the recent approval of a resolution providing one LGBTQ+ scholar per barangay in the province, however, Governor Daniel R. Fernando intensified his support for the community by doubling the number of scholars to two per barangay.
Meanwhile, through Crispin De Luna, Fernando conveyed his admiration and support for the LGBTQ+ community, noting that its members hold a special place in his heart due to their natural talents and the joy they bring to the communities.
“Ano mang anyo ng mukha at pag-ibig, ito ay dapat na ipinagdiriwang, ibinabahagi at ipinadarama. Iisa lamang ang hiling ng bawat isa, ay kalayaang magmahal at mahalin, malayo sa mapanghusgang mata ng ating lipunan. Kaya naman magkakapit-bisig ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan at LGBTQ+ community sa pagsusulong ng peace, unity and gender equality,” the governor said.
Several representatives also performed the Rigodon De Honor, an elegant and sophisticated dance brought to the Philippines by Filipinos who had traveled abroad during the Spanish period.
