Ballet Manila Continues to Shine With Pearlescent Luster

 

Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Lynn Oliveiro as Paquita with principal dancer Junmark Sumalyo as Lucien d’Hervilly and Ballet Manila's corps de ballet (Photo by Ballet Manila)

This year marks a cultural milestone in the Philippines—the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of Ballet Manila (BM), founded by its current chief executive officer and artistic director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

            The prima ballerina, who is the first foreign soloist to ever join the famous Kirov Ballet of Russia, has been a leading figure in popularizing ballet in the country. With BM, she continues to nurture dancers and stage ballets with a program of international, Filipino and original ones. It is admirable how she is committed to her passion, leading BM to reach 30 years, a major feat. 

            For its Pearl anniversary, BM has prepared a special program for the year, starting with The Pearl Gala: The 30th Anniversary Show, held from 7 to 9 March at their home theater, Aliw Theater, in Pasay City.

            Unveiled during the gala was an exhibit, “Dance. Breathe. Repeat: Thirty Years of Ballet Manila,” curated and mounted by Art Project , Inc., of journalists and curators Susan de Guzman and Giselle Kasilag. The exhibit is very informative as it tells the story of BM in pictures and words.

            Aside from Macuja, BM was founded in 1995 by 11 other dancers—Osias Barroso Jr., Pamela Asprer, Kristin Dabao, Elline Damian, lanne Damian, Aileen Gallinera, Sandra Lynn Huang, Eileen Lopez, Eduardo Espejo, Jeffrey Espejo and Christopher Mohnani—with Eric V. Cruz serving as it first artistic director. Thus, their slogan is “by the dancers, of the dancers and for the dancers.” 

“The idea for Ballet Manila bloomed in the living room of Lisa's supportive parents, Cesar and Susan Macuja, who would become president and treasurer, respectively, of Ballet Manila Foundation,” the exhibit tells. “The other parents turned into the informal BM secretariat, willingly taking on tasks to help the group—from serving as ushers and ticket sellers during shows to ferrying costumes and props in their cars.”

“Everyone assumed multiple roles to get the dream going. Aside from being principal ballerina, Lisa was also artistic associate and chief of staff. Osias (Shaz) was principal danseur and ballet master while lanne Damian was rehearsal mistress. Coaxed out of retirement, the venerable Tito Eric served as artistic director, lighting designer and costume designer all rolled into one,” it further narrates.

BM’s first patron is business tycoon Fred J. Elizalde, who provided the company with headquarters and a studio, and whom Macuja married in 1997.  

            The exhibit details their performances around the country and abroad; tells about their mission of discovering and training new talents; and the many accolades they received. It also tells that BM dancers adhere to the Vaganova technique, “a training method that Lisa Macuja learned as a student at the Leningrad Choreographic Institute (Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet).”

            A highlight is BM’s contributions to Filipino ballet with original productions such as adaptations of Filipino literary works including Severino Reyes' tales in Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang and Tatlo Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, the korido Ibong Adarna, and Francisco Balagtas' metrical romance Florante at Laura.

            The Pearl Gala, which is comprised of three pieces, afforded audiences a glimpse of the best of BM, “a collection of the best and most exquisite performance pieces from Ballet Manila,” according to Macuja-Elizalde. 

            The selections included “Paquita Divertissement”; “Bloom,” choreographed by Anabelle Lopez Ochoa; and “Pearls,” an original ballet by Macuja-Elizalde and Martin Lawrance.   

“Choosing the repertoire for this gala was difficult to do simply because our wealth of ballets to select from was formidable in itself. How does one program a pearl gala? With something classical and contemporary from the past and a world premiere for the future,” Macuja-Elizalde commented. 

With two acts and three scenes, the ballet Paquita was created by French composer Édouard Deldevez and ballet master Joseph Mazilier, and was first staged by the Paris Opera Ballet in 1846. BM performed it as finale during its debut year. The re-stager then was Tatiana Udalenkova, Macuja-Elizalde’s ballet teacher in Russia.

“The ‘Paquita Divertissement’ is a compelling example of classical ballet in its purest form. It is also the ballet that was the finale of our very first Ballet Manila Dances concert at the PCI Bank Auditorium when the company first announced its beginning in February 1995,” Macuja-Elizalde said

“Classical ballet remains the backbone of the company as we continue to train in the Russian Vaganova method and perform the full-length classics during every season,” she explained. “Paquita will present our extremely strong female corps de ballet, soloists and principal dancers in variations and group work that will astound in technical ability and artistic quality.”

            The contemporary neoclassical piece “Bloom,” inspired by a Hindu ritual that celebrates welcoming and gratitude, was most delightful and mesmerizing, performed by an almost all-male ensemble. 

“‘Bloom’ is a very contemporary piece that clearly features our male dancers, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and then subsequently exported all over the world,” Macuja-Elizalde said. “‘Bloom’ was inspired by Annabelle's trip to Indonesia where she witnessed a flower ritual. What I love about ‘Bloom’ is that it is dynamic, energetic and even a bit sensual with tons of heart-pounding, exciting, testosterone-filled moments. A perfect folly to the very classical female-dominated Paquita.”

Closing the show was the world premiere of “Pearls,” especially created for the anniversary, featuring “all the styles that the company performs in,” with music is by Giuseppe Verdi. 

Macuja-Elizalde said that “Pearls” was created in stages.

“The first part of the ‘White Pearls’ was actually choreographed for our Malaysian dancers involved in Ballet Manila's greatest hits performed in Kuala Lumpur late last year. The ‘Pink Pearls’ is a pas de six or a dance for six while the ‘Gold Pearls’ with 10 couples was created to celebrate the partnership with Jewelmer for the pearl year and feature the national gem of the Philippines,” she related.

“‘Pearls’ is a company piece as it celebrates each and every member of the company. Like this beautiful classic gem, every dancer in the company is formed by years of training with every class, rehearsal and performance becoming a learning experience that represents the many layers of a performing artist. Just as the pearl is made by its many layers over time inside its shell,” she explained.

For BM’s Pearl Year, Swan Lake, Don Quixote Florante at Laura and Snow White are expected to be staged. 

For the years ahead, Macuja-Elizalde promises to keep on dancing, to keep giving their best, and to keep “bringing ballet to the people and people to the ballet.” 

 Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon))

 An exhibit on Ballet Manila's history (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon))

'The Black Pearl' duo of Ballet Manila principal dancers Abigail Lynn Oliveiro and Junmark Sumaylo (Photo by Ballet Manila)

'White Pearls' is composed of the strong female corps of Ballet Manila (Photo by Ballet Manila)

Pas de deux performance in 'Bloom' featuring Ballet Manila soloist Stephanie Santiago and principal dancer Joshua Enciso (Photo by Ballet Manila)

A Year of Philippine LGBTIQ+ Milestones

 In 2024, the situation of LGBTIQ+ communities in the world remains to be a complex mix of progress and setbacks. In many Western nations, LGBTQ+ rights have continued to advance, with more countries legalizing same-sex marriage, improving anti-discrimination laws, and increasing representation in politics and media, including the Best Actress win of Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón, which was shared together with her co-stars in Emilia Pérez, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, making history by being the first openly trans actor to win a major prize at the prestigious festival. Additionally, the continuing success of Rupaul’s Drag Race and its international franchise substantially contributed to awareness and the mainstreaming of the queer creative expression of drag.

Furthermore, countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain have reinforced their commitment to equality through inclusive policies and protections for transgender individuals. The United States has seen both progress and challenges, with some states enacting protective laws while others introduce restrictive legislation targeting transgender rights. 

Marriage equality has been achieved in several parts of the world such as Estonia, Aruba, Curaçao, Greece, and Thailand, which became the first Southeast Asian country to legally recognize same-sex marriages and the third territory in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.

However, in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, LGBTIQ+ communities continue to face discrimination, criminalization, and violence. Uganda, for example, passed harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in 2023, and other nations maintain or strengthen their restrictions. Russia has expanded its anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda laws, making it increasingly dangerous for activists and individuals to live openly.

Despite these challenges, global advocacy efforts remain strong. LGBTIQ+ Pride events, social media activism, and legal battles push for equal rights worldwide. The fight for LGBTIQ+ equality continues, highlighting both victories and the need for continued activism.

            In the Philippines, LGBTIQ+ situation in 2024 has experienced progress, while still facing challenges. SOGIESC Equality Bill has still not been signed, but ordinances penalizing discrimination based on gender were in development in several towns and cities.

This rundown of notable Philippine LGBTIQ+ events and developments in 2024 is part of my ongoing project of writing a timeline of Philippine LGBTIQ+ history.

 

January 18, 2024: Second season of ‘Drag Den’

         Pioneering Filipino drag competition and reality series, Drag Den, aired its second season. Created and directed by Rod Singh, Drag Den 2 premiered on January 18, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video and streamed weekly until 7 March. Manila Luzon returned as host and main judge, with Sassa Gurl and Nicole Cordoves serving as co-judges. Produced by Cornerstone Studios and Project 8 Projects, the second season featured ten contestants competing—Deja, Mrs. Tan, Moi, Feyvah Fatalé, Russia Fox, Margaux, Jean Vilogue, Elvira, Marlyn and Maria Lava. Twenty-two-year old queen from Baguio City, Deja emerged as the winner, earning the title of the "Filipino's Next Drag Supreme,” while Mrs. Tan and Moi were the runners-up.

 

February 9, 2024: Marina Summers competes in Series 2 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World’ 

         Twenty-six-year-old drag performer and Drag Race Philippines Season 1 runner-up Marina Summers became the first Filipino to compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World, a spin-off of the popular RuPaul's Drag Race. She was one of the 11 contestants competing in Series 2, which aired from February 9 to March 29, 2024, and finished in third place.

 

February 29, 2024: Pura Luka Vega arrested again

Drag artist Pura Luka Vega was arrested again by police in Manila on February 29, 2024 for three counts of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.” She was arrested for the same charges in October 2023. Vega received enormous backlash after a video of her drag performance, mimicking an image of Jesus Christ and dancing to a remix of "Ama Namin,” was posted on social media in June 2023. Several places declared her persona non grata and cases filed against her in the biggest public persecution of an LGBTIQ+ person for perceived religious offense in the Philippines.

Artists and fellow drag performers decried the continued persecution. Concerned Artists of the Philippines released a statement on 1 March condemning the repeated arrest.

“This pattern of harassment raises serious concerns for the artistic freedom of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community,” they said. “It is disheartening to witness the persistent efforts to curtail Pura’s artistic expression. The broader implications of these arrests are chilling to our artistic community. These hate-based attacks and weaponization of the law not only undermine the fundamental rights of Pura Luka Vega but also impoverish and disempower the art community at large.”

“We urge authorities to reconsider their actions and uphold the principles of freedom of expression, recognizing the importance of a diversity of expression within the arts sector,” the organization emphasized. “We stand united in demanding the immediate release of Pura and affirming the right of every individual to express themselves creatively without fear of persecution.”

 

June 14, 2024: Launch of Equality Alliance

         The Equality Alliance, the broadest coalition of more than 200 LGBTQ+ organizations, private sector representatives, youth groups, religious formations and other allied groups in the Philippines, was launched, led by PANTAY, Lagablab LGBT Network, Bahaghari, Pride PH, LGBT Pilipinas, Inc., and congresswoman Geraldine Roman. This was an effort to further promote and push the SOGIESC Equality Bill and urge the president to certify the bill as urgent.

 

June 18, 2024: ‘Pabuhagay’ in Bohol 

         The exhibit “Pabuhagay” was mounted from June 18 to 29 at Alta Citta Mall in Tagbilaran City, featuring works by eighteen LGBTIQ+ Boholano artists—Marvin Ablao, Ameril Ampatua, Gil Ctlr, F Jordan Carnice, Thirdy Cuadra, John Oliver, Janelle Jumarito, Yoyo Cabahug, John Dave Aceberos Raña, Jumjum Ouano, Ryard Josh Adorable, Daneel Potot, Clijster Aile Oguis, Giancarlo Accardi, HJ Raneses, Maria Isabel Café, Rezi Pitaya, Inday Noa, and Ren Paragados. This marked the very first time the provincial government of Bohol held an event to celebrate LGBTIQ+ Pride Month in the Central Visayan island province. 

 

June 22 and 30, 2024: Biggest LGBTIQ+ Pride event in Asia 

Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival and affiliated Pride events in different parts of the country drew a cumulative total of 228,000 attendees, making it the largest Pride event in Asia in terms of attendance. Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival was held on 22 June at the Quezon Memorial Circle, with an estimated crowd size of about 212,000 attendees, but was cut short because of heavy rains. A second Pride event, Love Laban 2 Everyone! Happy Equality: Araw ng Pasasalamat, was held on June 30, drawing about 27,000 attendees. Affiliated Pride events held simultaneously with Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival were Iloilo Pride Pyesta 2024 in Iloilo City, Iloilo, with about 6,000 attendees; Northern Luzon Pride in Baguio City, with about 4,000 attendees; Iligan Pride 2024 in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, with about 1,000 attendees; Catarman Pride in Catarman, Northern Samar, with about 500 attendees; Quirino Pride in the province of Quirino with about 300 attendees; and Magsaysay Pride in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, with about 50 attendees. Other affiliated Pride events were Mindanao Pride in Cagayan de Oro City on 30 June, with about 3,000 attendees, and Ladlad Caraga in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, on 29 June, with about 1,000 attendees. Other affiliated Pride events were Mindanao Pride in Cagayan de Oro City, held on June 30, with about 3,000 attendees, and Ladlad Caraga in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, held on June 29, with about 1,000 attendees.

 

June 22, 2024: Amsterdam Rainbow Dress arrives in the Philippines

The wearable art installation, the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress, made a stop in the Philippines, a first for Southeast Asia. It was at the Love Laban 2 Everyone: Pride PH Festival on June 22 and was on display at the mall TriNoma on June 25 and 26 in Quezon City. It was worn by Vice Ganda for an art photography shoot. The installation is a dress made of the national flags from countries where being LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ acts are illegal, punishable by imprisonment, torture or even death. It aims to raise awareness on the global struggle of the marginalized community and to advocate for acceptance and equal rights.

 

June 24, 2024: New television series on queer youth

Marahuyo Project, television series on queer youth, premiered. Produced by Anima Studios, the eight-episode series was created and directed by JP Habac, with Benson Logronio and Juvy Galamiton as main writers. Starring Adrian Lindayag and Neo France Garcia, Marahuyo Project follows a group students as they face challenges in establishing their university's first LGBTIQ+ organization in a coastal town. The series was released on the Anima Studios’ YouTube channel for free, beginning with two episodes (“Amihan” and “Dios Buhawi”). Episodes 3 (“Sidapa at Bulan”) and 4 (“Santelmo”) were released on June 26, Episodes 5 (“Hunyango”) and 6 (“Sirena”) on June 28, and Episodes 7 (“Aswang”) and 8 (“Babaylan”) on June 30.

 

June 26, 2024: Second season of ‘Sparks Camp’

         The second season of Sparks Camp, a gay dating reality series produced by Black Sheep and ABS-CBN Studios, began streaming on Black Sheep’s YouTube channel. 

 

June 15, 22 and 29, 2024: Metro Manila Pride

The Metro Manila Pride organization was not able to hold a march and concert, and instead held a series of small events throughout the month such as “Hangout, Coffee, and Chill” on June 15 in Makati City; “Resbaklaan,” a talent show, on June 22 in Makati City; “Pride Piknik,” a potluck and film viewing event, which also showcased several performances, at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium in Manila, on June 29. Their slogan for the LGBTIQ+ Pride Month celebration was “Resbak Na! Iisang Laban Para sa Karapatan at Kulayaan.”

 

June 29, 2024: Philippine LGBTQ Icon Awards

         Five LGBTIQ+ individuals and allies were honored at the third Philippine LGBTQ Icon Awards, held on June 29, during the 13th Annual Philippine Pride Party in Marilao, Bulacan. Honorees were actor Adrian Lindayag, who received the Young People’s Champion Award for his dedication to queer visibility in media; singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra who received the Trans Trailblazer Award for his efforts in paving the way for other trans artists in the entertainment industry; drag queen Marina Summers who received the Beacon of Representation Award for upholding LGBTIQ+ excellence in the international stage; human rights advocate and lawyer Chel Diokno, who received the Ally for Change Award for his support of the SOGIESC Equality Bill; and former vice president Leni Robredo, who received the Icon of the Year for her personal advocacy for equality, outspokenness against discrimination, and the impactful programs and initiatives of Angat Buhay that support the Filipino LGBTIQ+ community.

Organized by HIV awareness and LGBTIQ+ rights organization The Red Whistle and O Bar Philippines, the Philippine LGBTQ Icon Awards recognizes pioneers, trailblazers, and allies of the LGBTIQ+ community, who have shown dedication to representation, support for equality and change, and advocacy against discrimination.

 

July 21, 2024: The Jude Bacalso incident

         Transgender personality Jude Bacalso came under fire after a photo showing her allegedly berating a waiter in a restaurant in Cebu City, Cebu, circulated in social media. Bacalso said she was lecturing the waiter, who was seen standing, on gender sensitivity after calling her “sir.” Social media reactions were a mix of condemnations for the harsh treatment and transphobic comments. The waiter filed charges against Bacalso for just vexation, grave scandal, grave coercion, grave threats, and slight illegal detention.

 

July 27, 2024; Makati City’s first Pride event

         The city government of Makati City spearheaded a LGBTIQ+ Pride event for the first time in collaboration with several LGBTIQ+ groups. “Spread the Love, Makati!” held in the barangay of Poblacion, featured talks, workshops, street performances, a fair, a main show and after-parties. Several celebrities and government officials graced the event to express support to the community. 

 

July 27, 2024: The first out LGBTIQ+ flag bearer of the Philippine Olympic team

Boxer Nesthy Petecio is the first out LGBTIQ+ flag bearer of the Philippine team at the Olympics. Together with Carlo Paalam, she bore the flag during opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The country celebrated its 100 years of participation at the Olympics. She was also the flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

The Paris Olympics had the most number of out LGBTIQ+ athletes at 193 so far, according to website Outsports, breaking 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics’ record of 186. 

 

July 31, 2024: The first out transgender Filipino to compete at the Olympics

         Twenty-nine-year-old Kalinga boxer Hergie Bacyadan is the first out transgender Filipino to compete at the Olympics. Despite being a transgender man, he competed in the women’s 75-kilogram division on his Olympic debut in Paris. He and American runner Nikki Hiltz are the first trans persons to compete at the Olympics.

 

August 2024: First telehealth app to cater to LGBTIQ+ patients

         KonsultaMD became the first telehealth app in the Philippines to offer Inclusive Care feature for LGBTIQ+ persons, promising safe space with doctors trained in SOGIESC, gender sensitivity, motivational counseling and understanding and addressing specific health needs of the community. The program was in partnership with the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the USAID’s Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control Project. 

 

August 7, 2024: Third season of ‘Drag Race Philippines’ 

         The third season of Drag Race Philippines premiered on August 7. Produced by World of Wonder, this season of the Philippine version of the hugely popular RuPaul’s Drag Race aired on HBO Go in Philippines and on WOW Presents Plus internationally. It featured 11 contestants—Maxie, Khianna, Angel, Tita Baby, Zymba Ding, Myx Chanel, Popstar Bench, John Fedellaga, J Quinn, Yudipota and Versex. During the finale on 9 October, Maxie was declared the winner, while Khianna was the runner-up. Versex was named Miss Congeniality.

 

August 8, 2024: The first out LGBTIQ+ Filipino athlete to win two Olympic medals

Boxer Nesthy Petecio won a bronze medal in the women’s 57-kilogram boxing of the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first out LGBTIQ+ athlete from the Philippines to win two Olympic medals. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist is also the first Filipino to win two Olympic medals in boxing, the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal in women's boxing and the fourth Filipino to win two Olympic medals.

 

August 27, 2024: Dolores in Eastern Samar passed an anti-discrimination ordinance

         The Anti-Discrimination Ordinance for People of Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, authored by councilor Mae Almazan, was passed in the municipality of Dolores in Eastern Samar. It aims to provide protection for LGBTIQ+ people against gender-based discrimination and violence.

 

September 6, 2024: First Filipino children’s book on intersexuality

         The first Filipino children’s book on intersexuality was published and released. Published by Intersex Philippines, Ang Aking Espesyal na Regalo (My Special Gift) by Jeff Cagandahan, with illustrations by Adrian J. and Gumi F., tells the story of how an intersex child embraces and celebrates their identity and sex characteristics. The author and illustrators are also involved of the storybook Interconnected, published by Intersex Asia in Taiwan on July 11, 2024.

 

October 19, 2024: First national pageant for butch lesbians and transgender men

            Tomboy Philippines, the first national beauty pageant for butch lesbians and transgender men, held its grand coronation event on 19 October at the Music Museum in San Juan City. Spearheaded by Chit Reyes and Cowee Santos, it was launched on 14 September, presenting 30 candidates. Gellie Pablo from Navotas won the title. The runners-up were Phao Faraon from Malabon City (first); Armi de Leon from Morong, Rizal (second); Keith Martin from General Santos City (third); and JC Lapitan from Batangas City, Batangas (fourth).

 

October 25, 2024: Third Bahaghari Awards

         Third Bahaghari Awards, organized by the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), recognized several individuals, companies and groups for their contributions to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belongingness in the workplace at the awarding ceremony in Taguig City. Vice Ganda, IloIlo City Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, Quezon City’s Right to Care Card Team (Quezon City Gender and Development Council and MullenLowe TREYNA) were hailed as Bahaghari Champions. Also honored were EnGendeRights (Pride Advocacy of the Year), Vice Ganda (PFIP's Choice for LGBTQ+ Role Model of the Year), senator Risa Hontiveros (PFIP's Choice for Ally of the Year), Accenture in the Philippines (Company of the Year), IBM EAGLE ASEAN and Korea Business Resource Group (Pride Network of the Year), Coy Macaspac-Ordonez of Northern Trust (Executive Ally of the Year), and Tere Claudio of Sun Life Global Solutions (LGBTQ+ Leader of the Year).

 

November 29, 2024: Updating of dress code policy in government offices

         The Civil Service Commission has officially updated its dress code, allowing government employees to dress in accordance to their gender identity and expression. The progressive development aligns with PFIP’s LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace Playbook, which highlights the importance of gender-inclusive dress codes in creating safe, supportive spaces. This policy applies to all government offices, local units, and state universities.

 

December 3, 2024: Fifth Ripple Awards

         The fifth Ripple Awards honored three advocates—Marvi Rebueno-Trudeau, who received the Global Advocate Award, “for her outstanding work in the Philippines that gained global attention and sharpen focus on innovative testing methods and combination prevention;” Ian Felix Alquiros, who received the Advocate of the Year Award, for making “significant strides in the HIV/AIDS advocacy landscape, transcending arts to amplify the cause and many more;” and Toni Gee Fernandez, who received the Community Advocate Award, for demonstrating “exceptional dedication to communities, building safe spaces for PLHIVs, LGBTQIA+, and Mindanaoans, inspiring more communities to do the same.” The awarding ceremony was held during Love Gala: Eternal Elegance — A Night of Timeless Love, a charity event in observance of World AIDS Day, on 3 December 2024 in Taguig City.

         Organized by LoveYourself PH, an organization focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and LGBTIQ+ health, the Ripple Awards recognize individuals “whose unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions have significantly advanced the HIV/AIDS advocacy.” 

December 16, 2024: Zig Dulay and Gab Mejia among TOYM awardees

         LGBTIQ+ artists—filmmaker Zig Dulay and photographer, multimedia artist, and environmental engineer Jose Gabriel “Gab” Mejia—were among the 2024 awardees of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), which recognizes Filipinos between 18 and 40 years old “who have made exceptional contributions to their respective fields and communities.” Also, beauty queen and LGBTIQ+ ally Pia Wurtzbach was also honored in the field of humanitarian service and social work.

 

December 31, 2024: Nectar Nightclub closes

Nectar Nightclub, an LGBTIQ-friendly bar at The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, closed down. It opened in October 2016, and upgraded in September 2019, serving as a safe space and venue for queer expressions. It was also influential in the growth of drag in the Philippines.