Heavy rains did not hinder the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in welcoming the Pride Month as thousands flocked to the Bridgetown Open Grounds in Pasig City to join the Express Yourself: Pride Night 2025.
The event, which was led by LoveYourself Inc, was described as an “unapologetic kickoff” to the month-long celebration of authenticity, resilience, and self-expression.
But more than just a celebration, the LoveYourself Inc. emphasized that the event in itself is a protest against long overdue issues that the community has been facing.
“Queer folk need more than just visibility, an acknowledgement of their existence; they need spaces where they are celebrated for the very differences that make them stand out,” it said.
“This is why inclusive platforms like [this] Pride Night are more than just celebrations — they are lifelines. They are affirmations that you are valid, you are seen, and you belong,” it added.
The presence of celebrities and the spectacular performances of some of the country’s talented drag performers added color to the already vibrant celebration.
Here some of the celebrities and performers who joined forces for the event:
Love at First Spike Cast
Present at the event were some of the cast members of the coming-of-age sports dramedy series Love at First Spike including Bong Gonzales, Binsoy Namoca, Sky Quizon, Dylan Yturralde, Lance Reblando, Miggy Ruallo, Nick Ocampo, Jude Hinumdum, and the headliners Sean Tristan, Reign Parani, and Emilio Daez.
Sean proudly shared that the series stands not only as a representation, but as a true testament to inclusivity.
“Gusto ko lang pong sabihin na itong series na ‘to, hindi lang basta representation, [it included] queers sa characters,” he said. “Sa series na ito, lead na po ang mga queers. Pinapakita sa series na ito na ang LGBTQIA+ (community) can be up front and center sa ating mga fields, lalo na sa mainstream media.”
Sparks Camp Season 3 Cast
The new cast of the upcoming season of the queer dating reality show Sparks Camp, who were recently introduced on social media, also took part in the Pride event.
Ants, Joer, Kim, Julian, Edward, Harold, Khali and Julio were in full force as they joined the community in welcoming the Pride Month.
“We’re just really grateful na nandito kami kasi lahat tayo rito, we’re here for love. And we’re proud na magkakaroon ng show and continuous pa rin ang show that will bring more meaning to love,” Kim said on behalf of his fellow campers.
Beauty Queens
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, a proud ally and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, boosted the spirit of the community with her presence at the event. This is not the first time Pia showed her support, as she also graced the same event in 2024.
The Pride Night was even made more special with the surprise appearance of the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 queens Chelsea Fernandez, Katrina Llegado, Gabrielle Carballo, Winwyn Marquez and Yllana Aduana.
Joining them was reigning queen Athisa Manalo, who addressed the crowd and expressed her aspirations for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I can’t wait for the SOGIE Bill to be [passed] into law, and I hope [to] see a better future for the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
Tawag ng Tanghalan Performers
Former contestants of It’s Showtime’s "Tawag ng Tanghalan" shined bright at the Pride Night with their impressive song performances.
TNT Season 3 finalist John Mark Saga performed his rendition of Kitchie Nadal’s “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” — the song that earned him a standing ovation from the judges of the said competition.
Rayven Hayres, Maki Lucino and Rhap Salazar also entertained the audience with their respective song performances.
Drag Queens
The main highlight of the event were the show-stopping performances of the various drag artists whose artistry, creativity and versatility were applauded by the audience.
Drag Race Philippines Season 3 contenders Khianna, Angel Galang, Zymbading and Myx Channel wowed the crowd with their electrifying performances.
Popstar Bench, who was also part of the show’s third season, also rocked the stage with her version of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.”
Captivating Katkat, the winner of the show’s second season, also performed at the event alongside her batchmates M1ss Jade So, Bernie, Hana Beshie, Matilduh, OV Cunt, and her runner-up Arizona Brandy.
The Pride Night was hosted by some prominent content creators including Miss Deliciousness, Poca, Pipay, and comedian Baus Rufo, whose fun personalities really complimented the event.