As Pride Month reaches its crescendo, Instituto Cervantes Manila and the Embassy of Spain are set to host one of the capital’s most anticipated LGBTIQ+ celebrations. Orgullo 2025, scheduled for Friday, June 27, promises to be a vibrant testament to diversity, equality, and inclusion in the heart of historic Intramuros.
The event, themed “Sé quien quieras ser” (Be Who You Want to Be), reflects a growing commitment to LGBTIQ+ rights advocacy, particularly significant given Spain’s current role as co-chair of the International Equal Rights Coalition (ERC). This positioning underscores the diplomatic weight behind the celebration, transforming what could be a simple cultural event into a powerful statement of international solidarity.
The evening’s programming strikes a thoughtful balance between scholarly discussion and artistic celebration. The academic centerpiece, “¿Entiendes? Coloquio sobre inclusión y lenguaje” (Do You Understand? A Colloquium on Inclusion and Language), will feature three distinguished linguists examining the intersection of language and LGBTIQ+ identity. Leading the discussion will be Prof. Jeff Roxas from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, alongside Prof. Daryl Pasion from UP Los Baños’ Language Division, and Prof. Lakan Umali from UP Diliman’s Department of English and Comparative Literature. This panel represents a rare convergence of academic expertise focused specifically on how language shapes—and is shaped by—LGBTIQ+ experiences in the Philippines.
The choice to anchor the event with academic discourse reflects a sophisticated understanding that lasting change requires both celebration and critical examination. Language, after all, is both a tool of oppression and liberation, making this discussion particularly relevant for the Filipino LGBTIQ+ community, which has its own rich linguistic traditions around gender and identity.
Following the academic presentation, the evening will transition into a more participatory format with an open mic recital. This segment invites community members to share poetry, monologues, or songs in either English or Spanish, creating a multilingual space that honors both local and international expressions of pride. The inclusion of Spanish as an option for artistic expression is particularly meaningful, connecting the Philippines’ colonial history with contemporary cultural exchange. It also provides an opportunity for participants to engage with Spanish-language LGBTIQ+ literature and artistic traditions, potentially introducing new forms of expression to the local community.
Beyond the formal presentations, Orgullo 2025 incorporates several interactive elements designed to foster community connection. Live music and dance performances will showcase local talent, while trivia games promise to engage attendees of all ages and backgrounds. The evening will conclude with a DJ set, ensuring the celebration maintains its festive energy throughout.
Perhaps most significantly, an “Expression Yourself Wall” will be available throughout the event, inviting attendees to contribute written, painted, or drawn messages of love, courage, and unity. This collaborative art piece serves multiple purposes: it provides a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard, creates a lasting visual record of the community’s hopes and dreams, and transforms passive attendees into active participants in the celebration.
The event’s success depends on collaboration between multiple institutions, including the Intramuros Administration and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). This partnership demonstrates how cultural diplomacy can create meaningful impact when organizations align their resources and expertise. The choice of Intramuros as the venue is particularly symbolic. As Manila’s historic walled city, Intramuros represents both the Philippines’ colonial past and its contemporary cultural renaissance. Hosting a Pride celebration in this setting sends a powerful message about the evolution of Filipino society and its growing acceptance of LGBTIQ+ individuals.
With free admission and a first-come, first-served seating policy, Orgullo 2025 emphasizes accessibility and inclusion. The organizers’ encouragement of early registration through their online platform suggests strong anticipated attendance, reflecting the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTIQ+ celebrations in Manila. As the Philippines continues to grapple with LGBTIQ+ rights issues, events like Orgullo 2025 serve as important markers of progress. They create safe spaces for community building, provide platforms for advocacy, and demonstrate the power of cultural diplomacy in advancing human rights.
For those planning to attend, the event begins at 5:00 PM on Friday, June 27, at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros. Registration is encouraged through the provided online form at https://forms.office.com/e/et6CTa49TP, and additional information is available through the institute’s website at manila.cervantes.es or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.
In an era where LGBTIQ+ rights face challenges globally, celebrations like Orgullo 2025 remind us that progress is possible when communities come together with purpose, creativity, and hope. As the event’s theme suggests, this is indeed a time and place to “be who you want to be.”
