The Manila Pride Ball on June 1, 2023, was a night filled with enchantment and shimmering spectacle. The guests arrived at the red carpet, proudly showcasing their stunning outfits. The creative and artistic fashion choices added an extra touch of beauty to the event. The LGBTQ+ community embraced the opportunity to express themselves in style.
Stars Shine Bright: Celebrity Guests
The ball was a star-studded affair with famous personalities from different networks and the entertainment industry in attendance. Directors, producers, and artists graced the event, making it a memorable gathering. Notable figures such as Direct Perci Intalan, Ice Seguerra, and Liza Dino, along with executives from CreaZion Studios, added glamour and excitement to the evening. The presence of these influential individuals showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
A Grand Opening: Spoken Word and Dance
Mark Ghosn set the mood for the party with his emotionally charged spoken poetry piece, “Maingat Kitang Mahal.” The performance captivated the audience, creating an atmosphere of deep connection and appreciation. A graceful dance number to the prom’s anthem, “I Just Wanna Dance with You,” added elegance and excitement to the event, setting the stage for a night of celebration.
Dazzling Drag Performances: The Queens Reign
The crowd was left awestruck by the drag solo and group performances. Precious Paula Nicole, Brigiding, and Viva Deluxe took the stage and delivered unforgettable renditions of iconic drag songs, leaving no doubt about their extraordinary talent. Their captivating performances added an extra layer of entertainment and celebration to the night. DJ Jimmy Nocon kept the energy high with her vibrant music, ensuring everyone had a great time on the dance floor.
Crowning Moments: Prom Royalty and Zeen Stealer Awards
One of the most exciting parts of the evening was the announcement of the Prom Royalty Awards. The anticipation was palpable as Dane Aguirre, an actress and singer-songwriter from CreaZion Studios, was crowned Prom Queen. She was elegantly escorted by Joseph De Vera, who became the Prom King of the ball. This crowning moment symbolized their significance and influence within the LGBTQ+ community.
The organizers also presented the Zeen Stealer Awards won by Jay Cors, Prom Power Couple awarded to Natasha and Drew, and Prom Royalty Award snatched by Lady Pussy Galore. This awards honors individuals who stole the show with their charisma and presence. This recognition added a special touch to the event, appreciating those who made a lasting impression on the audience.
An Electric Venue: KAO day and night club
The dynamic and spirited celebration of love unfolded at the Manila Pride Ball, a dazzling event hosted at the lively KAO day and night club nestled within New Port’s Resorts World Manila. The choice of venue proved to be nothing short of perfect, as the energetic atmosphere and vibrant ambiance served as an ideal backdrop for the festivities that ensued. Against this vivid canvas, nearly 300 individuals from various walks of life converged to partake in a jubilant celebration, standing in unwavering support and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community.
As the doors of KAO day and night club swung open, a diverse tapestry of attendees, each carrying their unique stories and experiences, stepped into an environment that transcended the ordinary. The air was charged with an electrifying blend of excitement and anticipation, marking the beginning of an evening dedicated to embracing love in all its forms. The Manila Pride Ball emerged as a nexus where people could unite in the spirit of acceptance, creating a space that radiated warmth and camaraderie.
The venue itself, with its pulsating music, dazzling lights, and vivacious energy, became more than just a physical setting for the celebration. It transformed into a dynamic canvas where individuals, adorned in a spectrum of colors that reflected their diverse identities, could authentically express themselves. The Manila Pride Ball became a living testament to the beauty that emerges when people come together to celebrate their true selves.
However, the heart and soul of the event extended beyond the external trappings. It lay in the creation of a warm and accepting environment where every attendee felt seen, heard, and embraced for who they are. The Manila Pride Ball became a haven where individuals could cast aside societal expectations and celebrate their authentic selves, fostering unity among those who shared in the common goal of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Against the vibrant backdrop of Resorts World Manila, the Manila Pride Ball stood as a beacon of inclusivity, shining brightly and dispelling the shadows of discrimination. The event transcended its role as a mere celebration, evolving into a powerful symbol of the ongoing journey toward a world where love knows no bounds, and every individual is free to revel in their true identity.
The infectious energy and welcoming atmosphere of the Manila Pride Ball echoed the universal desire for acceptance and understanding. It became more than a singular gathering; it was a collective expression of resilience, empowerment, and the enduring strength found in embracing diversity. In the vibrant heartbeat of KAO day and night club, the Manila Pride Ball echoed the universal call for love, acceptance, and unity, resonating far beyond the confines of the venue itself.
A Celebration of Love and Diversity
In retrospect, the first-ever Manila Pride Ball held on June 1, 2023, stands as a remarkable and transformative event that not only showcased the remarkable talent, resilience, and love within the LGBTQ+ community but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended. This extraordinary night transcended the boundaries of a typical celebration; it evolved into a powerful testament to the strength of unity and an exuberant celebration of the diverse beauty that defines the LGBTQ+ community.
The Manila Pride Ball became a symbolic gathering, where the vibrant tapestry of identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum unfurled in a spectacle of colors, talents, and unyielding resilience. It was not merely a ball; it was a statement—a declaration that diversity is not only to be acknowledged but embraced and celebrated. Every moment of the event radiated with the authenticity and unapologetic expression of the community, leaving a profound impact on the collective consciousness of all who were fortunate enough to partake in this historic occasion.
As attendees reveled in the festivities, the ball echoed the power of unity, serving as a beacon for the ongoing journey towards acceptance and equality. It showcased that, when individuals stand together, embracing their differences and celebrating their shared humanity, they create a force that can break down barriers and redefine societal norms.
The Manila Pride Ball will be cherished as a memorable milestone in the overarching narrative of the LGBTQ+ community’s pursuit of acceptance and equality. It became a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about visibility, recognition, and the celebration of diverse identities. The event illuminated the path forward, inspiring future generations to embrace their authentic selves without reservation.
In its entirety, the first-ever Manila Pride Ball was not just an event but a profound chapter in the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history. It will be referenced as a turning point—a night that exemplified the community’s resilience, highlighted its talents, and celebrated the unwavering power of love in all its diverse forms. As we reflect on this extraordinary night, it becomes clear that the Manila Pride Ball was more than a celebration; it was a declaration of the LGBTQ+ community’s rightful place in the tapestry of human experience, adding a vibrant and lasting hue to the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and accepting world.
