Makati Avenue Goes Rainbow: Spread the Love Parade Closes Streets

Makati Avenue was bursting with life and every color of the rainbow last Saturday as the heart of Poblacion transformed for the “Spread the Love, Makati!” Pride parade and street festival! From the first beat at 3 p.m. to the final cheer just before midnight on June 21, thousands of LGBTQ+ folks, allies, friends, and families came together to celebrate love, equality, and all the energetic flavors of our community. For one dazzling day, the city’s busiest avenue was closed to traffic and opened for joy, dance, and solidarity, making it the spot to be for every proud Makatizen and Manila visitor this Pride Month.Closure of Makati Avenue set on June 21-22 for Pride Month event

Main Avenue, Main Event

All eyes were on Makati Avenue as the stretch from J.P. Rizal to Kalayaan Avenue became a swirling sea of flags, fierce fits, and happy faces. The local government made sure “Spread the Love, Makati!” would be safe and fabulous by closing the avenue to vehicles from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday until 5:00 a.m. Sunday for a full day and night of festivities. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes, but for partygoers, this was the ultimate green light to hit the streets, sashay, march, and celebrate with the community.Parts of Makati Avenue will be closed on June 21 and 22

Crowds, Culture, and Iconic Performances

Poblacion’s energy was unstoppable, with pop-up booths offering everything from face painting to rainbow merch, and food stalls serving up local favorites to keep everyone dancing. The main stage lit up with celebrity guests and local artists, all showing their pride through songs, dance numbers, and powerful messages. The parade itself was a whirlwind of color, sequins, and shared stories, creating space for both celebration and those all-important conversations about equality, representation, and safe spaces for all.

Community Vibes All Night

The love didn’t stop at sunset, after-parties stretched deep into the night, with events like the “Metamorphosis: A Masquerade Pride Night” at Transit just a stone’s throw away, continuing the electric energy and giving everyone more chances to connect, dance, and shine.Metamorphosis: A Masquerade Pride Night

Marching Forward

If you missed the parade, don’t worry, this was just the start of more inclusive, joyful events to come! Poblacion’s streets may have reopened, but the spirit of “Spread the Love, Makati!” is still pulsing through the city. Big shout-out to everyone who marched, performed, and volunteered, you are what makes our rainbow shine even brighter. For everyone else, don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year, and tag your Pride photos (and best looks) so we can keep the celebration going, online and offline. Love wins every time, mga beshies, see you at the next parade!