Lov3Laban sa Diliman: Pride Gathers in UP Quezon City
Under drizzly Quezon City skies on June 28, brightly colored umbrellas mixed with even brighter hair and pride flags as thousands flocked to the University of the Philippines Diliman for Lov3Laban sa Diliman 2025. With the theme “LoveLaban”, the event wasn’t just a splashy celebration, it was a statement, a standing invitation to fight for love, dignity, and freedom, rain or shine. Organizers, led by the Pride PH Coalition alongside UP Diliman and the Quezon City government, declared this year’s Pride gathering as their boldest yet: safe, inclusive, and determined to make every color count in the ongoing struggle for LGBT+ rights.
Quick Take: Record turnout and united front
Attendees shrugged off Saturday’s rain for a record Pride turnout, marching from the historic Oblation statue through major university avenues, finally converging at the Sunken Garden for the main program. A sea of “LoveLaban” placards, and the hum of solidarity, were palpable. Students, families, advocates, and allies filled the campus grounds in waves, demonstrating the event’s growing significance for Filipino queer visibility. Despite slick roads, Pride stood tall, literally and figuratively, as participants danced, sang, and spoke out for equality and acceptance, drawing visible support from local leaders and international partners alike, including a salutation from the United Nations’ resident coordinator for the PhilippinesUN Remarks.
Safer spaces, louder voices
This year’s festival pulled out all the stops to make the celebration accessible and secure. Organizers collaborated with campus officials and city authorities for clear access protocols, intensive security, and visible first aid stations. All classes shifted to remote mode, ensuring everyone had space to march free from interruption. “Now more than ever, we need louder voices and bolder acts of resistance,” said Pride PH’s Angel Romero in a rallying call for passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill, still the Philippines’ longest-stalled human rights legislationPIA.gov.ph report.
More than a party: Pride Expo, Pride Night, and Pride Villages
The festivities didn’t stop with the march. Lov3Laban featured a Pride Expo of LGBT-owned businesses, creative showcases, and support networks. Pride Villages, satellite spaces across Quezon City, offered workshops, counseling, and open mics, guaranteeing every identity and story found a home. The day crescendoed to Pride Night: a dazzling program of music, spoken word, and messages of commitment from city officials. Mayor Joy Belmonte reaffirmed the city’s dedication to inclusive policy with the statement, “We vow to the rainbow community that Quezon City will keep championing equal opportunities as long as barriers remain”ABS-CBN Lifestyle.
Solidarity, resilience, pride, kaya natin!
In the final moments, with the crowd soaked in both rain and confetti, Lov3Laban sa Diliman 2025 lived up to its promise: an empowered, joyful resistance in full color. As the festival closed, organizers reminded everyone that Pride is a protest and a party, equal parts laban and love. “This space is for all who stand for love, dignity, and freedom,” shared Pride PH, a vow echoed in every step, chant, and neon banner unfurled that nightCoverStory.ph.
