BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Samson B. BATAAN What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? SB: For the most part, it was just dealing with a small town and narrow minds. When I came out to my parents they were understanding. However, when I came out to my sister, she thought it was gross (until she asked me for advice on how to kiss a girl a month later). HAHAHAHAHA. For HS and College, I've mostly been based in QC, but recently, I've been back in my province more and had to interact with my extended family more frequently once again. It honestly wasn't that hard: everybody sort of got it, and I didn't need to really come out. Even with some homophobic comments I receive every now and then, I think everybody just sort of outgrew the stronger sentiments they had before. The world grows, and I think ignorance just dies on its own. I think it's at least true that a homophobe learning that homosexuality isn't bad happens more often than allies becoming homophobes. However, in the post-truth era of growing anti-vaccine truthers, underground incel culture, and anti-trans rhetoric, we have to still do our job and inform people. The work doesn't stop, and being passive isn't going to work anymore if we want to thrive. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? SB: This town doesn't really have queer spaces, but with modernity, it's become easy to connect with people far away so l don't take that for granted. I'm here physically away from my friends, but I will do anything to make my little corner of the world tender and warm. https://www.instagram.com/nn_sns_nnsns/

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Remus BACOLOD What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? R: It means knowing how to be visible without being too seen. People are polite, sometimes even warm, but there is a limit to how much of yourself you’re allowed to show. If you fit into a role they recognize the comic relief, the creative, the friend who never talks about love then you’re tolerated. But anything deeper, anything too real, becomes uncomfortable for them. There is pressure to keep your truth small, especially around family and faith. You learn how to edit yourself, not out of shame, but out of survival. And yet, in spite of that, we still find ways to live fully. We laugh, we love, we make space where there wasn’t any. Queer joy here is not loud, but it is steady. It stays with you, even when no one else is looking. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? R: That we are more than who we appear to be in passing. We are not just your entertainers, your best friends, or your silent relatives. We carry full lives,  complex, ordinary, joyful, and difficult just like anyone else. Many of us move through the world quietly, choosing peace over confrontation, but that doesn’t mean we are any less brave. We love deeply. We work hard. We care about our families, even when we are not fully accepted by them. And while we are often asked to shrink ourselves, we continue to show up. Not just for ourselves, but for each other. I want people to see us not as a category or a trend, but as part of the community, real, present, and deserving of the same respect, dignity, and freedom to live fully. https://www.instagram.com/remusbaudelaire/

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Christian Ray Villanueva CEBU What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? CRV: I recently got engaged, so the meaning of queer feels like it’s shifting for me. My partner is from Belgium, and I’ve always had this pull toward European art and culture. In my work, I always stress that art should transcend culture in some ways, but at the same time, there’s a responsibility to carry your roots with you. I’ve been deeply immersed in my inner world lately. I work closely with my emotions and psychological language. Recently, I’ve been drawn to Jungian themes—the darker, shadowy, raw parts of life. I feel like a hound that’s out for blood, but also like I’m back in this quiet, formative period. It reminds me of being 17 again, when I wasn’t established as an artist yet. I feel like I’m still being shaped, still giving birth to myself in many ways. I try to keep a routine. Breakfast is always one pancake, one egg, four pieces of bacon. For dinner, usually chicken teriyaki. I work in between. I don’t socialize much these days. I try to stay away from gallery openings and events. My life has become quiet, almost monastic. I only keep a few close friends around—the ones I can be silly with. There was a time when my career was blooming, and I found myself constantly sharing, constantly giving. But I realized I was polishing my persona more than actually taking care of myself. These days, I find myself returning to fairytales. My favorite is The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen. I relate to Elisa, silently sewing nettles in a cave to save her brothers. I even have this beautiful perfume with a swan on the back. It smells exactly like the story—ivy-like, rosy, melancholic. I try to write every day. I’ve been craving less of a professional life, and more of a real one. Being queer already makes you feel like an outsider. Add being disabled on top of that, and you end up feeling like an alien everywhere you go. When I was living in Negros, my hometown, I was always alone. My high school classmates had their own lives, and I poured myself into my art. In Cebu for college, it was more of the same. Solitude, work, my foundation, my career. But that quiet loneliness tied to my disability never really left me. I’ve always felt a little separated from the rest of society. Art keeps me company. So do my friends. The creative life is lonely sometimes. I deal with depression and anxiety, but it doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do. I love reading in the dark with a candle lit. I love cooking for friends, hosting small dinners. When everything feels quiet, Marie-Louise von Franz and the Moomin books keep me company. Last year, some film students visited me at home to film a documentary about my life—my cancer journey. My fiancé was with me, which made it feel safe and familiar. Another time, a different group of students interviewed me in a nearby milk tea shop. These days, I prefer small spaces like that, quiet moments with people who actually care. I’m currently on vacation with my family. I haven’t seen my mom in ten years, and being with her now has reminded me how important it is to have people around who love you not for your achievements, but for who you really are. My fiancé reminds me of that every day. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? CRV: People often expect queerness to be loud—pride flags, parades, boldness. But for some of us, it looks different. I’ve always seen myself as more reclusive. The inner world feels just as real and important as the outer world. That’s something I’ve taken from my love of Jungian psychology. There have been seasons of extroversion in my life, but right now is a season of deep introversion. I feel like a recluse, almost like a monk. I love my solitude. Being queer isn’t always about being loud, and I don’t mean that in a cheeky or dismissive way. I just think there’s a quiet kind of power in it too. I haven’t been as active in queer circles lately—or any circles really. But I still see what’s happening around me. The queer community here is still fighting. It feels 50/50. We hear stories of queer kids, trans people being mistreated. I still struggle with fully coming out to certain people in my family. We have a long way to go, and I think it starts with looking at the roots of all this—the systems that allow discrimination to stay hidden under the surface. https://www.instagram.com/butchlng/

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Khristiandt Lerona MANILA What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? KL: Growing up, I always needed to live authentically and stick to my truth because if I don't, something inside me gets upset. I'd rather live my truth and be ostracized for it rather than pretend. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? KL: In the nightlife community, everyone is welcome and celebrated. There is a place for everyone, whether you are part of the community and are into techno, house, ballroom, hip-hop, or anything you could think of. You just need to find what speaks to your heart and make meaning out of it. https://www.instagram.com/khristiandt/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Open Table MCC MANILA What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? OTMCC: Open Table Metropolitan Community Church (Open Table MCC) is an ecumenical and progressive Christian church with a specific outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) individuals, families, and communities. As queer individuals from diverse backgrounds, we see that visibility is growing but so are the challenges. Many LGBTQIA+ Filipinos still face discrimination in housing, healthcare, and professional settings, as well as rejection from religious institutions and families that should offer care and support. For those of us connected to Open Table MCC, everyday life includes the act of reclaiming space: spiritual, communal, and personal. We’ve found belonging in a faith community where we are free to come as we are. Here, we live out our Statement of Faith: "We are people on a journey, learning to live into our spirituality, while affirming our bodies, our genders, our sexualities." In a society that often asks us to choose between faith and identity, Open Table reminds us that we don’t have to pick one over the other. Both are gifts. Both are holy. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? OTMCC: We want Filipinos to know that being LGBTQIA+ and being a person of faith are not mutually exclusive. At Open Table MCC, we believe in God’s radically inclusive love that embraces all genders, sexualities, and identities. LGBTQIA+ people are not outsiders to faith—we are part of it. We are your siblings, co-workers, neighbors, and churchmates, who live full, complex, sacred lives. Our presence is not a problem to be fixed, but a gift to be received. We invite you to the table not just metaphorically, but spiritually and relationally. Come and be part of God’s wider work of justice, peace, and healing. ( https://www.instagram.com/opentablemcc.ph/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Jefaye Elli RIZAL What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? JE: Being a queer person in the Philippines may seem loud and colorful, but oftentimes it feels like a battlecry. Although it is wonderful to see an enormous number of youth in this generation having gender sensitivity awareness, we are still asserting our rights, legal protections, fighting against discrimination, and microaggression. It is lovely to see cisgendered people waving at us, smiling, and laughing with us during pride events, drag shows, or every party we are in but on a daily basis, being a queer person still makes me whisper a soft, tiny, shining dream as I blow my candles every year: I want us to be celebrated and not just tolerated. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? JE: Conservatives consider us as someone who needed "cure" for a disease we don't even have. By simple dressing up, expressing yourself as a queer person is something that they still tend to modify. When in fact, our history tells us that even our wonderful ancestors in the precolonial era, the Babaylans, spiritually, culturally, and symbolically represented the transgender and nonbinary identities of people who held high status in our society. They did not care less about the clothes they wore, they did not give a damn about labels, as they broke down gender roles and stereotypes. If there's one thing to be "cured" in this society, it's ignorance. ( https://www.instagram.com/_jefayerytale/ ) Photographer: Edgar Siervo ( Siervo and Photography )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday arigoggles PASIG What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? a: The timing of me discovering my queer identity, I happened to be living in Los Angeles (2015-2022), to now living in Manila. It was eye opening to feel the pressure of fitting into the heteronormative expectations in The Philippines, compared to feeling the openness and the privilege of challenging sexuality/gender roles in Los Angeles.   But what I love about the queer scene here in Manila is how unapologetic and proud the community is here, despite The Philippines being a Catholic dominated country where same-sex marriage is not acknowledged, or legal… yet. I see this pride present itself through the queer parties and events I would find myself in, DJing in or attending. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? a: With being able to immerse in both country’s (Los Angeles, CA and Manila, PH) queer communities, it’s unfortunate to hear the same conversations and have the same observations of the lack of sapphic dominated spaces, which goes in hand with feeling tokenized as sapphics. Especially in nightlife, where many spaces cater towards gay men, and then suddenly those gay men spaces would host sapphic nights, it sometimes does come off disingenuous.  But on the flip side, it’s an exciting time to see  sapphic led sapphic parties/events starting to appear. And hopefully, these sapphic dominated parties/events continue to grow and be permanent within queer communities. https://www.instagram.com/arigoggles/ Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Cyrus Dan Ca ñares  MANDALUYONG What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? CC: Speaking from my personal experience I find living in Manila as queer to be well, normal. I don’t differentiate myself from the non-queer folks. I just live my life as it is. Period. No explanation needed. Unfortunately though, as much as the culture is “accepting” of queers we still have a long way to go in fighting for equality and inclusivity. So yeah, everyday life as queer in Manila is a complex balance of beauty and complexity.  What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? CC: I grew up in Manila and the queer community here is as colorful as the jeepneys and tricycles you’ll see in the street. Nothing makes me happy than seeing members of the community celebrate their most authentic selves! And a visit to any drag shows, art exhibits,  and queer-owned spaces can attest to the creativity and joyfulness of the queer Pinoy. Is it a perfect community? No. But it’s real, expressive, and always rooted in love. ( https://www.instagram.com/siriusofalltrades/ ) Photographer: Wilmark Jolindon  ( https://www.instagram.com/thewilmark/ )

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Sam Lim CEBU What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? SL: I move through the world like I design — sometimes loud, sometimes soft, but always with intention. As a queer Filipino living in Cebu, I’ve learned to read every space like a pattern: where to cut, where to fold, where to let myself flow. Some days I shrink to fit in. Other days I take up space like a sparkly ball gown. I navigate by creating — turning queerness into cloth, silence into silhouette. It’s not always easy, but every look I make is a reminder: I exist, I resist, and I am not alone. Living as a queer designer in Cebu means learning how to exist in a world that doesn’t always know what to do with you. There’s pressure to stay quiet, to act “normal,” to make yourself smaller — but I’ve found ways to express who I am through design, styling, and the clothes I create. My queerness shows up in my work, especially in my graduate collection. It wasn’t just about fashion — it was a way for me to explore my identity, question norms, and show softness as something powerful. Every piece I make is a part of that story. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned how to move with intention. I take up space in my own way, even if it’s quiet. What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? SL: Queer people in Cebu are not just trying to be seen — we’re already creating, building, and showing up. Even with limited resources, we’re styling shoots, throwing ballroom events, and designing pieces that reflect who we are. We do the work even when no one’s clapping. We turn scraps into beauty. We show up with heart, whether it’s in pageants, small gigs, or studio corners. There’s so much talent and truth here — and we’re not waiting for anyone to validate it. We’ve always known how to make space for ourselves. That’s what makes us powerful. https://www.instagram.com/samlimofficial/

BLNC Facets : Pride in Everyday Carlos Mangcupang by Vince Lim DAVAO What is everyday life like as a queer person on your side of the country? VL : Thankfully, living as a queer person in Davao feels a little lighter these days. We’re lucky to be in a city where there’s an avenue for us to grow into whoever we want to be. We have what we call safe spaces to run to when life feels heavy. Sometimes, it’s a trusted friend. At other times, it’s a quiet spot in the city, a creative group, or even an industry that welcomes us. Of course, the realities are still mixed, especially in the southeastern part of the country. Some people genuinely welcome and celebrate us. Others tolerate our presence. And yes, there are still those who reject us outright and refuse to see our worth in society. But despite all that, I can confidently say that we can strut the streets in our glittery makeup, over-the-top outfits, statement handbags, and sip our overpriced coffee without fear of being harassed. Ang mga bayot sa Davao dili magpadaog-daog. We don’t let ourselves get trampled on. We speak up when needed, whether it’s for ourselves or our sisters in the community. To sum it up, we don’t have to clear our throats every day to clap back at ignorance and homophobia. That’s a kind of peace we’ve carved out for ourselves, slowly but surely What would you like Filipinos to know about the LGBTQIA+ community where you are? VL : LOUD. VIBRANT. PRESENT. When I received the invite to be part of this project, the first thing that came to mind was: “Who could capture what queer culture in Davao feels like?” And without hesitation, I slid into the DMs of my dear friend Carlos. Carlos is a fellow creative in the food and beverage industry. He’s known for pouring bold, colorful narratives into each of his craft cocktails. If you're ever in Davao, don’t miss a visit to Taste of Home . Every sip tells a story, and behind the brand is someone who proudly carries both his queerness, creativity, and love to his family. In a city often recognized for politics and dynasties, the queer and creative scene in Davao is alive. We may not always be at the forefront, but you’ll hear us, see us, and feel our presence. For this project, Carlos wore a piece from Francisca Batiancila’s graduate collection “BOWA,” a design inspired by the beauty of voluptuous bodies and the celebration of one’s natural form, exactly the kind of fashion statement that reflects our pride and authenticity. Yes, like in many places, we still have a long road. But we walk it hand in hand with the emerging wave of young queer models, designers, artists, and the brave souls who came before us and continue to fight for space and acceptance. Palaban ang mga bayot diri sa Davao.  We’re not going anywhere, and we’ll keep showing up loud, vibrant, and full of love. Muse: Carlos Mangcupang ( https://www.instagram.com/carlosmangcupang/ ) Creative Director/Photographer: VSION - Vince Lim ( https://www.instagram.com/vjwlim/ ) Hair and Makeup Artist: Danja Buencamino ( https://www.instagram.com/danjbuencamino/ ) Production Assistant: Ira Langahid ( https://www.instagram.com/iradominic_/ ) Outfit by Francisca Batiancila Accessories from Joolz ( https://www.instagram.com/____joolz/ )

Believe in life and love once more. Inspired by true stories, “I Remember You” follows the journey of Gani (JC Santos), a bank employee assigned to Boracay to save a failing branch of their microfinance-oriented bank. Boracay brings back memories - years ago, Gani was set to be married to Debbie (Valeen Montenegro), but the two would go their separate ways when Gani's ambition resulted to Debbie's loneliness. Being in Boracay brings back old hurt, but Gani meets Isay (Sarah Panguiton), a self-made single mother, who eventually works her way into Gani's heart. As their relationship blossoms, Debbie unexpectedly shows up on the island. Is this Gani's second chance at a failed romance, or is this a new beginning? Bente Productions is proud to present its very first film - I Remember You,  Director Boboy Yonzon’s debut feature. Yonzon, primarily known as a visual artist and author, ventures into the world of cinema for the very first time to tell a story about second chances amidst the backdrop of an ever-changing world. With the film, he yearns to help viewers feel seen in their struggles not just in love, but the most basic of needs, which is why he partnered with Bente Productions, a member of CARD MRI - a world class leader in microfinance that champions the everyday Filipino. In the film, Gani helps struggling small business owners in Boracay to keep afloat - something that is at the heart of Yonzon and Bente’s advocacy. “First of all, Bente Productions, Inc. was formed specifically to tell the stories of the disadvantaged sectors. We believe that, through entertainment, we could inform. The first offering of the company hews closely to real events. In a plenary brainstorming, what stood out was what really happened in Boracay - with the bank and the people it serves. The challenge was how to make it into a feature film.” , Yonzon says. The clear answer was centering the film on love - love for and from your family, your community, and maybe that special someone - all people that inspire you to keep going through all the struggle. To do this, Yonzon would call the help of JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro to tell the story of I Remember You . “We wanted for the leading role, somebody whose celebrity does not steal away the authenticity of the chcaracter; Parang low key but amiable and down-to-earth. We looked for somebody who is amidst a great party, but feeling sad. As for the leading lady, we wanted somebody who instantly looked aristocratic, lovely. The kind of person who some people usually avoid because she looks snobbish, but is kalog pala.” , Yonzon shares. JC boasts an impressive filmography starring in critically-acclaimed films such as Family Matters (2022), On Vodka, Beer, and Regrets (2020), Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019), Babae at Baril (2019), and 100 Tula Para Kay Stella (2017). In I Remember You , he leads the film with is already trademark earnestness and sincerity in every role he plays. On the role of Gani, JC says - “I am always drawn to heroic characters. Characters who you can trust to save the day for those who are in need. I enjoy creating circumstances kung bakit sila ganun passionate sa ginagawa nila.” Valeen, on the other hand, is a well-loved comedic actress known for her roles in shows such as Love. Die. Repeat (2024), Bubble Gang (where she rose to fame for her role in the Balitang Ina! sketch), To Have And To Hold (2021), Beautiful Justice (2019), and My Korean Jagiya (2017). While known for her comedy, Valeen flexes her dramatic acting chops in I Remember You . “What drew me to Debby is how real she is. She’s strong but soft, confident but still searching. She’s not trying to prove anything—she just wants the truth, and she’s ready to face it no matter how painful. I think that kind of emotional maturity and vulnerability makes her really special.” , Valeen says. In a world that forces us to adapt and change to the harshest of conditions at a moment’s notice, Director Boboy Yonzon invites viewers to help each other through these struggles, and if necessary, give each other second chances - “ It is important to deal with struggles in a world that appear to be more complicated each year. We need to understand them and, if it is within your power, help ease the struggles. Foolish at it may seem, we hold hands with the viewers In recognizing these. ” Valeen adds - “ It’s a film that deserves to be felt. You’ll witness the beauty of Boracay, the stillness, and the emotional journey of the characters. It’s not just about love—it’s about healing, timing, second chances, and even the real-life struggles we don’t always talk about, like financial decisions and sacrifices.” JC hopes that the film can inspire people to help each other and their community when times get rough - “ Aside from it being a story of love and second chances and the journey of a man’s passion to help the community.” I Remember You  will be showing in cinemas nationwide this July 9, 2025. I Remember You  is a story for those that dare to hope and dare to dream even in the face of an extreme and ever-changing world. If you’ve lost faith in love and life, come witness a story about giving yourself a second chance to live once more.

In a night that celebrated the lasting legacy of Filipino artistry, The Philippine Terno Gala 2025 gathered six of the country’s most acclaimed designers under one remarkable roof. With Diagold as the main jewelry partner and major sponsor, the evening shimmered with exquisite brilliance that matched the grandeur of the designs. Moving fluidly from tradition to reinvention, the runway became a living canvas of cultural pride, brought to life through the visions of Edwin Ao, Protacio, Jun Escario, Joey Samson, Jojie Lloren, and Cary Santiago. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales This year’s gala highlighted the terno, the iconic symbol of Filipino grace, reimagined through each designer’s unique perspective. Edwin Ao opened the evening with crisp cuts and unexpected touches, showcasing his talent for structure and subtle defiance of the ordinary. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Protacio followed with his signature blend of classic and daring, presenting barong and terno pieces that balanced nostalgia with a modern edge. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Jun Escario offered a breath of softness through flowing silhouettes in muted neutrals, his modern romanticism bringing an understated yet fresh approach to timeless reinvention. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Joey Samson pushed the boundaries further, merging the terno with sharp tuxedo details. His designs balanced strength and elegance, masculinity and femininity, bending convention with quiet confidence. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Jojie Lloren’s architectural ternos paid tribute to form and restraint, with dramatic folds and sculptural drapes turning fabric into wearable architecture. His work proved that discipline can be just as captivating as extravagance. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Cary Santiago closed the show with theatrical ternos in his signature black, grey, and off-white palette. Each piece, adorned with winged birds in delicate flight, embodied his vision of classic drama transformed into art. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales More than a fashion presentation, The Philippine Terno Gala 2025, made even more dazzling through Diagold’s exquisite jewelry, stood as a testament to how heritage lives on when artists boldly reimagine it. As the final bows were taken, the message was clear: the terno is not a relic but a living emblem of Filipino identity, forever evolving and forever magnificent. Photo by Mark Philip S. Dales: https://www.facebook.com/mdales