Bb. Pilipinas queens (from left) first runner-up Aya Abesamis, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Leren Mae Bautista, BB. Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Ashley Lo, Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Patricia Magtanong, Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Resham Saeed, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Emma Mary Tiglao, and second runner-up Samantha Bernardo express support for the LGBTQ+ community./ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines—They have not been seen together since their coronation as Binibining Pilipinas queens weeks ago, but the 2019 set of winners reunited, all six queens and two runners-up, for the pageant’s celebration of LGBTQ+ pride.
The last time the 2019 Bb. Pilipinas winners and runners-up were seen complete as a group was at the pageant’s stage during the contest’s conclusion. But the eight queens all showed up at an intimate media gathering at the Black Scoop Café at the Gateway Mall at the Araneta Center in Quezon City on Wednesday afternoon.
In their previous public appearances, one or two queens were missing because of prior engagements. Wednesday’s event also saw the first official public appearance of second runner-up Samantha Mae Bernardo after the coronation night.
The pageant called a press conference for the ladies to discuss with members of the media their thoughts on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer rights and welfare, in line with the celebration of “Pride Month” this June.
Joining Bernardo were Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados, Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Patricia Magtanong, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Resham Saeed, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Ashley Lo, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Emma Mary Tiglao, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Leren Mae Bautista, and first runner-up Aya Abesamis.
Magtanong, a lawyer, voiced out her support for the refiling of the SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression) Bill when the 18th Congress starts its session next month.
“Taga-UP (University of the Philippines) ako, willing akong mag-rally,” she declared.
(I’m from UP, I’m willing to join a rally.)
The ‘PRIDEstrian’ lane at the Araneta Center serves as a runway for (from left) second runner-up Samantha Bernardo, first runner-up Aya Abesamis, Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados, Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Patricia Magtanong, Bb. Supranational Resham Saeed, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Leren Mae Bautista, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Emma Mary Tiglao, and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Ashley Lo./ARMIN P. ADINA
The legislative measure, which seeks equal rights for members of the LGBT community, have failed to secure the lawmakers’ approval in both congressional chambers for over two decades now.
“Sometimes you have to take risky steps. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone. Am I doing enough? Am I speaking about it enough?” asked Saeed, who advocates for gender equality, and even showcased the “pride colors” in her national costume during the competition.
“It’s so important for me, as a Muslim woman. Even in the Muslim community, there are those who don’t feel like they can talk about it,” she added.
This is also the first time for the Bb. Pilipinas queens to officially participate as a batch in the annual “Pride March” at the Marikina Sports Complex on June 29, at 2 p.m.
“When we attend the pride march, we will be raising awareness to LGBTQ+ rights,” Bautista said.
The Bb. Pilipinas pageant aligns its Pride Month celebration with the Araneta Center’s various initiatives in fostering greater inclusivity in the commercial district, such as the rainbow-colored pedestrian lanes dubbed “PRIDEstrian,” and the “Rainbow Skywalk” connecting the Gateway Mall and the new Frontier Theater.