The LGBTQIA+ community of Antipolo will hold a Celebration of Pride month during the 3rd week of June with an event at the Ynares Center organized by Kristine T. Ibardolaza and Aj Madrigal Flores.
The event is titled AntipoLove ❤️ In Celebration Of Pride Month For All LGBTQIA+.
“Walang parade ngayon. Napag planohan namin na ang event ay gaganapin sa Ynares Center. May maliit na space doon for us. May konting program kami and costume (presentation). Ang theme ng isusuot namin Rainbow Colors ng 16 barangays sa Antipolo kaisa ng mga myembro,” said Aj.
Aj is a proud Antipoleña and TransPinay, businesswoman, owner and CEO of Aj Madrigal Fashion Bags.
Kristine, also TransPinay, is Barangay Kagawad at Barangay Mayamot; Community Training and Employment Coordinator at TESDA-Rizal; and fashion designer and owner of Plates Fashion Collections.
“Importante na gawin namin ito yearly to show to all the people na magkaroon ng pantay pantay na respeto sa bawat gender. And, it’s traditionally (observed) by all TransPinay not only in the Philippines but the world rather,” said Aj.
The LGBTQIA+ community is active and well-represented in Antipolo City with Mayor Jun Ynares and Antipolo’s Local Government Units supporting their activities.
The 2023 Queen of Antipolo TransPinay beauty pageant and the 2023 Antipolo Sagayla were held as part of the 2023 Antipolo Maytime Festival.
Shane Parreño and Kristine T. Ibardolaza organized the Queen of Antipolo beauty pageant won by Jek Dela Cerna; with First Princess Romina Leyva; Second Princess Monica Portugal Abad; Third Princess Kylie Soberano; and Fourth Princess Cristine Gregorio.
Meanwhile, Gays of Antipolo and Rizal took the spotlight as they paraded around the streets of Antipolo Poblacion wearing exquisite gowns under floral arches during the 2023 Antipolo Sagayla headlined by Queen Mother of Sagayla 2023 Queen Cookie Samson Nalog.