The Faces Behind the Fight: Portraits That Speak Louder Than Policy

 More than just rainbow flags and festive marches, Pride Month in the Philippines is a tradition of protest and a triumph of resilience.

The SOGIESC Bill has been sitting in legislative limbo for years, and that silence… it speaks volumes. And yet, on June 17, 2025, a group dared to respond loudly—with images, with dignity, with truth. Verde Creatives, on their 8th anniversary, unveiled a photo campaign that refuses to whisper. It stares you straight in the eye and asks: Are you really listening?

The campaign is called “EQUALITY CHAMPIONS: Magandang Laban.” And what a beautiful fight it is.

As a mom, I’ve always believed that we raise our children not only with love but with examples. And this campaign? This is the kind of example I want them to grow up with—one that shows that bravery can be quiet and graceful, loud and proud, and sometimes, all of that at once.

These aren’t just portraits. These are people putting on brave faces—not to hide, but to confront. They stare into the lens the way so many of our children wish they could look into society: without shame, without fear, and with the hope of being accepted for who they are.

Led by Ms. Bemz Benedito, the first transgender woman to be a congressional nominee and Chair of Ladlad Partylist, this campaign goes beyond beauty. It’s political, it’s personal, and it’s necessary. She said something that pierced right through me:

“Each photograph tells a story of courage, resilience, and the unwavering demand for dignity.”

Isn’t that what every mother wants for her child? To be treated with dignity? To feel seen and safe?

The campaign, supported by groups like STRAP, TAO, and even government allies like the LGBTQIA+ unit of LTFRB, proves that this fight is not one-sided. Beauty queen and national adviser Maria Barbie Anne Arcache, whose image also appears in the series, reminded us that allyship isn’t a side note—it’s a pillar. It tells our LGBTQIA+ youth: You’re not alone.

As I scroll through the portraits, I don’t just see faces—I see stories. A student who’s afraid to come out at home. A trans woman who’s survived a decade of discrimination. A government worker who simply wants to be respected for doing their job, regardless of their gender identity.

And in each frame, I see my child.

I may not know who my kids will become or who they’ll love. But I do know this: I want them to grow up in a Philippines where they’re free to be exactly who they are—and where their classmates, friends, and future families can say the same.

The SOGIESC Bill won’t take anyone’s rights away. It simply gives everyone a chance to live with the same safety, respect, and freedom most of us already enjoy. Equality isn’t a pie. Giving others more doesn’t mean you get less.

So, from one mom to another:
Let’s open our eyes. Let’s open our hearts.
Because when we protect every child, not just our own, we’re building the kind of future every mother prays for.

This is our Magandang Laban. A beautiful fight. A mother’s fight. And I’m standing for it.

MYNP Holds First Nanay Awards

A Filipino civic organization built to honor mothers is in the best position to formally recognize deserving mothers through an annual awards event highlighting the best  in terms of making positive impact to loved ones and community.

Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation acknowledges that potential, and more importantly, makes it happen for the first time this year.

Best Nanay Awards 2014 is paying tribute to ten exemplary Filipino mothers possessing integrity and character, an inspiring story to share, and a strong positive influence on people around her.

These magic ten are not the typical who’s who of moms, but were carefully chosen from all walks of life – the result of painstakingly trimming down a staggering number of entries or nominations from all over the country.

“Hindi po ito listahan ng mga nanay na pinili dahil sa kanilang celebrity power or educational background, but primarily those who were able to inspire and empower positivity through hard work, dedication to motherhood, and great character,” shared Bemz Benedicto, MYNP’s managing director.

The list of awardees is as follows, and in no particular order: Gloria C. Baltar from Bucay, Abra, 57; Rosa G. Balana from Abucay, Bataan, 90; Leonarda N. Camacho from Pasig City, 90; Carmen R. Ragonjan from Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte, 68; Josefina G. Olorocisimo from Taytay, Rizal, 53; Angelita S. Guiteng, 61; Ma. Lorna L. Garnace from Palo, Leyte, 43; Zoraida Motil from Tumana, Marikina, 63; Cecille Sibunga from Tumana, Marikina, 62; and Magdalena E. Aquino from Batangas, 78.

All entries, numbering to 285, were reviewed and verified by the MYNP Awards Committee. Criteria for judging touched on the inspiring stories that make particular mothers outstanding, the personas that influence the moral rectitude of children, and the charm that turn them into pillars of families.

“We’re all excited and looking forward to doing this annually,” Bemz added.

The pronounced winners each get Php 10,000 cash and a handcrafted mother-and-child trophy carved by Ifugao sculptors, along with GCs from SM and Beduya Dental.

Nominators of winners receive separate plaques of appreciation.

A look into the process of choosing awardees traced back that candidates were endorsed through e-mails and snail mails by various organizations and barangay units.  After the nomination period (August 11 and September 30), almost two thirds were taken off by the designated committee.

A second group headed by MYNP Secretary General Carlos Munda ( who was joined by Gasper Gozo also of MYNP and Almed Garcia of Backroom) further cut the list down to 55.

Last October 9 was the day the final ten were chosen, with the panel of judges comprising of directors GB Sampedro, Rahyan Carlos, and Nick Olanka, along with Backroom’s Rowena Salido and ABS-CBN Creative Programs executive Ian Reyno.

Mark Anthony Ramirez (executive director of Resources, Environment & Economics Center for Studies, Inc.), Prof. Lito Casaje (of La Consolacion College, Manila), and Liza Maza (former congresswoman-now co-chairperson of Koalisyong Makabayan that represents Gabriela in Congress) rounded up the shortlist.

The awarding ceremony is scheduled this October 29, 6 pm, at Windmills and Rainforest located in Scout Borromeo St. Q.C.