10th Anniversary Gala and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards

by Joseph Emil Santos | October 27, 2023

PFIP Marks 10th Anniversary and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards with a Celebratory Gala

As a vibrant symbol of inclusion and acceptance, the Philippine & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a resplendent gala, coupled with the 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards ceremony. The commemorative event showcased the organization's decade dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

The landmark nighttime gala spearheaded by PFIP was a manifestation of its progress and how it is continuing to advance LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity within and outside the corporate world. Chair of PFIP, Weena Ekid, brilliantly laid out the roadmap for the next three years of PFIP, that is Impactful, Innovative, Sustainable, underlining the organization's recently bolstered alliance with the Department of Tourism. This partnership aims to make the Philippines’ tourism industry more welcoming and inclusive for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.

The highlight of the gala was the 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards, a platform founded to recognize the awe-inspiring efforts of both individuals and companies advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. The Bahaghari Champion Awardees demonstrated an admirable range, with honorees including Republic of the Philippines Senator, Senator Risa Hontiveros, PridePh Convenor, Ms. Mela Habijan, Senior Director and Country Site Lead of PayPal Philippines, John Nicholls, and City of Mandaue Treasurer, Atty. Regal Oliva, all of whom have passionately supported and fought for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

In the Photo: Bahaghari Champions, City of Mandaue Treasurer, Atty. Regal Oliva and Senior Director and Country Site Lead of PayPal Philippines, John Nicholls awarded by PFIP’s Ronil Villacorta and Chris Eugenio during the 10th PFIP Anniversary Gala and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards.

Additionally, the Pride LGBTQ+ Leader award was presented to Angelo Camaya for leading comprehensive allyship programs across Advanced Technology Centers in the Philippines of Accenture. The Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY) secured the Pride Advocacy award for their community initiatives and their active lobbying for progressive and gender-transformative legislation.

In the Photo: Pride LGBTQ+ Leader Award winner, Angelo Camaya, Quality Engineering Arch Senior Manager of Accenture Inc., awarded by PFIP’s Cristine Paola Breva and QueenMelo Esguerra during the 10th PFIP Anniversary Gala and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards.

In the Photo:: Pride Advocacy Award winner, PANTAY, represented by its executive director, Rye Manuzon, awarded by PFIP’s Michael Santos and Atty. Julia Dela Paz during the 10th PFIP Anniversary Gala and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards.

The Pride Executive Ally Award was deservingly presented to the Chief People Officer of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Maria Luisa "Malu" A. Inofre for championing LGBTQ+ inclusion through various initiatives. Also TP Pride, the LGBTQ+ network of Teleperformance, was distinguished with the Pride Network Award, celebrated for mainstreaming safety, respect, and inclusivity in the workplace. The coveted Pride Company of the Year Award was bestowed to Manulife Business Processing Services.

In the Photo: Pride Executive Ally Award winner, Maria Luisa "MaLu" A. Inofre, SVP and Chief People Officer of Aboitiz Power Corporation awarded by PFIP’s Ian Fegalan during the 10th PFIP Anniversary Gala and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards.

In the Photo: Pride Network Award winner, TP Pride of Teleperformance represented by Vincent Josue, awarded by PFIP’s Michael Santos and Atty. Virginia Viray during the 10th PFIP Anniversary Gala and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards.

In the Photo: Pride Company of the Year Award winner, Manulife Business Processing Services represented by Head of Global Business Services, Mark Woolfrey, awarded by PFIP’s Weena Ekid and Atty. Regal Oliva during the 10th PFIP Anniversary Gala and 2nd Philippine Bahaghari Awards.

The gala was a true testament to the tireless efforts of PFIP toward advancing LGBTQ+ rights, reveling in the victories of the past while gearing up for the future. Echoing the fervent call for representation, visibility, and courage, PFIP iterated its commitment to creating greater awareness for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the world of work.

The event affirmed the strides PFIP has made on its noble journey, and the people and organizations awarded for their outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy set the tone for the next decade. Fueled with the passion and commitment of multiple stakeholders, from government bodies to corporate sectors to passionate individuals, PFIP offers the promise of an even more inclusive and accepting society for the LGBTQ+ community.