White Party Manila Returns With a Bigger Purpose: A Pride Celebration of Love, Respect, and Giving Back

After more than a decade, some celebrations don't just make a comeback—they remind people why they mattered in the first place.

That was exactly the feeling I had while witnessing the return of White Party Manila at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. It was also my first time joining and covering the event, making the experience even more memorable. After a 12-year hiatus, one of the country's most recognizable Pride celebrations returned in grand fashion, proving that it has always been more than just an all-white party. Seeing thousands of people gather under one roof, united by a shared message of love, respect, acceptance, and community, made it easy to understand why so many had eagerly awaited its return.

 

From the moment guests walked into the venue dressed in elegant and imaginative pearl-white outfits, it felt like everyone had become part of one giant celebration. The halls looked less like a convention center and more like a runway, where every ensemble reflected confidence, individuality, and the freedom to express one's true self.

But beyond the glamorous fashion, dazzling performances, and celebrity-filled night, White Party Manila 2026 carried a much deeper purpose.

More Than a Comeback

Returning after 12 years is never easy, especially for an event that has built a strong reputation within the LGBTQIA+ community. Yet White Party Manila managed to do exactly that—and even exceeded expectations.

Thousands of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, celebrities, performers, content creators, and supporters gathered under one roof, transforming the World Trade Center into a vibrant space where everyone was welcomed without judgment.

 

It wasn't simply about reviving an iconic event. It was about bringing back a safe space where people could celebrate who they are while encouraging others to do the same.

Throughout the evening, one message quietly echoed through every performance, every smile, and every conversation: respect begins by accepting people for who they truly are.

 

A Night Filled With Music and Pride

The entertainment lineup ensured that the energy never slowed down from the moment the program began until the final performances.

 

Marina Summers was the first to take the stage, delivering an electrifying opening performance that instantly raised the excitement inside the venue and set the mood for the night's celebration.

Keeping the program lively from start to finish was KaladKaren, who served as the event's host. Her humor, charm, and heartfelt moments kept the audience engaged while seamlessly guiding them through every segment of the evening.

 

Music soon took center stage as Gloc-9 fired up the crowd with a powerful set featuring crowd favorites Hari ng Tondo, Simpleng Tao, Upuan, and the timeless Pride anthem Sirena, with thousands of voices singing every word alongside him.

One of the night's meaningful moments came when John Lapus took the stage to present the award recognizing allies—individuals and organizations whose support has helped strengthen the fight for equality and inclusion. 

The atmosphere shifted to a more heartfelt mood when Ben&Ben performed, bringing warmth and emotion as concertgoers happily joined every chorus and waved their lights in the air.

 

The celebration also highlighted fashion and creativity when singer Maki opened designer Bang Pineda's fashion presentation with his hit song Dilaw. The performance energized the audience once again and perfectly complemented the runway showcase.

Adding another wave of nostalgia, the SexBomb Girls, led by Rochelle Pangilinan, returned to the stage after receiving the Gay Icon of the Year honor. Their appearance drew loud cheers from the crowd, reminding everyone why they remain one of the country's most beloved dance groups.

Fashion With a Statement

The all-white dress code became one of the event's strongest visual highlights.

The fashion presentation featured celebrities including Janella Salvador, Mimiyuuuh, Chie Filomeno, Alex Diaz, Kirk Bondad, Ron Angeles, and Teejay Marquez, each showcasing unique interpretations of the evening's elegant white theme.

Every look celebrated creativity while reinforcing one simple message, there is beauty in authenticity.

Vice Ganda Leads the Revival

Perhaps the most anticipated arrival of the night belonged to Vice Ganda.

Stepping into the venue in a striking all-white ensemble, Vice immediately became one of the evening's biggest highlights.

More importantly, Vice's presence symbolized the return of White Party Manila itself.

As the face of this year's revival, Vice celebrated not only Pride but also the importance of recognizing the people who continue to stand beside the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

The evening also welcomed several notable personalities including Ice Seguerra and spouse Liza Diño, Joey Mead-King, Angie King, director Andoy Ranay, Martin del Rosario, and veteran actress Yayo Aguila. Too bad wasn't able to see some of them in the crowd. 

A Party With a Cause

While music and entertainment filled the venue, the most meaningful part of the evening happened when the spotlight shifted from the stage to the community.

White Party Manila honored several government leaders as Outstanding Allies of the Year, recognizing their continued support for inclusivity and equality programs.

 

Those recognized included Joy Belmonte represented by its City Councilors, Isko Moreno, Francis Zamora, and Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.

The biggest moment, however, centered on advocacy.

White Party Manila, together with Mentorque Productions, officially turned over a ₱1 million donation to LoveYourself PH, a nonprofit organization dedicated to HIV awareness, testing, treatment, and support services.

The amount came from ₱700,000 raised during the event, while Mentorque Inc., led by CEO Brian Dy, contributed an additional ₱300,000 to complete the donation.

 

Brian Dy shared:

"Having Vice as the face of this year's comeback feels more meaningful, especially as we reignite the spirit of Pride through celebration, community, and purpose while delivering a Pride night to remember."

That statement perfectly captured what White Party Manila achieved this year.

Respect and Love Are at the Heart of Pride

What stayed with me long after the lights dimmed wasn't simply the performances or the celebrity sightings.

It was seeing thousands of people celebrating without fear of judgment. Friends, families, allies, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community shared one space where differences were not barriers but reasons to celebrate one another.

Pride has never been about asking everyone to be the same. It is about respecting each person's identity, recognizing their dignity, and allowing love to exist without prejudice.

 

White Party Manila's return reminded everyone that acceptance is not just spoken, it is practiced through kindness, inclusion, and meaningful action.

And perhaps that is why this year's celebration felt so memorable.

It wasn't merely the return of an iconic event after 12 years.

It was the return of a movement that continues to prove that when respect leads and love follows, everyone has a place to belong.