They Ate, They ConQueered: A Double Shantay-Worthy Celebration!

While the shouts of “ATE!” and “MOTHERED!” now crown the daily victories of queer individuals, it cannot cover up the narrative where their struggles are mere whispers lost in the halls of power that refuse to listen. Yet, when any force attempts to ostracize their opulently colorful presence, it ultimately fails and as RuPaul aptly puts it — they must “Sashay Away.”

Beyond all of this, the only thing that can “Shantay” is their unmatched energy to celebrate their “realness” and perpetuate their living excellence that is 10s across the board—the same relentless energy that blazes through every Pride celebration that PLM Propaganda proudly fuels year after year.

“𝐃𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭” —— 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞

In the words of Drag Race PH icon, VerSex, they were literally “Doing the Most!”

Long before rainbow flags fluttered freely inside PLM, there was PLM Propaganda (PPG)—an advocacy driven student organization championing the LGBTQIA+ community. PPG was responsible for igniting Pride traditions in the university and helped bring the movement to life in Manila.

According to their current Supremo, Zarena Arcales, "ang PLM Propaganda ang nagpasimula ng Pride Tradition sa Manila, … nagsimula ito sa protesta — sa pride march."

The theme of this year’s Pride Celebration was “Propagandahan Para sa Queernabukasan”, which was carried out last April 23-24.

One of the pinnacles of this celebration was the performance and appearances of beloved influencers and drag artists who lit up the stage with flair and power.

Among the headliners were content creators DongPat and acclaimed drag performers NAIA, Edsa Xxtra, Pura Luka Vega, Salmo Nella, Ezra Vaganza, Gabriela Shelang, Fifi Fairview, and The Arxenik —— each bringing their unique energy and message to the crowd.

For the PPG Supremo, they believe that inviting renowned drag performers could effectively catapult their causes far beyond campus setting.

“Also yung tradition natin na i-celebrate ang sangkabaklaan through pride concerts — meron tayong iniinvite na mga drag queens, mga influencers, para na rin mahikayat natin yung mga nasa labas ng komunidad,” they said.

“𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄!"

Aside from drag performances, PLM Propaganda initiated inclusive activities driving up to their advocacy such as a gender-inclusive Marriage Booth and HIV Testing Caravans inside the campus.

For Arcales, the Marriage Booth is a testament of a resonating cry for inclusion as the country grapples for acceptance in matrimonies beyond gender identification.

“…naglaon nadagdagan ng marriage booth kung saan naccelebrate natin ang same-sex marriage sa Pamantasan na kasalukuyan ngayon na isinusulong pa rin sa ating bansa,” they said.

PLM PPG’s Marriage Booth gave queer individuals a short yet a lifetime worth of opportunity to express love and commitment publicly, transcending all opposing stereotypes.

Kevin, a member, who got to experience the ceremonial marriage under the booth, told AP that this was a way of openness.

“We conduct this kind of activity para ma-break yung stigma around the campus… and para po maparamdam namin sa mga queer students na we are very open and inclusive pagdating po sa ganitong kind ng marriage.”

As for Allen, also a participating member,, the marriage booth gave a hopeful glimpse toward a future where the ceremonial act of marriage transcends the limits of tradition and embraces all forms of love.

“Considering na bawal dito, and having that kind of experience na ma-experience mo kahit papaano na ikasal ka sa Pilipinas parang ang saya, ang fulfilling,” they said.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐄𝐀 —— 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝!

As the Marriage Booth provided a space for expression, the HIV Testing Caravan took on a different but equally important mission — a space for knowledge, awareness, and truth.

Lorenz, one of the volunteers of the HIV Testing Caravan, explained, “When I was diagnosed back in 2013… HIV education is not a thing, and it’s hard for a student… to get in touch… so as early as now, it’s a movement that is really needed (especially for) students like us.”

Nicole, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication student, expressed how her first experience with testing opened her eyes to the broader issues at play. For her, it was a realization of responsibility to learn, protect, and make informed decisions.

“Even I don’t have any experience but, still I’m part of the community and I need to know kung anong itong ginagawa na ‘to,” they said.

With their relentless pursuit in making HIV testing accessible to students, PLM Propaganda takes service and education as a two-pronged approach on breaking the stigma surrounding HIV by furnishing a space where they own their health with fulfillment, not fear.

𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬

The moving remarks of “Maki-Beki, ‘Wag Ma-Shokot!” echoed throughout the university as the PLM Propaganda, along with drag artist NAIA, roamed the grounds for their Pride March.

It wasn’t just the colorful spectacle that arrested everyone’s attention — it was the undeniable presence of students, allies, and artists reclaiming spaces that had too long been saturated with silence.

As Krio from the College of Nursing would put it: “Ang galing kasi yung confidence habang nagmamartsa sila dito kanina, kitang-kita mo talaga, ramdam mo, since lahat sila kasi sumasabay doon sa chant.”

It was as if by every step, every raised banner, and every unified voice was a living proof that their existence was far from being estranged nor excluded.

The march wasn’t just for the students currently living their truths–it was for every closeted soul, or even every careful heart still sailing the waters of self-acceptance. As one BAC student pointed out who preferred to remain undisclosed: “It’s about taking a stand not just for yourself but for the entire community.”

The spirit of the Pride March created a momentous sanctuary within the campus—paving the way that no amount of laws or stereotypical norms could dim the gleam of a community that knew exactly who they were, and were now unafraid to show it unapologetically.

“𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐲” 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥

“Double Shantay ang goal!” — Turing’s iconic line from Drag Race Philippines perfectly encapsulates the goal of PLM Propaganda and every heart who partook in the said event. This celebration unfolded as a “double-shantay worthy” one as equally glitz storming and groundbreaking. It was a constant and vivid reminder that pride is political, love is irresistible, and the strut for equality will endlessly live.The celebration may “sashay away” but what truly deserves a “double shantay” will be the recollection of their presence and the weight of their impact.

Despite challenges, PLM Propaganda (PPG) continues to thrive by creating vibrant spaces for discussion, reflection, and growth. From thought-provoking symposiums on SOGIESC to plans for an upcoming FilmFest next month, the organization stands firm in amplifying queer narratives.

"This year sana iniinclude namin ang FilmFest, na magbibigay naman ng representasyon sa ating komunidad when it comes to media representation." shared by the PPG Supremo.

Through these initiatives, the Pamantasan’s Pride celebration fueled by PPG’s trailblazing efforts will eternally be etched through every hallway, every sound, and every fight of the queer community as they stand tall in their daily truth to “ate”, “mothered”, and “conquered.”