When about 5,000 runners from different walks of life gathered at the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City one early Saturday morning, love was in the air–not to mention “pride” and most especially the relentless call for equality.
“It’s so heartwarming to see so many runners. Sold out tayo,” said Pride Run head organizer Rio de la Cruz who, together with other stakeholders, recently spearheaded the event in partnership with SM SuperMalls in hopes of championing safe spaces for women, children and particularly the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We hear so many stories out there about their partners who really wanted to be part of the event since this is an advocacy for the equality of everyone,” de la Cruz continued.
“These kept us inspired and motivated to do the event.”
According to Rio, this is the first time that they have ever done such an event and, so far, they’re elated with its success.
“We are all very happy. And this is very big for us,” he added.
Here, companies supported the event by pitting in about 200- 300 participants.
“The event was created for the LGTBTQIA+ community. This is our first. And we plan to become much bigger next year,” Rio then concluded.
Partnership for equality
“It shows that they’re supporting organizations that lead the way for gender equality,” PANTAY (Philippine Anti-discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders) chairperson, Thysz Estrada, for her part, meanwhile said.
Part of the proceeds goes to the said organization, as well as other stakeholders.
Per Estrada, this is a big help for the organization particularly since they are lobbying for transformative legislation in the Philippines.
“We are rallying the call for equality in Congress and the Senate.”
“This Pride Run 2024 uplifted everybody. It’s for the equality we all deserve,” she averred.
#LoveYourself #MetroManilaPride
