Alexa Lorraine Capangpangan, Ansherina Limbo, News, PUP BroadCircle
As part of its annual Pride Month celebration, the PUP BroadCircle hosted “QUEERIOSITY: Flaunting Prideful Palettes and Stages in Media” on June 19, 2025, at Bulwagang Bonifacio, Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The event paid tribute to the creativity of the LGBTQIA+ community, while underscoring the importance of Queer Art as both a form of self-expression and a powerful medium for advocacy.
The program featured a vibrant showcase of queer artistry across various forms—including drag, film, and music—and was highlighted by dynamic performances and thought-provoking talks from guest speakers. Among the featured guests were the Philippines’ first hard-of-hearing drag queen, Panthera Arma; filmmaker and writer Cha Roque; and trans R&B musician Stef Aranas. Each shared personal insights and experiences from their respective industries, offering powerful narratives of resilience, identity, and representation.
Following a powerful Filipino Sign Language (FSL) performance of Yeng Constantino’s “Ikaw,” Ms. Panthera Arma shared her journey into the world of drag and how she integrates sign language into her performances. By doing so, she has carved out a unique space that bridges her identities as a performer, advocate, and proud member of both the LGBTQIA+ and Persons with Disability (PWD) communities. “Ang mga PWD ay p’wede ring maging drag queen (PWDs can also be drag queens),” she declared, challenging societal perceptions and redefining visibility and representation. Before leaving the stage, Ms. Arma taught the audience basic sign language, reinforcing the central message of her art: inclusivity.
Meanwhile, filmmaker and writer Ms. Cha Roque delivered a brief presentation featuring some of her notable works, including “What I Would’ve Told My Daughter If I Knew What to Say Back Then,” “Slay,” and “Hapag.” She also recounted her personal experience of coming out to her mother as a lesbian. During the discussion of her film Mamily, Ms. Roque remarked, “Children from traditional families are no different than those from non-traditional ones,” referencing LGBTQIA+ families like her own. She addressed the persistent lack of authentic representation in queer media; especially how early lesbian narratives often ended in tragedy. Concluding her segment, she offered words of encouragement to aspiring queer filmmakers, emphasizing the value of telling stories that come from personal truth—an approach she applies to all her creative work.
Continuing the momentum with her commanding stage presence, Ms. Stef Aranas captivated the audience with performances of her singles “Cunty” and “QC Gurlz” featuring Sassa Gurl, along with an exclusive preview of an unreleased track. The crowd was visibly moved, not only by her powerful vocals, but also by the compelling messages she delivered as a proud transwoman. “There’s no pressure to come out,” she declared, offering a bold counterpoint to societal expectations surrounding the coming-out experience.
The success of “QUEERIOSITY: Flaunting Prideful Palettes and Stages in Media” was made possible through the generous support of its official sponsors, Midoko, Doña Theresa, and Cuppa Java, alongside its organizational partner, Boluntaryong PUP, and media partners: the Philippine Communication Society, Monster RX93.1, The Communicator, and Quadro Photography Club.
Conceptualized and brought to life by Executive Producers Sofia Nicole Manlangit and Malik Elisha Bernales, in collaboration with Project Heads Alexa Lorraine Capangpangan and Ansherina Limbo, the event embodied a shared commitment to celebrating Queer Art not only as a creative expression but also as a powerful force for advocacy. Hosts Karol Josef Martinez and Jelo Zapanta guided the program with energy and conviction, leading the audience through an evening of dynamic performances and meaningful dialogue.
Ultimately, QUEERIOSITY served as a vital platform for authentic storytelling, amplifying the voices, triumphs, and struggles of the queer community. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Gender Equality (SDG 5) and the University’s commitment to gender inclusivity and sensitivity, the event championed inclusivity and equal representation, envisioning a world where all gender identities and expressions are respected, affirmed, and celebrated.
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