Verde Creatives Incorporated, leading public relations, talent management, and events production hub, June 17, 2025, proudly announced the public unveiling of its landmark Pride Month Photo Campaign, "EQUALITY CHAMPIONS: Magandang Laban." This powerful visual tribute to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community serves as a fervent call for the passage of the SOGIESC Bill.
Launched in celebration of Verde Creatives’ eighth (8th) year anniversary this year, it is also their way to express solidarity to the rainbow community in their epic, decades- long struggle for the passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Bill, which continues to languish in the Philippine Congress. The strategic timing of this unveiling during Pride Month maximizes visibility and aligns with the heightened public discourse surrounding LGBTQIA+ rights, transforming the campaign into a critical, timely intervention for legislative action.
The "EQUALITY CHAMPIONS" campaign is spearheaded by Ms. Bemz Benedito, a trailblazing transgender woman who founded Verde Creatives and remains a steadfast figure in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
Ms. Bemz Benedito holds the distinction of being the first transgender woman to be a congressional nominee and the first transwoman elected chairperson of Ladlad Partylist, the pioneer political party for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. Her leadership imbues the campaign with authentic passion and deep understanding of the community's fight, lending undeniable credibility and genuine commitment to the cause.
"The unveiling of 'Equality Champions: Magandang Laban' is more than just anexhibition; it is a powerful declaration of our collective resolve. Each photograph tells a story of courage, resilience, and the unwavering demand for dignity. We believe that by making our lives visible, we can dismantle prejudice and finally galvanize the support needed to pass the SOGIESC Bill, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind due to their sexual orientation or gender identity," states Ms. Bemz Benedito.
Building on its successful "Queen of Baguio" campaign in 2024, which highlighted the rights and visibility of transgender Filipinas, Verde Creatives continues its unwavering support for Pride Month. This year, the campaign is bolstered by strategic partnerships with Ladlad Partylist and the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP), a pioneering transsexual women support group. The "Equality Champions" collection features compelling images from Verde Creatives, Ladlad, STRAP, and crucially, their cisgender supporters and allies, underscoring the broad coalition advocating for change.
The campaign’s powerful narrative is further amplified by the active involvement of esteemed community leaders, including Mr. Dexter Macaldo, Chairperson of Ladlad; Ms. Santy Layno of STRAP; and admired beauty empress Ms. Maria Barbie Anne Arcache, National Leader of 1 LGBT Filipinas Incorporated and Adviser to the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) Council. Their collective voices and images illuminate the diverse spectrum of individuals championing equal rights, acceptance, and strong visibility.
It becomes more meaningful with the presence in the campaign of Transpinay of Antipolo Organization or TAO and the LGBTQIA+ Association of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB under the Department of Transportation. "Ladlad Partylist is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Verde Creatives and STRAP in this vital campaign," says Mr. Dexter Macaldo.
For Ms. Maria Barbie Anne Arcache, she pronounced that "the images showcased are a testament to the diverse and vibrant LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. This campaign is a crucial step in bringing the SOGIESC Bill to fruition, transforming decades of struggle into tangible legal protection and acceptance."
Through these collective voices and images, "Equality Champions: Magandang Laban" aims to galvanize wider and stronger support for the LGBTQIA+ community’s vital cause. The campaign vividly portrays Filipinos from various sexual orientations and gender identities, alongside their dedicated supporters and allies, making a compelling visual argument for human rights and dignity. The title, "Magandang Laban" (Good Fight), resonates deeply within the Philippine context, framing the campaign as a righteous and enduring struggle for justice that demands perseverance and collective action.
The impactful campaign has garnered significant cross-sectoral support from influential figures and organizations, demonstrating a growing mainstream acceptance and political will for LGBTQIA+ rights. This diverse backing signals that the cause is gaining substantial momentum across various pillars of society.
Among the prominent political figures lending their support are Senator Loren Legarda, a Senator of the Republic, demonstrating high-level legislative backing; Representative Geraldine Roman, the first openly transgender congresswoman, adding significant symbolic and advocacy weight; Representative Marlyn "Len" Alonte, a Member of the House of Representatives, further showing legislative backing;
and Quezon City Councilor and Kababaihan Partylist Kate Galang-Coseteng, who provides local government support and indicates alignment with grassroots and women's advocacy. From the public service sector, PGeneral Rommel Francisco Marbil and Mrs. Mary Rose Marbil and Atty. Robert D. Peig offer their endorsement, broadening the campaign' appeal to mainstream and potentially conservative segments. Corporate partners such as Dark Roast Coffeehouse, P-IKAN, and Organic Nature also provide crucial support, signaling business community engagement and demonstrating diverse industry involvement. The strength of this coalition underscores that the "good fight" for equality is a shared societal responsibility, supported by influential voices from various
sectors.
"I commend Verde Creatives and its partners for launching 'Equality Champions: Magandang Laban'," shares Senator Loren Legarda. "This initiative beautifully illustrates the human faces behind the SOGIESC Bill, reminding us all of the fundamental rights and protections that every Filipino deserves. My commitment to seeing this vital legislation passed remains steadfast, and campaigns like this are instrumental in building the necessary public and political will."
The campaign invites everyone to engage with these powerful visuals and join the growing movement for equality.
Verde Creatives Incorporated
At the intersection of creativity and conscience stands Verde Creatives Incorporated. More than a hub for public relations, talent management, and events, it is an architect of change. Born from the pioneering vision of its founder, transgender leader Ms. Bemz Benedito, Verde Creatives wields the power of narrative to build bridges and champion human rights. Every initiative is a fusion of strategic design and raw creativity, dedicated to cultivating a world where every voice is heard and every story matters.
