Paying tribute to the LGBTQ+ community with queer icons and anthems

Sony Music Philippines and the Pop Emergency Podcast recently honored the valuable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community across the globe with "Pride & Power" at Tipple and Slaw at the Pop-Up on Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

The double headliner event on 18 June, which featured drag performances from the queens of Drag Playhouse Philippines and music from the record label's most iconic queer icons, kickstarted the month-long LGBTQ+ Pride celebration with a defiant yet colorful flavor.

"The event was called 'Pride & Power' to recognize that Pride is not just an extravagant one-month celebration every June, but that we are given the chance to make a statement and empower not just our artists, but the LGBTQIA+ community for an experience they'll remember all-year-round and even after," shared the organizing team. "It's making a stand, but doing it with a bang."

Centered on the power of music to tell as many uplifting stories as possible about the struggles and triumphs of the community, the event championed the enduring Pride anthems of the past and present, which put a spotlight on Sony Music Philippines' esteemed roster of queer icons: Beyonce, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, Ben&Ben, Maris Racal, the Sexbomb Girls, and more. This was powered further by drag performances from Drag Playhouse Philippines.

"It has always been a pleasure to work with Drag Playhouse PH," shared the Sony Music Philippines team in a statement. "Ever since our first project with them in the start of 2021, including the now iconic Manila Drag Icons video which garnered international attention from legendary RuPaul's Drag Race alum such as fellow Filipinos Manila Luzon and Kyne from Canada's Drag Race, Blu Hydrangea from Drag Race UK, and Denali (whose 'Chicago Drag Excellence' video inspired the concept). We have always admired how much of their heart and talent they put in their art, not to mention their focus and attention to detail. It's always a good time being very hands-on with them to see how we can best send their message, help empower them in their craft, and share music in a way that's fun, proud and relatable."

The second half of the program brought the music of Jer & Marky to the dance floor, along with a special appearance from Internet sensation Kumare Harvey.

"Pride & Power" also launched the year-long Pride and LGBTQIA+ playlist "Yassify" on Filtr Philippines, which put together some of the fiercest bangers that resonate with the queer audiences all around the world.