That… was magical.
Related: What It’s Like Attending A Ball In The Philippines, According To A First-Timer
The first time I heard about The Rainbow Ball was in June 2023 when I covered the event on assignment. At that time, I was more or less familiar with what a Ball was thanks to shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and Legendary. So, knowing that I was going to attend my very first Ball, and on the last weekend of Pride no less, I was excited, and I left with expectations met and then some.
Not only was I gagged at the voguing, dips, and spins, but also touched by the heart and passion the local Ballroom community showed that night. Fast forward a year later, I had the opportunity to cover The Rainbow Ball and Gala 2024, and once again, it was a beautiful experience of what happens when you give the Ballroom community, and the LGBTQIA+ community in general, the space to be themselves.
FOR THE COMMUNITY
Right at the start of Pride Month 2024, The Philippine Ballroom Community held The 4th Annual Rainbow Ball and Gala last June 1 at the Podium Hall in Podium Mall. Presented by Trailblazer and up-and-coming Legendary Mother Xyza Mizrahi and Father Misha De La Blanca, the event was a true showcase of Filipino Ballroom excellence. More importantly, it made a space for all kinds of queer talent and stories to take center stage. Festivities began at 1 PM with the Rainbow Gala that featured a series of fashion shows by SARMIENTO by Dale Sarmiento, OZ GO RTW, BRIT TRIPUDIO, and WOLFE+HUNTR.
Twenty LGBTQIA+ models from the Ballroom Community showcased the mini-collections of the designers and brands, making it the first all-ballroom fashion show in the country. Also during the afternoon, The Rainbow Ball and Gala’s advocacy partners took to the stage for lectures on relevant topics for the LGBTQIA+ community. Discussions ranged from the importance of safe medical transitioning to a session on SOGIESC.
BRING IT TO THE RUNWAY
Then, when the clock struck 5 PM, that’s when the magic commenced with the start of The Rainbow Ball. The program began with a little education session on the history of Ballroom with a Q&A with Pioneer Iconic Founding Father Andre Mizrahi, and Legendary Founding Father Julian De La Blanca, two names that were, are, and will continue to be instrumental in the growth of the Ballroom Scene. After that, the ball proper began, and it was everything and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
It started with Filipino commentator Lakan Mizrahi opening the show and introducing the DJs for the night, Ayel Mari from The Philippines, and Legendary Overall Mother Koppi Mizrahi from Japan. Lakan then introduced Icon Founder Jack Mizrahi Gorgeous Gucci, and they commenced the LSS, or “Legends, Statements, Stars”.
For those unfamiliar with Ballroom lingo, LSS is basically the most extra and energetic roll call ever. Key figures and houses in the scene were called on the runway and did their thing. Established names showcased their moves while new members and chapters of the houses made their debut. In a nice touch, The International House of De La Blanca and The Iconic House of Mizrahi, the houses of the presenters, took to the stage for their grand march at the end of the LSS.
As for the judges panel, it was composed of some of the best of the Ballroom scene with Juju Xtravaganza, Father K Milan, Trailblazer Mother Holie Ebony, Trailblazer Mother Bhenji Ra, Legendary Founding Father Monster Babylon, Legendary Founding Father Julian De La Blanca, and Pioneer Iconic Founding Father Andre Mizrahi.
TENS ACROSS THE BOARD
Soon, the Ball’s 15 categories began. Face, Beginners Performance, Runway with an Abanico or Baston Prop, and Hands Performance vs Arms Control kicked off the evening right. Then, what came next were my favorite categories of the Ball. Lip Sync Performance had participants lip-syncing to 80s divas, that included, among other things, an epic rendition of Holding Out for a Hero and a finale lip sync to Whitney Huston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Realness brought it to the fiesta with the theme of Santa Cruzan. True to the category’s name, it really was like an actual festival was held at the Podium Hall with gowns that could put the pageant girls to shame. Cunt versus Cunt had participants dress up in the most queer depiction of Ibong Adarna. Fashion Killa (my favorite category of the night) was all about championing Filipino labels, designers, styles, and culture. The jeepney took center stage for the Bizarre category with avant-garde re-imaginings of the king of the Filipino roads. It then ended with an All Styles to a Vogue Beat category that lit the runways on fire as participants rocked the colors of the Philippine flag.
The last categories of the night were equally as gag-worthy. Pop Dip and Spin Excalibur Performance, followed by New Way Vogue, and then Vogue Fem had the girls, guys, gays, and theys popping off on the runway, which culminated in the winners of these three categories battling it out for Overall Performance Grand Prize. Finally, to end the night, the Body and Sex Siren Categories were too hot for words. In between all of this were reminders that Ballroom is also a space to protest talk about social issues, such as incorporating demonstrations against the jeepney phaseout and for Palestine’s freedom in the performances.
THIS IS WHAT I WANNA SEE
Needless to say, I had a great time at the Rainbow Ball And Gala 2024. The queer power that night was immense. Regardless of whether the participants got their tens or chops from the judges, it takes nerve and bravery to go up on that runway and try to give what needs to be given. I witnessed first-hand the talent and passion of the local Ballroom community. This is not just a hobby or pastime, but their life, community, and found family. Many bright, young souls who walked that runway radiated the beauty and liberating power of Ballroom.
What I appreciated as well was how Filipino-centric the Ball was. With the theme of “Pride of the Philippines”, every category had some sort of Philippine connection. It was the Philippines but through the lens of the Philippine Ballroom and LGBTQIA+ community. To see all sorts of people, from gay men to trans women, walk the runway and embrace a culture that can be so dismissive and hateful of them was heartwarming and empowering. In a way, the Ball was a safe space for the community to reclaim their Filipino heritage and culture through the medium that they love. That’s how you start Pride Month and Philippine Independence Day right.
The inclusivity and acceptance that night was also commendable as Filipinos across the spectrum of the local LGBTQIA+ community walked the runway and were celebrated for their talent and beauty. Even the crowd, composed of hundreds of Filipino LGBTQIA+ and their straight allies, understood the assignment. Whether they were walking in the ball or just wanted to watch, everyone’s energy was in high spirits. Judgment and bigotry? They weren’t invited, nor should they ever be. Even if it was a competition, the family love was still felt as houses enthusiastically cheered on their members and the amount of hugs and congratulations given were as much as the tens the judges gave.
The Rainbow Ball and Gala 2024 was a safe space unlike most and a celebration of one of the most talented communities in the Philippines. The kids in the local Ballroom scene are not to be messed with because they will deliver excellence every time they step on the runway.
Photos by Christopher Sy Photographs
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