Verde Creatives Unveils Powerful 'Equality Champions' Photo Campaign, Igniting Support for SOGIESC Bill

QUEZON CITY- June 17, 2025 - Verde Creatives incorporated, leading pubilic relations,

talent management, and events production hub, today. June 17, 2025, proudly

announced the public nveling of its landmark Pride Month Photo Campaign.

"EQUALITY CHAMPIONS: Magandang Laban." This powerful visual tribute to the lesbian,

gay. bisexual, transgendet, queer, inlersex, 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

long struggle tor the passage of tihe the rainbow community in their epic, decades-

also their way to express solidarity to Sexual Orientation, Gender ldentity, and Gender

Expression. and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Bil, 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. Benedito holds the distinction of

being the first transgender woman to be a congressional nominee and the frst

transwoman elected chairperson of Ladlad Partylist, the pioneer political party, for

LGBTGIA+ Fiipinos. 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 of Champions: Magandang Laban' is more than just an exhibition: it is of powerful declaration of our collective resolve," states Ms. Bemz Benedito. "Each photograph tells a story of courage, resilience. and the unwavering demand for dignity. We believe that by making our ives 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."

Building on its succesful "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 compeling 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 and Ms. Vashti Ortego of STRAP; and admired beauty empress Ms. Maria Barbie Anne Arcache. National Leader of LGBT Flipinas incorporated and Adviser to the

Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) Council. Their collective voices and

images iluminat 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 Fransportation  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 Bil to fruition., transforring

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 LGBTGIAt community's

vital cause. The campaign vividly portrays Flipinos from various sexual orientations and

gender identities. longside 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 impacttul campalign as garnered significant rossectoral support from influential figures and organizations, demonstrating a growing mainstream acceptance and poitical will for LGBITQ+ 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 Repubic, demonstrating high-level legislative backing: Representative Geraldine Roman. the first openly transgender congresswoman, adding significant symbolic

and advocacy weight; Representative Marlyn "Len" Alonte, addin, a Member of tho House of Ropresentatives, further showing legislative backing: and Quezon City Councilor and Kababaihan Partylist Kate Galang-Coseteng, who provides local government support and indicates alignment wvith grassroots and

women's advocacy. From the public service sector, PGeneral Rommel Francisco

Marbil and Mrs. Mary Rose Marbil offer their endorsement, broadening the campaign's

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.

1 commend verde Creatives and is partners for launching Equality Champions:

Magandang Laban'" shares Senator Loren Legarda,. "This initiative beautifully ilustrates

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 pubilic and poltical will."

The campaign invites everyone to engage with these powerful visuals and join the

growing movement for equality.

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 voiceis heard and every story

matters.