After more than a decade of silence, the country’s most iconic queer celebration officially made its triumphant return. White Party Manila: Reignite took over the World Trade Center, gathering thousands of partygoers, advocates, and celebrities in a massive sea of white to celebrate Pride with a profound sense of purpose.
The highly anticipated comeback—a collaborative effort between LoveYourself PH and Mentorque Productions—proved that the event is more than just a party; it is a movement. By the end of the night, the event successfully turned over a ₱1 million donation to LoveYourself PH to fund its nationwide HIV awareness, testing, and community care programs. The event itself raised ₱700,000, which Mentorque Productions proudly topped up with an additional ₱300,000 to hit the ₱1M milestone.
High Fashion on the Infinity Runway
A definitive highlight of the night was the intersection of advocacy and high fashion. Acclaimed streetwear designer and the event’s creative director, Bang Pineda, unveiled his exclusive White Party Manila Collection.
The fashion show was a star-studded spectacle from start to finish. Hitmaker Maki kicked off the runway segment with a live performance of his chart-topping hit “Dilaw,” setting a vibrant energy as celebrities like Mimiyuuuh, Janella Salvador, Chie Filomeno, Alex Diaz, Kirk Bondad, Ron Angeles, and Teejay Marquez flaunted avant-garde, edgy all-white ensembles.
Closing the runway as the grand finale was none other than the face of the comeback, Unkabogable Superstar Vice Ganda, whose presence solidified the night’s message of bold authenticity.
“Sa Wakas!”: SexBomb Girls Named Gay Icon of the Year
The energy in the World Trade Center reached a fever pitch when the legendary SexBomb Girls, led by Rochelle Pangilinan, took the stage. Beyond delivering a high-octane performance of their classic hits, the group was officially honored as this year’s Gay Icon of the Year.
The recognition celebrates the group’s decades-long cultural influence, timeless dance routines, and enduring popularity within local queer spaces.
“Sa wakas!” Rochelle Pangilinan joked during their emotional acceptance speech. “Maraming nagsasabi na pinalaki namin sila. At maraming nagsasabi na kami ang dahilan [kung bakit sila naging bading].” Event host Kaladkaren quickly and playfully chimed in, “Kaya mga naging [bading]!”
A Night of Stars and Solidarity
The marathon celebration featured an unmatched lineup of local talent, including powerful performances by Ben&Ben, Gloc-9 (who had the crowd roaring to his queer anthem “Sirena”), Marina Summers, and Maxie Anderson. Prominent LGBTQIA+ figures such as John Lapus and Liza Diño were also present to show their solidarity.
As the music faded into the early morning, White Party Manila 2026 left a lasting mark on the community. It successfully bridged the nostalgia of Malate’s golden era with a modern, powerful message: that Pride is not just something to be celebrated, but something to be actively protected.