Cebu’s most colorful month is back. Now in its third year, the Cebu Pride Festival 2025 returns with a jam-packed lineup of events throughout June. What started as a dream in May 2023 has blossomed into a full-fledged citywide movement that unites LGBTQIA+ communities, allies, advocates, local governments and brands under one shared purpose which is to stand proudly and love loudly.
“The wait is over, mga Beshies!” announced the Cebu Pride Movement. “We are proud to unveil the first wave of our major PRIDE events, all united by our core aim to stand proudly and love loudly.”
Here’s a breakdown of the festival’s key events for Pride Month 2025:
June 4: Official PRIDE Kick-Off at Quest Hotel
The festivities began with a high-spirited gathering of community leaders and longtime supporters at Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu. The hotel also launched its Friday Pride Buffets and special room deals, with part of the proceeds going to LoveYourself Cebu, an organization working to provide free HIV testing and raise awareness.
“Before, we didn’t have support from our local government units (LGUs), but now they’re with us — along with private sectors. We also have our longtime ally, Quest Hotel. Every time, they reach out to us, asking how Pride in Cebu is going and encouraging us to keep going,” shared Matthew Basabe of CPM during the June calendar unveiling.
June 14: Mandaue Pride March
Bringing Pride to Mandaue, this march is organized with KAABAG Mandaue and the Mandaue City LGU. It’s a major step forward for representation and visibility in Cebu’s second most populous city. Pride belongs in every corner of the island.
“Together, let’s march in Mandaue City. Pride will light up their heritage plaza outside city hall,” said Matthew.
June 15: Rainbow Car-Free Sundays
Cebu IT Park is jumping with pride. They’re helping CPM reach various establishments across their buildings to offer Pride discounts to everyone visiting throughout June.
“Since Cebu is the running capital of the Philippines, we’re reaching out to running groups to encourage Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in their communities,” CPM shared.
June 21: Embrace Ko All
CPM brings together LGBTQIA+ leaders and hopeful advocates from different barangays and grassroots communities for a day of connection, sharing and support. This event celebrates the strength of diversity across Cebu’s neighborhoods to empower voices from every corner. Building on this momentum, CPM aims to expand its reach in 2025 by bringing DEI campaigns into even smaller communities, making every town and barangay in Cebu a safer and more inclusive place.
June 28: Cebu City Pride Parade
The flagship Pride Parade returns to the heart of Cebu City, expected to draw thousands. Spearheaded by the Cebu City Anti-Discrimination Commission, with strong backing from the Cebu City LGU and grassroots organizations, this event will be the city’s biggest Pride celebration yet.
June 29: The BIG PRIDE Picnic
A brand-new tradition begins with The BIG PRIDE Picnic — a massive, feel-good event inviting everyone to chill, connect, and celebrate queer joy. Picture food, music and pure happiness all laid out on a 400 sqm x 400 sqm picnic blanket. It’s a celebration of everyday belonging and radical love.
“For the first time, Ayala offered its space by the Pyramid and Sugbo Mercado. Pride is usually noisy and party-filled, but this year, we want to get back to the core reason for this community. Instead of big stages, the stage will be the audience, we will be the stage,” shared Basabe.