Verde Creatives Incorporated, a leading public relations, talent management, and events production company, proudly unveiled today its landmark Pride Month photo campaign: “EQUALITY CHAMPIONS: Magandang Laban.” This visual campaign celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and calls for the long-overdue passage of the SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics) Bill. ‘EQUALITY CHAMPIONS: Magandang Laban.” This powerful visual tribute to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community serves as a fervent call for the passage of the SOGIESC Bill.
Launched on the company’s 8th anniversary, the campaign reflects Verde Creatives’ continued commitment to social justice and creative activism. Timed to coincide with Pride Month, the campaign aims to amplify visibility, stimulate public discourse, and advocate for legislative action on equality and human rights. 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.
Spearheading the campaign is Ms. Bemz Benedito, founder of Verde Creatives, a trailblazing transgender woman and long-time advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. She is recognized as the first transgender congressional nominee and the first transwoman to chair Ladlad Partylist, the Philippines’ pioneering political party for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos.
Ms. Benedito holds the distinction of being the first transgender woman to be a congressional nominee and the first transwoman elected chairperson of Ladlad Partylist, the pioneer political party for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. 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 Champions: Magandang Laban’ is more than just an exhibition; it is a 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 lives 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 successful “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 compelling 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 of STRAP; and admired beauty empress Ms. Maria Barbie Anne Arcache, National Leader of I LGBT Filipinas Incorporated and Adviser to the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) Council. Their collective voices and images illuminate the diverse spectrum of individuals championing equal rights, acceptance, and strong visibility.
“The unveiling of Equality Champions: Magandang Laban is more than an exhibition—it is a powerful declaration of our collective resolve,” says Ms. Benedito. “Each image is a testament to our community’s courage, resilience, and the undeniable right to dignity. Visibility dismantles prejudice and builds the public support needed to pass the SOGIESC Bill.”
Building on the momentum of Verde’s acclaimed Queen of Baguio campaign in 2024, Equality Champions showcases stirring portraits of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, created in collaboration with Ladlad Partylist, STRAP (Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines), TAO (Transpinay of Antipolo Organization), and the LTFRB LGBTQIA+ Association under the Department of Transportation. This broad coalition underscores the campaign’s unifying message: equality is everyone’s fight.
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 Bill to fruition, transforming 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 LGBTQIA+ community’s vital cause. The campaign vividly portrays Filipinos from various sexual orientations and gender identities, alongside 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 impactful campaign has garnered significant cross-sectoral support from influential figures and organizations, demonstrating a growing mainstream acceptance and political will for LGBTQIA+ 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 Republic, demonstrating high-level legislative backing:
Representative Geraldine Roman, the first openly transgender congresswoman, adding significant symbolic and advocacy weight; Representative Marlyn “Len” Alonte, a Member of the House of Representatives, further showing legislative backing: and Quezon City Councilor and Kababaihan Partylist Kate Galang-Coseteng, who provides local government support and indicates alignment with grassroots and women’s advocacy. From the public service sector, General 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.
“I commend Verde Creatives and its partners for launching Equality Champions:
Magandang Laban’,” shares Senator Loren Legarda. ‘This initiative beautifully illustrates 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 public and political will.”
Among the prominent personalities featured are:
- Dexter Macaldo, Chairperson, Ladlad Partylist
- Santy Layno, STRAP
- Maria Barbie Anne Arcache, National Leader of LGBT Filipinas Inc. and Adviser to PFIP (Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride)
- Senator Loren Legarda
- Representative Geraldine Roman, the country’s first openly transgender lawmaker
- Representative Len Alonte
- QC Councilor Kate Galang-Coseteng of Kababaihan Partylist
- General Rommel Francisco Marbil, and Mrs. Mary Rose Marbil
Corporate supporters include Dark Roast Coffeehouse, P-IKAN, and Organic Nature, demonstrating significant private sector engagement.
“The images in this campaign reflect the vibrant and diverse realities of the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies,” says Ms. Arcache. “This is a crucial step toward realizing the SOGIESC Bill—transforming decades of advocacy into legal recognition and protection.”
“This initiative beautifully humanizes the SOGIESC Bill,” adds Senator Legarda. “Campaigns like Equality Champions are vital in mobilizing both public empathy and political will. My commitment to this legislation is unwavering.”
With Equality Champions: Magandang Laban, Verde Creatives once again merges creativity and conscience, reminding society that storytelling can be a force for transformation. Each portrait is a bold reminder: every Filipino deserves dignity, equality, and protection under the law.
About Verde Creatives
Founded by trans leader Bemz Benedito, Verde Creatives is more than a creative agency—it is a movement. Known for fusing strategic storytelling with human rights advocacy, the company has become a leading force in promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility, equity, and empowerment through art, media, and partnerships.
