QC gov't to launch RainbowQC Pride film festival

 

By Allysa Nievera

Published Jun 23, 2025 02:39 pm

The Quezon City government will launch the first-ever RainbowQC Pride Film Festival featuring nine powerful films that center on LGBTQ+ stories and voices on Wednesday, June 25.

The festival is a special edition of the acclaimed QCinema International Film Festival.

“QCinema is one of our city’s most anticipated cultural events—bringing together film lovers and creatives alike. This year, we proudly introduce RainbowQC, a special edition that celebrates not just the art of cinema, but the spirit of Pride and inclusion,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Curated by QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano, the festival features a blend of local and international titles.

Highlights include The Wedding Banquet (USA), Some Nights I Feel Like Walking (Italy, Philippines, Singapore), Cocoon (Germany), and Consequences (Slovenia).

The festival concludes on Friday, June 27 with a free screening of short films under the Rainbow QCShorts section, curated by Jason Tan Liwag.

Other featured works are the following:

- Abutan Man Tayo ng House Lights by Apa Agbayani

- A Catholic Schoolgirl by Myra Angeline Soriaso

- The river that never ends by JT Trinidad

- Microplastics by Lino Balmes

- Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren

“Film is a powerful tool for empathy and understanding,” Mayor Belmonte said.

“By amplifying the stories of the LGBTQ+ community, we promote visibility, break barriers, and advance our shared goals of equality and inclusion,” she added.

Mayor Jeannie recognized as one of Asian Heroes of 2024

BY ALLYSA NIEVERA

Nov 22, 2024 09:32 AM 

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval was recognized as one of the Asian Heroes of 2024.

Sandoval was included in the Asian Heroes 2024 for her leadership that helped improve the lives of Malabueños.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval at the Asian Heroes 2024 coffee table book launch at the Manila Hotel on Nov. 15, 2024 (Malabon City PIO) 

“Asian Heroes 2024” is the latest coffee-table book launched by Seagull Philippines Founder Dr. Maria Rosa “Bing” Carrion that tells the stories of 37 noble leaders and public servants who made great contributions to the continuous improvement of society.

“I am very honored and proud to be one of the Asian Heroes. Truly, nakakainspire lalo na tumulong at magsilbi sa taong bayan. Hindi lang naman ito isang tropeo kundi ito ay nagsisilbing isang simbulo ng pagsusumikap, pagsasaaayos, pagsisilbi ng taos-puso at buong-buo sa taumbayan…Naliligayahan po ako but at the same time, this inspires me to serve better (I am very honored and proud to be one of the Asian Heroes. Truly, it is especially inspiring to help and serve the people. This is not just a trophy but it serves as a symbol of hard work, organization, and serving the people wholeheartedly ... I am happy, but at the same time, this inspires me to serve better),” Sandoval said.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Representative Ricky Sandoval at the "Asian Heroes 2024" coffee table book launch at the Manila Hotel on Nov. 15, 2024 (Malabon City PIO)

The mayor was recognized along with Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Senator Mark A. Villar, Congressman Wilbert "Manoy" T. Lee, Congresswoman Camille A. Villar Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Antonilo DC. Mauricio, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., Vice-Consul David C. Ackerman, Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Gwen Pang, and other outstanding public servants, lawyers, doctors, and individuals. 

Dr. Carrion said she envisioned the book to present inspiring, values-laden stories of “everyday heroes” and serve as a shining light to young people who will comprise the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Carrion also shared that she found a “soul sister” in Mayor Jeannie as they are both very humble and composed and love to plan and think before they answer.

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat and very very honored to be part sa isang grupo na prestiguous, na  talagang kinikilala hindi lang sa kanilang larangan kundi sa kawang gawa. It is truly inspiring to be able serve people at lalo ko pong pagiibayuhin ang aking adbokasiya para sa taong bayan (I am grateful and very very honored to be part of a group that is prestigious, and that is really recognized not only in their field but for their charitable work. It is truly inspiring to be able to serve people and I will further my advocacy for the people),” the mayor said.  

Dr. Carrion was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Global Filipinas (2016) by the Filipina Women's Network based in San Francisco, California, USA for her 47 notable published books found in select libraries around the world and her CSR advocacies in the fields of Peace, and Empowerment of Women and Girls.