Raise your Pride Pass!
In a vibrant celebration, Hotel SOGO officially launched its PRIDE Pass at Eurotel North EDSA. More than a standard promotion, the event championed LGBTQIA+ rights, community health, and authentic societal acceptance.
The gathering brought together key partners, advocates, and community members for an afternoon dedicated to connection and empowerment.
Corporate Leadership with a Cause
Ms. Sue Geminiano, Corporate Marketing Director of Hotel SOGO, delivered the keynote address. She shared how observing early gender disparities and the resilience of marginalized individuals shaped her worldview.
They don’t feel acceptance; they don’t feel the belongingness,”
Ms. Geminiano noted, highlighting the emotional and systemic isolation many queer individuals face.
Driven by this insight, she emphasized that the PRIDE Pass is more than a room package or seasonal campaign. It represents Hotel SOGO’s enduring commitment to the community’s rights, health, and well-being. Concrete Advocacy in Arts and Culture Ms. Geminiano’s advocacy extends directly into community investment.
She personally covered production accommodation costs for the critically acclaimed queer film Mamu; and a Mother Too, directed by Ms. Rodina Singh. Furthermore, when the team needed a holding area during a high-profile screening at SM North EDSA, Hotel SOGO provided full room accommodations to support the cast and crew.
Distinguished Guest Speakers Highlights Health and Representation Prominent figures dedicated to wellness and queer representation bolstered the launch.
First was Dr. Rey Salinel Jr., MD: As a renowned health adviser and trusted television medical expert, Dr. Salinel emphasized the crucial intersection of community health, safe spaces, and wellness.
And Then, Ms. Rodina Singh: The pioneering filmmaker expressed her deep gratitude to Ms. Geminiano and Hotel SOGO for supporting her film. She noted that it garnered widespread recognition, leaving a lasting impact across the entire Philippine film industry. Beyond celebrating the pass, the event looked toward the immediate future of the local movement.
Furthermore, Ms. Singh highlighted Pride PH’s efforts as they prepare for the upcoming Love Laban 2 Pride March on Saturday, June 27. Building on last year’s momentum, which drew 402,000 attendees, Pride PH has partnered with advocacy groups across Visayas and Mindanao. This historic collaboration marks the first nationwide Pride event of this monumental scale in the Philippines.
Beyond Room Discounts: The PRIDE Pass
Designed to celebrate love and diversity, the PRIDE Pass serves as Hotel SOGO’s vehicle for continuous community support. Its benefits extend far beyond the hotel chain:
Exclusive Hotel Accommodations: Members gain access to a specialized discount of 22% off in all rooms and unique offers across Hotel SOGO properties.
Eco-System of Partners: The pass includes a curated network of business partners, offering cardholders exclusive perks at various retail, wellness, and lifestyle establishments.
True to the spirit of Pride, the afternoon featured exceptional entertainment.
A little later, Attendees enjoyed dynamic intermission performances headlined by Sofia Trazona—the daughter of iconic Sexbomb Girls member Izzy Trazona. Sofia electrified the venue, bringing a wave of nostalgia with a high-energy performance of the classic hit, “Halukay Ube.”
Moreover, the event was filled with joy and corporate milestones, the underlying message remained clear: Pride is, and always has been, a protest.
Hotel SOGO’s launch transcended commercial inclusion, underscoring a critical societal demand.
The LGBTQIA+ community does not simply seek passive tolerance.
Rather, they deserve absolute, unconditional acceptance, safety, and equal rights across all sectors of society.
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