Orlando Diola: The brains behind Miss Gay Mandaue

CEBU CITY, Philippines— When creativity and talent meet, the opportunities become endless.His vision, which was initially aimed to provide entertainment, has since become a gateway for the LGBTQ+ community to rise above societal limitations and proudly showcase their talents and their uniqueness.

However, not everyone shared the same excitement. Some religious sectors expressed disapproval, but that did not deter Diola and his team from continuing to entertain the masses. “I didn’t even know that it was going to be an advocacy. At first, I thought just plain entertainment, like boys dress as girls or men dress as women, that’s it. I was really thinking about who will sponsor the high heels, and who will sponsor the gloves, and then who will sponsor the evening gown. But knowing the gays that they are so talented they just took care of it themselves,” he said.Before moving to the United States in the 80s, Diola served as a pillar of support for his community.

With the support that Diola got from his family, accepting who he was, also gave him the strength to make others feel safe and accepted.“Back then here they used to call me names and you know, I fight back,” he said.

Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Star players miss Gilas PH pool’s 1st practice sessionSEVERAL marquee players selected for the FIBA World Cup-bound Gilas Pilipinas national men’s 21-player pool were not available when the team began practicing Wednesday evening at the Meralco Gym.
Source: MlaStandard - 🏆 20. / 55 Read more »

LOOK: Rhian Ramos, Max Collins, other friends ‘properly celebrate’ Michelle Dee’s Miss Universe PH winRhian Ramos shares snaps taken from their celebratory dinner for Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle Dee.
Source: gmanews - 🏆 11. / 68 Read more »

Pia Wurtzbach says Kendra and Scarlett Kramer are 'the next It Girls of the Philippines'Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach couldn't help but express her admiration for Kendra and Scarlett! ❤️
Source: gmanetwork - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

Michelle Dee celebrates her Miss Universe win with Max Collins, Rhian Ramos, and other close friendsMichelle Dee celebrated her victory with her besties! ❤️
Source: gmanetwork - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

71st Miss World pageant to take place in India after previously announcing UAE as host countryIn an unprecedented move, the Miss World Organization announced that the 71st Miss World pageant will take place in India, months after confirming that the United Arab Emirates would be the host country. | HMallorcaINQ
Source: inquirerdotnet - 🏆 3. / 86 Read more »

71st Miss World to be held in IndiaMiss World, the oldest international beauty pageant in the world, is set to make its grand return to India—nearly three decades since it was last held in the country in 1996. | via philstarlife
Source: PhilippineStar - 🏆 7. / 71 Read more »