Marching Through The Rain - UP Pride 2015
Last week, we went to the UP Pride March for the first time. You could say this is our real first Pride March because way back in June's Metro Manila Pride March, we couldn't really march because we got the flu.
At around past 3pm, we hopped on a cab and made our way. 45 minutes later, stuck in the Katipunan traffic, Alla and I worried that we might miss the 4pm march. We made it to UP a few minutes after 4pm. And as we went to the meeting and registration place, we saw tall flags and a lot of people and we got so excited, we just wanted to jump out of the cab. I actually forgot to close the cab's door (I'm sorry!!). One thing that made me excited as well was seeing a taho. Lol.
So went through the crowd and searched for RJ. We were meeting him there as we were also delivering shirts that he ordered from us. When we found him, I think he can sense our excitement because we had so many questions. He was really nice and we actually made a friend! We still owe him coffee.
So there we were, uncertain on how this goes. Alla, while waiting, also took the chance to ask a couple of groups to join our #YourFellowHumanBeing campaign. You can see their lovely faces here. In the meantime, I was just in awe and took as much photos as I can. You can feel the energy from everybody. You know that everyone was there for one common goal and for various personal reasons. Everyone was smiling and welcoming and warm. We weren't part of any group so, RJ, Alla and I just inserted ourselves in the line.
Finally, as we started to move, the rain started to fall. Most started to not mind the rain and just opened their own umbrellas and shared it with people who did not have any. Alla and I did not have an umbrella. RJ did. So we shared. As we marched, the energy from everyone was overwhelming but in a good way. You can feel a wave of hope, persistence, spirit and love rush through you as we all walked together and chanted different chants. The air was cool and yet you feel the warmth of everyone there.
As the march ended, RJ, Alla and I proceeded to get some food in nearby stall. We sat down under a tree and that's when we knew, we found an amazing new friend. We talked and shared our stories like friends who haven't seen each other for a long time. As we bid goodbye, Alla and I knew, there is hope. We are not alone and we will never stop.
