Last June 30, Negros-based artist Catalea was among those who graced the stage of the “Love Laban 2 Everyone” Pride Festival, put together by Pride PH, in Quezon City, also the site of what is now known as “Stonewall Manila,” the first Pride march in the Philippines and across Asia, organized by ProGay in June 1994. Baklang Rap ay nandito! 🔥 introhan lang namen @petteshabu @KumareHarvey Catalea @Itssassagurl pic.twitter.
com/dzCSoPV1PP — Sassa Gurl #StreamMariaHiwaga (@Itssassagurl) July 1, 2024 The gathering still had a huge turnout, with thousands crowding the Quezon Memorial Circle with Pride flags, placards, and colorful getups, despite it already being the second iteration of the Pride celebration, after its June 22 Pride concert had been paused and eventually cut short due to heavy rain. For the number, Catalea collaborated with internet sensation Sassa Gurl and artists Pette Shabu and Kumare Harvey. “‘Wag mong subukan ‘di mo kaya gurl / All the trans, all the gays, and the lesbian / LGBT for the win, ‘di mapantayan,” reads her part in the performance.
Sassa prompted the collaboration, to Catalea’s surprise. “I didn’t expect Sassa to message me on social media,” the latter tells me. “I was shocked when she told me this idea.
” Catalea with fellow rappers Sassa Gurl and Kumare Harvey at the backstage of the QC Pride celebration last June 30. Photo courtesy of Catalea It was by far the biggest stage Catalea performed on. But even before th.