Cristine Cangmaong

A total of 129 same-sex couples exchange vows during the LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony 2026 at the MICE venue of Quezon City Hall on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026. Organized by the Quezon City government, the ceremony serves as a symbolic celebration of love, partnership, and equality in a country where same-sex marriage remains unrecognized. Families and friends witness the couples’ public declaration of commitment.Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Maria Virginia Sy

A promise written in rainbows: Quezon City celebrates love without labels

Maria Tan

ABS-CBN News

<p>In a country where the legal seal of &quot;marriage&quot; remains out of reach for same-sex pairs, an annual ceremony spearheaded by the Quezon City government, has become a sanctuary for soulmates. </p><p>It is more than just a photo op; it is a defiant, beautiful declaration that their unions are seen, valued, and real. </p><p>The atmosphere inside the convention hall was a mix of nervous jitters and profound solemnity. </p><p>Partners held hands tightly, some clad in traditional Barongs and white dresses, others in modern suits that shimmered under the MICE Center lights. </p><p>Among them were Janine Petina and Catherine Grefiel, who have shared their lives for three years. For them, this day was a rare gift. </p><p>&quot;Ngayong araw po, happy kami talaga sobra. Kasi bihira po &#x27;yung opportunity na ganito eh, na mismong Quezon City po talaga &#x27;yung nagbigay ng privilege para po mabigyan kami ng ganito,&quot; Janine shared. </p><div><em>(Today, we are truly beyond happy. Because opportunities like this are rare, where Quezon City itself provides the privilege for us to be given something like this.) </em></div><p> For others, like Marvin Cunanan (25) and Jilbert Igot (21), the ceremony was a long-awaited validation of a relationship that has already stood the test of time. Having been together for six years, they represent the enduring nature of young queer love among the 129 pairs present. </p><p>&quot;Anim na taon na kaming nagsasama, kaya itong araw na ito ay parang pagpapatunay na kahit anong mangyari, ang mahalaga ay &#x27;yung commitment namin saisa&#x27;t isa,&quot; Marvin said.  </p><div><em>(We have been living together for six years, so this day is like a proof that no matter what happens, what matters is our commitment to one another.) </em><br/><br/>[[PHOTO ALBUM]]<br/><br/></div><div><strong>A City of Inclusion</strong></div><p>Quezon City continues to position itself as a beacon of progress in the Philippines. Through local anti-discrimination ordinances and gender-inclusive programs, the city government isn&#x27;t just hosting an event; they are building a home for a community often pushed to the margins. </p><p>The path to this podium isn&#x27;t without its daily stings. Catherine reflected on the constant questioning they face as a two-woman couple. </p><p>&quot;Lagi... laging may tanong na, &#x27;Sino sa inyo &#x27;yung lalaki?&#x27; Laging may ganoon. Although alam naman nila na parehas kaming babae. &#x27;Yun &#x27;yung lagi naming na-eencounter,&quot; Catherine explained.  </p><div><em> (Always... there is always that question, &quot;Who is the man among you?&quot; There is always that. Although they know we are both women. That is what we always encounter.) </em></div><p> For Janine, having her mother by her side at the MICE Center was a testament to the support system they have built. </p><p>&quot;Sa pagsubok naman po about LGBTs, lucky kami kasi both family namin is open sa ganito. Actually nga po, ang kasama namin ngayon sa ceremony na ito is &#x27;yung mother ko. Kasi bilang support po sa amin,&quot; Janine noted.  </p><div><em>(Regarding challenges for LGBTs, we are lucky because both our families are open to this. Actually, my mother is here with us at this ceremony to show her support for us.) </em></div><div> </div><div><strong>The Long Road to Equality </strong></div><p> Despite the cheers and the showers of petals, the shadow of pending legislation in Congress remains. The Commitment Ceremony is a joyful protest—a living argument for why equality cannot remain &quot;pending&quot; forever. </p><p>Jilbert, reflecting on their six-year journey, emphasized that the event provides a sense of security they’ve wanted since they started their relationship. </p><p> &quot;Dati pinapangarap lang namin ito, pero ngayon, ramdam namin na tanggap kami ng lungsod. Sa anim na taon namin, ito na &#x27;yung pinaka-special na highlight,&quot; Jilbert added.  </p><div><em>(Before, we only used to dream of this, but now, we feel that the city accepts us. In our six years together, this is the most special highlight.) </em></div><p>As the ceremony concluded, the message left behind by the 129 couples was clear: Love does not require a legal clause to be authentic, but it does deserve the respect of the nation it calls home. Janine looked toward the horizon of their relationship with unwavering hope. </p><p>&quot;Five to ten years from now po siguro, we&#x27;re still together pa rin po. Kasi, &#x27;yun, &#x27;success&#x27; po talaga na kumbaga, &#x27;yun &#x27;yung nilulook up namin na balang araw, nandoonpa rin kami, kami pa rin &#x27;yung magkasama,&quot; Janine concluded.  </p><div><em>(Five to ten years from now, I believe we will still be together. Because that is the true &quot;success&quot; for us—that is what we look forward to, that one day, we will still be there, and it will still be the two of us together.)</em></div>

<p>The air at Quezon City MICE Center carried more than Valentine’s roses, it held decades-old dreams. Under rainbow flags, 129 couples joined the LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony 2026, proving hearts don’t wait for laws.</p>

The air at Quezon City MICE Center carried more than Valentine’s roses, it held decades-old dreams. Under rainbow flags, 129 couples joined the LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony 2026, proving hearts don’t wait for laws.