By Joy Evangelica Agoylo
Trailblazing ballroom figures Mother Xyza Mizrahi and Father Misha De La Blanca are set to host one of Asia’s biggest mainstream ballroom events—the Rainbow Ball and Gala 2025—on May 31 and June 1 in Makati City.
Now in its fifth year, this landmark celebration kicks off Pride Month with an explosive theme: “Perya” or Philippine Carnival, a vibrant tribute to the joy, culture, and community of ballroom, fashion, and dance. The two-day affair will feature an iconic lineup from New York City’s legendary ballroom scene, along with fashion shows, advocacy talks, and an electrifying aftermath party.
Originating in the 1960s in New York, ballroom culture was created by Black and Latino queer and trans communities as a sanctuary from discrimination and violence. With “houses” led by parental figures who nurture and protect LGBTQIA+ youth, ballroom events became spaces of creativity and fierce competition, giving birth to voguing and popular culture expressions like “serving face” and “realness.” This unique culture has since influenced global media, including Madonna’s “Vogue,” the TV series Pose, and Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour.
In the Philippines, ballroom culture was introduced in 2016 by Mother Xyza Mizrahi and has grown steadily to include dancers, artists, and LGBTQIA+ advocates. The Rainbow Ball has become a major annual event attracting local and international participants from countries such as Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and Singapore. This year, the ball will spotlight seven ballroom icons from New York City, who will judge 20 thrilling competition categories ranging from runway to vogue, all hosted at The Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati.
The second day, held at Octopus Bar, will continue the celebration with the Rainbow Gala and Kiki Aftermath, featuring fashion shows, advocacy lectures on trans health and HIV, and a vibrant lineup of ballroom competitions. Complementing the event are special workshops led by the icons themselves, offering training in vogue styles, runway mastery, and battles. With a total prize pool of PHP250,000, the Rainbow Ball and Gala 2025 promises a powerful weekend honoring the resilience, artistry, and vibrant spirit of the LGBTQIA+ ballroom community.
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Ruffa Gutierrez is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine for Mother’s Month 2025.
Read the full cover story here.
Get to know more of Ruffa Gutierrez in one of the episodes of STYLISH Podcast coming this May 2025.
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