The ever-dynamic spirit of gender equality and empowerment reigned the halls of the College of Communication (COC) at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Sta. Mesa with the celebration of, “Kasari-Sarian: Gender Equality Creativity Fest”.

The first festival of its kind in PUP, “Kasari-sarian” lit up the College from July 25 to 28, 2023. The celebration is the brainchild of the College’s very own Prof. Krupskaya Valila, with the help of student-volunteers from the PUP COC and the PUP Open University.

The groundbreaking celebration made its mark and inspired students to strive for a community that is free from gender-based discrimination and allows everyone to express themselves in their brightest hues.

Panel and room discussions

Various advocates graced the event with their insights in impactful panel and room discussions that delved deep into issues surrounding gender equality and sexuality in the country.

Student-made films also took center stage with their powerful storytelling exploring the themes of gender and sexuality.

Student exhibits

The busy COC Lobby transformed into a hub of creativity with student-led booths, artworks, and campaigns that promote gender equality. The exhibits provided a safe platform for students to express their perspectives, while encouraging attendees to contemplate their roles in achieving a more equitable society.

Free HIV testing

The festival also collaborated with HASH – HIV & AIDS Support House, Inc., which offered free HIV testing throughout the celebration and promoted health awareness among the participants.

“Sari-bration: A Night of Equality and Protest”

The four-day celebration ended with the most vibrant hues through the culminating activity “Sari-bration: A Night of Equality and Protest”.

Drag performances and song numbers celebrated the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Prof. Valila closed the festival with a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to create awareness, serve, and fight for our rights (magmulat, maglingkod, makibaka).

The successful event was also made possible through the generous support of sponsors who believed in the celebration’s cause: Midoko, Lauvette, Jack n’ Jill Chocolate Pretzels, Jack n’ Jill Hello!, and Munchy’s Lexus.

A meaningful collaboration

“Kasari-sarian” may have already concluded, but its core message continues to send ripples beyond the event. It has inspired future generations of PUPians to become advocates committed to breaking barriers on gender stereotypes and embracing diversity.

The event’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

About the Author

Edma is the Advocacy Manager of SubSelfie.com. She is a freelance multimedia writer-producer with more than a decade of experience in news writing, multimedia production and storytelling. She is part of the team that won GMA News the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for the news coverage of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

She is an advocate of human rights, media workers’ rights and women’s rights. She loves dogs, travelling, tattoos and crime shows. Most importantly, she is the proud owner-baker of her baby—the small, home-based business Edma Bakes.

Journalism 2010 (cum laude), UP Diliman.