Get ready to raise your rainbow banners as the annual Metro Manila Pride March & Festival returns this weekend.

With the successful turnout of an estimated 7,700 people at last year's festivities, the Metro Manila Pride 2018 continues at the Marikina Sport Center on June 30 (Saturday) to give LGBTQIA+ Filipinos a safe space at the community-driven celebration.

This year's theme is called #RiseUpTogether, bringing light to educating each other with the right tools through empowering talks, dazzling drag, dance, and musical performances by Juan Miguel Severo, Sebastian Castro, Lady Gagita, Flying Ipis, The Male Gaze, The Metro Fantastic, Henry Igna, Louise Meets, Presh, Ja Quintana, The Bearytones, Dee Dee Marie Holliday, Andy Crocker, Vinas, Jona Kween, Nar Cabico, Phi Palmos, TFX, John Saga, Sky Teotico, House of Mizrahi, Mike Lavet, and Everyday People.

Metro Manila Pride continues to call for the Senate to pass the SOGIE Equality Bill, which aims to protect Filipinos from SOGIE-based discrimination in employment, education, health care, and more.

"We’re only as strong as our weakest link. Let’s work together and learn from each other so that we can build a stronger, more informed, more empowered community of advocates fighting for our rights. It’s time to #RiseUpTogether," Metro Manila Pride writes in a statement.

Metro Manila Pride March & Festival 2018 is happening at Plaza de los Alcaldes in front of the Marikina City Hall on June 30 (Saturday). More details can be found on the Metro Manila Pride Facebook page.