“Sobrang happy ko na pinagtagpo ng tadhana ang landas natin.”
This was Iza Calzado‘s reaction to the “Amihan” cosplay of a social media influencer for his Pride March outfit.
AC Soriano, the social media personality who recently made headlines for his Doc Jill remixes, posted on Sunday, June 26 a photo of his transformation as Amihan, a character from GMA 7’s “Encantadia” franchise.
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Iza was the first one who played Amihan in the first edition of the fantasy series in 2005.
This role was later reprised by Kylie Padilla during the show’s 2016 reboot.
In his post, AC shared how Iza as Amihan made him feel validated when he has yet to come out as gay.
AC recalled that he even asked his father to buy him a toy sword back then.
“Nagpabili ako ng espada noon sa Tatay ko at natuwa sya na, shet, gusto ng anak ko ng espada, lalaki sya! Hindi nya lang alam kaputukan ng ‘Encantadia’ noon at sa isip ko ako si Amihan,” AC said.
“Years later, nung nalaman ko ang story ni Ate @missizacalzado, a gay icon to be honest, kung bakit sya ang pinaka-balot sa lahat ng mga Sang’re, dahil sa insecurities nya sa stretch marks nya dahil sa dati nyang timbang, sh*t, I felt validated!” he added.
Iza then expressed her support for AC and other members of the LGBT community in their fight for equality amid Pride Month.
“Sobrang happy ko na pinagtagpo ng tadhana ang landas natin. I am so happy I made you feel seen. Lahat ng laban worth it pag alam mo na may natulungan ka sa sarili nilang laban,” Iza said.
“Salamat, Panginoon! E corre diu, AC! Happy Pride!” she added.
AC, himself, later responded to Iza’s message.
“@missizacalzado lods na lods kita! Ei correi diu, gay icon iza calzado! Happy Pride to an ally!” he replied to her.
‘Para sa susunod na henerasyon’
AC shared that this year was the first time he attended a Pride March.
This made his cosplay of Amihan extra special for him.
“Kaya naman sa unang Pride ko, nararapat lamang na ilabas ko ang karakter na pinanghawakan ko nung nagtatago ako— kahit na halata naman atang baklang-bakla ako HAHAHAHAHA! Ei Correi Diu, Amihan!” he said.
The social media personality then shared the importance of Pride March to all members and allies of the LGBT community.
“Sobrang saya mag-Pride! Aaaaaaah! Ito ay isang protesta hindi lamang para sa mga nasa QC memorial circle, hindi lamang para sa mga out na, hindi lamang para sa mga nasa kloseta pa, kundi lalo na para sa mga susunod pang henerasyon na magiging miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community. HAPPY PRIDE,” he said.
The Pride Month activities at the Quezon City Memorial Circle that AC attended called “Alab for Love: Pride PH Festival” were led by the Quezon City government.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, along with other city officials, also participated in the massive city-wide celebration.