Araneta City launches Pride Month with ‘Free to be HUE’ mural

June 3, 2026 - 8:00 AM
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Free to be Hue mural in Araneta City, Quezon City. (Araneta City/Release)

A Pride mural titled “Free to be HUE” was unveiled on Tuesday, June 2, at the New Frontier Theater arcade along Gen. Roxas Avenue in Quezon City, serving as the centerpiece of Araneta City’s Pride Month campaign.

Spanning 9.78 meters wide and 5.24 meters high, the artwork highlights themes of individuality, inclusivity and self-expression. It was designed by artist Mikaela David and executed by muralist Marco Gordola.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by officials and representatives from Quezon City and partner organizations, including Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Araneta City Vice President for Marketing Marjorie Go and Quezon City Gender and Development Council head Janete Oviedo, among others.

“Ang mural ay kanilang pagdiriwang sa iba’t ibang kulay, pagkakakilanlan, at istorya ng pagmamahal ng bawat miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community,” Belmonte said.

Following the formal unveiling, guests also took part in adding final touches to the mural, contributing to the collaborative artwork.

Beyond the installation, the mural is positioned as a symbolic entry point to Araneta City’s Pride Month activities, which aim to promote visibility, inclusivity and community engagement throughout June.

A lineup of events is scheduled across different venues within the complex, beginning with a Pride Run on June 7 at the Green Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This will be followed by a Quezon City Pride Dance Competition on June 9 at Farmers Plaza, and a “Graduation Rights” march for LGBTQIA+ graduates on June 11 at Gateway Mall 2.

Other scheduled activities include a Safe Space Session on June 18 at Ali Mall, a Pride Bazaar from June 26 to 28 at Farmers Plaza, and “LovelaBan sa Araneta” on June 27 at Gateway Mall 1.