Metroscene Mag - For the young, empowered & creative

In a powerful show of love, rights, and recogni tion this Pride Month , San Juan City steps into history . With the recent approval of the Right to Care Card ordinance, queer couples in the city can now make vital medical decisions for their partners, officially and legally. It’s a simple piece of documentation, yes— but one that represents years of advocacy, struggle, and the ever-growing push for equality in the Philippines. Happy Pride Month! Thank you for caring. pic.twitter.com/H5lHh2vjgX — The Right to Care Card (@RightToCareCard) June 11, 2025 This move makes San Juan the second city in the country to institutionalize the Right to Care Card, following Quezon City’s landmark launch in 2023. Backed by a local ordinance, the card operates through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), granting LGBTQIA+ couples the right to agree to, refuse, or withdraw medical consent on behalf of their partners under covering procedures, treatments, tests, and prescriptions. “In recognition of t...

QC is heating up—and we’re not just talking about the weather. Singer-songwriter Stef Aranas just turned the temperature all the way up with the drop of QC GURLZ REMIX , this time teaming up with Metroscene Mag cover star and LGBTQ+ icon Sassa Gurl for a version that’s louder, bolder, and hotter than ever. First released in 2023, QC Gurlz was Stef’s unapologetic ode to chosen family and the vibrant spirit of queer living in Quezon City. Now, in time for Pride Month 2025 , the remix version is bringing an entirely new flavor—with Sassa Gurl's signature sass, sex appeal, and lyrical genius . Sassa Gurl Brings the Heat Higher View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stef Aranas (@stefaranasph) “If QC Gurlz focused on chosen family, having Sassa Gurl on the remix added a layer of sexuality and sass that is very QC,” Stef shares in an exclusive interview with Metroscene Mag . Musically, the remix takes a bolder approach. Stef and her team reworked the bea...

Even with the hate-driven efforts to minimize narratives of our trans sisters and brothers in society, more than ever, the community pushes through to create spaces and live through the hope that all stories get to have a platform.  We have already witnessed many 'firsts,' as well as the telling of trans narratives— at the forefront of reclaiming spaces and experiences they were once deprived of. As we cap off #TransAwarenessWeek, we take a look at some of the trans trailblazers in Philippine media. As we walk with them, it shows that the trans revolution has always been here, and they are not going anywhere! Rod Singh View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rodina (@iamrodafrog) Film and TV Director Rod Singh believes in pushing boundaries in queer storytelling by ensuring that those who have lived through these experiences narrate the stories. Whether in front of or behind the cameras, this representation matters because it breaks prejudiced tropes a...

Who runs the world? Trans Pinoys! According to the latest report from World Population Review , the Philippines now ranks No. 1 in Asia for the largest transgender population, with an estimated 239,000 Transgender individuals proudly living their truth. That’s far ahead of Thailand (62,000) and Pakistan (52,000). Rounding out the top five are Indonesia (43,000) and Malaysia (24,000), followed by Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Iran, and Myanmar. On paper, this may seem like a sign of progress. Transgender Filipinos have been increasingly visible in media, pageants, and even politics. But representation is not the same as liberation and certainly not safety. For many in the trans community, everyday life is still marked by discrimination, lack of legal protection, and the constant threat of violence. Trans Visibility in Ph While trans icons like BB Gandanghari , Jake Zyrus , Ice Seguerra and Jervi Wrightson , also known as Kaladkaren have broken barriers, the daily reality for many trans ...

Probinsyano creatives, we’re taking over the town — este, the barangGAY ! This June 12, 2025, Studio Segui’s A Fruity Affair returns for its fourth and fiercest year yet. And this time, we’re making all the stops . It’s not just a party. It’s a homecoming. A protest. A love letter to where we came from — and where we’re headed . This year’s party will be held at Apotheka Manila on June 12, 2025 , with tickets priced at PHP 700 . Tickets are now available here or check A Fruity Affair on Instagram for inquiries. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Studio Segui (@studiosegui) Welcome home, darling! More than just a party, this year's A Fruity Affair is a tribute to the artists, visionaries, and dreamers who’ve dared to make space for themselves — especially our local creatives. Spearheaded by Alan Segui, the head and heart of Studio Segui, this year’s celebration puts the spotlight on probinsyano and queer creatives who continue to ...