Zumba fitness party for a healthier Mandauehanons

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano Dizon joined the celebration of Pride Month in the city by organizing a Zumba fitness party held at the Barangay Opao Gym the other day.

Called the “LGBTQIA+ Zumba Party,” Dizon said they want to encourage a healthier lifestyle among Mandauehanons.

“More than just a Zumba fitness party, we spiced up the activity to showcase the creativity, talent, and their energetic dance moves,” she said.

The participants were mostly members of the LGBTQIA+ community in vibrant and colorful dance attire.

The one-hour fitness party was also a competition where prizes like mountain bikes, cellphones, sacks of rice, and cash were given away. They also awarded prizes to Best Dancers, Best in Attire, Most Enchanting, and Zumba Queen.

The event was made possible through the support of the congresswoman’s office, Ang OUANOcare, Cebu Sixth District Board Member Jonkie Ouano, Opao Barangay Captain Nixon “Jojo” Dizon, former board member Alfie Ouano, and Mandaue City Councilors Cesar Cabahug, Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, Joel Seno, and Anjong Ouano Icalina.

“Their full support in sharing their blessings through raffle draws and cash prizes in this healthy and positive activity. Para ang tanan malingaw ug malipayon,” she said.

Also, as part of this month's celebration of Pride Month, Board Member Jonkie Ouano announced that the first batch of Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) for the LGBTQIA+ in the city is now open for registration.

Financial assistance will be given to LGBTQIA+ members in the city who are minimum wage and low-income earners.

Online application and submission of requirements is until June 15, 2024 at 4 p.m.

AKAP is a financial assistance to minimum wage earners falling under the category of low income who are severely affected by the rising inflation. It is coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue Investments Promotions Action Center and Kaabag LGBTQIA+ conducted a community outreach program in the Barangay Subangdaku Gym where they gave school supplies and food to children as part of the Pride Month celebration.

The Cebu United Rainbow LGBTQ sector and the United Nations Development Program also visited Mayor Jonas Cortes recently to discuss some programs and projects especially on the health aspects for this community.

During their opening of Pride Month last June 3, Cortes had said: “Together let us continue to move Mandaue forward as a beacon of acceptance and understanding. Let us embrace diversity as our strength and work tirelessly to create a future where everyone feels valued and empowered to be true to their selves.” — (FREEMAN)