Dutch Embassy Marks Pride with Honorablé
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Manila, in partnership with PRIDE PH, marked Pride Month by screening the award-winning documentary Honorablé during its Pride in Politics event on July 2, 2026. The event forms part of the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the Philippines.
Directed by Moro filmmaker and human rights advocate Rhadem Musawah and Palanca Award-winning playwright Francis Tanglao-Aguas, Honorablé follows the political journeys of two transgender women who ran for city council seats in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring Tanglao-Aguas, former Congresswoman Geraldine Roman, Danton Remoto, and the documentary’s subjects, Miel Agustin and Benjie Diones.
Dutch Deputy Ambassador Robert van der Hum reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for equal human rights and inclusive democratic participation, saying the Netherlands stands with all Filipinos seeking equality.
The documentary presents two distinct stories of transgender leadership in local politics—Agustin’s campaign in Malolos City and Diones’ candidacy in Zamboanga City—while highlighting the challenges of seeking elected office as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Meanwhile, Director Rhadem Musawah shares the message behind Honorablé during the Dutch Embassy in Manila’s Pride in Politics event, emphasizing the importance of amplifying transgender voices in public service.
“With the 2028 elections just around the corner, we wanted the film to show the journey of these candidates. How they navigate their way into winning. What do they have to do, sacrifice and compromise along the way as a member of the gender marginalized community just to win?”
The film also highlights the importance of political representation for marginalized communities.
“Win or lose, it’s important for us to keep running for political positions. If we don’t bring ourselves to the table, no one will ever talk about us and the needs of our communities,” Agustin said.
Alongside the challenges of campaigning, Honorablé captures moments of humor, resilience, and community, portraying the candidates not only as public figures but as individuals committed to serving others.
Diones shared that her motivation has always been to help her community.
“I really just want to help my fellow Zamboangueños, especially the mothers who need to work so I make sure we have daycare centers for their children.”
Following its Manila screening, Honorablé will have its world premiere at Amsterdam WorldPride through Asian Pride Cinema on July 26 and its Latin American premiere at FICDEH in Colombia, Latin America’s largest human rights film festival.
The documentary has received the Best Documentary Award from the Southeast Asia Academy International Film Festival and the Berlin Indie Film Festival. It is also scheduled for screenings in Stockholm, New York, Virginia, and California.
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