News (World)

Over 100k Filipinos sang Ariana Grande’s “Break Free” in the streets to oppose fascism

Watch the rally turn into a concert as the massive crowd sings along in unison - with a drag queen taking the lead.
By · Updated on March 26, 2022
Over 100k Filipinos sang Ariana Grande’s “Break Free” in the streets to oppose fascism
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - MARCH 20: Supporters cheer as Vice President Leni Robredo takes part in a rally as she campaigns for the presidency on March 20, 2022 in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines. Robredo is vying for the presidency against Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who was accused and charged of amassing billions of dollars of ill-gotten wealth as well as committing tens of thousands of human rights abuses during his autocratic rule. Voter polls that show Marcos Jr. holding a double-digit lead are being disapproved by supporters of Robredo, spawning daily rallies as they hold on to her promise of good governance and a government free from corruption. Photo: Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

A political rally in the Philippines turned into an impromptu Ariana Grande concert with over 100,000 participants singing along to the pop star’s hit “Break Free.”

Dressed all in pink, the protestors were led by drag queen Minty Fresh in the singalong.

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The massive crowd gathered to support presidential candidate Leni Robredo in her bid against Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. She has painted herself as the proponent of freedom being challenged by fascism.

Robredo enjoys large support from women and the LGBTQ community. And they aren’t afraid to show it.

The rally included several performers and speeches, but none grabbed the crowd’s attention quite like Minty Fresh. Dressed in a re-creation of the outfit Grande wore on tour, she had everyone bouncing along and singing with her.

“I just felt like it was the right song to perform,” she told local news after the spontaneous singalong. “There are a lot of negative things happening in the past few years and, personally, I wanted to break free from those things. Also it’s a very hype and positive song very fitting for [the] event.”

When a video of the enormous crowd chanting her lyrics went viral online, Grande herself made sure to amplify it.

“I could not believe this was real (teary-eyed emojis). I love you more than words,” she posted on her Instagram stories along with video of the crowd dancing and singing.

 

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A post shared by Minty Fresh (@minortiz)

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