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'Drag Race Philippines' queens relive the lessons, laughs, and challenges of Season 1
"Drag Race Philippines" may have recently come to an end, but it's just the beginning of many firsts for the future of drag in the Philippines.
The reality TV show gave birth to many iconic moments and meme-able interactions between the queens for the past ten weeks.
Case in point, do you remember when Eva Le Queen impersonated Rufa Mae Quinto and introduced the flounder fish, aka Tampalpuke, to the judges?
How about when Dr. Vicki Belo reacted to Xilhouette's hilarious impersonation of her?
Of course, how can you forget that heartbreaking moment when fashion designer Rajo Laurel described Eva's look as "trash?"
These are just some moments from "Drag Race Philippines" season 1 that sparked endless conversations in and out of social media.
In this exclusive interview with GMA News Online during the finale viewing party at Okada Manila, seven of 12 queens share their insights on the future of drag in the Philippines, the most challenging episode of the season, and their main takeaway from joining the competition.
Turing on shedding light on body positivity
"Every drag is valid. Coming to the competition, my concern is, will they accept me with my size? Pero apparently, many people resonated with my size and body positivity, not conforming to the corsets and pads. There are a lot of people who are bashing me for not being corseted or padded, but there are way more people who are telling me na, 'you're beautiful as is and thank you for representing us and thank you for not conforming' kasi there are people who really don't like being padded and cinched and they love the body that was given to them or built using food."
Lady Morgana on the funniest episode of "Drag Race Philippines" S1
"The funniest would be the PE mini challenge. Kasi alam ko lahat mag P-PE uniform, so ang inisip ko na lang, gusto ko ako 'yung unique, 'yung hindi usual na PE, so [ang sinuot ko] pang dance sport with a tagline, 'ganito kasi sa university namin,' and in-enjoy ko lang 'yung moment na 'yun."
Viñas DeLuxe on the future of drag in the Philippines
"Bongga! Ngayon pa lang, imagine ilang buwan pa lang ang nakakalipas, ang drastic na ng change hindi lang sa 'min na naging part ng Drag Race Philippines pero pati sa mga local bars. Talagang nag-e-effort ang mga bakla. Mas madami nag-aaral magtahi para ready sila for next seasons. Nagtaasan na ang talent fee, kahit papaano, sa ibang bars kasi nalaman na nila 'yung importance ng drag at na-appreciate nila 'yung art form nito. Kaya, feeling ko, after ilang years, talagang magiging professionalized na ang art of drag. Matagal na siyang profession para sa 'min, pero mas makikita pa siya ng general public."
Brigiding on the most challenging episode of "Drag Race Philippines" S1
"Snatch game! You can't just go there and look like the one you're impersonating, but you really have to embody and make it fun and be present, and it's not easy. It might be easy for some, but it takes a lot of work. Actually, the entire drag race competition is a tough thing to do. You can't just get in there with the looks and beauty and think you'll get everything you want. No, girl. Nobody can prepare you for a drag race."
Marina Summers on championing queer talent
"We have seen a lot of queer talents this season alone, and to be part of that is an amazing opportunity for us to be torch-bearers of local queer talent. And I think, sana magtuloy tuloy siya even after the show. We need to see more representation of LGBTQIA+ members, and I think that's the power of drag. You connect to many audiences, not just with LGBTQIA+. We are starting to spark conversations about the SOGIE bill, not only tolerating LGBTQIA+ but also accepting and acknowledging their rights and space. We're here to take our power back!"
Eva Le Queen on introducing queer talents on mainstream shows
"There's so much talent and undiscovered beauty in the Philippines. Drag talaga has long been with us, but it wasn't until recently that people fell in love with it, thanks to [Drag Race Philippines]. We thought that the culture would just be a niche market, but I think the Philippines is ready for [more] queer talent."
Precious Paula Nicole on her main takeaway from the show
"Life is precious. S'yempre, if you do everything with a heart, 'yung result, mas maganda pa kaysa sa mga pinagpaplanuhan mo. I came to the competition na hindi prepared, actually. But I enjoyed it and ang main goal ko lang is to share my talent, art, and story, of course. Kaya siguro medyo sinwerte tayo at tumagal tayo sa competition. Always remember that life is precious and enjoy every moment."
After a heated lipsync battle of "Sirena" by Gloc9 with crown contender Marina Summers, Precious was hailed as the first-ever drag race superstar in the Philippines.
—MGP, GMA News
