Pura Luka Vega receives support from 'Drag Race PH,' 'Drag Den PH' queens in fundraising show

The queens of "Drag Race Philippines," "Drag Den Philippines," and other local drag artists showed their support for Pura Luka Vega through performances in a special show on Sunday.

Dubbed "NKKLK: A fundraising show for Pura Luka Vega," the event was spearheaded by Drag Supreme NAIA and held at Brooklyn Warehouse in Manila.

Pura Luka Vega is facing several complaints from religious groups over their viral "Ama Namin" performance.

Before the show, the drag community called for donations to raise money for Pura's bail after they were arrested last week.

Among the queens who graced the NKKLK stage include Precious Paula Nicole, Turing, Veruschka Levels, Aries Night, Maria Cristina, and Lady Gagita.

#NKKLK CLASS PIC OF 2023#AcquitPuraLukaVega #DragIsNotACrime #DragIsArt pic.twitter.com/Ly5Kfo24AK

— Geneva Smiles Batumbakal Flop (@shotsbygene) October 9, 2023

Precious, the "Drag Race Philippines" Season 1 winner, thanked everyone who supported the show in her short speech.

"Punong-puno ng pagmamahal ang nararamdaman ko ngayong gabi," Precious said.

"Sana magtuloy-tuloy pa 'yung gantong okasyon para maparamdam natin sa isa't isa na tayo ang magkakampi," she added. "Mahirap man mahalin ang Pilipinas, pero tayo, magmahalan tayo, mas powerful pa tayo sa kanila."

Meanwhile, "Drag Den Philippines" alum Aries Night said the fundraising show was not just for Pura but for the entire drag community in the Philippines.

"This is not just for Pura, but for the entire drag community as well, and ramdam na ramdam namin na you guys really have our backs," Aries said.

Other LGBTQIA+ icons also came to support, including Sassa Gurl, Mela Habijan, Janlee Dungca, Eva Le Queen, O-A, and "Drag Den Philippines" creator Rod Singh.

After more than 40 drag performances, Pura Luka Vega ended the show with a "The Prayer" number, where they were joined by their mother, who traveled all the way from Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.

"Gusto ko magpasalamat sa lahat ng taong nandito, sa lahat ng drag queens, sa lahat ng nag volunteer, maraming salamat," Pura said.

"Alay ko 'yung kanta para sa nanay ko, paboritong kanta niya 'yan," they added. "Alay ko rin ito sa lahat ng may pinagdadaanan ngayon. Kaya natin 'to, naniniwala ako, malalampasan natin ito."

As of Monday night, the fundraiser has garnered P892,975.60 from the Sunday show and online efforts.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR DONATIONS AND FOR ATTENDING YESTERDAY’S #NKKLK

Your donations will help Luka for their legal and living expenses especially that there are other cases filed against them including a complaint filed by Bro. Eddie #AcquitPuraLukaVega pic.twitter.com/z7wlpv5o2O

— rod singh (@iamrodafrog) October 9, 2023

Pura was released on bail on Saturday after spending three days behind bars.

In an interview with Raffy Tima on "24 Oras," Pura said they were surprised to be served the warrant of arrest as they did not receive the subpoena summoning them to court. They said the document was delivered to another address.

They also reiterated that their "Ama Namin" performance was not meant to be disrespectful to people of faith.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News