Filipina drag sensation Marina Summers extends her gratitude to Maymay Entrata for her triumphant performance on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World’ season 2, particularly for her stellar rendition of ‘AMAFILIPINA’ during the talent show segment.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Summers shares insights into the creative process behind ‘AMAFILIPINA’ and her memorable encounter with the show’s esteemed host, RuPaul. She elaborates on the inspiration behind her uniquely Filipino-themed runway presentations.
“So, ni-contact agad namin ‘yung friends namin from Tarsier (Records), Star Music, ABS-CBN Music. It was a long, long, long process kasi it was such an iconic song but I am really, really, really honored na nabigyan ako ng chance to do a rendition of the song.”
Summers underscores her intention to make a bold statement with her entrance on the show, opting for a Katipunera-inspired metallic terno ensemble. As the first Filipina contestant on ‘Drag Race UK,’ she aimed to proudly represent her homeland on a global platform.
“When we were filming it, I really felt that kasi what they didn’t show on the episode — ‘coz we don’t have that much time to show in the episode — is that even in the backstage, even in the ‘Werk Room’ everyone was a Filipina, ‘coz everyone was singing ‘AMAFILIPINA, Filipina winnah.’ So lahat kami kumakanta, even producers, even writers, even ‘yung mga queens, you’re a Filipina, you’re Filipina, everyone’s a Filipina that night,” she said.
The drag queen also sought to pay homage to her provincial upbringing through her runway showcase, incorporating elements of Filipino culture and heritage that deeply resonate with her personal experiences.
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For her performance of the queer anthem ‘Amakabogera,’ Summers aimed to infuse her distinctive style while honoring Entrata’s original track. She recounts the genesis of ‘AMAFILIPINA’ and its evolution from a collaborative effort with friends to a standout moment on the global stage.
Summers expresses her joy at the overwhelmingly positive reception to her performance, highlighting the camaraderie among fellow contestants and the production team backstage. She feels validated by the recognition of her artistry and Filipino identity, instilling a sense of pride among both local and international audiences.
Reflecting on her journey on the show, Summers exudes confidence in her talent and performance, particularly during the captivating lipsync battle. Embracing the opportunity to showcase her skills and represent the Philippines on a global stage, she earns praise from RuPaul herself.
