In the highly-anticipated premiere episode of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World’ season 2, Marina Summers, a notable alumna from ‘Drag Race Philippines,’ emerged victorious in the talent showcase, showcasing her unique flair and cultural homage.
Airing on Saturday (Manila time), the inaugural episode tasked 11 queens with spotlighting their talents in a variety show format. Marina, known for her dynamic performances, opted for a captivating rendition of ‘Amakabogera’ by Maymay Entrata, paired with a mesmerizing fire dance routine.
“I’m just so excited to put on a great show. We may speak different languages, we may come from different places, but drag is our language and we share that,” expressed Marina before her performance.
Following her show-stopping act, fellow contestant Choriza May praised Marina’s performance, stating, “Marina makes me nervous because this is the best goddamn performance I’ve ever seen on the main stage of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.'”
Transitioning to the runway segment, where contestants showcased their hometown-inspired looks, Marina paid homage to the farmers of Banaue Rice Terraces, incorporating elements of her Filipino heritage.
“Bringing my Filipina heritage and culture to the main stage, I feel very, very proud. I have this basket which is carrying sticky rice,” Marina shared, reflecting on her runway presentation.
During the judges’ critiques, Marina received accolades for her high-energy performance. Judge Alan Carr commended her performance, emphasizing the empowering lyrics and infectious energy displayed.
In response to Marina’s runway look, which featured a nod to the Banaue Rice Terraces, RuPaul praised her representation of the Philippines, noting, “Well, you’ve represented your country beautifully.”
Marina’s standout performance earned her a spot in the Top 2 alongside France’s La Grande Dame. Meanwhile, contestants Gothy Kendoll and Mayhem Miller found themselves in the bottom 2.
In a heartfelt deliberation, Marina expressed her reluctance to send Gothy home, despite understanding the judges’ critiques. Ultimately, Marina secured her victory in the lipsync battle, sending Mayhem Miller home in 11th place.
As the first drag queen from the Philippine franchise to compete in an international edition of ‘Drag Race,’ Marina continues to make waves in the global drag community. Previously, Marina was the runner-up in ‘Drag Race Philippines’ season 1, which aired in 2022.
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With ‘Drag Race Philippines’ recently renewed for a third season, along with the Thai and French franchises, Marina’s success serves as a testament to the growing influence of drag culture worldwide.
