‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ delivered one of its most politically charged episodes yet with a Snatch Game twist dubbed “Snatch Elections,” where queens had 20 minutes to impersonate a public figure and record a one-minute presidential campaign video.
Divine Divas drag sisters Brigiding and Viñas DeLuxe emerged as the night’s standouts with their timely and biting impersonations of Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa and Vice President Sara Duterte, respectively.
Brigiding’s Ressa riffed on acronyms in her platform, declaring herself “LGBT (Looking Gorgeous But Tired)” while denouncing “PWET (Palusot, Walang Hiya, Epal, Trolls).” Her rallying cry was to elect a president with “TITE (Truth, Integrity, Transparency, Equality),” punctuated by twerking alongside macho dancers. “We don’t need a dictator,” she quipped, “Ang kailangan natin ay pangulong may T.I.T.E.”
Viñas, meanwhile, based her Duterte performance on the vice president’s viral midnight presscon, complete with bob cut, blunt bangs, and desk pounding. Her campaign leaned on sharp political references, from confidential funds and budget controversies to the ‘Isang Kaibigan’ children’s book and her impeachment by Congress. At one point, Viñas deadpanned, “Am I impeached?” before standing up to reveal a peach bikini bottom.
The two were praised by host Paolo Ballesteros, ‘Drag Race Philippines Season 2’ winner Captivating Katkat, and ‘Drag Race Global All Stars’ champion Alyssa Edwards, further impressing the panel during the “Asian Mythical Creature Couture” runway. Brigiding strutted as the bull-like Sarangay, while Viñas stunned with a Duwende ensemble, recalling her celebrated Manananggal look from Season 1.
The episode served as redemption for both queens, whose Season 1 Snatch Game outings — Brigiding as Elizabeth Ramsey and Viñas as Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda — drew mixed reviews.
They landed in the top alongside Yuhua Hamasaki, who impersonated con artist Anna Delvey. Yuhua ultimately won the lip sync for legacy with BINI’s “Out of My Head” and earned her first RuBadge of the season. She then chose to eliminate Drag Race Thailand alum Siam PhuSri, who struggled in the challenge with her Lisa of Blackpink impression, marking Drag Race Philippines Season 3 runner-up Khianna safe after both had emotional breakdowns during deliberations.
Six queens now remain in the competition, with ₱2,000,000 in cash courtesy by BingoPlus and a year’s supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics at stake, along with induction into the first-ever Slaysian Hall of Fame.
Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale streams every Wednesday on WOW Presents Plus.
