Brigiding has officially ascended to the throne as the Drag Superstar of the very first ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’.
After ten episodes of fierce competition and twelve years of unwavering dedication to the art of drag, her victory is more than a title—it’s a cosmic affirmation. “Overflowing ang emotions,” she shares. “This is the first time I won a crown, first time na nakatanggap ako ng grabeng appreciation and validation—and ₱2 million. So, sobrang saya ko.”
This moment of triumph places Brigiding in powerful company. Her journey mirrors that of Precious Paula Nicole, winner of Drag Race PH Season 1, and RuPaul herself, whose memoir GuRu documents a 12-year climb to stardom.
“Twelve years bago nakakuha ng first break si RuPaul. Twelve years ko rin noong nanalo ako,” Precious noted during the finale. Brigiding, now in her twelfth year, completes this trinity of queens who bloomed on the twelfth beat. “Imagine mo, di ba?” Brigiding reflects. “The universe is really bringing you to the place you deserve—to where you belong, and where it feels right.”
Her ‘Slaysian Royale’ journey was a masterclass in reinvention. Episode one marked her ‘RuBirth’—a declaration of evolution and artistry. “It was a brand new ‘Ding,” she says, referencing her Filipiniana and evening gown reveal looks. “Very important ‘yun sa akin… the start of my comeback, to show the world the brand new ‘Ding.’” That comeback crescendoed in episode nine—a milestone she never reached in her original season. “That episode is very triumphant for me,” she beams. “Naipakita ko ‘yung kwento ko sa maayos na paraan—and be rewarded for it.”
Another unforgettable moment came during the ‘Lalaparuza’ lip sync battle against Viñas Deluxe, judged by none other than Precious Paula Nicole. “Happy ako to redeem myself, without the intention of redeeming myself,” Brigiding muses. “Ang intention ko lang talaga is to do my best… and thankful, kasi hindi lahat ng natalo sa kanilang original season ay nagkaroon ng chance na bumalik.”
RuPaul once wrote, “When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” Brigiding embodies this ethos. From investing heavily in her gowns and content—“Hindi ko na makwenta… lahat pinag-isipan, pinaghirapan, may effort”—to weathering personal and professional storms, she never stopped pushing forward. “Hindi ako tumigil. Hindi ako sumuko,” she says, referencing childhood trauma, the pandemic, and her Season 1 journey. “It all boiled down to who I am as a person right now.”
Her three-word summary of the season? “Slaygendary, slaygacy, and slaysian royalty.” Each term encapsulates not just her performance but her place in drag history. “This is once in a lifetime,” she says. “I am more than proud and honored to be part of this, to win, and to wear this crown.”
As for the prize money? “Ibabalik ko lang sa bangko,” she laughs—a nod to the all-in gamble she made to compete. “Talagang pinusta ko rin lahat… dahil gusto ko ibigay ang best ko.”
Brigiding’s coronation is a testament to the power of persistence, the magic of timing, and the beauty of becoming. Like RuPaul and Precious before her, Brigiding’s twelve-year journey proves that drag is not just performance—it’s prophecy.
And this queen? She was always destined to reign.
