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As the inaugural season of 'Drag Race Philippines' comes to an end, we recap the top 7 moments that left us gooped, gagged and gobsmacked

The Philippine franchise of the hit series RuPaul’s Drag Race has been an exhilarating ride with unexpected twists and turns that—for better or worse—had the Filipino audience at the edge of their seats. It’s a season of, well, firsts.

In this write-up, we recap the top 7 moments that will for sure be ingrained in the memories of the fans of the queens and the show.

1. Vinas Deluxe Entrance Look (Episode 1: Mabu-Heeey!)

Above Youtube / DRajas Rajes Races

Entrance looks have become an important part of a Ru girl’s presentation. It’s the first look that they present on a worldwide stage, which is why it’s usually one of the most extravagant outfits they wear while still showing their brand of drag. In a rule-defying showcase, Vinas Deluxe came in her ‘twalya (towel) couture’ that truly embodied RuPaul’s famous quote “We’re born (semi)naked and the rest is drag!” This was welcomed with some raised eyebrows from her co-competitors, but was mostly loved by the fans.

Read also: The Best Drag Race PH Runway Looks So Far

2. “Those shoeeesss” (Episode 1: Mabu-Heeey!)

Above Youtube / Barb

The first episode gave us everything! The main challenge was the “Totally Impressive Talent Extravaganza” where queens get to show their talents. The accompanying runway theme “terno she betta don’t” allowed the queens to dress up in their reinterpretations of the Filipinianas. In the end, Prince failed to impress the judges in both the main challenge and the runway. Mamapao even commented on her shoes which were a few sizes too big, and which would become a running joke for succeeding episodes.

3. Minty Fresh vs Brigiding (Untucked Episode 2)

Above Youtube / House of Down Boots

A conversation to clarify things in the past turned into a feisty war of words between queens Minty Fresh and Brigiding. At the end, it is the internet won with the sheer amount of meme-worthy moments (Minty’s “Baliw!”, Xilhouette as the referee, and Gigi Era’s nonchalance to the whole squabble) in this intense Untucked episode.

Read also: Brigiding: "Drag is a Powerful Artform"

4. Pop Off Ate (Episode 3: Pop Off Ate!)

Above Youtube / WOWPresents

Most fans agree that this is where Drag Race PH truly shone. The queens were grouped into two, and they had to prepare a performance number that would end in a dance showdown. Turing stole the show with her verse (Boom, Turing!) that caught everyone having a case of LSS (last song syndrome).

5. Live Birth on the Runway (Episode 3: Pop Off Ate!)

Above Youtube / Barb

In the third episode of the series, queens had to dress up as scary mythical creatures from Philippine folklore. Precious Paula Nicole went above and beyond and staged a live birth on the main stage. When asked about her presentation, she told a story of how this seemingly scary costume is actually an allegory of her life story.

Read also: Loud and Proud: Drag Race PH's Precious Paula Nicole Reveals Her True Colours On Stage

6. Trash gate (Episode 7: Shop Shop Ladies Ball)

Above Youtube / Barb

One thing about this particular franchise is the judges don’t mince their words. Renowned designer Rajo Laurel is not a newbie to reality TV, having been part of Project Runway Philippines. But his comments towards Eva Le Queen’s runway creation caught the ire of the audience. This set off a serious discussion among viewers about criticism and mental health.

7. Mother & Child (Episode 9: Charot of Fire)

Above Youtube / Hiro Evangelista

RuPaul has always pointed out that drag queens, as queer people, get to “choose their own families.” This is a commentary on how the LGBTQ+ community faces rejection from their own family and would find themselves solace within other community members. So when Xilhouette and Minty Fresh (drag mother & daughter) found themselves face to face against each other in a “lip sync for your life,” it was bound to be emotional—no matter the result.

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