Brigiding wins ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’
Daily TribuneIn a glittering celebration of artistry, resilience, and unapologetic expression, Brigiding has been crowned the first-ever winner of Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale, marking a triumphant milestone not only for Filipino drag but for the entire Asian drag community.
After a season filled with fierce competition and unforgettable performances, Brigiding outshined 11 other Asian queens to snatch the crown. Her journey was a masterclass in growth — earning three RuBadges and consistently ranking among the top in challenges like the Rusical, Snatch Game, Makeover, and Rumix-MV episodes.
Returning to the global stage after finishing sixth in Drag Race Philippines Season 1, Brigiding vowed to come back stronger, and she did exactly that. “This is the testament that learning is the new winning,” she said tearfully in her coronation speech. “Please, don’t be afraid to share your story and do not give up on your dreams, because dreams don’t expire.”
The finale opened with a high-fashion ball featuring three show-stopping runway categories — Defying Gravity, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, and Come in Your Best Drag — where the final four queens dazzled the judges and audience alike.
Then came the Totally Impressive Talent Extravaganza, pushing the finalists to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent one last time. Ultimately, it was Brigiding and Viñas DeLuxe who advanced to the final lip-sync showdown, with Arizona Brandy and Suki Doll gracefully bowing out after delivering heartfelt goodbyes.
The climactic lip-sync for the crown to Marina Summers’ “Born to Do Drag” was an explosive display of flag twirls, paint splashes, high kicks, and raw passion. Both queens gave everything — but Brigiding’s emotional storytelling and magnetic presence sealed her victory.
Brigiding’s win symbolizes a moment of redemption and triumph. Her crowning moment is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of representation, sisterhood, and Asian pride. She takes home the Slaysian Royale crown and scepter, a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics, and a P2 million cash prize.
Meanwhile, Suki Doll was named Miss Congeniality, earning the love and admiration of her fellow queens.
With her head held high and her heart wide open, Brigiding steps into her reign ready to elevate Asian drag even further, proving that true queens don’t just slay for the crown. They slay for the culture.
