Victory is definitely sweeter the second time around as Filipina drag queen Marina Summers got her second Maxi Challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World (Season 2).
She gave an outstanding performance in the “Rusical” challenge on the reality show, in which the contestants were tasked to make their own verses and choreography for “Seven: Confessions of a Drag Queen.”
With Summers’ impressive performance, main judge and global drag superstar RuPaul applauded the lone Asian racer on the show.
“Marina Summers, you were born to be on stage. You were born to do drag. You have represented not only the Philippines but drag in such a way that it makes us all proud for you,” RuPaul said.
In response, Summers confessed competing on the show was a “dream come true” for her.
“I hope I made the Philippines proud with that performance because we don’t get this opportunity a lot back in the Philippines to be seen on an international level,” she said. “So being here means so much to me, and yes, this is Filipino drag, and I’m very, very proud to present it here internationally.”
RuPaul, who started the show in the US in 2009, also praised Summers’ presentation in the runway part of the competition. She exclaimed “Wow! more than once as the contestant from the Philippines sashayed in a bangus (milkfish)-inspired glittery gown. She also talked about being “transfixed” especially when Summers does the slow tilting of the head from side to front. In response, Summers said she learned that head movement from watching Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach on TV.
Following the episode’s premiere on streaming platforms early Saturday morning (Philippine time), Summers expressed her gratitude to her supporters through social media.
“WORLD! WORLD! We got the stamp of approval from mother RuPaul herself! Im crying at 6am in the morning! This was such a meaningful moment for this little diva. Manila to The WORLD! Here we farkinggg go!,” Summers said. She added that a song based on RuPaul’s glowing review is now out as a single called “Born to do Drag.”
Earlier in the competition, the Filipina drag superstar also won the first challenge, which is participating in a talent show. She gained top points with a high energy performance of her own single “AMAFILIPINA,” based on Maymay Entrata’s “Amakabogera,” complete with poi dancing.
Summers first captured the attention of the show’s fans when she competed in Drag Race Philippines (Season 1)in 2022 and finished as runner-up to Precious Paula Nicole. She then went on becoming the first Pinay drag queen to compete in the United Kingdom version of the reality show.