From delivering her iconic entrance line to closing the episode with a win, Marina Summers eclipsed her rivals every step of the way.
Marina Summers set the bar sky-high as the first one to represent the Philippines in what feels like a truer form of the term “Olympics of drag.” Tears ran down my cheeks each time the Filipina Winnah lit up the screen. Perhaps it was because I knew how much the moment meant to a lot of Filipino queer people. We are the greatest and most ardent supporters of beauty pageants; I had to mention this because the celebratory atmosphere when the episode aired felt like we won Miss Universe. To me, though, it was ten times better. This time, we’re behind someone whose story, struggles, and victories mirror our own.
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February 10 might as well be named “Marina Summers Day,” as the entire world experienced the summer season all at the same time. For international viewers, it was a grand introduction to Filipino drag excellence. For us here at home, it was a celebration of the purest pride and joy. Marina Summers gave us 4 incredible acts in the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World season 2 with a fashion story that solidified her image as one of the world’s best drag queens.
Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by Alan Segui, Creative & Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Jude Macasinag, Engraved bolo by Job Dacon, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Ver Sexy, Nails by The Sleek Chique
Act 1: A Formidable Entrance
This might be one of the strongest entrance lines in the Drag Race universe: “It’s time to give these colonizers the chop!” And saying that on the BBC was pretty iconic. Suppose first impressions were indicative of what to expect. In that case, the viewers who saw Marina Summers for the first time are poised to develop an obsession with a new favorite. Everything was impeccable: the face reveal, the mug beat for the gods, the fashion, the walk, the entrance line, the bolo, and the other contestants trembling in their heels as our diva owned the moment.
Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by EJ Geronimo, Post-processed by Ricardow, Creative and Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Jaz Cerezo, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Wigs by Margaux
Act 2: The Manifestation of Summer Season
The whole world surrendered to the summer heat when Marina Summers rocked the stage with her version of MayMay Entrata’s “AMAKABOGERA” during the show’s talent presentation. “AMAFILIPINA” is an electrifying anthem of self-empowerment written by herself and Kumareng Harvey, produced by Roque Santos, and under the record label Tarsier Records. The song reverberated across all social media platforms, signaling the arrival of a drag superstar.
When she says drag excellence, she means every letter that forms that statement. Her undeniable stage presence has always been intoxicating, and it’s so exhilarating that the world is finally keeping up. Her exceeding our expectations brought tears and an indescribable feeling of joy. The exaltation was like fireworks emanating from our hearts at the premiere viewing party of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World season 2.
Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by Dookie Ducay, Post-processed by Ricardow, Creative and Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Roman Sebastian, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Wigs by Margaux
Act 3: Portrayal of her Native Land
“They don’t only serve rice; they also serve looks,” she uttered proudly on the show when asked about her Ifugao-inspired runway look. RuPaul was visibly impressed by the witty remark, and my bodily response was a rush of kilig.
“Growing up surrounded by rich culture and nature, I have always believed in the beauty of my hometown, Cagayan Valley, and the entirety of Northern Luzon. So before coming to Drag Race UK to film, I went up north to visit this very farm where I grew up,” Marina Summers said on her Instagram.
Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by Alan Segui, Creative and Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Kian Pascual, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Ver Sexy
Act 4: Murder on the Dancefloor
The top 2 Lip Sync for the World was a showdown between Marina Summers and La Grande Dame, who towered over the Filipina diva. The height difference elicited countless memes. Despite that, it was clear from the get-go that it would be a clean sweep. Marina set the stage on fire, blazing fiercely like the sun on a 40℃ day, melting the Tour Eiffel into defeat.
Indeed, it was a profoundly defining moment for Marina Summers and everyone watching in awe. We saw a symbol of inspiration that motivated many to dream bigger and aim higher. As a gay man who grew up at a time without proper representation, when queer people were seen as lesser individuals, when queer expression was ridiculed to the point of disgust, experiencing this magnitude of celebration of queer art gives “Ang sarap maging bakla” a whole new dimension and meaning.
She was right when she said this wasn’t just a dream for herself but for all of us. We are all part of this milestone. That is your power, Marina Summers. The world will discover another layer of the Philippines through you and many others who will follow. As drag continues to soar in our society’s zeitgeist, it will uplift and elevate more Filipino queer lives.
