Bekenemen celebrated its first anniversary as the premiere Drag Race viewing party stomping ground.
Viewing parties add a unique experience watching the latest episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race as it airs. They provide an inclusive space for people to flock together and get a buzz out of the joy that drag brings. While it isn’t new to the local scene, the clamor, appreciation, and immense love and support for local drag are. Bekenemen perfectly aligned with the thumping drag rush last year and became integral to the Drag Race Philippines experience. At Bekenemen, you can expect to see an energetic and engaged audience and the best drag artists who (and might) compete on our favorite show. The shared love for drag and sense of belonging makes these viewing parties important to our community. Apart from the opportunity to meet new friends, see old ones, and support our favorite queens by tipping and buying their merch, we can also interact with the show on a deeper level.
Hosted by Baus Rufo and Myx Chanel, Bekenemen reopened its doors recently to celebrate its anniversary with live drag performances from a top-tier lineup of queens. It was fitting that it was also the much-awaited reclamation of the 60-minute episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15. The special all-seated occasion was held at the Mansion Sports Bar & Lounge in Makati, giving it a fancier and more intimate setting. The viewing party attracted a diverse crowd, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and drag fans.
Here are the highlights of the night that made us all scream, shout, and cackle:
- Jiggly Caliente and the wind effect at the end of Glamorous Life by Eden’s Crush. It’s a shoot, baby!
- Screams from the audience every time Anetra appeared on the screen!
- Prince used a couple of Rihanna’s songs to create an explosive combination of sensuality and confidence. The sultry beats of Rihanna’s music set forth a performance that is both feral and alluring.
- Seeing Myx Chanel’s take on the M3GAN phenom on their IG stories gagged me a lot. Seeing it in person made me want to grow extra hands to clap louder. The back bend. The glitching effect. The reveals. The final dip with the hilarious Sasha Colby neck snap. Werq!
- Eva Le Queen announced her first acting project with GMA, a romance drama series titled, The Write One. The last time we talked was when she was getting ready for the finale of Drag Race Philippines, and we talked about the dream of making drag a recognized and respectable profession, not just in the queer sphere but in mainstream media. And here we are!
- When Baus handed Jiggly Caliente the microphone! Several strikes and jabs against the show and other queens elicited thunderous waves of laughter from the audience. Also, it still hits differently when you hear her curse in Tagalog.
- The Free Willy moment between Marcia Marcia Marcia and Anetra. Period.
- MARINA SUMMERS. ALL CAPS because she is that girl. No one can deny the magnetic presence of this superstar. We surrendered our lives to her and let her suck off our breaths. What a happy figurative death that was. No one commands the stage with such fierce confidence and electrifying energy as she does.
Bekenemen is hosting RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 finale viewing party on April 15 at Draper Startup House in Poblacion.
