Noteworthy moments from the triumphant return of the Bekenemen Viewing Party
As longtime fans of drag and RuPaul’s Drag Race, our thirst for a local version left our mouths dry for so long. When it finally happened, it led to several groundbreaking outcomes and a ripple effect in the representation and legitimation of queer entertainers. Like any maiden venture, the first season of Drag Race Philippines was a thrilling and emotional journey for the cast, drag artists in the country, the fans, and an entire group of people who felt seen and celebrated. That kind of profound experience is best shared with the community.
Bekenemen Viewing Parties pioneered that experience for us and quickly became the hottest ticket in town. Baus Rufo and Myx Chanel gathered us weekly to cheer for our mutual love for all things gay. Bekenemen greatly enhanced our first-hand experience of Drag Race by tailoring cherished memories week after week.
RELATED: The Fashion at the Grand Premiere of Drag Race Philippines Season 2
The much-awaited return of Drag Race Philippines has arrived, and the most coveted viewing party is following suit, revealing a new location. Apotheka in Poblacion also houses other queer parties like Church and Mighty Real.
Here’s what went down at the first Bekenemen Viewing Party for Drag Race Philippines Season 2:
Myx Chanel kicked off the show with an Ariana Grande song wearing a costume inspired by the character featured on a cheese-flavored snack packaging, whereas Lady Morgana stunned in a religious-themed ensemble.
The Miss Congeniality of Season 1 admitted feeling emotional when asked about her thoughts on the new season and the launching of a new batch of girls. “Ang saya ko lang kasi marami na kami. Tsaka akala ko makakalimutan na kami, pero hindi pa pala,” she said. “Kung sino man manalo [sa] season 2 ng Drag Race, sana ipagpatuloy niya ‘yung advocacy ni Precious Paula Nicole. At sa next Miss Congeniality, sana ipagpatuloy ang good vibes and positivity nang bonggang bongga.”
The queen from Davao didn’t let the opportunity to promote her first movie project slide. Third World Romance is a rom-com that also stars Drag Race Philippines Season 1 finalist Xilhouete and Drag Den Season 1 winner NAIA.
Representing Cubao drag, Ghulli Ghush brought the house down with a death-defying jump off a chair into a split and ended her number with an instant Britney Lucky Pancit Canton.
Prince announced that she’s entering the podcast world with The Porkchat after turning the entire room bloody red with a jazz version of Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood.”
Internationally-renowned pop star diva drag queen Taylor Sheesh also charmed the Bekenemen crowd by holding her own Eras Tour before the event transitioned to the Marinassance.
Marina Summers flaunted her face after leaving us in awe with a Renaissance medley. She addressed the audience with a Beyoncé reference, “Face card that never declines,” then uttered, “All-stars ready,” to which the audience and hosts reacted as though a bomb exploded. “Wala pang tawag, inunahan ko na,” she promptly said as a follow-up.
Baus then asked the Season 1 runner-up to summarize the past year she experienced. Marina gazed around, but not at the crowd or the venue. It was as though her spectacular year flashed before her eyes and then finally answered, “Revolutionary. Not only for me, but [also for] the whole drag community. I think kitang-kita naman natin ‘yung pagtanggap sa drag artists. Ang daming nang venues for drag for us to enjoy. Nakikita na natin [ang drag artists] sa billboards, sa commercials, sa TV, even sa movies and music.”
After watching her elimination for the first time, Cebuana drag queen Nicole Pardaux said, “[I’m] very emotional. I think, parang, hindi pa siya nagsi-sink in, to be honest. But thank you so much, guys, for all the love. And I hope that you will not just love me, but all the Cebuana drag queens also.”
Baus: “I know it was a very short experience, but, you know, you’re officially a Ru Girl now. What do you make of that journey as part of Drag Race Philippines season 2?”
Nicole: “This is just the start. Look [at] where I am right now. I’m officially here in Manila doing my debut here in Bekenemen.”
Matilduh’s reaction after watching episode 1
Matilduh: “Sakto lang, char! Thank you po sa support. Hindi ko ine-expect, actually. To be honest, medyo nai-insecure ako sa sisters ko kasi seeing their reach on social media, obvious naman na mas benta sila sa audience. But seeing people right now in person, supporting me, nakakataba siya ng puso. Thank you so much! Pengeng GCash.”
M1ss Jade So’s reaction after watching episode 1
Myx Chanel: “What was the experience watching yourself and your sisters finally on international television?”
M1ss Jade So: “As I should. First of all, as I should,” she said while emphasizing the second ‘should’ with a lower voice. “And second of all,” as if shy to admit but knew it needed to be said anyways, “deserve!”
Baus: “Speaking of deserve, the crowd cheered kanina when Jiggly said, ‘Arguably the prettiest, most beautiful queen to ever grace the stage of Drag Race across all franchises.’ [At that] moment, what was it like to receive such high praise?”
M1ss Jade So: “Sobrang nakaka-flatter. As in right now, sobrang overwhelmed ko. Hindi ko pa ma-process ‘yung emotions ko right now. Parang tinatakpan ko lang siya ng delulu.”
The audience bursts into fits of laughter. The Bekenemen crowd, or the whole world rather, loves the esoteric Bratz doll—and it is obvious why.
She was asked to describe her journey this season and answered with her iconic voice: “Esoteric.”
Arizona Brandy’s reaction after watching episode 1
Baus asked Arizona what she felt when the audience was singing along to her verse. “Naiihi na ‘ko,” she quickly replied. “Ayun ‘yung pakiramdam.” Ms. Brandy has a delightful quirk and humor that effortlessly endears everyone, and we are officially obsessed. “Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm kasi parang, oh my God, alam nila ‘yung lyrics kahit medyo mali, char!”
Myx Chanel: “Anong experience mo getting all the praise from the judges at the moment?”
Arizona just laughed—a fake one—and said, “Hindi, gano’n ‘yung feeling na parang, kasi may, meron akong,” she paused, gathered her thoughts, and then proceeded with, “Basta! Char!”
Baus also asked her to describe the rest of her journey this season and answered in M1ss Jade’s flirty, distinctive, airy, and breathy voice: “Esoteric.” She suddenly shifted to a serious tone and a straightforward answer: “Fun. Drag is fun.” Then there was a pause. “Walang pumalakpak?” Everyone was deceased laughing.
We have entered Myx Chanel’s Hubadera Era
M1ss Jade So took the stage exuding all sorts of sexy
Matilduh’s heartwarming reaction upon seeing her cousin in the audience
Nicole Pardaux’s introduction of her twins named Tiffany and Chanel
Arizona Brandy also mesmerized the crowd with a couple of Beyoncé songs, soaked with her twist of humor along with her passion for the local drag scene. “I’ve been a drag queen for nine years. Ilang years ako nag-struggle para makilala. I’m a jolly person pero sobra ‘yung struggles. Ang pinaglalaban ko talaga is ‘yung mga local drag natin.”
Baus went on to attest to what she said. Arizona said that when booking her for Bekenemen, she wanted some of her Cubao sisters to be included in the lineup. “So, kay Arizona Brandy, angat buhay lahat!”
The Bekenemen Viewing Party for Drag Race Philippines Season 2 happens every Wednesday at Apotheka in Poblacion. Follow their Instagram page for more info.
Photography GRANT BABIA
