Brigiding crowned first ‘Slaysian Royale’ Drag Superstar

Metro Manila, Philippines - The first edition of “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale” has crowned Brigiding as the drag superstar of its inaugural all-Asian competition.

In the show’s glittering finale, Brigiding triumphed after a fierce lip sync for the crown battle against Viñas DeLuxe to Marina Summers’ song “Born to Do Drag.”

“I am so grateful and happy to be sharing this moment with my very good sister, who’s also inspiring, who’s also loving, and honest and true,” Brigiding said after her win.

Viñas, who finished as runner-up, said, “I am so happy and grateful that I get to share the same experience with Brigiding. This is a win for both of us.”

Brigiding took home a ₱2 million grand prize, a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics, and a spot in the Slaysian Royale Hall of Fame.

During the crowning event held Wednesday night in Taguig City, Brigiding shared emotional words of gratitude and encouragement.

“After winning, believe in your story. Magtiwala ka sa kwento mo at keep shining, find that light within you,”

[Translation: Trust your story and keep shining—find that light within you.]

The newly-crowned drag superstar also promises to do better to improve Philippine drag.

This crown is not for myself but for my sisters. Mas marami tayo ipupursue at pagyayamanin natin ang drag dito sa Philippines,”

[Translation:We have so much more to pursue, and we’ll continue to enrich drag here in the Philippines.]

From the start, Brigiding was considered one of the season’s frontrunners, earning three RuBadges in the episodes “Homecoming Queen,” “Lip Sync Lalaparuza Smackdown,” and “High Time.” She first competed in “Drag Race Philippines” Season 1, where she finished in sixth place.

Brigiding’s win is a full circle moment for the seasoned drag queen after she struggled during Drag Race Philippines’ Season 1.

“Hindi ko alam, pero siguro binigay siya sa akin ng universe na matuto ka sa mga nangyayari sa iyo, kasi there is no other way for you to learn, for you to win,”

[Translation: I don’t know, but maybe the universe gave me this to teach me lessons through my experiences—because there’s no other way to learn, to win.]m