Bonggang Tribute: Pinay Drag Queens of Rupaul’s Drag Race

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Last month, Filipinos from different parts of the world rejoiced when Janine Tugonon placed first runner-up in the Miss Universe 2012 Pageant. The truth is, a lot of beauty queen enthusiasts feel that Miss Philippines should’ve won.

Pinay Drag Queens

While most fans were busy rooting for their favorite beauty  queen, I was drafting a tribute post for the Pinay Drag Queens who made it in Rupaul’s Drag Race. No, the show is not about the risky drag racing. It is a show where drag queens are given the opportunity to showcase their talent for the world to see!

I first heard about Rupaul’s Drag Race when an online friend shared the music video ‘Hot Couture’ by Manila Luzon. I instantly feel in love with the video and look for information about this drag queen. Apparently, she placed 1st runner-up in Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 3. She lost to Raja Gemini, who is also Asian (Indonesian). Love the fact that the gaysians invaded the third season!

I admitted on my YearEnder post that the latter part of 2012 was quite rough for me. Instead of traveling or doing something productive, I end up watching Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 2, 3, 4 and the All Stars edition. It is fun to know that the Pinay Drag Queens who were introduced on the show continues to make their loyal fans happy with their gigs!

While beauty queens like Venus Raj, Shamsay Supsup and Janine Tugonon get all the mainstream media attention they deserve, it seems that our internatinally-acclaimed Pinay Drag Queens don’t. Oh well. Let me make the first move and introduce some of the Filipino guys who made it to Rupaul’s Drag Race!

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2012: A Year of Travel, Movies and Drag Queens

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While enjoying some ‘alone time’ in a deserted park in Subic on the last afternoon of 2012, I silently browsed the pages of my planner and recall how my year was. Obviously, my year was dominated by meaningful travels – I visited five countries and managed to visit the best my home country has to offer.

One Day in Paradise – (El Nido, Palawan)

It is also the year where I saw some really nice films – mainstream and indie alike. I chose to be an audience and appreciate every character I get to know. My love and devotion for drag queens – particularly Manila Luzon and other Rupaul’s Drag Race contestants made the rest of my ‘ber’ months happy and gay. In times of depression, go and turn to drag queens! Werk!

I’ll try my best to summarize my 2012 – the year a turned 25 years old.

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In Nomine Matris (In The Name of The Mother): On Flamenco and Struggles of Women

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“Dance is like a song. You have to mean every word and let it flow.” – Enrique Lagdameo, In Nomine Matris

More than two years ago, I received an invitation from Ida Tiongson to watch a Flamenco show in Makati. I haven’t seen a live Flamenco presentation before that’s why I immediately said yes. Let’s just say that I went home with big appreciation to those who are passionate in doing what they love to do. Let’s admit it: Only a few can dance Flamenco today and the chance to watch a show is quite rare nowadays.

In The Name of the Mother: Ava and Mara expressing their emotions through Flamenco

When I heard that Will Fredo is scheduled to make a film about Flamenco dancers, I find his vision to be ‘too ambitious’. Making a full-length movie takes too much effort and hardwork, but with a good support system and talented people, a dream project is doable.

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