The inaugural season of Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale officially came to a close on October 15, after 10 weeks of keeping fans tuned in every Wednesday. The grand finale saw the Top Four Queens — Brigiding, Viñas Deluxe, Arizona Brandy, and Suki Doll — go toe-to-toe in a three-part runway and a talent show in order to win the grand prize of P2 million. Despite a close, close race, Brigiding took home the crown, winning after a lip-sync battle with her drag sister Viñas Deluxe.
While we’re not ready to say goodbye to this season just yet, we’ve revisited every iconic moment from the season finale that left us screaming, sobbing, and cheering from the edge of our seats.
Paying Tribute to Jiggly Caliente
Jiggly Caliente, a RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and regular judge on Drag Race Philippines, passed away earlier this April. In honor of the late queen, Mama Pao and the finale’s co-judges — Marina Summers and Nymphia Wind — kicked off the season finale with an homage to their beloved drag sister. “Jiggly, from the very beginning, you have been an irreplaceable part of the Drag Race Philippines family,” Mama Pao said, visibly tearing up. “Our hearts are broken beyond words, and we will miss you more than you can ever know.”
Suki Doll Winning Miss Congee-niality
It’s not Miss Congeniality, it’s Miss Congee-niality to you. Suki Doll took home the prize for being one of the kindest and most helpful queens of the season, making it the second time she’s won the award — the first time being on Canada’s Drag Race Season 2).
Brigiding Tying Her ‘Yellow, Yellow, Yellow!’ Runway to EDSA
“Yellow, Yellow, Yellow!” the finale’s second runway theme, saw each queen take to the stage in show-stopping, pageant-worthy yellow gowns. Brigiding took the opportunity to explain how her golden mermaid-cut gown paid tribute to the thousands of Filipinos who took part in the People Power Revolution in 1986.
“This is a symbol of hope, of peace, of what we can become when we rise as one,” said Brigiding. “This is more than a runway. This is a revolution, a history that cannot be erased.”
Viñas Deluxe Serving Headless Man in the Yellow Hat
Was Viñas Deluxe’s “Yellow, Yellow, Yellow!” runway look supposed to be a Curious George reference? We don’t know for sure, but the fit saw the Filipino drag queen walking onto the stage in a giant, broad-rimmed yellow hat with her head tucked into her feathery yellow collar. Her head eventually popped out, complete with a bright yellow wig.
Nymphia Wind Knowing What ‘Tite’ Means
Good on you, Nymphia! While the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 winner was the only international judge for the finale, she did know a little bit of the Filipino vernacular. “Nymphia, show us your tite,” Mama Pao told the Taiwanese drag queen. Nymphia happily obliged, standing up from her judge’s seat.
Arizona Brandy Dancing Binasuan
It’s not easy balancing one half-full glass on your head while dancing with two other half-full glasses in tow, but Arizona Brandy made it look flawless. The Filipino drag queen started off her talent show with a quick performance of binasuan, before chugging all three drinks and getting to the main event: dancing to budots.
Brigiding Taking Home the Crown
Brigiding, you’re a winner, baby! The Filipino drag queen made herstory by becoming the first-ever winner of Slaysian Royale. “This is a testament that learning is the new winning,” the drag queen said as her final message on the season. “So don’t be afraid to share your story and do not give up on your dreams, because dreams don’t expire.”
