‘A gag-worthy gathering of Filipino glamazons’
Eva Le Queen called it “a gag-worthy gathering of Filipino glamazons.” And that’s exactly what it was.
Last week, many of the country’s best and most promising drag queens and artists sashayed over to Tanghalang Pasigueño for Global Domin-Asian, Eva’s premiere viewing party featuring “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Global All Stars.”
Eva, who made it to the top 4 of “Drag Race Philippines” Season 1, is representing the Philippines and competing against 11 other queens from all over the globe in this international show. The prize for the queen who gets the crown is $200,000.
“From all the ‘Drag Race’ queens in the world, I’ve chosen each of you to represent your nation,” RuPaul told the 12 queens.
“It’s like the Miss Universe of drag, because it’s just one queen per country,” Eva told Super. “I’m very excited because there’s so much talent, beauty and culture that I want to show from this side of the world to the world.”
Queens from all three seasons of “Drag Race Philippines” were at the event. But it wasn’t just RuGirls who showed up in full force for Eva. There were “Drag Den” queens, veteran queens, baby queens, queens from the different drag bars—a whole rainbow of fabulousness.
In conversation with the event’s red carpet correspondent Myx Chanel, Bekenemen cofounder and “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3 cast member, guests kept talking about how proud they are of Eva.
“It’s Eva Le Queen, we know she’s gonna represent Filipino drag … I’m so so proud of her,” said “Drag Race Philippines” Season 2 runner-up Arizona Brandy.
Bernie, also from Season 2, said, “Alam ko namang dati pang magaling si Eva pero alam ko marami pa siyang gusto ipakita.”
Maxie, who previously competed in “Queen of the Universe” Season 2 and is now on “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3, said to Eva, “I am so proud of you, I will always tell the world that I’m so proud of you. Thank you for representing our country.”
Khianna, who’s been slaying in the first few episodes of “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3, said, “I’m so proud of our Mother Eva. She didn’t just go there to represent herself, it’s to represent Asia. It’s Domin-Asian.”
A hush fell over the red carpet when a gorgeous glamazon, wearing blue from head to toe, arrived. It was Paolo Ballesteros, everyone’s Mama Pao, the host of “Drag Race Philippines.” The queens aren’t kidding when they rave about how pretty she is—she really is breathtakingly beautiful, even up close. And it was so sweet to see her there showing Eva her support.
It was also touching to see Eva’s family at the event. “I think this is the first time my parents are seeing me perform in drag in a solo number,” she said.
Other queens performed onstage at the viewing party which was hosted by Bekenemen cofounder Baus Rufo: Hana Beshie, Arizona Brandy, Bernie, Tita Baby, Khianna, Maxie, the Divine Divas—Viñas Deluxe, Brigiding and Season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole.
The first two episodes of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Global All Stars” were played on the big screen. In the theater, the energy was palpable, with Eva’s fans and friends screaming and cheering each time she appeared onscreen. “I came here for global domination,” Eva said in the first episode.
She’s off to a great start—she’s been brilliant and beautiful and her runway looks have been dazzling, as always, leading judge Michelle Visage to say, “You always look good, from the minute we first saw you to now.”
Her first maxi challenge—the talent show—landed her in the top, with RuPaul telling her, “Your number was epic, the slaying the dragon and the dancing, the housewife outfit, so fantastic.”
In her performance, Eva Le Queen tried to teach the world how to cook rice. “That sh*t was so funny. Brilliant. You hit it home,” said judge Jamal Sims.
“Yung run ko is an homage to the drag scene we have built,” said Eva. “As Maya Angelou says, ‘I come as one but I stand as 10,000.”
Watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Global All Stars” on Wow Presents Plus.
