Lady Morgana says she’s “forever grateful” for her time on the first season of Drag Race Philippines.
The latest episode of the series saw the eight remaining contestants act and improvise in the Miss Shutacca Queen Beauty Pageant, before sashaying down the ‘Pink Pak Boom’-themed runway.
For the third time this season, Lady Morgana landed in the bottom two and was defeated in the lip-sync showdown by Brigiding to the beat of Maris Racal’s Ate Sandali.
While Morgana admits her elimination was “tough to come to terms with,” she’s “not disappointed” with the panel’s decision to send her packin’, saying she was “definitely the weakest link” in the challenge.
“It’s been such a fun experience,” the drag veteran tells GAY TIMES. “It’s hard, but I am so happy I got to show the world my drag. I have no regrets. I am proud of what I managed to show, and this is only the first stop.”
As one of the most notable drag entertainers in the Philippines, Morgana – who hails from Davao City – says she felt “pressure” to live up to her iconic legacy.
Although she didn’t win any challenges, Morgana made herstory, however, as the first contestant to survive two lip-sync smackdowns; earning the title of ‘lip-sync assassin’ in the process.
“Oh my god, I am shocked that I am the lip-sync assassin of the season. I didn’t expect that. I just did what I had to do,” she states.
“I dedicate this compliment to my drag mothers Leyjohn Perez, Dr. Ramil Cubelo, Edwin Luis, Manay Kenita and the rest of drag artist Davao. Even my family, the Perez and Somosot family.
“They taught me everything I needed to know.”
Since its premiere, Drag Race Philippines has been lauded for its celebration of Filipino culture, the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the contestants and the chemistry between the judging panel – which consists of Paolo Ballesteros, Jiggly Caliente, KaladKaren, BJ Pascual, Jon Santos and Rajo Laurel.
Morgana says the “energy” of the queens is what differentiates Philippines from other iterations in the ever-expanding franchise.
“We love to build each other up. We’re shady as hell, but we all have the best interests at heart for each other. I hope that is shown in the season,” she explains.
“And watching the series, I want people to learn that whatever the challenges have been given to you, you should always put your best and make the most out of it. Don’t limit yourself to push for the high. S.M.I.L.E: See miracles in life everyday.”
Of course, we had to ask Morgana who she would’ve impersonated on Drag Race’s staple maxi-challenge, the Snatch Game: “Cherie Gil! I love her.”
With a career spanning over 50 years, the legendary late actress was dubbed “La Primera Contravida” – which translates to “The Prime Villain – for her various antagonistic roles in film, television and on the stage.
“She has been my idol my whole life,” adds Morgana, “and so much of my drag aesthetic has been based on her.”
Drag Race Philippines continues every Wednesday at 12pm BST exclusively on the streamer of all things drag, WOW Presents Plus. Subscribe via https://uk.wowpresentsplus.com/.
For fans wishing to meet Drag Race alum and host Jiggly Caliente, tickets are now on sale for RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2023 at https://uk.rupaulsdragcon.com/.
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