After the joy of no-one going home we begin a new week of fun, frolics and a rollercoaster of an episode. The queens yell in excitement as we dive straight into the mini-challenge titled Knock The Can Down. They have five minutes to drag up their flip flops before hurling them at cans, with many reminiscing about their childhood and playing such a nostalgic game. To say that some of them literally flopped is an understatement, but Versex knocks it out the park, confidently knocking all the cans down and is declared the winner. For some reason, the queens love to toss winners, guest judges, and anyone in close proximity into the air. I love it as there’s a real comradery amongst the team and Mama Pao who encouraged said actions.
Versex winning prize will serve her well with this week’s maxi challenge, as this week is all about fashion and we’re having a ball – The Sustaina-ball. Their first runway category is Variety Store Elegenza and their outfits are to be made from material found in local convenience stores. For the time being, the second runway remains a secret. Resident judge Jiggly Caliente joins Pao to watch the queens strut the catwalk, and Angel always knows how to captivate with her colourful concoctions. John Fedellaga is another multi-coloured canary decked out in plastic straws. The whole catwalk is incredibly strong, with everyone meeting the brief and being so creative.
It’s time for the second runway’s secret, following the reused theme, the queens are to design an outfit of unconventional items. I always love these challenges, it’s always a delightful seesaw of chaos and confusion. In which it takes a few seconds for that to kick in for Angel who has already boarded the struggle bus. They only have four hours to create out anything from the bags of trash, they do get the opportunity to use fabrics from the wall but the centrepiece must be the trash items.
This week’s guest judge, Rajo Laurel, is out to help Pao with walk around advice, and the editing in this franchise is always so funny. Angel explains her look, and Rajo suggests ways to improve it. Whilst explaining how to enhance the garment, it’s where the thinking bubbles and equations are edited around the poor girl’s head. He gives out some really solid tips to help the queens, seeing their vision and choosing to make it sparkle that little bit more.
Out on the runway, and they literally transformed trash and turned it into treasure. Khianna, Zymba Ding, and Myx Chanel stood out for me because of how different their outfits are and the use of objects is well done. Who knew cardboard could look so couture?
It comes to the deliberation with the judges, and it becomes a waterworks of emotions. When Angel finally finished her garments, they asked if her brother had assisted. If so they ask which one of the two should go home tonight and why. This segment, whilst sad, feels awkward to watch as the drama and story arc drags out. Maxie says she is the eldest so she’ll let her sibling shine.
But, all that aside, the tops are decided as Kihanna, Yudipota, and Myx Chanel with the cash prize and badge rightfully going to Myx Chanel who gleams with pride having finally won a challenge for the House of Eve. Leaving Tita Baby and our sweet Angel are left to lip sync it out to Nosi Balasi by Sampaguita. And what follows is possibly the most heartbreaking elimination I think many of us have seen in any franchise.
Tita Baby is told to shantay, and Mama Pao is visibly upset and asks Angel if she has anything to say. Frozen to the spot in silence, it’s up to Maxie to come onstage and console her younger sister, who bursts into tears asking “Why do I have to be the first to go?” The queens behind her are also in tears, and it feels like a real poignant moment that is genuinely very sad. Just when you think it couldn’t get more emotional, as Angel walks away head held high asking “I will return to season 4.” In which Mama Pao replies, “Why wait for season 4 when you have season 3? I’m not done with you yet.” In her defence, she never told her to sashay away, instead laughing as she tells the girls “You both talk so much you never let me finish.” This season is brimming with drama, humour, heart and its perfection.
So, with that wonderfully dramatic episode, what was your favourite part?
