After the most iconic snatch game last week and saying goodbye to J.Quinn, a new week begins. Eager to redeem herself, Zymba Ding has a fire lit under her, and no one can extinguish it. Everyone is reflecting on how last week went. Angel is high off her win and sitting on cloud 9, with Popstar Bench more adamant that she has more to bring to the catwalk after being read for her looks. The next day Zymba talks about the loss of her dad and how that has inspired her to keep being strong. The queens gather to tell her how proud they are, and you guessed it by throwing her in the air.
The mini-challenge is a concoction of an overacting class, and everyone looks like they’re in the middle of an exorcism. To call it bonkers might just be an understatement. As Myx Chanel rightfully says, “That’s what I love about Drag Race Philippines mini-challenges, it’s all so crazy and fun.” The winner of the mini-challenge is Zymba Ding, and her prize is casting the roles for this week’s maxi challenge. The group will be performing in the production of Aawicked Kita the Rusical, in which they will embody the characters from Wicked. They chose the most iconic musical and accompanying soundtrack that is loved around the world. When it comes to casting, Zymba selects herself as Elvie, the main character. The role of Glenda (my personal favourite character) goes to Myx after an audition battle with Angel.
The Rusical rehearsals are overseen by Teacher Cecile, who is an icon to the girls, having danced on a lot of TV shows around the country. She’s great at running every small detail with the girls, taking time to nurture and get the best from each one. Noone seems to be struggling, although poor Zymba has to learn to fly and get used to the suspension ropes attached to her. But overall it’s a successful run, and only great things come from this cast.
It’s showtime for Aawicked Kita the Rusical, and I don’t think there’s been such a high-end production of a musical on the show. It had everything; the outfits, top-notch stage production, and Zymba Ding literally flying through the air. Each queen was perfectly cast, and had their time in the spotlight to shine. Drag Philippines truly is a breath of fresh air that the franchise needs.
On the runway, the category is: Kum-Haute Couture. Out first is John Fedellaga, and as always, her outfits are so stylish and well put together. Another shining star is Maxi, and if I had my own way, everyone would win and keep going towards the final. This might be the hardest episode to judge of the season so far, with each queen hitting the brief in both the musical and onstage.
Before the critiques, Mama Pao rightfully proclaims how the cast are, “Continually proving that this season is world- class.” Echoing my previous comment, this seems to be the general consensus for viewers who watch all the international franchises. Joining the judging panel this week is the Philippines first drag superstar, Precious Paula. I love when queens come back on the show and am again surprised that Drag Race US doesn’t do it more. Her comments are positive, fair, and understandable for some who have competed. The top two this week go to Zymba Ding and Myx Chanel, which is so nice to see Myx Chanel back at the top after having a few struggles in the last few weeks. But Zymba Ding snatches the win thanks to her fantastic lead role and flying (literally) high. With the tops come the bottoms, which unfortunately see John and Popstar Bench in the bottom two. This week they’ll be lip syncing to Dadalhin by Regine Velasquez.
Unfortunately, we say goodbye to John, and I’m shocked to see her sashay away, as are the other queens who are on their knees crying. I would have loved to have seen her in the final, but this is a strong competition.
What did you think of this week’s episode? Did the right person go home? Drag Race Philippines airs Wednesdays at 4am PT // 7am ET, worldwide on WOWPresents Plus.
