Another international queen has left the premises, and this time it gets a little bit fiery in the werkroom when Kitty Space reveals that she would have chosen to save Ivory Glaze had she won the lipsync. Which doesn’t go down well with Arizona Brandy or the Philippine girlies, claiming they should stick to track records, not friendships, which will be an interesting look into eliminations from now on. A new week allows forgiveness and things to clear, ready for the mini challenge sponsored by BingoPlus. It’s not really a game; it’s more down to luck, which I guess is what bingo is about. It’s a delightfully short but sweet game with Siam Phusri the winner. Besides winning some money, she gets to assign roles for this week’s maxi challenge. It’s that stage of the competition and it’s Rusical Time. Titled Crazy Bitch Slaysians, it’s when things can either be the best thing we’ve seen or we cringe from behind our screens, confused as to what just took place. Judging by the character descriptions, it might be resting on the latter.
Siam Phusri ensures to make it fair with the distribution of roles, allowing the girls to choose who they wish to portray. Yhua and Suki battle it out for a role that goes to Suki; determined, Yuhua tries for another role against Arizona to great success. As the winner, Siam does get to also give a disadvantage to a queen, and that goes to last week’s winner, Vinas Deluxe.
Dance teacher Cecile is on hand to guide the queens gently and reassuringly, with Bridging determined to show just why she’s a success story off the show. Her recent work in theatre has been a standout, and she is feeling somewhat confident yet nervous. As expressed by Mama Pao, there are no small roles, just small actors, which is an excellent way to ensure everyone is confident in their abilities.
Discussing their time off the show, Bridging shares how in her experience on the show, she was told she was safe. Wanting to do more, going to LA and attending DragCon was her dream; alas, she was deported, unable to try and live out her dream of resigning herself overseas. It’s a poignant story, and it’s incredibly inspirational knowing this is what she loves but also that it’s okay to step away briefly. A sisterly moment as everyone rallies round to remind her well that she is in the Philippines, not to mention hailed as an icon.
On the main stage Kahlaed Karen is back alongside the gorgeous Pangina Heals. Both judges’ outfits, along with Mama Pao’s, are just breathtaking. The lights dim and the Rusical begins; the staging is gorgeous and actually feels like a musical performance. Whereas on other franchises it feels set for failure or a ‘meh’ time. This is set up for them to get into the mood of taking on a musical challenge. Everyone matches the energy needed for such a wild story; no-one really lets the side down and flops. A few fade or are slightly forgotten, but that’s a given considering how big some of the girls act out their roles, which was essentially the advice given. No small roles, just small actors.
For this week’s runway category, it’s ‘Happy Face-tival’, and the creativity of some of these outfits is insane. Starting strong with Brigiding, who is an angel statue, a double-faced one, and it needs to be seen to be believed – it is gorgeous. Makes you feel bad for the others who have to follow but what does follow is a fabulous job, with Suki Doll also stealing the show and deserves her flowers. Kitty Space and Bernie do a three-headed act. Both are totally different interpretations and just so intricately done detail-wise. Category-wise, this runway is the strongest we’ve seen of the competition thus far.
This week’s bottoms are Kitty Space and Bernie, with Brigiding and Arizona Brandy in the top. I do think Kitty should have been placed safe. But alas, a wonderfully structured story arc is being played out this week, with a confident beginning now played out like an emotional and perhaps predictable ending. I’m sure Kitty Spaces’ heart sank to the bottom, and she had some interesting internal monologue. Bernie, on the other hand, takes it all in her stride and is confident in her abilities and in making it to the top.
I think I speak for many when I think we might have a collective idea on who could be going home, right? Lipsyncing for the win to “Cartoon Heroes” by Aqua, and the girls give it their all. It’s an interesting performance, nonetheless, a little comedic but enjoyable. In a golden full-circle moment Arizona Brandy is declared the winner, and she chooses to send Kitty Space home. Shock. We now have just two international divas left battling it out with the Filipino girls.
Next week’s judges see the return of Season One winner Captivating Katkat and the chaotic and lovable Alyssa Edwards.
