Winning her first RuBadge on the same challenge that sent her home on season one made for a poignant full-circle moment for Brigiding.
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One of our favorite storylines to watch on Drag Race is the redemption, or should we say rudepmtion, arc. Queens who have something to prove don’t only make for great TV, but great moments of talent, growth, and perseverance that really showcase the queen at their best. And while we’re only halfway through the season, it’s clear that Brigiding is getting her redemption storyline on Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale, and we love to see it.
YOU’RE A WINNER BABY
Brigiding was arguably one of, if not the most, famous drag queen to have competed on Drag Race Philippines season 1. Yet, her run on the show was a bit of a mixed bag, which Brigiding admitted affected how she saw her drag and herself. So, with her return on Slaysian Royale, Brigiding wanted to prove that she was no flop, and she’s so far succeeding on that front. When she was faced with critiques in her season that she had no branding, Brigiding came back stronger with her looks and Maxi challenge performances.
Her Facetival runway in episode 4? An absolute gag that understandably went viral on social media. And if she placed in the Top 2 that episode, Brigiding one-upped herself in the following. In the 5th episode, the queens took on the Family Rusemblance Maxi Challenge, where they transformed OFW moms into members of their drag families. Working in pairs, Brigiding was paired with Suki Doll, and together with their OFW mom served dalagang Filipina realness in their Santi Obcena-designed Filipinianas representing the Philippine flag.
Not only did the look get the pair Top 2 of the week, but Brigiding finally earned her first-ever RuBadge. What made the win extra special was that it was for the very same episode in which she was eliminated on during Season 1, making it a fitting full-circle moment in her journey.
“This journey means more to me than just competition. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and staying true to who I am. I’ve always believed that learning is the new winning, and I carry that with me every step of the way,” Brigiding shared in a statement. “As Mother of the House of Ding, I embrace the many forms of love in my life, including chosen family. I hope my story shows that strength can be found in vulnerability, and that drag has the power to heal and inspire.”
In an episode as strong as episode 5 was, from the three Mariahs, Bernie’s emotional elimination, and Brigiding and Suki Doll’s makeout session during the lip sync, Brigiding’s win was a cherry on top. The feeling was even better during the D’Intervention Live Viewing Party of episode 5 at Rampa in Quezon City, where the room was practically electric even before the watch party started. The crowd erupted in cheers at the announcement that Brigiding was the week’s winner. The queen, who looked radiant in a structured gold gown also designed by Santi Obcena, was glowing in pride watching her get her first win. You can’t get more of an iconic Rudemption episode than what Brigiding got.
While there are still a handful of episodes left and Brigiding’s run on the season can go either way, with her first RuBadge on Drag Race Philippines, viral runway moments, and openness about her personal story, Brigiding is already a winner in our book.
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