Drag queen Marina Summers made “herstory” with her “Amafilipina” opening number during the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night on Wednesday evening.
Her appearance on the stage of the coveted beauty contest became a monumental feat to many Filipino gays whose childhood dreams include pageants and runways.
She also dedicated this to the “baklang chikiting.”
Marina Summers, THE PHILIPPINES!!! 🇵🇭
This is for every baklang chikiting that dreamed of saying this iconic line. 🥹 Oras na para tayo naman ang rumampa. 👑#MissUniversePH2024 #MarinaSummers pic.twitter.com/3gTeDH31ix
— Marina Summers (@marinaxsummers) May 22, 2024
Some could not help but express their joy online for finally being represented at the Miss Universe Philippines stage.
“Marina introducing herself in a national pageant for women is a culmination of every young gay’s dreams who dresses up at night with their kumot while hiding from their parent. Thank you for this @marinaxsummers,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
A Star Magic parody page also marveled over the historical moment.
A DRAG QUEEN LEAD THE OPENING FOR MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2024 😭🏳️🌈👏 #MissUniversePhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/DUFraAOo6p
— ALTStarMagic 💫 (@AltStarMagic) May 22, 2024
Host and content creator Baus Rufo took to Instagram to thank Marina.
“Thank you for taking us even higher 🏳️🌈🇵🇭🔥,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow drag artists also poured in their support for Marina.
Marina’s co-contender at “RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines” Season 1 Eva Le Queen conveyed what Marina’s representation meant to her on X (Formerly Twitter).
“Gays have always been the backbone of the Pageant world but this is the first time to see one of us up there,” she wrote.
To have seen this live is just mind blowing bilang isang baklitang lumaki sa beauty pageants. Gays have always been the backbone of the Pageant world but this is the first time to see one of us up there. Thank you for making a lot of our dreams come true tonight… pic.twitter.com/agem1sYp5r
— Ms. Eva (@eva_lequeen) May 22, 2024
The first Filipino “Drag Race” Superstar Precious Paula Nicole also cheered for Marina.
Yaaaaaazzzz!!! 😍😍😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥🔥 @marinaxsummers https://t.co/TRqyPVrzwY
— Precious Paula Nicole (@PreciousPaulaN) May 22, 2024
“Drag Race Philippines” Season 1 contestant Corazon who competed alongside Marina, Eva and Precious acknowledged the achievement.
“A dream come true of my childhood fulfilled by my sister,” she wrote.
OV Cunt, a cast member of “Drag Race Philippines” Season 2 and Marina’s sister at Drag Playhouse PH became emotional over Marina’s performance.
“Umiiyak ako ngayon 😩🫶,” she posted.
Popular Taylor Swift impersonator and drag artist Taylor Sheesh likewise congratulated Marina.
The power of @marinaxsummers! Congratulations sis! 💖 So proud of you! 😘
— Mac (Taylor Sheesh) (@heymacyou) May 22, 2024
GMA reporter Joseph Morong was also among those who were astounded by Marina’s Miss Universe Philippines opening number.
What a moment for @marinaxsummers to open the show! pic.twitter.com/MMLAsxcdPU
— Joseph Morong 🇵🇭 (@Joseph_Morong) May 22, 2024
Marina’s stylist, Paul Sese, penned a heartfelt message to Marina.
“I am mighty proud of you my queen. All of the hardwork and effort you put through everything that you do always pay off,” Paul wrote.
“You deserve every bit of success and love you are getting. Thank you for always sharing your success not only with me but with the team you built. Ilysm,” he added.
Marina has been making headlines after her stellar representation of the Philippines “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World” Season 2 which concluded last month. She ended her journey in the Top 4 but won the hearts of many international and local “Drag Race” fans.
READ: ‘This is for you’: Marina Summers dedicates ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World’ S2 bid to Philippines | ‘Back to defend Motherland’: Marina Summers slays in entrance look at ‘Drag Race: UK vs the World’ S2 |Marina Summers sends American, British, Spanish ‘Drag Race: UK vs the World’ S2 queens home
During the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Marina performed with Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.
Marina is among the performers along with “Raining in Manila” hitmakers Lola Amour and “Under the Parallel Skies” lead star Win Metawin.
READ: Who’s who: Performers, hosts for Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation
The pageant concluded with Bulacan beauty Chelsea Manalo names as the Miss Universe Philippines 2024. She will vie for the fifth crown in Mexico this year.
READ: How Michelle Dee reacted to viral crowning moment of MUPH 2024 Chelsea Manalo
