Slaysiasn Persuasian Ep 4

Hello and welcome to Slayshon Persuasion.

My name is Virginia Please and I am Calypso, and we are about to review episode 4 of Slayshon Royale.

Yeah, exactly, we made it all the way to episode 4.

But before we do that, what are we wearing right now?

Oh my gosh, we're twinning, twinning! The inspiration— we both noticed that we had these pink embroidered suits. Yeah, I thought like if the vibe was like single poor, wealthy, extravagant, Crazy Rich Asians. I thought this was the vibe. I thought this was the vibe.

This is the vibe, but it really is crazy.

It is crazy. Exactly. Emphasis on the crazy.

For me, it's, it looks tacky.

Rich Malaysian.

I tried to look rich, but I think it's, I don't know, you judge.

I think it's like, you're right. You're right. We're emphasizing the crazy part because we think we're rich, but we are Malaysians. So that's, so at least there's a little bit of truth to it.

There you go.

Oh my God.

I'm excited to review this. And I took Notes. Those of you who made comments, I appreciate it and appreciate you for being honest. You know, I'm, I'm gonna redeem myself this episode.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. This time I'll start singing. This time I'll start singing. We'll swap. There you go. Yeah, so let's get into this episode. So first of all, what did you think overall? Because I think we're like, we're like, the episodes are starting to blend in my mind together. So what stood out to you, or like, what did you think about this episode?

I really like this episode. I think it's very cohesive. The story that they want to highlight is becoming more and more obvious.

Mm, mm-hmm. What do you think that story is like? 'Cause I think for me, I noticed that as well. It really now feels like Philippines versus international. I think that's the main story that we're seeing unfold, especially at this episode.

And the main characters are also emerging.

I'd say so as well. And the ones who we want to emerge, it feels like they're plateauing. So it's like we saw both. We saw the heroes rise and we saw the secondary characters.

It's almost predictable. And they were right, no, towards the end they were like, oh, it's seems like we're trying to eliminate all the international queens, and I agree.

Yes, yes, very much so, very much so.

Seems like it has already been planned, but you know, that's just me, right?

But I think there was some comments on Reddit where like, there was a queen who said— this is La Kahena— she tweeted out, she was the first out from France Season 1, first out from Canada vs. the World Season 2, and she tweeted that the season seems rigged for the Filipina girls and that she will not be watching the rest of the season.

Oh, that's sad.

And people were like, well, listen, they casted all like very all-star heavy hitter Filipina queens, and they casted mostly early outs from all the other franchises.

And you know what, I— at this point, I wouldn't be surprised. I have already accepted that. I mean, look what happened to Ginger Minch. People were also raving about the comments of, you know, it being rigged, right?

Right, right.

And that did not only happen once, it also happened in other franchises. Yes. Yeah, so I'm already used to it, but I still enjoy the show.

Absolutely. This is, you know, this kind of discussion and this kind of reaction is what keeps it interesting.

Exactly.

And you're right, I mean, it's one It's one thing to be a good drag queen, it's one thing to be a good drag artist, and it's one thing to be good at Drag Race. And it's undeniable that they picked a cast of girls from the Philippines especially who are good at Drag Race.

Exactly. I have a friend who commented that, um, and they plan to join season 4. I, I will not say who, but they said that that is not a competition, that is a reality show.

Absolutely.

And exactly true it is.

Yeah, it is, it is.

Absolutely. All right, let's get into it.

Let's get into it. So, uh, we come right into the workroom. Yeah, um, this is after the aftermath of the lip sync. Vinyas won again. She has her second Ru Badge.

Yes.

And then it was her versus Brigette.

Oh no, no, no, no, not Brigette.

I'm getting them mixed up.

This is why this episode is also for me a little bit controversial because Kitty was top.

Yes.

At the top before.

Yes, this episode. Exactly. Let me rewind. You're right, because it's all starting to blend together. So we enter into the workroom. The top 2 had just been Vinyas versus Kitty Space. Vinyas just went and now she has her second Ru Badge. She's coming in and they had to say goodbye to Ivory Glaze. So she's wiping off the mirror message and there's a little bit of, uh, now we're finding out whose lipstick Kitty picked.

So, but wait a minute, do you really think that Vinyas likes Ivory Glaze?

You know, there was this one fan edit that I saw of when Ivory Glaze walked into the, the main stage for the first time and Vinyas was just like, yeah, she was like taken aback. And they were releasing videos together. Did you see that? It was Vinyas taking Ivory out to eat Filipino food.

Yes, exactly. I saw some videos as well of Venus, like, being so— having that feeling. We call it kalig in Filipino.

Oh, what does that mean?

Um, like, you're having butterflies in your stomach, you can't act right. And she looked like that on stage.

Well, if she had any kind of, uh, distraction, now the distraction is gone. Yeah. So she was like, time to lock into the competition. I don't think she was ever distracted though.

This bitch is in it to win it.

She is. Every single time.

And it also proves in this episode.

Yeah, so, uh, Vinnie is wiping away the mirror message, and we need to find out whose lipstick Kitty picked. And Kitty revealed to have picked Arizona. Now this immediately caused waves in the world because this is the first time a Filipina's girl or lipstick has been pulled.

You know what, the producers are, are really, really good because this has become the narrative of the entire show.

Philippines versus international. Exactly.

But not only that, Kitty versus Arizona.

Yes, exactly, because it seemed like she was taking a stand. She was just like, I will save my friend and I want to pick my friend. She was very clear about that. What's your opinion in that though?

Because This theme of how to choose the one to go home has been a debate all throughout the episode. What's your opinion? Do you think that you should base it on friendship or track record?

I feel like it depends on where I was. If I was in the bottom, I would be like, "Track record. I did so well and I need you to pick me and save me." Or like, "I need you to save me and pick the other girl." If I was in the top and I was going off of it, I think Honestly, here's what I think, that you are the judge in that situation. You get the power to be the judge. I think you can base it off of who did better in the challenge to you. If one person's performance spoke better to you, or one person's runway spoke better to you, you have the opportunity to be the judge. So if I were in the top, that's where my mind would go. I'm like, honestly, you kind of flopped this week, or you did really well this week, I want to save you.

But you know what, this is why the show works, because this adds drama.

Yes, yes.

And, um, if it were predictable, um, say you say, um, you base it off track record, it will be very obvious and people will not be— there won't be any drama because we— it will be very predictable.

Yes, because last week if it was based off of track record, you know, Ivory would have had to have gone. So if Katie was just going off a track record, she would have also picked Ivory to go. Yeah, but I think she was also trying to be maybe strategic because she knows that Arizona had just won. So if you see a queen on her downfall, you can just get rid of her right then and there, and your path to the crown and to the end becomes ever more clear.

Yeah, well, I think I remember one of them saying, um, it's a hoax that they're saying, oh, they're my friend, she's my friend, but they've only been together for a few days.

No, Bernie said that. She was like— I couldn't— I, I just remember she spoke in, uh, Filipino when she said it, but she was like, sister, sister. And I was like, oh well, let's play the sister game.

But I think though that it works for Bernie and Arizona because they've said that. Yeah, they've already expressed that. Exactly right, right. Yeah.

Um, but yeah, so we go in from They reveal it. Arizona's like, Arizona's thrown. She's a little mad that Kitty picked her because she's like, oh, is that how we're playing it? Then let's play it. And then they both hug and they kind of make up, and Kitty knows that she messed up. Kitty knows that by revealing this, she put a target on her back immediately because all of them are gonna be like, oh, so you want to play by your own rules? And everybody opens up the dialogue of, well, how are we picking? How is that moving forward?

Exactly. And, um, and thus, you know, it really adds the conflict, so to speak, you know. Yes, for good narratives you have to have a conflict. Yes. And Arizona's like, well, we'll see what happens next week.

And then they literally even joke about it. It's like Kitty even says, like, if I'm in the bottom, will you send me home now?

And that—

well, we'll see what happens at the end of the episode. Uh, but it's a new day in the workroom. All the queens are walking in and they immediately— they're still on this. Like, it's such a shocking, like, thing that they picked. So they immediately— they're talking about, like, who would you send home, why? Who would you send home, why? But you know, that conversation keeps on playing out. And then we go into the mini challenge.

And yes, and I love what Mama Pau is wearing.

I was hoping you'd talk about that because I was waiting for you because she walks in, huge event, just walking.

What do you call that? Shoulder flare?

What is that? Yeah, it was like, uh, she had like fins. It reminded me of like a fish. Yes, like she just had these, uh, accents, like these frills, these frill accents on her sleeve. And I liked how it kind of was like the butterfly sleeve as well, but it was very modern, you know. I like how she incorporated that into her.

I've decided that I like the color blue now.

Oh really? Now that because of this look? Now because of this look? I mean, she looked great in it. She looked very handsome.

And mini challenge, yes, Bingo Bingo. I thought it was product placement.

Well, I mean, if they're giving us the grand prize, you know, you gotta show us what you're—

I really thought they milked it. And, um, I wonder how much they paid.

That's— I'm curious about that too. I mean, obviously they're paying 2 million pesos, that's the starting, but how much more did they pay for this? Or maybe it was not included. But yeah, is there like— is there a big, um, culture of online gaming or bingo, or is that just kind of like—

you know, I haven't lived there for a while, right? I mean, I, I go every year, almost every year, but I really don't know.

Okay.

Is that big here? I'm just curious.

I mean, drag bingo is, girl. I've done drag bingo more times than I can count. Like, literally, like, I know that's a thing, but it was— I think it's just like some kind of game, I guess. Yeah. Well, I mean, it's online.

Yes.

Like one of those app games.

I should check it out. But, you know, I don't have time.

I'm so busy, girl. I'm always so wary of those games because I'm like, I feel like this is just a scam. I feel like I'm just gonna lose money, but probably I'm sure, you know, right? But I mean, hey, they have 2 million pesos worth of it. But yeah, so the game is all the pit crew comes in. You drop a ball and then it just kind of, um, whoever's face it lands on, that person is in or out, I guess, or something.

I mean, we've seen the other two main pit crews, but what did you think about the others?

See, I will be so honest, I was watching this episode while I was putting on my makeup, so I was listening to the episode like a podcast. So unfortunately, while my eyes did peek over, I did not take in the visual for this episode, especially for that moment. So what did you think of the Pit Crew?

I think they could do better.

Oh, oh, shame! I mean, there are so many hot men in the Philippines. Mm, okay, all right, well—

Anyway, I'm digressing.

Well, if you don't get on Drag Race, maybe you can apply for the Pit Crew and you can show them what it means to be a hot man.

I used to do that. Yeah? Back when I didn't have transition to drag yet.

Oh, I see, okay, okay, so back then, Mr. Gappa, Mr. Gappa was in Pit Crew. Now Miss Gappa Virginia, please.

Anyways, where were we?

Yeah, so okay. I mean, the game just happens. It's fine. Everybody's excited, but it literally is just chance. There's no— nobody's— there's no advantage. Nobody's like doing any schemes. Like, Siam ends up winning. So that's our Gappa sister. We're so excited. For the very first time, she won the mini challenge.

She won something. Well, yes.

Well, I count the top 2 as a win. What do you think? Do you count being in the top 2 as a win, or do you think you have to win the lip sync to be a win?

Mm-hmm. Oh yeah, you're right.

Yeah.

No, you have to win the lip sync.

You have to win the— okay, well, she was top 2. In my mind, that is kind of a win because you technically have 2 winners, but you're right. This is her first official "Siam Pusue, you are the winner," right? So hearing that, I'm sure she felt great. Yeah. Um, so she gets a very interesting prize. So she gets her bingo money and what— and all her merch and her swag. But Mama Pow says that she gets to pick her role, and then she also gets to give a disadvantage. But before that, what was the challenge? The challenge this week is Crazy Bitch Slations. What did you think? It was inspired obviously by the movie Crazy Rich Asians by Jon Chu. What did you think about that movie actually? Do you remember? Do you remember? It's been a while since it came out, but—

Well, there's a lot of stereotypes, definitely. The main thing that I really felt is that, oh my God, there's now representation for our community.

Absolutely.

Although I question, was there any South Asian representation in there?

I so wish that there was. And actually, there's one thing that I really wanted to talk about, because when we think about Pan-Asian spaces in general, South Asia is often left out of the picture. And I think especially in drag, for the longest time we saw so much Asian representation, especially whether it be on Drag Race. But it took so many years for Jeannie, Priyanka, those queens to get on the show in any facet of the world to represent that side of drag. But I think the same can be also kind of said when we think about Pan-Asian discussions. I mean, even in this season, like we're talking about boba tea, we're talking about K-pop, we're talking about karate chop, like we're going everywhere. But I'm like, Can we throw in a curry reference in there? Can we throw in a masala reference in there? I think oftentimes in the discussion of Pan-Asian, South Asia is left out. I agree.

I agree. That's why I— it's actually in my notes. So that's why I wanted to ask you about that.

In that movie, I will say I showed up for that movie. I remember my entire family were like, this is the first time we're seeing a big Asian movie with such a large Asian cast showcasing Asian culture for better or for worse. But I, my whole family went to see that movie and I saw it here in the South Bay, here in the Bay Area. And I remember all Asians, South Asians, Southeast Asians, East Asians, everybody was there to watch that movie because I think it still represented something for us. It did.

I mean, I commend them for doing this film. Uh, my, if I had any comment, it's like for the first time that we're going to be represented in a large scale, it's going to be the Crazy Rich Asians. But, and that is very problematic because only a portion, maybe 1% of the Asians in AAPI communities are included in the 1%. And, you know, I guess they wanted to get attention, you know? Yeah. And if Crazy Rich Asians is the door for them to really, you know, have Asian representation in a big way, then so be it.

I agree with you. And I think it's interesting because I've visited Singapore several times and Singapore has a very rich multicultural society. That is primarily comprised of Malay, Chinese, and Tamil people. So that's actually my heritage as well. So whenever I went to Singapore, it was so like, you would see Tamil text right onto the money, from the money to the signs to everything. The airport is so beautiful. And I think specifically with that movie, it showed both, right? Because the main character Rachel is from a lower-class immigrant American background. So it showed the dichotomy of it because she's never been in anything other than economy. So I remember even in that movie where she's bringing snacks and she's walking into first class, Yeah, you know what I mean? So I, I think it showed both. It showed both. But you're right, it was a little bit of a, yeah, of an exaggerated stereotype when they showcased the, the richer side.

Yes.

But, um, yeah, I remember that fun movie, great movie. I think it's like a go-to airplane movie. Whenever I'm on an airplane, I want to watch that movie. Yeah.

And I really like the title for this challenge, Crazy Bitch Slations. How—

that's the way that you can dragify it, and I live.

But yes, it works a lot, especially for that— I mean, the season itself, you know? It's just very convenient, the word slation.

Yes, exactly. So, uh, The challenge itself is a Rusical, so it's a lip sync Rusical, so they don't need to sing live, thankfully. I mean, and they introduce it as several different characters who are based off of Asian stereotypes.

Exactly.

And then all of them get their own kind of song inspired by a song from pop culture.

And not only stereotype, but the names of the personas were like a mix of fashion brand name, Asian stereotype, and queerness, which I really, really love how the Filipinos are able to do that.

Yes, absolutely. And it felt very Pan-Asian because each of the characters represented a different facet. And I think there was a— but yeah, so each of them get kind of like a different vibe for their song, right? Which role stood out to you? Which one would you have picked in this process of picking roles?

I would say Venus.

So you want to be like the— right. So you would— so, oh, so you would— so are you saying that you would like her role or you would like whatever was left?

I thought you asked me which one stood out.

Oh, no, no. Which role would you pick? If we were there, if we were there reading the script, which role would you pick?

I would— I think I could play Venus. If not, I could also play— Oh no, I'm sorry, I twisted it. I think I could play Brigadine's role.

Which is the bride.

The sweet bride.

The sweet bride, okay. She was a little bit of a bridezilla, but yes.

Yeah, either Brigadine's or— I would be so scared to play Venus's. She did so— Just because of how she did it, she was so— The wedding officiant. Yeah, she was so good, I must say.

So good. Perfect.

I don't think I could compare to her.

I could try. I think for me, the chef role really spoke to me because I thought it was really silly. And there's a lot of food references and a lot of food puns, which I think is exciting.

Is it Arizona?

Arizona, exactly. When she was in the— and that, that, then her name is also a, a parody of the soy sauce brand, Lee Kum Kee soy sauce, right? I mean, I forgot, I forgot. I, I recognized as soon as I read it, I was like, oh wait, it's based off of the soy sauce brand. But I think I like that role, and I think also the, um, I think the efficient role also stood out to me. So either of those roles.

Let's talk about each of them.

Okay, so let's break it through.

Uh, let's start with Brigading.

Brigading. So yeah, it's the starting of the— well, actually, before that, yeah, there's an important moment that happens during the selection part. Yeah. So Siam is immediate, like, Vinyas, you get the disadvantage because you won 2 Ru badges and you're out. Like, you, you get to pick whatever.

I don't think it was a problem.

I mean, exactly. And even before that, Vinyas was like, I'm fine with any of these roles. And that's exactly what happened. But then there's a little bit of a, a riff-off between Arizona and Kitty. Arizona really wants that chef role, and so she goes up to Kitty and she's just like, "Hey girl, do you want to swap?" And Kitty feels so guilty, which I'm like, girl, stand up! You're here competing, you have to like fend for yourself. But she was immediately like, "It's okay, Arizona. As an apology for me picking your lipstick, I'm going to give you this role." I'm like, you did not need to do that. You did— I was like screaming at my phone.

I have learned, Kitty, that you can't be— you can't play nice. While you're in there. You can play nice afterwards.

I mean, Arizona still doesn't like you. I mean, we, well, you know, they like each other, but like in that moment it's like fend for yourself.

Yes, and it totally did not work to her advantage at all. What did she gain? She just lost.

She gained nothing. I mean, I, I think she might have struggled in maybe similar or different ways with the role that she originally picked, but stick to the role, stick to the tech role. But yeah, we can go one by one. Um, they rehearse, they have a— I like that teacher, the choreographer. She seemed really sweet. I, I want to like take class with her. Like, she seemed really cool, and it seemed like they were encouraged to improvise.

There was a lot of improvisation that happened in there.

I like how they were like— she was like, even if you don't get it, you have time to memorize it, but like, make it your own. Like, make it your own. I think that was a good emphasis.

I'm just always thinking, like, will I be able to memorize it in like 2 days, in a day, the choreography plus the words?

I think for me, if it's a song, it's a little easier because you go to the music and the beat, right? But you're right, oh my goodness, a tall order for sure.

All the nerves and all the preparation that you have to do aside from the musical itself.

It's literally—

yes, it's quite a lot.

A task. Yes. Um, yeah, we can go one by one. Yeah. So at the start, the top of the— top of the musical, the musical starts, Brigiding is playing the bride.

So since— here's my thing, they've built up Brigiding to be the number— which is true, the number one drag. I told you about this.

Yes, you actually did. I remember thinking of like, yes, number one, the most sought-after drag queen.

Everyone looks at her and gets inspired by her, and she really was the number one drag queen in the Philippines before Drag Race. But the season— her season, that really broke her, and that's That's true, you know, and I had a conversation beginning because we shared experiences. I also studied theater arts in the Philippines, and, you know, our theater house and the theater house that she was part of, which I think it was PETA, uh, most of the time it collaborates. So I'm very familiar of the work that needs to be done if you're a theater actor in the Philippines. I went to so many auditions and I did a couple of, um, productions as well. So I know that the training and the discipline really is to your advantage as a performer. You learn discipline, you learn artistry, That's where I learned about lights and colors and color combination and also, you know, different types of acting methods. And in theater, it's almost, you know, exaggerated and big. And so that's what I expected with Brigading, but I expected so much. And I would say I saw that with Binyas as opposed to Brigading.

Oh, even in the thing. Yeah, I think you're right. Absolutely. And like I said, drag is a multidisciplinary art form. But when you have a background in theater, you learn stage presence, you learn movement, and those are incredibly important to have as an adult. Sometimes you naturally figure that out on your own, but having that technical training really pushes your art to the edge.

Yeah. And here's the thing, you know, when you're doing theater shows, you're doing it 8 times a week, so you're doing it almost every day. And sometimes it's really hard to put all of the emotions all the time because you run out, because every day you're doing it and it's hard to get into the emotion and also the technical side. But what I saw in performance and Brigadine's performance was mostly technique, and she was just acting her face, but I couldn't really get the connection from her. Okay, that's just for me.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think immediately I, I understand what you're saying because even when she was at the very beginning, it's the bride running up and saying, get this ready, get that ready, and it felt like she was playing. She wasn't playing to us, she wasn't playing to the camera. And I think it is one thing to perform something on stage because you're creating a moment to watch, but at the same time, it's— drag is so much about the audience And I think sometimes you need to have half a brain on this other side too. Like, okay, let me cheat it towards you so that you can still see me doing it instead of just being turned all the way to the side.

I didn't sense eye contact from her to the camera.

I agree, I agree. I think that's because maybe she was so in character. She was like, I am here in the scene. But it's also like, girl, you need to show everybody.

I would say she was in her head. Yeah, as opposed to in character. Yeah, she was able to perform everything to the T. But there's just something lacking in that performance in my opinion.

Yeah, you're right. So we immediately get started off, the plot is they're getting married but then there's a lot of people objecting to the marriage. So then we see a little bit of Vinyas's performance, beautiful job, lip sync is on point, comedic acting is on point, the way she was like eyeing the group.

Exactly, and how Brigitting reacts to that, I thought that was really brilliant. You could see their synergy.

Yes, which was like, focus!

Like yeah, that particular moment I saw Oh, there it is. I'm forgetting it was effective on that moment.

Exactly, exactly. Two pros. And then all the characters are introduced and they're all different Asian stereotypes. So there is a K-pop star, there is a tech mogul, there is a kung fu master, there's a chef, there's a like a snobby fashion-forward person, and then there's the mother of the bride. Is that everybody? I think I hit everybody.

Mother of the bride was Suki, right?

Yeah, so that's 5 plus 2. Yeah, yeah, that's everybody. Yeah, okay, well yeah. Yeah, so then we start off with the first person to step forward and do their part is Bernie. Bernie's the first one. So what do you recall about Bernie's performance? Because people said that it was a little subdued, but I thought her lip sync was pretty good.

I agree with the comments, the judges' comments. There's really a difference between showgirls and theater people. You can really see the technique and the difference, and that's why I was really I was really impressed by Vinnies because she had both.

Okay, so Bernie kind of fell flat a little bit more on the theater side, but she was— I thought it was still a solid performance, but we need more.

Nevertheless, yeah.

Yes. Kitty Space was next with the tech-forward role. It was kind of like a parody of Work Bitch by Britney Spears. That was the progression of the song and the lyrics, and I think it was a struggle of getting the words right. We saw this when she lip-synced last week, but it seems like it's just a little bit maybe you need a little bit more time to get the words out.

Yeah, and it really did affect it in the entire performance.

Yes, yes. There was actually one thing that I thought was funny during the rehearsals. She has this moment where she's like kicking her legs up and she kind of falls because they're like lifting her up, and they cut to YooHa saying, oh, she's not doing so well. I'm like, she, she didn't fall. I mean, they dropped her. Like, I thought that was not really said to me. I was like, wait, I'm like, right, like she can't control how— when she falls because somebody's holding her. But anyways, So then, um, after that they go into—

Kiana was so good. Yes.

Oh my goodness, she was the— she put the theatricality, she had the Lip Sync Assassin part, movement, everything beautiful. Oh my goodness, it was so good. It was— she's such— she's so good.

She's such a—

but she's flying under the radar for some reason. I'm like, give her her flowers.

Like, well, she is up against these giants such as Venus, um, Brigading, Arizona, um, who are not only doing shows but also doing multidisciplinary things.

Yes.

And are masters of those things.

Well, Kiana is also the youngest on the cast. Do you think that might have a factor to do with it? Well, she already has all the skills. Maybe she just needs the time to settle into all of the skills that she has.

You just made me realize, is there more respect for queens who do comedy and, you know, all the other aspects of drag as opposed to queens who like do the death drops and the showgirl type?

Well, actually, I asked On the first episode, I asked you something similar, like what kind of drag is in the Philippines and what, uh, what is prioritized more. And you said that the comments were back and forth, like people were like, we have both. We have the showgirls who are very extravagant and glamorous, but we also have the campy comedy drag. Because that doesn't— you don't need money to do campy comedy drag. You can be silly and make a fool of yourself and entertain without needing to make the most extravagant look.

Yeah, I, I— it's probably situational.

Yeah, yeah.

Like, to put them in a situation that's right for them, they will accept excel, right? Yeah, absolutely. And in this musical, Kiana excelled.

Yes, yeah, very well, very well done. Um, and then we get into, uh, Yuhua's character. Who did Yuhua play? Do you remember? I'm like trying to like rack my head. Well, you know, she was safe, so maybe it wasn't— it didn't stick in my mind.

I didn't say she's forgettable.

I didn't think she's forgettable. I mean, she's like the narrator. I also forgot it, so I also forgot— I forgot what role she did, but I She was so— she's the narrator of the season in my mind. Like, her confessionals keep the pace going, and I feel like I'm talking to someone I know, or like a friend, when she's explaining.

That's her skill.

That's her skill. Absolutely. Um, okay, well, Yuhua performs. We go into Arizona. Arizona is so funny. Her lines are hilarious. It's just all different food names, just a lot of improvisation.

And, you know, we— they showed like how she rehearsed and pre-planned everything and directed her, her own segment.

Yes, exactly. It was really well done. Arizona did a really good job. So then Arizona, and then it was Siam's part. So Siam, like Jurvi and Khaled Karim said, she has a very infectious energy on stage and she's very captivating to look at, but sometimes it just needs that polish or that edge of refinement, and I think that was lacking in her performance. But if Siam is on screen, I'm happy.

Was that the only thing that Khaled Karim said?

Kind of, to her.

Because it cut right there and then nothing else.

Yeah, honestly, we'll get to the critiques, but I disagree.

They should have said something more.

Oh, you know, I agree. Siam's performance, I think, was, you know, good enough. It was good. It was not, you know, she has that charisma and she has that ability to really captivate. And I think that kind of carried her through her performance. Definitely.

Yeah. You know, but yes.

So after Siam, we go into Suki Doll, who plays the mother of the bride, and she comes out and she looks absolutely stunning in this beautiful green gown. And her character's name, I just looked it up, is Ms. Miss— Mrs. Shell Yo Mask. It's like Michelle Yeoh.

Michelle Yo Mask.

Michelle Yo Mask. I thought that was hilarious.

No, but that really— it's like, it's like a showstopper.

No, literally, that look, the outfit, everything was beautiful. And then Yuhua actually played the, the tummy tuck, because I think that was, that was a, um, a parody of the song from Amelia Perez about all the surgeries. So I thought it was funny how she played, because medical tourism is so real, especially in Southeast Asia, so I thought it was funny to have that reference there as well. But yeah, so then we haven't talked about Venus yet, right? Because then she was at the very end. What did you think of Venus?

Amazing. I can't, I can't—

you can't praise her? No, she was incredible. She kind of, she started it and she ended it. She had a very— she was like the, the narrator of the musical.

She did not waste any second of that performance. There was something happening every second, you know. Yes, from the hair changes and that onion that they showed. We sometimes make the words, English words, into a Filipino interpretation. So union onion.

Oh, union. Oh, I see, I see. There was actually another Filipino type of thing that they do, which I think is so funny. Like she would say, like Mama Pao, she would say a word and then she would repeat it. So it's like if she said something like a big word, she'd be like like, oh, this is so delicious. Delicious? Yeah. Is that, is that like a— what is that?

It's a very queer thing.

Oh, it's a queer thing? Because I think— what is the— I've seen that multiple times. What is that?

This is my own interpretation.

Okay, yes, please.

Um, we Filipinos, you know, we've, we've been enslaved, right? And I think there's a part of us that doesn't feel that we are, we are entitled for the things that we say or the things that we do, and we tend to make a joke about it. So Delicious delicious! So instead of saying it's delicious, you make fun of it so that you don't seem like you're too serious and entitled of saying delicious.

Oh wow, okay, I can see that. So it's like, it's almost like there's a barrier to just being eloquent. Like you have to poke fun at yourself so that you don't sound like you're above everything.

Exactly, yeah. That's so interesting. This part of that, and that what I said was also part of that. And also it has become like a joke that everybody uses, so it has been adopted by all of the communities.

You know, I feel like I relate to that sometimes because my friend and I joke to each other, like when we use like esoteric English words, I always like to joke that I say it wrong. So it's like, oh, I'm really feeling my photosynthesis today. Like it just doesn't mean anything, but like it just, I just like to, I think it's funny to read it.

There's a lot of that in queer lingo.

Beautiful. Okay. So I'm right there with y'all. I get it. I get it. You're learning something. Now see, oh my goodness. Better than Duolingo. Duolingo can't do this. But yeah, so the musical ends beautiful. Now let's get into the judges' runway looks before we get into the runway. Yes, so the judges come out.

Mababao!

Sunny, tell me about this reference.

Lavandera. Uh, it's, uh, labada is manual labor. Labada. And, and a lot of Filipinos still do manual labor. Okay, so it's a strong reference. And that headpiece that she's wearing is is like a huge container for the clothes where you put the clothes and put the water and the soap and you wash it manually.

Got it, so kind of like a laundry drum. Kind of like a metal laundry drum. Got it, okay.

Yeah, so that reference was brilliant.

And it looked wet. I liked how it was asymmetrical with one sleeve on one side. I loved the hair. The hair was so stunning, that deep dark color and the way it was like pushed up out of the way, kind of looked a little wet. Beautiful.

I have no complaints this time.

Okay, perfect. Mama Pal, you did it. Virginia's pleased. Virginia's pleased.

The other judges were also so so fucking good.

Oh my goodness, white, beautiful. They all looked like the bridal collection, like the last final couture piece of like any runway show. It was amazing. Yeah, honestly, with the beaded— yeah, fringe. Also had that big circular metal headpiece. Uh, Khaled Khaerin and her beautiful geometric, just opulent, elegant, amazing collection.

Who's the designer? Please call me.

We'll have to reach out. We'll have to— the rates just went up. The judges wore them, it's over. But yeah, now we get into the runway theme, which is Happy Face-tival, which is like a play on the word Happy Festival or Fiesta in the Philippines. Got it. So that's kind of like a party. It's just a joke.

I know it's also called Fiesta in the Latin American countries.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, there's— I mean, it's like that Latina belt all over the world. If you're in that section of the world, you have a lot of similar practices. But of course, colonization also probably affected it as well.

Yes, but they've given us some traditions that we enjoy.

It's ours to reclaim and make our own. That's exactly what's going on. So the look, the goal of this runway, the prompt is to have multiple faces in your look.

What did you think about that? Because I've seen that so many times in Drag Race franchises.

Yes, the ones that stand out to me are the winner of Drag Race Thailand Season 3, Frankie Wanga, for the Thai futuristic runway.

She posted that video again.

She was like, well, if the shoe fits. But you're right, it's not like— Pythia from Canada's Drag Race has done several looks with multiple faces. She did the one where she was the fortune teller. One face here, one face here, look, exact copies. For Drag Race Global All Stars, she did another version of that where she had a three-headed dog. And the face—

she's done it so many times. Exact same.

And then like there's other— like Kyren Thrax also did a look where she had multiple faces. So inspired by the Substance kind of as well. We'll get there. Yeah, but yeah, Frankie Wanga's look was incredible. So like I love how it's something that we've seen in the past, but now we can see it as a proper runway. Runway. Like, it's clear that all these girls inspired this runway, but if I had to pick one person that inspired it, it's Pippi.

Yeah, I mean, it's good that they now made it into a runway challenge, but I would say that no one will do that anymore, right?

I mean, I mean, well, for better or for worse, for better or for worse, because there were ones that were really good and there were ones that were— um, let's go alphabetical. So let's start with Arizona. So Arizona had— it was kind of a beautiful— it was kind of understated. Like, the dress was kind of just mesh and black with a little bit of color here and but it had 3 heads that looked just like her face. And they—

I thought it was just 2.

Oh, sorry, I'm including the one that she had. I'm including her own head. So she had 1, 2, 3.

I thought she needed more.

You really? Maybe one on the back or something?

Because her interpretation is anxiety.

Yeah, yeah, there's—

that's a lot of voices in my head.

Oh, so there's more. So for you, you have more than 2? You have more than 2 voices? See, like, I can't relate. I need more voices.

But in my head, I'm fighting with so many.

But yes, well, Arizona is only fighting with 2 voices, so we see both of them represented Anxiety. I was right, good statement. Talked about her experience, executed really well.

And that shout in the end was just proper.

That's art, that's performance art. Bernie, Bernie's next. Bernie is in this red look, red sequin, and there's two heads on either side, and she said it was kind of inspired by demons or devils.

I'm just gonna say the good part, the beading work was amazing.

The stoneworking.

But I didn't really understand it. Well, that's really a fashionable devil, I'll give that.

Yeah, yeah, you're right. Yeah, it was fine. I think if the faces didn't look human at all, that would be one thing. But if there were perfect matches to her, it would be good. Yeah, so it was right in the middle where it wasn't so abstract that it didn't look like a human face, but it was not real enough where it looked like her. So I think that's where the issue kind of—

yeah, it lacked a little bit of a strong concept.

Yes, it reminded me of Darth Maul from Star Wars, like the red and black as well. Maybe that's for the nerds out there. I see you. But okay, next we go to Brigiding who had— gag! That gags me.

Gag.

It reminded me a little bit of that coming up backwards and then turning around, remind me of like how Jimbo did that for All Stars, which she was Adam and Eve. But this time it was a perfect match, like the down to the hair, the mug, the face. She painted herself a perfect match to that gray skin color. Amazing. And she said it was inspired by the churches and the Catholic imagery in the Philippines.

Yeah, I thought she should have been top 2.

She was top 2, bro. Was it? Yes! Oh yeah! Girl!

I thought it was Venus!

No, it was— Venus was in the top 3, but Brigiding and Arizona were the 2— the top 2.

Oh my god, sorry.

Well, you know, she got the recognition. She got the recognition. And then Kitty Space. Kitty Space is next. She's kind of a little like foxy. She said it was inspired— she was— it was all white. Snow water blazer.

No, but her legs are showing!

I think Mama Pau really clocked it. She's had pretty much the similar kind of silhouette. Kind of like corset up, corset up. It's all kind of like down. You know, it's all kind of concentrated at the top and then straight leg down.

So I appreciated the mask.

Oh, it was beautifully done. I think it was really well done. I just think it just got a little repetitive because the fur, the stones, the silhouette was all kind of similar to what we've seen before. But I thought it was good, good story. She said it was like playing with her.

Sushijab went all out because she already knew she was in trouble in this episode.

But also, you don't know what order the runways are gonna be. So if you're like, well, I have 12 different looks and they're all different, but if you give like the 3 most similar ones back to back to back to back, what can Kiana came out with the first Substance look of the night. So hers was inspired a little bit by the Substance, but it was like, you know, body horror, like mismatch. She had like skin and extra hands and there were faces there. Kind of, actually, I will say, kind of reminded me of her first look where like there was the reveal to like the body parts and the brain. So she's kind of playing a little bit with body horror this season. And I think it's, I thought it was well done, but it did blow me out of the way.

Maybe I'm so such a nitpick. Or yeah, maybe if she used her own skin and just attached the face in there, it would, it would mean I wouldn't look so much more—

I see what you mean. Yeah, I see what you mean. But I think it was a pretty good match for something that was like clothes or like a bodysuit. You're right, I think we could have pushed the envelope a little bit more. Uh, let's talk about Siam's next. So Siam came out and she said that this was inspired— I think she said Brahma, but I think it was not translated correctly because I know that in Thai culture they pray to some Hindu deities as well. So like that, that cultural exchange was there. So she had the whole temple setup and had 4 heads and each of them represented a past life of hers.

And that platform broke, girl.

Girl, you're right. This is where the team would have helped. Like, we needed to engineer this in a way where it would have survived the flight to the Philippines to film it.

This just confirms all of the past comments that everyone has been saying, including Pangina saying—

Yeah, like, it's okay. It was a cool idea. We just got to focus on execution. Maybe there would have been a different way to kind of interpret it. Maybe she could have gone up to her sister Frankie.

Black cape. Oh my God, it's so ugly.

Well, they can't all be winners. They can't all be winners. Girl, get a team! I promise you. We have high expectations. You're our Gappa sister. You're our representative, girl! But yeah, so that was that look. Yuhua then comes out in another Substance-inspired look. It was— oop! Well, I will say one thing. If they're both inspired by Substance, this was a direct reference because she had the yellow coat and she had the black hair that she ripped out.

She didn't need the ruffles though. Yeah, I love that. What she wanted to look like, I mean, is a skirt.

Yes. Yeah, I think it's like go all out and be super ugly, or like— but also, if we're— if it is supposed to be ugly, then it can be ugly.

Well, not in that kind of way.

Me defending her, like, you know what, it's fine. Tsuki Doll had this red and white inspired look inspired by Japanese culture. Did you clock the shoes?

Oh my God. Oh my God.

Yeah, I can't even imagine walking.

What do you call that discipline again? For you to wear that shoe, or are you just going to be— what do you call that?

What do you mean? Like practicing to wear?

Yeah, there's— I think there's a theater practice that—

Oh, like a Japanese theater practice? Yeah, I think you might be right. I do not know, but it was so crazy. Like, how do you walk in that? I wish— my one critique is that I wish the shoes were more featured. It was not as Evident, because I wish the shoes were just a little bit more highlighted. If there was just a little bit of a cut up so we can just see the shoes. Vinas, what did you think of this look? I can see you're already— what did you think?

The concept was amazing, you know, the moment she, she turned around, that was breathtaking. But when she pulled it down and wore it, that's where she lost me. So I'm a little bit confused about the challenge that do you need to still look good while you're in this conceptualized—

you're like, give us faces, doesn't need to look— no, absolutely you need to look good. And you're Pangina gave her a critique of like, this is cool, but if we took that away, this outfit is really plain. Yeah, it's just like a white dress. Exactly. So you need to have a look that kind of stands by itself and it's good by itself. And I think maybe it fell just a little bit short of that. But the talent— she painted all of those faces to a tee. When she had it all, it looked so hyper-realistic. And so it was looking like either her face was a photo, all of those faces were real. Yeah, you know what I mean? Like, it was like incredible. We get it, we get it. And, um, we get it, you're talented.

They should have given her a pass just because of the concept, I would say.

So you think she should have been in the top 2 as well?

Yes.

Okay, okay. Maybe her runway like edged her out of that just a little bit. Yes. Top was, uh, Brigitting, Arizona, and Minyas were top.

Who's the standout here for you out of these 3?

I think Arizona did really bad. I think Arizona was absolutely the best.

And I think— no, you mean— I mean the Oh, in the runway?

Who's my favorite runway look? Ah, I'm gonna give it to Suki Doll because that shoe was really incredible. That shoe and then also the 4 faces, like the— I thought that was really cool.

Yeah, if anything, for me, the attachments of those faces are not very refined. Like, you could see the edges.

It was kind of like hanging off. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Who was your top? Brigetting. Okay, yeah, absolutely. She's like, I'll give you 2 faces, this one and that one, and they're gonna look the exact same. Yeah, and I appreciate it. It looked great, it looked great. Yeah, um, okay, do you think this was the right top 2? You would have put Vinyas in the top 2?

Yeah, it's tough. I would have put Vinyas in top 2. Okay, it's tough. I would say the judges were right.

Okay, so Arizona and, uh, Brigading are the top 2. Yeah, and then we go into deliberations. Siam is safe. She escaped, she escapes with the skin of her teeth. She makes it into the end. Pangina is merciful, merciful Pangina.

I can see that the platform was already broken right here.

She was like, girl, just take it off. And she's like, oh, I'm safe. We're good. So we go into the back, we go back there. Kitty's like, girl, it's over. She's so emotional. She's like, I love doing drag. I'm having so much fun here. I don't want to go. And Bernie's like, girl, we're besties, so you better keep me. I'm curious to see, who do you think Brigitting picked? Do you think Brigitting picked Bernie, or do you think she might have picked Bernie to go home? We'll find out next week. But what do you—

I feel like maybe there might have been a I don't think she would kick Dida out. Okay, for sure. Because not only, not only is Dida a sister, but also she would think that Dida would be— would offer more and would add more to the show.

And that's my opinion. I love Bernie. I love Bernie, but I just feel like she's flying too under the radar, going 4 episodes without a critique and finally getting a critique and being in the bottom. I feel like the writing is on the wall. I, I think I just— I think I'm just on the side— it's very interesting, you're on the side of the Filipino queens, I'm on the side of the international. But I also love— I love all they're all fierce, but I would have been like, you know what, if we're looking at track record, I would want someone tomorrow to judge me for track record. So for that reason, I would send Bernie home.

I, you know what, I'm not necessarily on the Philippines side. I think what I'm gonna say is that this is very predictable. This is, this show is very designed.

Yeah.

And you, it's already obvious who's gonna be out.

I agree. So I'm like, put Bernie out of her business. No shade. I don't— I'm gonna be honest, I don't see Bernie in the top 4.

Exactly.

I just don't. I mean, if you haven't made— like, I see Venus in the top 4, I see Brigette in the top 4, I see Arizona in the top 4, and Kiana's doing so well, so I'm like, there's your top 4. Yeah. So I, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, D-Day. Did I— did I—

that means girl, right?

What does it mean?

Like, uh, like girl? Yeah, a girly, uh, how do I, how do I say this? D-Day is like ate.

Oh, so it's like, I guess like a girl. Okay, it's a girl. Okay. I'm so sorry, but I'm like, let's just— Bernie, come on, you got to give us something more. If she wins next week, I will be proved wrong. But I'm like, if she doesn't win a challenge next week, it's like, what are we doing here?

So I would say, you know, if you've seen Bernie perform in O Bar, oh my God, oh, just the aura and the presence and just the attitude. Oh my God, you'd be so like scared. Yeah, I'm scared because she gives so much attitude in those performances. But this is where, um, you know, the all the girls that do other acts and other tricks and other, you know, in, in their bag differentiates them from just girls who perform, right? Showgirls.

Yeah, right, right.

Yeah. And Ari and Brigading and, um, uh, Vinyas, they all have that.

Yeah.

And even Kiana.

Yeah, yeah. Not even kill. Yes, but yes.

And also, Kiana.

Yes. Um, I think, you know, that's where my head would have been personally. Um, but you know, Arizona's— I mean, obviously Kitty was like, I know you're gonna pick my lipstick because I picked yours. And Arizona was like— she didn't say yes or no, but she I was like, that was so funny. Um, the lip sync comes— song comes on, I was gagged. I was like, this is a song from Aqua? Like, I was like, girl, what is this? But it was funny.

I really love Ari, what Ari was wearing.

Hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. Did you notice, I think Brigadine was wearing Kiana's wig. Really? The silver hair, it looked like— oh yeah, you know what I mean? Like the, like the side swoop and the— I mean, I mean, if the song is about superheroes, you need to look like a superhero, and Kiana for me is the superhero of the—

they do let each other borrow things.

Of course! And like, why not? That gives superhero. My favorite part of the lip sync was when Arizona went to the back of the stage and like leaned forward to pretend like she was flying. That is just a comedic mastermind at work. Beautiful.

And this is where the thing that I said about Brigadine in the Rusical is also very obvious in here. She tried every contortion in her body and contorted her face as well, but I don't really— it's not really any communication to the audience at all. She's not connecting, you know, and that's the difference between her and Ari, because Ari is a master storyteller and really connects with the audience, and it's really on point about it.

I think the best thing about— the best thing you can do when you're a drag artist performing is to be at ease, because if you're at ease, the audience is at ease. That's why I tell anybody who wants to do drag— I'm giving advice even to people who are doing Gappa this Practicing your costume, practicing your jewelry, practicing your hair, because all of these things debilitate you in a way. Like, you are— all of these things are blocked. You have to transform through all of that to be comfortable on stage, and then after that you can think about how you can make it even better.

Yeah.

And I think when we're comparing both of these performances, there was an ease to whatever Arizona was doing. Even if she was like, you know, hastily changing mustaches or anything, there was still an ease. And I think that ease is what that sent her above Brigitting in the performance.

I would be so scared to lip sync against Arizona.

Oh no, absolutely. I'd be like, you know what, I'm just gonna sit down and watch. That's when I just start pulling out money and just handing it to her.

Like, that girl is so talented, I must say.

Oh my God, I need to see her live. Either I'm gonna— she better come here, or else I'm gonna go to the Philippines to watch her live.

She can't decide, but that's okay.

Yeah. Um, but you know, the lip sync, uh, Arizona has declared the winner. This is her first official win. She gets a Ru Badge. Judge.

And she deserved it.

She deserved it, absolutely.

Yeah.

And she, uh, ultimately decides to send Kitty Space home.

Yeah.

So we send Kitty Space packing. Very emotional.

They felt guilty. Arizona felt guilty about it.

But I mean, it was— she did what— to be fair, she did what Kitty would do.

Yeah. And it's a competition after all.

Yes.

Yeah. But someone has to go home.

But I'm just so ready for next week because now all these queens are gonna be like, okay, well, now there are officially more Filipino queens than there international girls.

Yeah.

So what are Yuhua, Siam, Suki, and, um, what are they gonna do? Yeah, yeah, Suki. Yeah, I think that's it.

Yeah, especially if they've already seen what these, uh, Filipina queens are capable of.

Yeah. Oh my God. Well, I'm sorry, I mean, but we'll see. I think now, I think the net— my prediction, it might be next week might be a Filipina queen time to go, maybe, depending on what the challenge is. I forgot what the challenge is next week, but I don't know. I think that would be the thing that we need to shake Or it would be hilarious if it is all 7 international girls go home and then the top 5 is all Filipino girls. That would be hilarious. I hope that doesn't happen, but you know what, we shall see, we shall see.

Yes, we shall see. And this has been really, really fun.

Yes, finally we were both on our active— we were both like very active and locked in even though we were forgetting things, but we made it work.

Did not drink very— not topics this time.

And she didn't say yeah, yeah, yeah once. She didn't say it once. Roll back the footage. She didn't We can say it once. So you call it—

Thank you, hi guys!

No, just kidding. And we're sitting! We love you, we love you. And we're sitting!

Yeah, we're listening to your comments and suggestions. We're sitting this time.

Yes, yes.

As Taki rich slaytion.

I feel rich. I feel crazy. I feel rich. And we're both slaytion.

Yeah.

So, well, thank you so much. Thank you so much. This has been another episode of Slaytion Persuasion. See you next week.

Bye.

Bye.