Cubao Drag Queen and Rapture Royalty Riri Valencia shares her thoughts on her future aspirations, drag inspos, and many more
Rapture Cafe Bar has gained well-deserved admiration and respect as more and more eyes are locked on the drag haven in Cubao. Rapture Royalty Arizona Brandy, who finished second place in Drag Race Philippines Season 2, quoted Angela Ponce, the first openly transgender woman to compete for the Miss Universe crown, “I don’t need to win. I only need to be here.” The finalist had dreams of gaining recognition not for herself, but for her Rapture Royalty family, which are now bearing fruit.
RELATED: A backstage chat with Amazing Chalita
A warmhearted hello to one of her sisters, Riri Valencia!
What inspired you to pursue drag?
“To help my dearest family, especially my mother.”
Who or what are your inspirations that help you shape your drag persona and performances?
“Gorgeous Dawn and Divalicious Mariah. They were both my drag moms, ‘yung tipong kahit sa makeup, pananamit, at sa stage presence, tinulungan nila ako.”
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your drag journey?
“Being rejected because of my past.”
How do you handle and overcome criticisms or biases within the drag community?
“Take a deep breath, then harapin agad para matapos na.”
What’s the best thing about drag?
“It’s an escape sa magulo na mundo natin.”
Fashion and Beauty
Best makeup tip or hack?
“Pinaka-best na gawin is [to] take care of your skin [and] get some proper rest.”
Best fashion or styling tip or hack?
“Get to know your aesthetics when [it] comes to drag. Mahirap mag-mix and match. Make sure rin na comfortable ka sa look mo.”
Top 3 drag essentials?
“Face paint, glue stick, [and an] eyeshadow palette.”
Cubao Drag
What is Cubao drag? What makes it different and unique from the others?
“Cubao drag is full of talented and undiscovered queens. When it comes to performance, expect the unexpected!”
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your sisters?
“Mahalin mo ‘yung ginagawa mo. As long na happy ka, andiyan sila for you.”
On Performing Live
What was your first drag performance like?
“It was a mess, but at the same time, it was [fun].”
Top 3 go-to songs when you perform?
“A Million Dreams,” “Diamonds,” [and] “Isa Pang Araw.”
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
“Proudest moment of my career is ‘yung nakakatulong na ‘ko sa family ko at napapasaya ko sarili ko.”
Where do you want to see your drag in the future?
“I wanna see myself na may sariling bahay, business, at bar para makatulong rin ako sa mga nangangarap mag-drag.”
Photography KIM SANTOS
The post Off-Stage Conversations With Rapture Royalty Riri Valencia appeared first on MEGA.
Off-Stage Conversations With Rapture Royalty Riri Valencia
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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