Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students welcomed the new semester, including student councils, organizations, and drag queens raising their advocacies through Tanglaw Fest 2024 at the University Oval on April 4 and 5.
(Photos from Marvin Cabalhin & Kenneth Teston/The Communicator)
The two-day campaign-driven event mainly accentuates the students’ outcry against the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), Charter Change (Cha-Cha), National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill, and other university-wide and societal issues.
Spearheaded by PUP Sentral Konseho ng mga Mag-aaral (PUP SKM), among the programs on the event’s second day was their “Let’s Get Drag: Serving the Community with Heels,” a drag competition that showcased the drag queens’ advocacies, talents in lip-sync battle, and costume designs.
In preparation for the main event, eight drag queens were introduced on the first day as they made a special lip-sync performance from songs from different music artists.
John Venzuela, better known as “Eliza,” a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Philippines Studies, was crowned the first Drag De-serving Superstar, dominating the competition.
Upholding her fight against mental health stigma, Eliza’s advocacy is based on her journey, as she believes that every voice matters and mental health issues must be given attention.
When asked how significant winning this drag competition is to her advocacies, “I think I will serve as an advocate, and at the same time ‘yung spark sa mga bading dito sa PUP na mag-drag... na mag-dive sa kung ano man ang art form nila,” Eliza asserted in an exclusive interview after being crowned.
Eliza believes that drag is a form of art, and this Drag De-serving Superstar competition is a start-up for other gays to have the courage to be confident drag queens.
Before the event ended, PUP College of Communication Student Council President Aem Kimberly Ignacio led the solidarity message and “balatengga-hanging” at the university grandstand with a message of objection against Marcos’ Cha-Cha, encouragement for better education, upholding rights, and independence.
“Malinaw po sa atin na ang Tanglaw Fest ay hindi lamang basta selebrasyon bagkus isang protesta. Protesta kung saan tayo ay nagsasama-sama, nagtitipon-tipon upang bitbitin, ipatampok, at itaas ang panawagan ng malawak na hanay ng mamamayang Pilipino,” Ignacio said on her solidarity speech.
The campaign event was also joined by various student organizations with booths installed on both days to entertain students with fun activities.
Article: Alexandra Mae Uy
Graphics: Lourence Angelo Marcellana
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