Photo courtesy of Marina Summers and Johnnie Walker.
The drag artist is at the French film festival representing Philippine drag artistry. As a global star and a proud Filipino, there is no doubt that she is one of Johnnie Walker’s “Greatest of All Time”.
At every high-heeled step of her career, Marina Summers has raised the Filipino Flag proudly, boldly embracing her roots while fearlessly pushing boundaries with her performances. The drag queen admits to Vogue Philippines that the moment of crossing over to the international stage for the second season of Drag Race UK: UK versus The World is still easily one of the most pivotal moments of her career. “Presenting an unapologetically Filipino drag was a risk because I could have easily alienated a bigger audience,” she shares. “Fortunately, it paid off and pushed people to discover the Philippines’ very rich drag scene.”
Because of this, and her bold looks carrying reverent homages to Filipino heritage, Johnnie Walker has undoubtedly dubbed her as one of their “Greatest of All Time,” the scotch whisky brand’s latest campaign. Fitting, as the Johnnie Walker Black Label has become a staple in celebrations and milestones, resonating with Filipinos who take pride in progress, achievement, and self-expression.
In the recent Festival de Cannes, Marina made a splash globally once again by being invited to walk the red carpet of the 87-year-old film festival along the French Riviera. This is both a personal milestone and a cultural statement for her; it proves that Filipino Drag artistry is unapologetically authentic, belongs on the world’s stage, and is ready to claim its spot under the spotlight.
“Growing up in the province, I was surrounded by a lot of the country’s nature and culture. It allowed me to embrace my Filipino identity at a very young age: the food I eat, the places I went to, and even the music I grew up with,” she says. “Drag has become the creative avenue for that Filipino identity.” Marina embodies these uniquely Filipino experiences, and it is no wonder that she was invited to walk the Cannes red carpet.
On day one, she donned a Mark Bumgarner gown that wraps her in glittering black sequins. For the second day of the festival, she shared a story on social media about a mishap that luckily turned her into a golden girl on the red carpet: “Quick story time: Was actually supposed to wear a different dress for this day and it didn’t arrive, thankfully Sir Rajo Laurel’s archival piece was with me for the ultimate rescue!”
Whatever challenges come her way, she “keeps walking” in true Johnnie Walker fashion. As the epitome of what it means to be a progressive icon in an emerging global stage, she has collected wisdom through years of her experiences as an artist.
Being candid for a moment, she admits that the path has not always been easy for her to tread. “All the achievements and breaking of glass ceilings came with its fair share of rejection and redirection,” she says. “[But] as long as you stick to your vision and continue to enjoy the process of creating something, you should be on the right path. I also remind myself that while the world will never be 100 percent ready, it is my responsibility to prepare them and say ‘get ready for what Marina has to offer’.”
To see the rest of our Johnnie Walker’s GOAT campaign, follow Johnnie Walker Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, and visit the Johnnie Walker Shopee page
Do not forward to those below legal drinking age. Drink responsibly.
Written by Pat Villoria.
