Drag Star Marina Summers To Make History As First Trans Host Of Miss Universe Philippines
Marina Summers, the first drag queen to perform at a Miss Universe Philippines pageant, is slated to host the Coronation Ceremony on May 2 in Manila.
Featured Image: via Marina Summers Instagram
Marina Summers made history in 2024 as the first drag artist to perform at the Miss Universe Philippines beauty pageant. Two years after setting the stage aflame with her single “AMAFILIPINA,” the self-described “tropical Filipina bombshell queen” will host the Coronation Ceremony of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 on May 2. She will be joined by Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo, who will crown this year’s pageant winner. P-pop group BGYO will also take the stage.
“So honored to be [making] herstory again,” Summers announced the news on her IG story. “From being the first drag queen to perform on the Miss Universe stage, to becoming the first trans woman to host the pageant.”
Marina Summers broke onto the radar when she placed runner-up on Drag Race Philippines Season 1 in 2021. From there, she took 4th place at Drag Race: UK vs. The World in Vegas, earning a spot on the traveling WERQ THE WORLD 2025 tour. Before earning drag royalty accolades, Summers made her pop music debut with the single, “I Have Arrived,” in 2020.
Beyond the stage, Summers was featured on a Times Square billboard in 2023 for a Spotify ad introducing GLOW, a global music initiative that celebrates LGBTQIA+ artists and creators. She served as ambassador for makeup brand Strokes Beauty Lab in 2023. The year prior, she slayed the runway for Kay Morales at BYS Fashion Week in Makati, alongside Eva Le Queen.
Did we mention that Summers attended Polytechnic University of the Philippines? Gotta love a queen in STEM.
The 75th edition of Miss Universe Philippines will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 2 in Manila. Thousands are expected to sell out the venue. Audiences may participate in voting via the Maya app. How to watch: preliminary competitions (swimsuit and evening gown) will stream on the official YouTube channel of Empire Philippines. Coronation Night (May 2, 2026) will be televised on One PH. Additional digital streaming options TBA by the organization.
