Full Breakdown
Marina Summers to Host Miss Universe Philippines as First Trans Host
4/28/2026, 11:29:13 PM
Historic Hosting Announcement
Drag Race alum Marina Summers will host the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines competition, becoming the first trans person to hold the role. She will appear alongside Miss Universe Philippines 2025 titleholder Ahtisa Manalo, who will crown the winner, and P-pop group BGYO, which will open the ceremony.
Background and Recent Milestones
Summers rose to prominence as the runner-up on Drag Race Philippines season 1 in 2021 and later reached the finals of Drag Race: UK vs. the World season 2. In 2024 she broke new ground by performing her single “AMAFILIPINA,” the first drag queen ever on a Miss Universe Philippines stage. She has also performed in the Las Vegas production RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! In February 2025 she announced on Instagram that she is transgender, disclosed that she began socially transitioning in 2025, and said she will use “Marina” as her full-time name.
Key Figures
The event will feature Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2025, and the Filipino pop group BGYO. Fellow Drag Race alumni—including Morphine Love Dion, Hannah Conda, and Project Runway winner Veejay Floresca—have publicly praised Summers’ achievements on social media.
Official Statements & Responses
Summers wrote on Instagram that she feels proud to be making history again and wants to be more honest with herself and her audience as she navigates her transition. She confirmed she will adopt her drag name, Marina, as her legal name. The Miss Universe Philippines organization highlighted the inclusion of BGYO and Manalo, emphasizing a commitment to diverse representation.
Why It Matters
Summers’ hosting role marks the first time a trans individual will lead a national pageant in the Philippines, extending the visibility she first achieved as the inaugural drag queen performer on the Miss Universe stage. The milestone signals growing acceptance of trans identities in mainstream entertainment and may encourage broader inclusion across media and cultural events. The event may set a precedent for other national pageants in the region to consider trans hosts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “So honored to be [making] herstory again,” — Marina Summers, Instagram post
- “to all the people i love, i’d like to welcome you in – in this journey,” — Marina Summers, Instagram post
- “Sister crown me pls,” — Morphine Love Dion, Drag Race contestant (comment)
- “This is amazing,” — Veejay Floresca, Project Runway season 21 winner (comment)
What’s Next
The Miss Universe Philippines competition, with Summers as host, will be broadcast later this year. Observers anticipate further discussion of trans representation in Philippine media and potential collaborations between the pageant and LGBTQ+ advocates. The broadcast is expected to draw a large domestic audience and will be streamed internationally.
