Monday, March 2, 2009

Interview with Ongina from Logo’s RuPaul Drag Race

I got the chance to interview Ongina from RuPaul's drag race. If you are a big fan of Logo’s ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race, than you know that Drag Queen Ongina was the winner in an emotional segment and was crowned M·A·C VIVA GLAM SPOKESPERSON for a day. You also know that M·A·C cosmetics are a sponsor of RuPaul's Drag race. So on Wednesday, February 25, The M·A·C Cosmetics and Ongina presented a $25,000 check on behalf of the M·A·C AIDS FUND to the Hetrick-Martin Institute at the Harvey Milk High School.


Ongina was at the M·A·C Flatiron store to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. 100 percent of the selling price of M·A·C VIVA GLAM products goes towards the M·A·C AIDS Fund, which has raised over $140 Million for HIV/AIDS globally. For more information on M·A·C VIVA GLAM click here!

I asked Ongina a few questions regarding the show, her life, being M·A·C VIVA GLAM SPOKESPERSON for a day, and her plans for the future!



M: I am a huge fan of Logo’s RuPaul Drag Race, what made you try out?

Ongina: I originally denied the offer from a casting director I met at a photo exhibit I was featured in but after talking to some friends about it and her determination to get me to submit a reel, I thought that this might actually be kind of amazing, so I sent a reel over and two months later I got castes.


M: On the show, did you get along with everyone on the show?

Ongina: I did get along with everyone on the show but there are only a few I can really call my sisters. And no I will not disclose names! We don't want peoples feelings to get hurt now do we? LOL!


M: Favorite Judge on the show.

Ongina: I liked Debra Wilson. You didn't see much of what she said to the queens but she focused on the positive and gave amazing constructive criticism.


M: Least Favorite judge on the show?

Ongina: I'm not sure I had a least favorite. I enjoyed working it out for all of them and their feedback will only get me stronger and a better performer, but still staying true to Ongina!


M: Besides you, who do you think will win RuPaul’s Drag Race?

Ongina: I think that Nina Flowers has a great chance of winning. Her look is amazing and different but of course I'm rooting for myself...


M: I know that the M·A·C AIDS FUND hits close to home. What made you announce that you are H.I.V positive on national T.V.? I know it took a lot of strength to do so.

Ongina: I wanted to show the sincerity of my emotions and really explain to my audience what a huge deal this is for me! I love what the MAC Aids Fund does and stand behind, I'm happy to represent such an amazing cause! I'm truly blessed with such an opportunity being a living example that life with HIV is just as glamorous as life without.


M: How does your family and friends feel about your announcement?

Ongina: They are really proud of me. I've received nothing but positive feedback and support from all of them. I wouldn't be this strong without my family and friends. And I'm really glad I told my family, they are my no.1 fans and I'm happy to know that they support me no matter what!


M: As the new M·A·C VIVA GLAM SPOKESPERSON, How will you your position to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS?

Ongina: I want to follow in the footsteps of RuPaul and the other amazing spokes model and be the voice for our community! I want to expose myself as an example that there is hope and that life should be celebrated!


M: Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents that we do not know about?

Ongina: I have many different hobbies and one of them is making headpieces. You see some of my creations on the show. My favorite to date is my Barbie headpiece. I also love to cook. In the summer I would have dinner parties once a week with friends and I truly enjoy it! As far as hidden talents, I was surprised to know that I see really well. Creating outfits for Ongina is really fun. I love being creative. I'm also a pretty good dancer but that's not a really a hidden talent! Just wants to say so! He he.


M: Past or Present – Whom would you love to work with? Why?

Ongina: I would love to be in one of Beyonce’s music videos! And if it's not too much to hope maybe a movie with Steven Spielberg, I met him once and thanked him for being an innovator! He's great!


M: Who inspires you? Why?

Ongina: My mother truly inspires me. She's sacrificed so much to get us all here from the Philippines and I wouldn't be where I am without her. I also look up to Ru; he's amazing and set the stage for the drag community. And since I'm such a pop diva, I'm currently obsessed with Beyonce! Her voice is powerful, she takes risks and she has a drag persona on stage, that's genius!


M:I love your look. You makeup is flawless, what makeup tips can you give to achieve that great look?

Ongina: I always said less is more. I'm actually still learning how to do make up and I've learned so much from the queens on the show. Another tip I could give is to play up your eyes and use colors that compliment them.


M: What is your favorite product from M·A·C cosmetics?

Ongina: I am currently obsessed with my new Viva Glam VI SE lip glass and I use the emphasizing shaping powder for highlights!


For more information for Viva Glam VI SE lip glass click here

M: Can you tell us about what to expect on the next episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race?

Ongina: There’s going to be a lot of drama even following my coming out. You'll have to stay tuned Mondays at 10 on LOGO!


M: What are your plans after RuPaul’s Drag Race? Will you start a fashion line or design company? What will you do Ongina?

Ongina: I want to elevate my drag persona and inspire people to continue doing what they aspire to do. I want to continue entertaining audiences around the globe and while at it, help change some issues we are facing today! Ongina has just begun!!!


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As we all know Ongina lost the Drag School of Charm challenge and was vote off the show. Though I personally felt that Ongina would win it all, she did not. It is ok, because she has a bright future ahead. I can see that Ongina having a great career. Ongina, I hope that you start a line of custom hats! They are fabulous! Ongina may not the winner of Drag Race; she is a great inspiration to all! An inspiration to Celebrate Life!

Special Thanks to Ongina and M·A·C cosmetics for the interview.

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