Pura Luka Vega performs ‘The Prayer’ with mother after release on bail
(From left) Pura Luka Vega, their mother Esther. Images: X/@MxNoelle, Instagram/@puralukavega
Days after being released from custody on bail, Pura Luka Vega delivered a lip-sync performance of the song “The Prayer” with their mother at a fundraising event.
The “Drag Den Philippines” alum, donning a white gown and golden headdress, Pura Luka held hands with their mother Esther while doing a lip-sync performance of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer” at an events place, as seen on @MxNoelle’s X (formerly Twitter) page last Sunday, Oct. 8.
Pura Luka, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, goes by the pronouns they/them. Their appearance took place a few days after their arrest in Manila, after which he was released on bail last Oct. 7, three days later, although their motion for bail was granted the day prior.
“Pura Luka Vega with their mom performing ‘The Prayer’ #DragIsArt #DragIsNotACrime #AcquitPuraLukaVega,” the post read.
PURA LUKA VEGA WITH THEIR MOM PERFORMING THE PRAYER. #DragIsArt #DragIsNotACrime #AcquitPuraLukaVega pic.twitter.com/UIhFkr0FYF
— Noelle Capili-Ruiz (@MxNoelle) October 8, 2023
Another video from @FEUAdvocate on X showed Esther wiping her tears during the performance while cheers can be heard from the audience.
Article continues after this advertisementWATCH: Pura Luka Vega and their mother become emotional amid a performance of “The Prayer” during Vega’s fundraising activity at Brooklyn Warehouse in Sampaloc, Manila late night of October 8. pic.twitter.com/xl0VlWFvDg
— FEU Advocate (@FEUAdvocate) October 8, 2023
Political scientist Cleve Arguelles also uploaded a photo of Pura Luka and their mother onstage.
The gays are crying tonight: Pura Luka Vega is back on stage and no one is prepared for this mother & daughter ‘The Prayer’ drag performance comeback. 😭 #NKKLK #AcquitPuraLukaVega pic.twitter.com/kNPCQyKwQ8
— Cleve V. Arguelles (@CleveArguelles) October 8, 2023
The fundraiser event, dubbed as “NKKLK,” was organized by “Drag Den Philippines” season one winner Naia Black, which included various performances from drag queens.
Among the familiar names included were “Drag Race Philippines” season one winner Precious Paula Nicole, Turing, Veruschka Levels, Lady Morgana, Corazon Filipinas, and Aries Night, to name a few. EDV
