Image: Instagram/@puralukavega
Pura Luka Vega declared that while they lament the several cases filed against them, they remain hopeful this holiday season that they will overcome these challenges.
Pura Luka, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente and who goes by the pronouns they/them, attended a court hearing for one of the criminal charges against them, as seen on their Instagram page on Monday, Dec. 4.
The drag artist was wearing a gothic dress, white block-heel boots and a bright orange wig while posing for a photo beside a giant Christmas tree outside a city court.
“Magpapasko na pero may mga kaso pa na kelangang harapin. Ganumpaman, nananatili ang pag-asa na malalampasan natin ang anumang pagsubok,” they captioned their post.
(Christmas is just around the corner but there are still cases that need to be faced. Even so, [I am] still hopeful that we will overcome any challenge.)
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I am reminded of the depth of His unconditional love for everyone. Mahilig tayo magbigay ng mga regalo, pero sana, (We’re fond of giving gifts but I hope) we remind ourselves that the best gift we can give one another is LOVE,” Pura Luka added.
Pura Luka faces several lawsuits over their “Ama Namin” drag performance that drew the ire of various religious and civil sectors.
The drag artist was arrested by Manila police last Oct. 4, following charges of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.” Pura Luka was eventually released after paying a bail bond amounting to P72,000.
Aside from facing criminal charges, Pura Luka was also declared persona non grata in various localities.