Who is Pura Luka Vega?
PURA LUKA VEGA – Here are some details about the controversial drag artist whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente.
The drag performer made headlines due to a video of him performing a remix version of the Filipino Lord’s Prayer, “Ama Namin,” while dressed as Jesus Christ. As a result, he was heavily criticized by the public including politicians and renowned personalities and was even declared “Persona Non Grata” in several LGUs.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Pura Luka Vega, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, hails from Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte. He was born on February 27, 1990. Presently, he’s 33 years old.
ORIGIN
“Pura” is a drag name that originated from a teasing reference to femininity, but he embraced it due to its connection with beauty queen Pura Villanueva Kalaw. “Luka”, on the other hand, has a playful meaning of “crazy” when repeated. While “Vega” pays homage to Suzanne Vega, who sang a song titled “Luka.”
His drag journey began after being inspired by a female Joker cosplayer. His first drag competition was at Nectar Nightclub Drag Cartel in October 2017. Notably, Luka challenged conventional drag norms by eventually adopting a beard.
ISSUE
To recall, the drag queen gained widespread attention when a video of him performing a remix version of the Filipino Lord’s Prayer, “Ama Namin,” while dressed as Jesus Christ went viral. This performance drew criticism from the public, including senators who found it offensive, disrespectful, and blasphemous.
According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), his actions can be considered “mockery” and “blasphemous.” His performance was also criticized by Geraldine Roman, the representative of the 1st District of Bataan and an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
As a result, several local government units (LGUs) including the towns of Toboso in Negros Occidental and Floridablanca in Pampanga, General Santos City, province of Bukidnon, and Manila City have declared him “Persona Non Grata”.
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