Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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We’re turning up the volume on #GianBernardino, #MarinaSummers, and #SassaGurl — three Filipino icons whose artistry not only showcases the best of their ability, but also proves that art and music can be acts of resistance.

On this episode, we’re featuring none other than Gian Bernardino, the singer-songwriter and vocalist of one of the country’s biggest bands — and the first OPM artists to land on the Billboard Global 200 chart with “Multo” — #CupofJoe; Marina Summers, the global drag icon and Filipino musician whose ventures into music has earned her millions on streams and recognition as an all-around performer; and Sassa Gurl, the Filipino rapper, actress, and producer whose track “Maria Hiwaga” has amassed over 62 million streams across all platforms.

They open up about the realities of being LGBTQIA+ artists in the Philippines, the importance of being intentional and fearless in their self-expression, and what Pride and allyship truly mean in the world today.

Hear Gian, Marina, and Sassa’s stories, amplified only here on Billboard Philippines. Subscribe for more.


00:00 Intro
2:06 What it means to be an LGBTQIA+ artist today
9:30 Which LGBTQIA+ artists Gian Bernardino, Marina Summers, and Sassa Gurl look up to
15:11 Gian on balancing authenticity with the expectations of being in Cup of Joe
20:02 Marina Summers on becoming a drag superstar
22:49 What Sassa Gurl had to learn as she ventured into music
27:50 How they present and express themselves as artists and public figures
39:59 How Sassa Gurl managed to break out of the “influencer” mold
35:58 How announcing her transition made Marina Summers feel free
40:12 How Cup of Joe’s success validated Gian Bernardino
46:50 What parts of LGBTQIA+ representation still feel performative
53:39 What they hope the future looks like for Filipino queer artists

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