Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Manza soars to the “PGT” Season 7 grand finals with ‘buwis-buhay’ aerial routine

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750296808259Manza-soars-to-the-“PGT”-Season-7-grand-finals-with-‘buwis-buhay’-aerial-routine.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>With heels on and confidence high, aerial drag performer Manza strutted onto the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pilipinas-got-talent-7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>Pilipinas Got Talent</em></u></strong></a>” stage and climbed her way up (literally!) until she earned a well-deserved spot in the upcoming Grand Finals. Now everyone&#x27;s waiting to see her next pasabog and buwis-buhay spectacle. But before that, let’s look back at the journey that brought this kween to the finale. </p><p>During the Judges’ Audition round, Manza mesmerized everyone in the studio as she ascended onto the aerial strap in her leopard-print suit and sky-high heels. She spun gracefully above the stage, and at one point, dropped straight into a full split on the floor, drawing gasps from the crowd. She sprung back up just as quickly and flipped the strap behind her shoulders to launch into her next set of stunts.</p><p>There was also a moment of tension when her shoe came loose just as she was about to hook her leg onto the aerial strap. It looked like she had missed the grip, but then, without warning, she let go entirely, hanging upside down, and plunged into a smooth free fall that had both Judge Kathryn Bernardo and Judge Eugene Domingo screaming in shock. </p><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vFm_hsoGLJQ" title="Manza earns the Judges&#x27; admiration with her Death-Defying Drag Acrobatic Aerial Act | PGT 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The entire routine was laced with death-defying intensity, earning her a well-deserved standing ovation from Judges Eugene, Kathryn, Freddie “FMG” Garcia, and Donny Pangilinan, all of whom gave her a “yes” vote. She was later chosen as one of the standout acts during the Judges’ Cull, leading her to the live semifinals.</p><p>Manza stepped into the semifinals on Sunday, June 15, with a fiercer energy, with her act complemented by the empowering echoes of Tommee Profitt’s “I Am Legend.&quot; The number opened with a group of men carrying her like a queen, a dramatic silhouette of her form seen against a full moon backdrop, and her red costume hugging her body like fire. </p><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nC6hKGOlHGE" title="Final Vote Percentages of Batch 4 Semi-Finalists | Pilipinas Got Talent 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>From that regal entrance, she quickly made her way to the danger zone as she climbed up the hanging pole and began her aerial routine. The excitement heightened even more by the upgraded production design with the stage breathing blasts of fire at just the right moments.</p><p>Manza brought out something even more daring, swapping out the usual aerial straps for thick, heavy chains. She pulled off a clean split midair while hanging from the chains, and at one point, spun upside down with only her leg hooked through the metal. </p><p>And for the climax, she and her blindfolded partner did a full aerial sequence. He spun her in wide arcs midair, and caught her with precision even while completely blindfolded. At one point, she dangled upside down with only her legs wrapped around his body, and they spiraled together in midair. And then she finished the final sequence solo.</p><p>After that heart-stopping routine, all four judges agreed that Manza deserves a spot in the Grand Finals. And the public thought so too. She earned the second highest number of votes, 25.88%, among the fourth and last batch of semifinalists.</p><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ua9glOIfFE" title="Manza advances to the Grand Finals of Season 7 | Pilipinas Got Talent 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>But under this season’s format, the second and third placers in the public voting still had to face a judges&#x27; vote, meaning the panel had to decide between Manza and Fire Motion Lightrix, who garnered 23.44%. </p><p>With the judges&#x27; split decision, (FMG and Eugene chose Fire Motion Lightrix while Donny and Kathryn went for Manza), the show had to fall back on the original public voting, which officially sealed Manza’s place in the finale. </p><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TpK2ClwWiqs" title="Manza’s Journey to Semi-Finals | PIlipinas Got Talent 2025" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Manza expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her, especially her family in Davao de Oro, who remain her biggest source of strength and inspiration. She also gave a special shoutout to her drag sisters, who have stood by her throughout her journey. </p><p>Manza is now officially one of the eight grand finalists who will take the stage on June 21 and 22, 2025 at The Theatre at Solaire Resort, where the next champion will take home the 2-million-peso grand prize.</p>

<p>Manza secures her spot in the “PGT” Season 7 Grand Finals.</p>

Manza secures her spot in the “PGT” Season 7 Grand Finals.