Cover The queens of the much-awaited 'Drag Race PH' (Photo: Drag Race Philippines/Twitter)
The queens of the much-awaited 'Drag Race PH' (Photo: Drag Race Philippines/Twitter)
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The Philippine adaptation of Drag Race will be graced by twelve queens brimming with charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Here's what we know about them:
The queens of Drag Race Philippines radiate colours that would shame the rainbow. With charm, grace, and poise, they are more than ready to entertain with their vibrant ensembles, height-defying wigs, and unparalleled burlesque talent.
The show, which will premiere on August 17 on WOW Present Plus, features 12 seasoned and new drag performers. Tatler lists them below.
In case you missed it: Meet Drag Race Philippines' Host: Paolo Ballesteros
1. Brigiding
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Brigiding
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Thirty-year-old queen Brigiding "Gigi" Aricheta prides herself on being one of the most sought-after performers in the local drag scene. She has performed on the international stage, specifically in Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, London, Chicago, and New York.
Her avid supporters love the energy and extravagant looks she possesses. In an interview with WOW Presents, she disclosed her goal to apply and share the lessons she learned overseas with the Filipino drag community.
"The experiences I had internationally, I can apply here in the Philippines, and that makes me more rounded than the other girls. Brigiding is bold, she is big, she is bubbly, she is bongga! [extravagant]"
Author's note: Brigiding, whose sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) is queer, prefers the pronoun 'he' out of drag, and 'she' when she's on stage.
2. Gigi Era
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Gigi Era
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The Australian drag community is no stranger to Gigi Era's show-stopping looks and "death-defying" stunts. The queen, who is fondly called the 'Diva from Down Under', is back in the Philippines to represent her hometown of Davao.
"I think I am the most hardworking [queen] in town. All I want is to work, work, and work," she told WOW Presents. "The [experience] of being a brown-skinned girl in a white crowd is something I am proud of," she added.
Related: Pride And Equality: The Plight Of The Filipino LGBTQIA+
3. Eva Le Queen
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Eva Le Queen
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Eva Le Queen is a powerful archnemesis ripped out of your favourite fairytales. She draws her inspiration from evil queens who captivated her from the get-go. "I have always had this fascination with villains and strong, dark, female energies; I really want that to translate into my drag," she said.
"I am beauty, I am grace, and I am your cool drag tita [aunt]," she added.
4. Lady Morgana
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Lady Morgana
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One look and you know that Lady Morgana is not a queen you can ignore. After being in the drag industry for 15 years, the proud Davaoeña knows how to charm audiences with her comedic skills. A financial adviser in the daytime, Morgana frequently reveals her most authentic form at night through "spider lashes, high brows, creative wigs, and out-of-the-box costumes."
More from Tatler: Pride Month: Our Favourite Iconic LGBTQ+ Couples on TV
5. Marina Summers
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Marina Summers
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Don't let her gorgeous face and charming smile fool you. Like any other queen, Marina Summers is a force to watch out for. Known for her "fish looks, hot body, exceptional dancing, and all-around performances" Summers has been doing drag since 2019. In her spare time, she makes music that her audiences can access via Spotify and iTunes. Her latest song is titled "I Have Arrived".
6. Corazon
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Corazon
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As a pageant queen who has garnered experience in talent shows, provincial Ms Gay competitions, and male bikini contests, Corazon is set to make a mark on the Drag Race PH stage.
In an interview with WOW Presents, the performer shared that she is prepared to make give audiences and fellow queens a drag performance that they will remember. "You may not like me because of my personality, I assure you that I will give you a good fight."
7. Xilhouete
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Xilhouete
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Many queens consider Xilhouete a veteran performer; she is often regarded as a 'drag mother' who seeks to celebrate the legacy of her co-performers. Xilhouete is an entrepreneur, director, and artist who her peers love and respect.
"Xilhouete is a drag mom, Xilhouete is a filmmaker, Xilhouete is an artist, she is everywhere," she disclosed. "I started as a female impersonator and eventually transitioned to doing drag. My personality is profound, I am feisty and meticulous."
For Xilhouete, the Drag Race PH platform will help her share the stories of other queens who came before her. "The early female impersonators of the early '60s; this is a huge opportunity to tell the stories they passed on to me."
8. Viñas DeLuxe
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Viñas DeLuxe
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Viñas DeLuxe was introduced to the world of drag in college, thanks to her theatre training. Many of her audiences perceive her as a queen with a charismatic stage presence and humour. When she's out of drag, DeLuxe runs a wig company. She is also part of the drag queen ensemble called "Divine Divas".
See more: 10 Asian LGBTQ+ Movies to Watch in Pride Month 2022
9. Precious Paula Nicole
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Precious Paula Nicole
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Stage performer Precious Paula Nicole, well known for her Regine Velasquez and Beyonce impersonations will grace the Drag Race PH stage with her dance moves and comedic antics. In an interview, she revealed that she has many talents up her sleeve. "Impersonation is not the only thing I can do. I can be original, I can do dance numbers, and also do drama."
10. Prince
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On social media, Prince is already known for her makeup transformations. Her drag is inspired by science fiction shows and anime that give off an "extraterrestrial" look.
"I think my drag represents the future and the alternative sides of drag. My style is very out of this world, I like being a 'creature' because growing up I love video games."
In case you missed it: 5 LGBTQIA+ Groups You Can Support This Pride Month 2022
11. Turing
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In her seven-year stint as a professional drag performer, Turing has learned all the ropes of the industry. She is often seen doing shows at O-Bar, one of the country's most well-known drag bars.
"She [Turing] is a plus size queen, but that is not an issue for her to have a beautiful image," she said, introducing herself in an interview with WOW Presents. "She's brilliant, she's passionate, and she's beautiful."
12. Minty Fresh
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Minty Fresh
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Minty is a staunch advocate of LGBTQIA+ rights. The queen, who her avid followers often catch in Nectar nightclub, joined thousands of people in a recently-concluded election sortie in Manila. One of her proudest moments was when international pop singer Ariana Grande reposted her lip sync performance via Instagram stories.
"Minty Fresh admires herself, her drag aesthetic is hyper-feminine, she's a fashion queen," the drag performer revealed in an interview.
Drag Race PH is based on the American reality competition television series “RuPaul's Drag Race,” it will be hosted and judged by LGBTQIA+ personalities Paolo Ballesteros, Jiggly Caliente, and KaladKaren. Watch the full 'Meet The Queens' video below:
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
