RELATED: Bek in Full Swing: Bekenemen Returns For Another Season

“I always told myself that when this is no longer fun, I will walk away,” declares the Ru Girl from Laguna. The successful onslaught of the severely vicious The Roast of Jiggly Caliente showed that her spirit remains as fun-filled as ever. Several girls from Drag Race Philippines took turns paying tribute to their ate wrapped in good-natured insults. “I am one of the queens of shade. As best as I can dish it, I can also take it,” she says about being the target of brutal jokes all night. According to the roastee, the top three unforgettable roasts came from Arizona Brandy, Hana Beshie, and Taylor Sheesh—the latter being the only girl outside Drag Race Philippines and someone with whom she’s shared some headline-making feud. 

From creating one of the most iconic runway moments in Drag Race history to establishing a profound legacy within the local drag community as a judge in Drag Race Philippines and a cherished mother figure, Jiggly Caliente’s enormous imprint is undeniable. Inspired by her wildly messy post-apocalyptic look, we’ve envisioned a new perception symbolic of her journey packed with triumphs and self-discovery. Welcome to Jiggly’s utopia!

Little Jiggly

Like many queer kids, little Jiggly also invited the essence of Dyesebel into her play, turning blankets into mermaid tails and towels as hair. Like many trans kids, she always knew that something wasn’t right. “This isn’t me,” she remembers saying to herself. “Parang may mali and never was I happy.”

She came out to her mom three times. First, as bisexual, “para patago ng kaunti,” Caliente says. Some people feel it’s a more comfortable way to disclose their attraction to the same gender, softening the shock, in a way. “Tapos gay, then drag queen. When I was about 26 or 27, [I told my mother] ‘Ma, I think babae ako talaga.’ My mom understood that easier.”

One might wonder how Caliente developed a sharp tongue and such a feisty exterior. Many things can be traced back to childhood, and the self-proclaimed maldita was raised always to fight and defend herself. For instance, she got kicked out of school for sticking up for herself against a bully. Let’s just say a freshly sharpened pencil and the bully’s palm had a little meet-and-greet. “I never start a fight. I will finish it,” she asserts. 

When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, a drag queen isn’t exactly at the top of their minds—especially in the 80s. Little Jiggly wished to become a veterinarian. She chuckles at the thought and continues, “As I grew older, I wanted to become a comic book artist.” There was a time when her dream was to work for Marvel or DC, so she went to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) to study illustration. She felt discouraged when she realized that “comic books were kind of like a dying art form,” but those skills came in handy when her face turned into her canvas. 

The Early Oughts

“Drag was the awakening for my transness,” says Jiggly Caliente, who experienced a turning point that led her to acknowledge her identity. Through drag, she discovered a deeper understanding of herself and carved a route to the blissful self-recognition as a woman. 

Her journey into drag started 20 years ago when she went to The Web in New York to support a friend joining an amateur drag competition. “Ang daming chaka,” she blurts out. “Also, at that time, drag was different, and you could get away with wearing ready-to-wear.” The host caught wind of her megaphone mouth launching jeers and invited her to come next month to join. 

She had a friend who worked at MAC do her makeup, which was “ganda-ganda lang, not even drag makeup.” She wore a red sweater and JNCO jeans and danced to Janet Jackson’s “Doesn’t Really Matter,” complete with choreography and the dance break from the music video. “The beginnings of my career were heavily based on Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and the Pussycat Dolls. Janet was always my icon.” She won, by the way.

Jiggly Caliente started entering many more competitions and pageants. That first win must have fired her up, igniting an insatiable hunger. During her peak as the new girl around 2007 or 2008, she dominated Barracuda’s Star Search, racking up wins for 32 weeks straight—a record for the most consecutive winning streak.

A Different Time

The drag scene back then was very different. “It was underground,” says Jiggly. “I always tell girls na they don’t realize how lucky they are that because of Drag Race, it gave life to this career. [Before], in any nightclub situation, drag queens were the first to go if the night was slow. And then the go-go boys, and then the bartenders. But now, we’re the ones that keep people in the bars.”

Having been immersed in the world of drag for decades, Caliente has seen how it evolved: from its beautiful rawness, more subversive, and untamed vibe to this ultra-glossy commercial powerhouse. “[Drag] has elevated,” she nervously laughs and realizes she’s about to repeat a similar statement that once caused an uproar for teasing another queen, “and there’s room for everybody. There’s room for everyone because art is subjective, and everybody likes a different form of art. Somewhere, somebody will see themselves in that art form.”

“I think drag has been an ever-changing and ever-growing industry. In the US, the most lucrative girls were the pageant girls or the girls who could host. Drag Race came and changed the game. I’m thankful that Drag Race has done that. When the economy went bad, all the drag shows were gone. And then somehow, some way, Drag Race happened, and then boom, it started to pick up. More drag queens have emerged, and even the art form itself has become more accepting and inclusive of different forms of drag.”

An integral part of any journey in the queer community is finding your chosen family. Jiggly Caliente found that sense of belonging and comfort with Sahara Davenport, who appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2. When Sahara started dating Manila Luzon, she also became really close to fellow Filipina queen.

May-I-Call-You-Jiggly Era

Jiggly Caliente had zero intention of joining Drag Race. She wouldn’t have entered the reality show if it were the last thing on earth. Manila Luzon filled out her application for Drag Race because it was the furthest thing from Jiggly’s mind. Apparently, Manila got a call from casting asking if she knew any sassy, big girls. “Manila and Sahara were trying to convince me that I should step away from escorting and do Drag Race. I was like, ‘No, I’m good! I make more money than either one of you bitches. I’m cool,’” recalls Caliente.

Persistent friends never give up. They likely figured she’d be great for TV. Fast-forward to them helping their girl out to make an audition tape. Manila came up with a concept, and the only thing Jiggly wanted to do was shoot a clip at the Apple Store in New York, which had a glass elevator that reminded her of X-Men. 

“Back then, we only had 8 days to get ready for the show,” reveals Caliente. “Everything I brought on Drag Race, I already had. So, it was like, whatever makes sense.”

Jiggly was early in her transition when she was on TV. She hid it from the producers even though they noticed and asked. “I wasn’t ready for it because I didn’t think the world was ready,” she says. “If people are gonna pass judgment on my transness or my womanness, I was absolutely not [going to risk it].”

A Milestone For Representation

Her appearance on the show as a brown-skinned queer person helped shape the perceptions, attitudes, and dreams of many Filipinos across the world. When diverse faces and stories are showcased, it shakes up stereotypes and opens up minds. Jiggly says: “I don’t ever think that I had influence even though I get a lot of messages from Filipinos and plus-size girls or trans girls that say I have somehow impacted their lives because they saw me on the show.” 

The visibility of all the OG Filipino queens—Ongina, Manila, and Jiggly—on the platform that is Drag Race was instrumental in paving the way for the drag renaissance we’re experiencing here in the Philippines today. Different generations of queer Filipinos felt empowered and validated. We learned that embracing our true selves and expressions can unlock greatness, propelling our dreams and aspirations forward.

“I never take that for granted, nor do I let it get to me. It’s overwhelming but in a good way. I never saw anyone like me growing up, so, you know, to be one of the first trans-Filipinas cast on a Ryan Murphy show, despite the fact that I barely had any lines, it was an important milestone for representation.”

Jiggly returned to Drag Race 9 years after Season 4 for All Stars. “The level of drag that [the fans] expect has definitely, immensely changed,” she says. To paint the contrast, in her first season, she wore Hot Topic, which cost $27 when she walked in. For All Stars 6, she entered the Werq Room in a custom-made leather dress, a Versace cuff, YSL shoes, and Bulgari jewelry. For the promo, Caliente wore a gown that “gave a little bit of a nod or respect” to her Filipino heritage. She still can’t believe, up to this day, the amount of love she received back then because of a butterfly sleeve. 

Forging A Legacy

Jiggly Caliente returned to the motherland as a Ru Girl in 2016 when she did her first homecoming show at O Bar. There, she met Precious Paula Nicole, DeeDee Marié Holliday, Captivating Katkat, Bernie, Brigiding, and many more, whom she all befriended and grew close to, especially after returning for a second show a couple of years later. 

During the pandemic, many queens who found themselves out of work due to the lockdowns pivoted to online shows to survive. Because of the time difference, Jiggly would wake up very early to watch and support our local queens. She likens her friendship with Manila through the years that became her chosen family to now being with the Drag Race Philippines girls. “I wanna make sure that the hardships I faced being a Ru Girl and being a drag queen or a transwoman—I don’t want them to go through that,” Jiggly expresses her caring maternal instinct and then shifts to being catty in a blink of an eye, “I’m also the maldita ate that lets them know if I see you in Shein one more time…”

Presently, the one gig she cherishes most is her role as a judge on Drag Race Philippines. “I see myself in all the girls, not because I’m Filipino but because I was in their shoes.”

“I may be the sassy judge, but I would never say anything to any of the girls that would scar them or like hurt their feelings because your art is your baby—your drag is your baby. You’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position to be critiqued and judged. The last thing you want to hear is your outfit is trash.” She remembers her season when she heard something similar from a judge because it sticks with you. “When a judge says that, the whole fandom thinks it’s okay for them to say it.”

I watched our Drag Race Philippines girls slew Jiggly with a barrage of barbs, joke after joke, at the roast in honor of their beloved ate. For a moment, amidst the chaos and laughter, it made me think back to when she first appeared on our screens when the show wasn’t the giant it is today. Seeing someone who shared our background pushed forward many dreams and aspirations. Our queer community has evolved so much since then. Jiggly Caliente blazed a remarkable trail that others now parade upon it, showcasing the undeniable power of representation as a catalyst for social progress. 

Photography SELA GONZALEZ. Creative Direction JUJIIN SAMONTE. Art Direction and Photo Manipulation ANDREW ENCAPAS. Styling ØV CÜNT. Beauty Direction MARA GO. Makeup Artist KENRIC CARPIO. Hair VERSEX. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO.

The post Chronicling 2 Decades of Jiggly Caliente: Unpacking Her Personal Evolution and Professional Triumphs appeared first on MEGA.

This fashion feature is an excerpt from MEGA’s April 2024 Issue

This is Marina Summers’s origin story. Just like any other creative out there, it all started with a concept deck.

“Ever since, ang trabaho ko na ay bumuo ng konsepto, magsulat, at magdirek,” shares Marina, who once worked as a producer for a big television network in the Philippines. “Ang una kong ginawa bago ako humawak ng makeup at wig, gumawa ako ng concept deck kung sino si Marina Summers. Ganoon ako ka-cerebral. I really wanted to make sure na buo ’yong konsepto at imaging para lahat ng desisyon na gagawin ko—fashion, makeup, performance, and the way I carry myself—it all makes sense cohesively.”

When she first did drag, was she able to achieve that? She admits to a definite, “No.” Along the way, she was exploring and finding what works best for her image of Marina: festive, tropical, and Rio-oriented. Think Carmen Miranda.

But eventually, she began to feel more confident, beautiful, and powerful when she was doing the bombshell brand—sex on legs, glamorous, but still carrying that tropical island diva theme. 

Marina made sure she chose a drag name that’s going to be a household name, something that’s both remarkable and marketable. The name Marina came from the word “marine,” which pertains to the sea; and Summers is from the summer season. The name Marina also represents the mermaid fantasy series she grew up watching. 

“It’s an extension of my inner child na naglalaro sa loob ng kuwarto, nagsusuot ng punda ng unan, at nagpapanggap na sirena,” the 27-year-old shares. “Now, I’m able to do that without hiding—in glamorous clothes and full regalia. It was me playing with my younger self. The overall theme is the Filipina diva, as the first Filipina to compete in an international all-stars franchise. It means a lot for me to bring the entire country there and represent something bigger: the Filipino heritage and culture, my fellow drag queens, and the entirety of Filipino drag. It’s the full Filipino excellence on display.”

HOMECOMING QUEEN

When she was in Drag Race Philippines Season 1, not a lot of designers agreed to do Marina’s clothes. But this time around, in Drag Race UK vs The World Season 2, she was able to fulfill her dream of being a Filipina muse on and off stage. The Filipino designers she has worked with are also all-stars, including Albert Andrada, Neric Beltran, Jude Macasinag, Leo Almodal, and Mak Tumang.

All of the concepts of the designs came from Marina herself. With the help of her stylist Paul Sese and guidance from MEGA’s fashion director Ryuji Shiomitsu, she gave the designers full agency to put their own twist to her ideas. The results were pieces that were still truthful to Marina’s vision: holistic, polished, and represented excellence. 

In drag, Marina’s personal style is inspired by Miss Universe fashion: evening gown, national costume, swimwear, production numbers, and the fashion of it all. It also includes press conferences, interviews, and arrival looks. 

That’s a lot of beautiful creations, but if there’s one outfit that she can wear for the rest of her life, it’s definitely the evening gown. “If I were to be glamorous forever, I would gladly do it,” she notes. Over the years, she was also able to explore different avenues of fashion, such as camp, avant-garde, and haute couture, while sticking to her fashion formula: chic, sleek, and sexy. 

Find out Marina Summers’s next move in MEGA’s April 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.

Photographed by SEVEN BARRETTO. Creative Direction by JONES PALTENG. Fashion Direction by RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Styling Assistant JUANCHO BUENDIA. Makeup by TINY DELUXE. Hair GABSTAR. Photographer’s Assistant CLAUDE VILLAHERMOSA, ERWIN BOTIN, and DARIEL MIRAFLOR. Editorial Assistant JONNIE NGO. Sittings Editor MARIAN SAN PEDRO. Special thanks to CAMP SUMMERS, KRISTIAN LUDAN SANGALANG, and STUDIO SEVEN

The post Marina Summers’s Next Move: The Fashion of Drag appeared first on MEGA.

“My pronouns are he, she, they. Call me whatever you want as long as you call me.” With an introduction as grand as it is seducing, whether he’s backstage under fluorescent lights or surrounded by four corners trapped in beige wardrobes, Seann Miley Moore sets the scene for a conversation that’s as empowering as it is illuminating. As the electrifying star of the latest rendition of Miss Saigon, the Filipino-Australian singer-actor crackles with a spirit of unapologetic authenticity and boundless passion, sending shockwaves through societal norms and embracing the full spectrum of human identity.

Related: Hamilton International Tour’s Leading Lady Rachelle Ann Go Reaches For Her Dreams

Introducing: the EnginQueer

“This is how the role should have always been done,” Moore asserts. With a mischievous twinkle in their eyes and hands moving animatedly, their lips curl into a knowing smile, “Let’s keep that controversy alive.” In the actor’s portrayal, the Engineer’s fight for home and identity takes place, paving the way for a new tradition in theater.

With a non-traditional take on the Engineer, the actor sparks a revolution in representation. “It’s definitely been a journey as a queer person,” Moore reflects. “But it’s meant to be this way from now on, which is fabulous.” Their portrayal of the Engineer, whom they affectionately term “EnginQueer”, is epitomized with flamboyance and genuineness, capturing the character caught between societal expectations and personal truth.

Pausing for a moment to collect their thoughts, their gaze flickers with intensity as they explore their character research. “But, you know,” they continue, the actor’s tone shifting to one of introspection, “when I think about it and when you guys see the show, you’ll understand his fight to find his home and people.”

In that moment, surrounded by the trappings of the theater world, Moore embodies the spirit of defiance and innovation, daring to challenge the norms of tradition and light the way for a new era of portrayal on the stage.

Be-you-tiful 

There’s a raw honesty in Moore’s words, a vulnerability that speaks to the challenges they faced and the strength they discovered within themselves. “I mean, everyone understands you probably have to fit and play a character to fit in society, act a certain way, dress a certain way, talk a certain way, play the character,” they admit. “But when I realize I don’t have to play that character and I get to be myself, that’s when everything beautiful opened up,” the actor’s voice is tinged with emotion. “So I inject everything that is me into the role and into life.”

There is a nexus of possibility at play—a space where performance transcends sheer entertainment to become an effective catalyst for social change. As the light bathes them in its warm glow, each step they take on the stage is imbued with purpose and possibility. They keenly grasp the significance of their position: a platform teeming with the potential to advocate for greater inclusivity in the community.

“I have been a lone wolf in this industry,” they concede. “But the world has caught up.” Through it all, they remain unapologetically themselves, allowing the way for others to do the same. As they pay homage to previous Engineers like Cocoy Laurel and Leo Valdez, Moore emphasizes the importance of authenticity. “But as I say, it’s exciting to bring a new fresh take to the production,” the actor adds with anticipation. When you’re true to yourself, even the weightiest burdens become feather-light.

His words echo the wisdom of someone who has walked a path mostly traveled, yet faced adversity with courage and resilience. “I always say be brave and be you, because being you is be-you-tiful,” Moore continues as their voice grows stronger with each syllable.

Being authentic carries the weight of a thousand spotlight moments and a million whispered doubts. It’s like wearing your heart on your sleeve while dancing through a minefield of expectations. But you know what they say? Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but fabulous is the soul that dares to shine in its own brilliance.

A Flamboyant Truth

Moore traces the lines of history and struggles into the convoluted parallels between the tumultuous world of Miss Saigon with the stark realities faced by today’s generation. “When I look at the show, we are living in a world of war,” they remark with weighted recognition. “And this character, Engineer, and the people of the show, they’re trying to get out for a better life.”

The actor draws a poignant comparison between two pivotal moments in history—the Vietnam War and the Stonewall riots. These events symbolize the complex interplay of identity and belonging. Moore reflect on the fall of Saigon in 1975, a time of upheaval and displacement, juxtaposed with the Stonewall riots of 1969, a trigger for the gay rights movement. Through this comparison, they underscore the shared struggle for freedom across different communities and eras.

As Moore delves deeper into the character’s plight, their tone grows solemn, stressing the consequence of historical injustice. They describe the Engineer’s experience of living under communist control, where individual identity is suppressed and stripped away. “Having to hide, almost go back in the closet because if you are who you are, you will get killed,” they lament with sadness and indignation. “And this is very real in the world we’re living in today. We’re living in a world of war-queerness, living in a world of war-refugees. You can’t be who you are.”

Despite the hardships highlighted, Moore discovers a source of hope in the universal human longing for connection. They see the similarities between the themes of the show and the current state of the world as significant and deeply resonant. “The point is,” the actor asserts with conviction, “we all want to belong and be with our people.” In their flamboyance, they find truth, offering a mirror to the struggles of today.

A Spotlight For Everybody

The spotlight isn’t just for the chosen few—it’s a perpetual moment where every say deserves to be heard and celebrated. Moore recognizes the pivotal role of diversity in shaping the future of musical theater. Their insistence on giving platforms to performers of color, queer artists, and Asian talent isn’t just a suggestion, but a call to action for producers to recognize the richness of human experience and the value of diverse perspectives. If all the world’s a stage, where every entrance and exit is but a part of the grand performance, does it not follow every voice?

As Pride Month approaches, Moore reminds us that the celebration of LGBTQ+ identity is not confined to a single month, but is a daily affirmation of self-worth and dignity. They accentuate the importance of visibility and representation, identifying the power of every individual to inspire and uplift others. “However you can do it through any medium, you will give that inspiration to everyone.” They believe in encouraging others to embrace their joy, beauty, and pride without fear or hesitation. “I contribute it to every day.”

There is a trail of glitter leaving a step in their place that’s as bold as it is beautiful. This iteration of Miss Saigon has become a form of queer liberation, shaking the foundations of tradition. It’s a match made in heaven, sung with the flair of a diva hitting her high note, and the swagger of a rockstar owning the stage. When you combine passion, authenticity, and a killer pair of heels, you’ve got a glorious uprising. Seann Miley Moore champions a future where all voices are heard and all identities are celebrated. “Because we deserve our main stages. We deserve to be here because Miss Saigon is a smash.”

Miss Saigon runs from March 23 – May 12, 2024 at The Theatre At Solaire. To book tickets, click here.

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup GERY PENASO for ESTÉE LAUDER. Hair MYRENE SANTOS. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and MELISSA TAN. Shot on Location at SOLAIRE RESORT ENTERTAINMENT CITY. Special thanks to GMG PRODUCTIONS

The post EXCLUSIVE: Seann Miley Moore is Bringing Asian Queer Excellence to Miss Saigon and Beyond appeared first on MEGA.

The core of any idea starts with a story. Storytelling is central to expressing a message or a mood. A writer assembles words to form a thought. Fashion stylists, on the other hand, use clothes and accessories. Stylists pen their fashion poetry by harmoniously layering garments and statement pieces, transforming the wearer. With each set of clothes they curate, the color and silhouette have meanings and reasons for the story to reveal itself.

Related: MEGA Drag Exclusive: Marina Summers turns her dreams into International Superstardom

Gee Jocson has a background in theatre and mentions that it’s crucial for her to feel the character she’s envisioning. “Like trying to put myself in their shoes,” she says. “Some call it method acting.”

She observes and absorbs details that will help her generate a new lens from which a new perception would appear. “I incorporate what I studied about them with my fashion preference that relates to the narrative of the shoot.”

“Styling for drag is very specific,” Gee Jocson explains. “It has to fit their drag persona, and it’s very precise—no minute detail should be ignored.” She adds that these artists want to stay true to their persona but are always more than open to experimenting with looks they’ve never done before. Makeup, hair, nails, and accessories for drag tend to be more fantastical and exaggerated. “I incorporate a editorial detail with their clothing that is not overbearing,” she says about clients who want to do something different.

The Styling Process

Gee Jocson prepares a full-blown deck for her clients. “I need to show them my thought process and how I want to execute it: A mood board for the look, clothing details, designer sketch, then a slide for hair and makeup references,” shares the stylist.

She draws inspiration from theatre, movies, history, and European fashion. “There will always be one classic detail present in my output, then add trendy elements in the mix that no one has explored yet,” Gee says about creating a balance between fashion trends and timeless looks. She adds: “I think I just exposed the Gee Jocson Studio styling DNA.”

Working with Manila Luzon

“One of the proudest things I did with drag artists was when I styled The Golden Gays for MEGA Drag and the Manila Luzon cover for MEGA Entertainment.” Gee Jocson incorporates both Filipino and Western references to come up with clothes that they collaborate with designers for Drag Den Season 2.

Jocson presents 3 mood boards for 1 look, and they move forward with whichever resonates the most. “Manila likes having options and loves being involved. That’s what I like about her. She speaks her mind and her concerns, and it makes my job easier.”

Gee makes it a point that the designer will still get the job either way by asking only one designer to sketch 3 different looks. She then pitches the sketches to Manila. They choose 1 sketch and, if necessary, make directions and suggestions to fit the vision better. The next step is fitting. Gee takes a photo of Manila, and they decide what hair and makeup style they’ll execute to complete the look. 

Essential advice from an experienced stylist

Gee Jocson’s experience in the fashion world helped her define her styling philosophy. Below is a list of sound advice on navigating the industry. 

Do your research: “There are some looks that the queens already did.”

Be bold. Experiment: “Drag artists are fun to collaborate with. They love exploring new concepts. Collaborating with Turing is something that I got really excited about. She’s very body-positive and something I resonate with. She promotes confidence, and that is something I support, too! She loves to experiment and explore different looks, and when we shot her, her stance and execution in making her looks work, it was still her with a little extra sauce.”

Be organized: “Drag artists love their visual references. When pitching a look or concept, ensure that your mood board has a clear message.”

Be open to collaborating: “You would also want to know their thoughts and whether they’re comfortable with the looks. M1ss Jade So is bold, sexy, and out of this world. Sometimes, I was reluctant to suggest it, but she was super game and okay with it. She doesn’t want to be covered up that much. That was a bit of a challenge, but my shoot with her turned out beautiful and new.”

Pay your designers: “This is something that I have really practiced ever since. If you don’t have enough budget, communicate with them, and they will be happy to compromise. Paying them is also a way of showing respect to their artistry and years of practice in the industry.”

Have fun: “Drag is a form of self-expression. Live in the moment that you’re styling drag artists! I didn’t think I would become a stylist for drag artists, but it turns out I am meant to do this.”

The post Oh Em Gee: How Gee Jocson Expands Fashion Horizons with Drag Artists appeared first on MEGA.

Anchoring on the warmth, grandeur, silliness, and perhaps even distress of love month—it depends on how you look at it—nine drag queens came together to add a layer of joy, sisterhood, and togetherness to the atmosphere. Headlined by Captivating Katkat, the show delivered a fun mix of comedy and show-stopping drag performances put together by iQueenique Productions. The Odd Seoul in Quezon City turned into a Valentine’s Day date venue for the friends and fans of the queens. 

Salmo Nella

Salmo Nella acted as host and took charge of the night. The loud-mouthed, big ball of fun started the evening by introducing herself via voice-over before ascending to the performance area. The Theology mistress mouthed the lyrics to “Akin Ka Na Lang” by Itchyworms. Her facial expression radiated fervor like an overly lovable tita.

Give her a mic and a stage, and one can be sure that good vibes spread quicker than you say epidemic. If there’s one cure to anyone’s upside-down face, it’s being blessed by Salmo Nella’s energy that comes from a genuine spot deep in the crevices of her heart. We stan a good vibes queen!

Moonlight

Moonlight appeared in a recreation of Ariana Grande’s Rodarte bodysuit, Alaia mini skirt, and YSL sailor cap in the “Yes, And?” music video. Using visuals from the same music video, it was as if Ariana popped out of the screen and performed the song down to its choreography.

Ruth Quanal

A scene from the movie “My Amnesia Girl” introduced Ruth’s performance of Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone.” The bride infused the song with intense emotion, an authentic Ruth Quanal experience.  

Budalyn

The spotlight caught the cheerleader of drag clad in a sequin hooded backless halter dress. The look is reminiscent of early Gaga’s Grace Jones-inspired era. Budalyn danced to “Edge of Glory” with surprise cartwheels and backflips. Her performance was reciprocated by loud gasps and appreciative shrieks from the audience.

Taylor Sweep

The OG Taylor Swift impersonator gave the crowd the sure-fire mood elevator that got everyone on their feet and sang their lungs out: Taytay’s “Cruel Summer.” Despite feeling under the weather, Taylor Sweep, much known in the community as Gorgeous Dawn, still gave her all. 

Matilduh

The DRPH S2 girl traded her typical Beyonce moves for a more subdued but equally delightful and provocative performance of “Into You” by Ariana Grande. Matilduh gave off dominatrix vibes in a red pleather cage skirt and bolero with a chest harness accent. 

Susie the Showgirl

Susie projected Beyonce’s Superbowl performance on the wall. Everyone witnessed her mastery of the entire choreography and the subtle nuances of the pop diva. 

Deja

The Baguio queen stepped onto the stage in one of her promo looks for Drag Den, a silver foil cape fantasy and studded bodysuit by Job Dacon. One of the Prime Video show’s breakout stars performed “Miss Manila” by Angeline Quinto. The powerful vocals matched the lyrics that celebrated the empowering spirit of a Manileña, resulting in an irresistible performance by Ms. Deja.

RELATED: A Joyous & Shimmery Camp John Heeey to Deja, The Queen of the North

Captivating Katkat

DRPH’s reigning champion caught the stage lights in a black faux leather trench coat while sporting a classic drag updo. The music started with the piano melody of Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again,” which never really took off.  This was the gag: when you anticipate the first vocals dropping, the music returns to the beginning. After an endless loop, the music jumps to the song’s last notes. Captivating Katkat blew a kiss to the crowd and made her way to the exit, teasing everybody. 

I heard her say, “Pagod na pagod ako eh,” to one of the guests while descending the steps that led to their dressing area. And then she turned around and walked back to the stage as the live version of Lady Gaga’s “Speechless” started to play. Captivating Katkat opened her coat to reveal a piece that echoed a Rajo Laurel creation famously donned by muse Divine Lee for an event in 2011—a gown with a daring design that strategically concealed the intimate areas. 

Katkat attended the annual LGBTQIA+ Community Commitment Ceremony headed by Mayor Joy Belmonte of QC earlier that day. Queer marriage still lacks recognition and faces astronomic hurdles continuously. 210 LGBTQIA+ couples attended the ceremony. It had no legal basis and only served as a celebration and acknowledgment of queer love. The journey towards the legal protection of our love is without a foreseeable destination. Still, Mayor Belmonte has been making progressive measures to elevate the lives of queer people living in the city. Mayor Belmonte announced Right To Care at last year’s record-breaking Pride Month event. A few individuals finally received the first batch of cards at the ceremony.

RELATED: Love Laban, the 2023 Pride PH Festival, is the Biggest Pride Event in Southeast Asia

Captivating Katkat said in a video in Quezon City: “Huwag po tayong matakot na ipakita kung sino po tayo, kung ano tayo, at mas lalo tayong huwag matakot na magmahal. We all know that love has no gender. Love is for everybody. And love always wins!”

Photography KIM SANTOS

The post Captivating Katkat Seized the Love Month With a Fun Valentine’s Drag Show appeared first on MEGA.

When our homegrown queens take the stage, even globally acclaimed names can’t hold a candle to them. Remember how the Divine Divas, Eva Le Queen, Arizona Brandy, and Marina Summers dominated last month’s DragCon UK with spellbinding performances?

Filipino drag entertainers have a deep-seated magic anchored in their souls, polished by struggles and driven by ambition. Beyond their innate talent, the hunger to take up space in a world that’s just starting to appreciate their art is a burning passion that lights their way. 

Let’s jet-set across the world and see where our favorite queens are heading.

Australia

Photo: TAYLOR SHEESH (via Instagram) | Taylor Sheesh at The Eras Tour in Melbourne

When she appeared on Aussie TV, viral sensation Taylor Sheesh made it to the news again. The magnetic allure of Taylor Sheesh entranced Australian Swifties who failed to score tickets to the Melbourne shows. She performed her recreation of The Eras Tour in front of thousands of people at the Federation Square. The beauty of drag truly is extraordinary. Taylor Sheesh has demonstrated its magical nature by bestowing happiness and countless more positive impact to her audience wherever she goes. Her tribute show in Melbourne occurred just a kilometer from where Taylor Swift’s concert was happening. 

Photo: GIGI ERA (via Instagram)

Drag Race Philippines season 1 sisters Precious Paula Nicole, Minty Fresh, Brigiding, Lady Morgana, and Gigi Era are about to dazzle Australia with two amazing shows. The girls are heading to Melbourne on the 24th of February at the Chapel Off Chapel, then to Sydney on March 1 at Universal Superclub. 

Singapore

Photo: LADY GAGITA (vi Instagram) | Photography by Monstelieber

RELATED: An Ode to the Genius of Lady Gagita

Most famously known as a Lady Gaga super impersonator, Lady Gagita’s talent for makeup transformation has also allowed her to take on other personas. She is set to debut her Taylor Shet: The Erase Tour in Singapore on March 9, which falls on the same date as Taylor Swift’s last show in the city. “We think that the world needs to see how accurate our show is with the real The Eras Tour,” Lady Gagita stated. Celebrate the Taylor Swift frenzy with a brunch party at Beast & Butterflies at Social M Hotel. The next stops of The Erase Tour will be in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Once the Eras Tour’s dust has settled in Singapore, Taylor Sheesh will be ready to bring it back alive with her The Errors Tour. This tour will start at the Hard Rock Cafe on March 16 and 17. 

Canada & UK

The unstoppable Filipina Winnah will be off to Canada to join forces on stage with RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10 winner Aquaria, Canada’s Drag Race season 4 winner Venus, Aurora Matrix, The Girlfriend Experience, Kendall Gender, Nearah Nuff, Stephanie Prince, and more. It’s Just Drag is happening on March 14 at McPherson Playhouse, Victoria, BC. 

Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram)

The fan favorite of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. The World will join the season 2 cast for a tour in the United Kingdom. The global extravaganza will kick off in Glasgow on April 25 and end in Birmingham on May 4.

RELATED: 4 Acts of Brilliance: How Marina Summers forged a lasting impact in the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World Season 2

Our queens are rocking it on the global stage and leaving a trail of glitter wherever they go. They’re representing queer Filipino excellence brilliantly while wowing us and making us oh so proud. 

The post Taylor Sheesh, Lady Gagita, Marina Summers, and More Embark on Global Tours!  appeared first on MEGA.

Marina Summers set the bar sky-high as the first one to represent the Philippines in what feels like a truer form of the term “Olympics of drag.” Tears ran down my cheeks each time the Filipina Winnah lit up the screen. Perhaps it was because I knew how much the moment meant to a lot of Filipino queer people. We are the greatest and most ardent supporters of beauty pageants; I had to mention this because the celebratory atmosphere when the episode aired felt like we won Miss Universe. To me, though, it was ten times better. This time, we’re behind someone whose story, struggles, and victories mirror our own. 

RELATED: MEGA Drag Exclusive: Marina Summers turns her dreams into international superstardom

February 10 might as well be named “Marina Summers Day,” as the entire world experienced the summer season all at the same time. For international viewers, it was a grand introduction to Filipino drag excellence. For us here at home, it was a celebration of the purest pride and joy. Marina Summers gave us 4 incredible acts in the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World season 2 with a fashion story that solidified her image as one of the world’s best drag queens. 

Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by Alan Segui, Creative & Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Jude Macasinag, Engraved bolo by Job Dacon, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Ver Sexy, Nails by The Sleek Chique

Act 1: A Formidable Entrance

This might be one of the strongest entrance lines in the Drag Race universe: “It’s time to give these colonizers the chop!” And saying that on the BBC was pretty iconic. Suppose first impressions were indicative of what to expect. In that case, the viewers who saw Marina Summers for the first time are poised to develop an obsession with a new favorite. Everything was impeccable: the face reveal, the mug beat for the gods, the fashion, the walk, the entrance line, the bolo, and the other contestants trembling in their heels as our diva owned the moment. 

Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by EJ Geronimo, Post-processed by Ricardow, Creative and Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Jaz Cerezo, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Wigs by Margaux

Act 2: The Manifestation of Summer Season

The whole world surrendered to the summer heat when Marina Summers rocked the stage with her version of MayMay Entrata’s “AMAKABOGERA” during the show’s talent presentation. “AMAFILIPINA” is an electrifying anthem of self-empowerment written by herself and Kumareng Harvey, produced by Roque Santos, and under the record label Tarsier Records. The song reverberated across all social media platforms, signaling the arrival of a drag superstar. 

When she says drag excellence, she means every letter that forms that statement. Her undeniable stage presence has always been intoxicating, and it’s so exhilarating that the world is finally keeping up. Her exceeding our expectations brought tears and an indescribable feeling of joy. The exaltation was like fireworks emanating from our hearts at the premiere viewing party of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World season 2. 

Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by Dookie Ducay, Post-processed by Ricardow, Creative and Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Roman Sebastian, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Wigs by Margaux

Act 3: Portrayal of her Native Land

“They don’t only serve rice; they also serve looks,” she uttered proudly on the show when asked about her Ifugao-inspired runway look. RuPaul was visibly impressed by the witty remark, and my bodily response was a rush of kilig. 

“Growing up surrounded by rich culture and nature, I have always believed in the beauty of my hometown, Cagayan Valley, and the entirety of Northern Luzon. So before coming to Drag Race UK to film, I went up north to visit this very farm where I grew up,” Marina Summers said on her Instagram.

Photo: MARINA SUMMERS (via Instagram) Photography by Alan Segui, Creative and Fashion Direction by Marina Summers, Fashion by Kian Pascual, Styling by Paul Sese, Hair by Ver Sexy

Act 4: Murder on the Dancefloor

The top 2 Lip Sync for the World was a showdown between Marina Summers and La Grande Dame, who towered over the Filipina diva. The height difference elicited countless memes. Despite that, it was clear from the get-go that it would be a clean sweep. Marina set the stage on fire, blazing fiercely like the sun on a 40℃ day, melting the Tour Eiffel into defeat. 

Indeed, it was a profoundly defining moment for Marina Summers and everyone watching in awe. We saw a symbol of inspiration that motivated many to dream bigger and aim higher. As a gay man who grew up at a time without proper representation, when queer people were seen as lesser individuals, when queer expression was ridiculed to the point of disgust, experiencing this magnitude of celebration of queer art gives “Ang sarap maging bakla” a whole new dimension and meaning.

She was right when she said this wasn’t just a dream for herself but for all of us. We are all part of this milestone. That is your power, Marina Summers. The world will discover another layer of the Philippines through you and many others who will follow. As drag continues to soar in our society’s zeitgeist, it will uplift and elevate more Filipino queer lives.

The post 4 Acts of Brilliance: How Marina Summers forged a lasting impact in the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World Season 2 appeared first on MEGA.

Marina Summers steps into the studio and positions herself on her mark. As photographer Dennis Sulit’s about to press the shutter button, Marina flicks her head with exquisite fierceness to beckon her ponytail to dance in the most perfect way imaginable. The camera triggers the lights and captures the first shot of the day. Gay gasps envelop the room as the first image appears on the computer screen, a telling sign that magic is happening. 

RELATED: Still She Rises: The Eternal Sunshine State of Marina Summers

The first runner-up of Drag Race Philippines Season 1 carries an aura that invites admiration and respect. Her presence exudes the type of confidence that is not just felt but noticeably glows. Marina Summers knows what she’s doing. She ensures that every move she makes is flawlessly aligned with her vision. Her profound sense of purpose, dedication to her craft, and professionalism set her apart from many, indicating the astronomical trajectory of her drag career. 

A Star is born

“You have to act like a star if you want people to see you as a star,” Marina Summers says. “‘Yung star power, available ‘yan sa lahat—it’s just a matter of owning it. It’s a matter of embodying it.” Her words bear truth. Many hopefuls view this as fact, but only a select few, such as her, innately possess that special star quality. The first time she made her mark on the drag scene was her first performance on stage. After winning the monthly leg of Drag Cartel in 2019, she must perform the following month to crown the next queen. Marina did it with a high-energized JLo song with impressive choreography and adding backup dancers took it to the next level. Beyond her talent and the spectacle, it was her indescribable presence that truly left us speechless.  

Marina Summers poured her dreams and hopes into that blazing fire that we saw in her early performances. Her entry into the local drag scene coincided with the perfect moment, as it was experiencing signals of the birth of a golden era. “I think niyanig ko na ng very light ang drag community,” she says. “I was part of the drag renaissance in the Philippines.” 

“We are a very humble country. We value seniority so much—and that’s important. Pero a lot of us don’t value newcomers. I feel like, in a way, na-validate ko ‘yung mga big dreamers na mga bata. Kapag nangangarap ako ng mataas, sasabihin saking ng mga tao, ‘Ang yabang mo naman! Ang laki naman ng ulo mo! Ang ambisyosa mo naman!’ What’s wrong with that?,” she says about her influence on the local drag scene as she tosses her head, summoning her hair to make fabulous waves, and emphasizing her point in the process. 

Weaving the tapestry of her destiny

Right from the get-go in her drag career, she already had a game plan and a vision for her persona. She likened it to directing a movie or television where she’d get all creative, laying out a concept deck with Marina Summers’ color palette and inspirations, and selecting music that matched her vibe. 

Marina shares: “Nung nagsa-start ako, ang mga inspirations ko mga Carmen Miranda, mga very tropical, and very island girl. At that moment, akala ko ‘yun na. Akala ko hinog na siya. And then I started performing regularly and sabi ko, ‘Ah, may iba pa pala!’ May Beyonce pala. Along the way, nagbago siya nang nagbago. After Drag Race Philippines, parang meron pa eh, may iaangat pa ‘to. Kailangan aspirational siya eh. Everyone wants to look like her. Yes, relatable pa rin, pero mas unattainable ‘yung dating. Because we all want that fantasy na ‘Shit, ang ganda! Ang lala ng drag niya!’”

Having a background in production and advertising has proven incredibly advantageous to her. “Sabi ko when I joined Drag Race Philippines iniwan ko ‘yung day job ko. Pero honestly, nagagawa ko pa rin siya hanggang ngayon.” This strength positioned her career into the powerhouse it has become. “Nilabas ko siya sa mga content ko for Drag Race, Stop Over, music, and music videos,” she says. “Sa drag scene sa Philipines kasi everything is confined sa performance or sa stage lang. I was able to make a name for myself even outside the platform: mainstream media, social media, music, and TV.” 

“The essence of drag is personal, but if you want to make a career out of it, you should act like you want to make a career out of it,” expresses Marina Summers. “Surround yourself with like-minded people. Surround yourself with people who add value not only to your drag but to your business,” she adds. With the endless support of friends across different industries, she could soar to any heights she desires. 

The world at her feet

Marina Summers is embarking on a journey towards international fame after landing a spot on RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World season 2. Rocketing toward global stardom didn’t surprise her at all. “I was born ready. Even before taping Drag Race Philippines, I knew I would make it international,” she says. “Every decision I made on Drag Race Philippines made sense to that goal. I worked hard for it. I knew the right eggs to pick to hatch that success.”

“What I’m most excited about is flipping things around and making sure na we take our space,” says Marina Summers regarding the colonial mentality ingrained in our psyche when we encounter what we think as dominant cultures that lead us to diminish our power. “Kailangan tayo ang,” she smacks the table with her hand, creating a thud and says, “Ganon! Tayo ang may pangil. Excited ako ipakita na kaya natin makipagsabayan internationally.”

She confesses that at first, she was intimidated, especially being a local queen who’s looked up to these international stars for so long. “Now that you’re put in a situation na you’re on the same level as them, you have to act like one,” she proclaims with firmness and power. Having witnessed her rise year after year since that inaugural performance on that narrow stage/bar of the old Nectar Nightclub and now watching her lips form the structure of her statement makes my heart burst with pure pride and joy. We all knew she was headed for big things. 

Paving the way

After being a fan of Drag Race for so long, I’m over-the-moon giddy and proud to see a homegrown talent, through and through, making waves and breaking into the international drag scene. And literally waving the Philippine flag to represent us is a huge undertaking. The weight is probably equivalent to joining Miss Universe, only this time, “bakla naman ang sinusuportahan ng mga bakla,” Marina Summers says about the support she got from the same people who shaped pageant queens. “Hindi si Marina ‘yung lalaban eh, Team Philippines ‘yung lalaban.”

She is well aware of the importance of her representation as she opens that door of opportunities. Beyond being a significant career achievement, Marina Summers is walking uncharted territories. “There’s a certain depth behind Marina’s purpose for joining RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World. To be the first to represent the Philippines in front of RuPaul—I have to use that honor as a responsibility to represent well,” she says as she embraces this overwhelming role as a trailblazer. The door she unlocked and the excellence she embodies will invite others to strive for the same and more. 

“Ang mga Pinoy queens arguably are some of the best performers in the world. It’s just a matter of being seen. It’s just a matter of being given this platform. And for me to have this platform, sobrang importante niya for brown-skinned, Southeast Asian people.”

Success, according to Marina Summers: “Success is reaching a goal and looking for another goal after a goal. It doesn’t have an end. Success is an ever-growing journey, and that’s why hindi ako nakokontento.” So, when I ask what’s next for her, she answers with a big dreamer’s conviction and ambition: “I’d like to tour the world.”

Photography DENNIS SULIT
Hair JUFEL GOMEZ
Nails THE SLEEK CHIQUE
Styling RYUJI SHIOMITSU and MIGUEL QUILANG

The post MEGA Drag Exclusive: Marina Summers turns her dreams into International Superstardom appeared first on MEGA.

“I love your pants, darling!” Alyssa Edwards told me, as she tried on a monarch butterfly gown by Ehrran Montoya. She was cinched, pinched, and locked, strapped to her chrysalis. Fabric layered on top of one another, embellished with crystals that sparkled and dripped, and gems that glittered and glinted under the light; some flashed her hair, too. Naturally, she looked like a scintillating butterfly. Who would have thought someone resembling a butterfly would tell me my pants looked good? It was like a scene from Alice in Wonderland—I was Alice, and the backstage of Drag Revolution Manila – The Revamp was Wonderland. 

RELATED: Drag Show 101: The Guide to Drag Show Etiquette

Behind the sequins and beneath the hair

As I wandered through and through, my senses were enveloped in the enchanting panorama of transformations. This Wonderland, with queens donned in extravagant attire, mirrors reflecting kaleidoscopic images, and the air buzzing fantastical moments fanning behind the scenes, became a delightful absurdity that is the nature of the drag universe.

The queens carry with them the spirit of uprising, challenging standards, and embracing the extraordinary. Through this event, it was a celebration of the fluidity of beauty and the resilience of authenticity. They sashay through these parallel dimensions, brought together by the community. 

Queens unite in this display of high glam, higher hair, and the highest shoes. Lipstick was smudged and fixed, eyeshadow was removed and replaced, and a thousand pins were strategically placed on every strand of hair: structured, soft, and straight as ever. Or at least, as straight as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was like the multiverse of madness—sometimes, from other realities. These realities? The international Drag Race and our very own Drag Den. 

From international juggernauts to local homage

In its 16-year run since 2009, RuPaul’s Drag Race—created by none other than Queen of Drag RuPaul—has not only spanned the globe but has become a cultural powerhouse, catering initially to a niche demographic within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. The award-winning show’s longevity, marked by funny antics, expressive actions, creative displays, and campy production, has propelled it to new heights and promises continued expansion. 

On the other hand, the local Drag Den, led by the incomparable Manila Luzon, derives its essence from various beauty pageants, shaping challenges rooted in the rich identity of the Philippines. In this uniquely curated space, queens take the stage bringing forth a fusion of Filipino drag excellence and a homage to the cultural diversity that makes the Prime Video show a personal spectacle.

Unsurprisingly, it’s not the flashy elements that make it massive; rather, it’s the compelling representative stories that have deeply reverberated with diverse audiences, enamoring countless viewers with the authentic experiences shared on its stage. Empathy, after all, is how we connect. 

Globetrotting glitterati 

Manila Luzon beams with pride as she reflects on Drag Race and Drag Den in the Philippines. “We’re already having these huge turn-outs, these huge events, and I’m so proud this is actually happening,” she exclaims. “Before, a club could only afford one drag queen at a time, and now they can bring in some of the biggest names in drag, fly them across the ocean, put on a show, confide in all of the stars in the Philippines—It’s great, I love it.” 

Her words resonate with a sense of accomplishment, emphasizing the rapid and impactful transformation of the drag scene in the country. From limited performances to extravagant events featuring renowned drag personalities, her sentiment captures the sheer excitement and positive shift in the Philippines’ drag culture. “I think the Philippines deserves a little camp, a little glamour.”

RELATED: Manila Luzon Opens Drag Den Season 2 on a Victorious Note

“It’s going to be brighter than ever,” declares Eva Le Queen with inexhaustible confidence. “Since Drag Race, drag queens are able to steer the wheel of their own careers.” It’s a newfound choice, one they didn’t have much of before. Now, the reins are entirely in their hands, and the possibilities are unfolding for each and every one of them.

“You want to produce a show, you want to go on television, you want to do YouTube, you want to own a club, you want to mentor younger queens—whatever you want to do with your career, you’re finally able to do it.”

Eva Le Queen on the different careers available to Drag Queens today

Thai drag royalty and host of Drag Race Thailand, Pangina Heals says, “Drag is a creative energy. Every time I’m here, I’m so charged with such positivity.” She conveys an infectious excitement towards the globality of drag such as those who can travel outside their home country to experience the cultures of other drag queens.

In Pangina’s perspective, this shared experience cultivates a sisterhood within the drag community. She articulates the thrill when Asian queens travel across oceans, carrying with them cross-cultural appreciation and connection. “Every time I see an Asian representation, it’s not only important, but I’m immensely proud,” she shares. “When girls from Asia, when we go across the pond, it is so great because we’re representing our culture, our fashion, everything of who we are, and it’s so exciting for the world to learn more about us.”

Resonating vulnerability

Despite their formidable personas, adorned with resplendent gowns and impeccable makeup, the queens couldn’t conceal the undercurrent of vulnerability and nervousness that accompanied their on-stage performances. It begged the question: How could these seasoned queens, veterans of numerous global stages, still grapple with nerves even in the comfort of their home country? 

“I can’t breathe,” admits Ongina with a hint of openness. “I always get nervous, but I get excited,” she exclaims. Each new crowd and experience brings a fresh set of expectations, creating a dynamic atmosphere. The nerves and excitement blend to shape their performance, a reflection of the unique energy that each new setting brings.

Typically, one expects a sense of ease when performing on home turf. However, this paradox revealed its wings a profound truth: drag art is a serious and revered profession. These queens, akin to professionals in medicine, law, or design, are committed to their craft. The juxtaposition of their fierce exterior with the palpable nervous energy beneath underscores the gravity and respect accorded to the world of drag as a legitimate and impactful profession. 

A profound sense of awe enveloped me, not just due to the unquestionable legitimacy of drag as a career path, but because, within their vulnerability, these queens touched a chord deep within my being. It was an emotional connection that went beyond the boundaries of drag, forging a link that bound us through the universal language of art. As they bared themselves on stage, confronting exposure with courage, I experienced a resonance that left an impression on my soul.

While Wonderland may evoke images of a fantasy existing in a different reality, what develops in the backstage of Drag Revolution Manila – The Revamp is a reality that outperforms the confines of imagination. It is a reality that unfurls like a chrysalis, not birthing a monarch, but a radiant diamond, a living fantasy made tangible by the trailblazing queens who shape it. This Wonderland, far from being a figment of whimsy, is our peculiar reality—one that constantly evolves, bearing witness to the resilience, authenticity, and transformative power of the drag universe into our world.

Drag Revolution Manila – The Revamp 2024 was produced by Beyond Limits Events Production

Photography: TIMOTHY DUEÑAS

The post Backstage is a Wonderland at Drag Revolution Manila – The Revamp 2024 appeared first on MEGA.

Manila Luzon could not secure the top spot in all the times she joined RuPaul’s Drag Race. She was a runner-up in season 3 and eliminated in the third episode of the first season of All Stars with teammate Latrice Royale. And finally, despite being a lead contender in All Stars 4, she was ousted by Naomi Smalls in a moment akin to an airplane crash, which has gone down in herstory as one of the most controversial eliminations. It’s become kind of a running joke that she never wins, even though she was a strong competitor and adored by fans worldwide. 

“I’m not used to winning. I never won track and field in school. I never won the spelling bee. It’s a new experience for me, but I’ve always counted my accomplishments,” says Manila. Facing defeat on such a big stage is never fun. However, she has transformed her experiences into a driving force for motivation that steered her toward success.

But is it all about winning? If you join a competition, sure. Manila Luzon has achieved so much following her first appearance on the reality show. She’s still constantly revolutionizing the drag sphere up to this day. Particularly here in the Philippines, where many queer individuals identified with her and felt seen, validating their art and identities—a demonstration of the power of representation. “I’ve learned to readjust my perception of what I define as winning,” declares Manila. What she did for the queer community will always shine brighter than the shiniest crowns.

Best Host in Asia

Winning takes many forms and can vary from person to person. We can exchange views on its different meanings, but the experience of accepting a trophy results in a matchless high. “I haven’t been so nervous in such a long time. When I was at the Asian Academy Creative Awards, and our category was being called, I got this rush of nerves. I was in this wave of emotion and anxiety, and I hadn’t felt like that in such a long time—it was quite exhilarating,” Manila Luzon says as she revisits the whirlwind of emotions she encountered at the awards show in Singapore last December. The Drag Den host adds: “It reminded me how much this meant to me. And when they called my name, I was so thrilled and scared because I had to give an acceptance speech.” 

In a sweet gesture of appreciation and love, Manila Luzon went onstage and thanked all the Drag Den season 1 contestants during her winning moment. She emphasizes that her work has always been beyond herself: “One of the things I love about hosting Drag Den is it really has never really been about me. I’ve accomplished so much as a drag queen, but what’s really great is that I’ve been able to share my platform with other drag queens who might not have had these kinds of opportunities. It’s nice for me to pass that torch and share this victory with the people who helped make our show so entertaining and recognized around Asia and the world.”

Echoes of Adoration

The Drag Lord won another Best Host award at the Asian TV Awards earlier this month. That time, she dedicated the win to all Filipino drag artists worldwide. She expounds: “When I first saw a drag show here in the Philippines, I was so amazed at how good the drag was, especially with the limited resources the queens had. The dedication, the long hours, the traveling from the province to be [at O Bar], learning new routines, and entertaining people all night: I was just, wow! They work so hard, and the audience obviously loves them, but to me, they were stars! They were stars to me, and I wanted everyone to know.”

“When I went back home to the States, I was bragging about how good Filipino drag queens were. Since then, I’ve always wanted to let other people around the world know how good the drag queens are in the Philippines. Getting to host Drag Den has allowed that dream to come true. That’s why I dedicated the award to the Filipino drag queens.”

The Dawning of the New Den

The evolution of the show:

“Our creator and director, Direk Rod, has so many creative ideas because they’re so passionate about the drag scene here in the Philippines. Since we’re a new show, we’re our own thing and get to make up the rules. We like to switch it up. We don’t want it to be predictable. In this new season, we raised the stakes. We’ve added some new twists, changed some of the rules, and kept them on their tippy toes, which they already are in because they’re wearing the tallest heels from Jojo Bragais.”

Lip-sync songs:

“People don’t realize how expensive it is to pay for musical rights. So, the fact that we were able to get the budget to do that was amazing. Most drag queens who perform live are used to lip-syncing and dancing, which we didn’t have the budget for last time. We have a whole bunch of amazing OPM songs. That’s really exciting because it gets to show a little bit more of how these queens are used to performing their art.”

Season 1 queens as judges:

“We invited back the Drag Cartel from season one to help judge, which I think is really great because they are the ones that went through this before. Their unique perspective allows them to share their experiences with the new queens. Their critiques are sometimes even more meaningful.”

Manila Luzon fashion this season:

“I like working with my stylist. Gee has always been a lot of fun because she can go even further than she’s usually able to when styling normal celebrities. Because she gets to be a little bit extra with me, and I love allowing her to really dream big and go over the top and be extra dramatic because drag allows that. We had so much fun exploring different ideas and interpreting concepts from Filipino culture and making it into something fashionable, drag, and something visually appetizing, and overwhelming at times: from the giant nails that she makes me wear to the crazy and sometimes uncomfortable outfits that are very fun to try to sit down on my throne.”

“Pom Pom,” the new theme song:

“It’s my first track with Republic Records. We had this idea to make a new theme song for Drag Den. This season is very trippy. It’s inspired by psychedelics, so it’s fun to add that to the soundtrack of our show. I’m really excited because we have Sassa Gurl doing a rap feature. She’s just so talented and crazy. Her rap is amazing. She’s such an amazing performer, too. She’s a Tiktok star turned rapper—I love it!”

Celebrity Guest Judges

Alodia Gosiengfiao:

“We have Alodia. She’s amazing because she’s a cosplayer, and there are so many intersections and similarities between cosplay and drag. She even had a little bit of an issue with her wig, so I was pulling hairpins out of my own to help her put her wig together. I really loved the fact that the worlds are colliding and meeting, and there’s something to be learned from both genres.”

Rufa Mae Quinto:

“Rufa Mae was wild—a riot! I will give credit to the editor for trying to make sense of some of the things that were coming out of her mouth. I’m really excited! She’s absolutely stunning and hilarious. She’s sexy and was so much fun to play around with on set.”

Megan Young:

“We had Megan Young. She is a queen, and we love to mix our Filipino love of pageantry into our show. Having her and Nicole [Cordovez] help legitimize what we’re doing.”

Dolly de Leon:

“We had Dolly de Leon, who’s now my new best friend. She was like, ‘here’s my number, let’s hang out when I’m in LA.’ It was really nice because all our guest drag enforcers had something to offer when they came to judge. They were also so willing to learn about the art of drag.”

Alaska:

“When Alaska flew out here, she had just come off a really exhausting tour and was jet-lagged. She was like, ‘Oh, I’m just gonna sit in my hotel and catch up on some sleep.’ We didn’t see her until she came to set. It means a lot to me to have my drag sisters come and support. Alaska’s great because she has such a love and passion for all kinds of drag. She was eating up the contestants. She was so impressed with the style of drag, and I was just really happy to show off Filipino drag and Filipino culture while she was here. I got to play host to her, and ultimately, I really love that because I have fans around the world, and I really love to showcase the culture here in the Philippines because it’s such an important part of me and my drag.”

When we hit our lowest, we open the most significant change. When faced with hard times, we turn them into learning experiences and opportunities for growth. Failing builds character. Defeat creates greater purpose and drive. Manila Luzon’s evolution as an artist and how she sailed through the ebbs and flows of change is an inspiring story of resilience and transformation. Her triumphs are the product of hard work and an unshakable devotion to personal excellence, win or lose. 

Watch a new episode of Drag Den Season 2 on Prime Video every Thursday at 7 PM.

Photography ENNUH TIU
Creative Direction JUJIIN SAMONTE
Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS
Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Designers JOB DACON and JAN GARCIA
Beauty Direction MARA GO
Makeup MARLYN OCAMPO
Hair IAN GARCIA
Styling GEE JOCSON
Photography Assistant SEAN OLALO, KEVIN GONZALEZ, MIGUEL TOMBOK, and JULIUS ALBAO
Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO

Video Production AUDREY SISON
Videography EXCEL PANLAQUE of KLIQ INC.
Shot on location MARIKINA SPORTS COMPLEX

Special thanks to JOHN EMMANUEL BANDAL, BIANCA BALDERAD, and CARLA MORENO

The post A Toast to the Best Host: Manila Luzon Opens the New Season of Drag Den on a Victorious Note appeared first on MEGA.

Drag Den gave us a psychedelic taste of what’s coming with deliciously done visuals of their new set of competitors. When Direk Rod dropped a tour of their detail-intensive and reference-rich new set—a haphazardly gorgeous imagination of Tondo in 2052—my expectations for season 2 went straight above the clouds. The unabashedly enthusiastic response from the crowd in Cinema 7 of Trinoma Mall, shown through cheers and standing ovations during and after the viewing of episode 1, evidently showed that expectations totally smashed the ceiling. 

Judging from the first episode, I’d say that season 2 is shaping up to be more well-structured than the previous one. There was a lot to unpack because of the “new den, new rules,” but overall, it evoked a sense of excitement similar to unwrapping Christmas presents. 

We tend to dive right into the experience when watching something really good. We soak it all in and let the show do its magic. We’re not concerned with the technicalities of how it’s produced or analyzing what could be better. Drag Den season 2 is that bitch. 

The show is the ultimate Pinoy queer vibe that was captured authentically, expressed artistically, and depicted unapologetically. It contains all the wild humor and snappy comebacks that only those who’ve lived that experience will understand because it’s tailored for us. Drag Den continues to be a triumph in Pinoy queer storytelling. 

Here’s a rundown on what happened at the Drag Den Season 2 Grand Opening Night:

The gay festivities started at the Trinoma Activity Center, and what better way to commence the activities than with a highly energetic and frenzied drag competition? Dragdagulan na!

The winning price was P20,000, so everyone went kaloka-crazy, showing off their crunchiest dips and kicks, and pulling stunts here and there like there was no tomorrow. 

Edsa Xxtra won the crowd over with her antics and kookiness and won the cash prize. 

Manila Luzon performed “Pom Pom,” the brand new single of Drag Den. The track has a hypnotic sound that you won’t get out of your head. It’s an irresponsibly catchy bop that, in my opinion, is Luzon’s best song ever. 

Sassa Gurl lent her rapping skills to add that extra spice to the already super fiery song. 

Manila Luzon and Sassa Gurl in their pop star era. It’s important to note that the same person who did “Sustah” is also behind this song. Silas is an incredibly talented one!

The cast of Drag Den season 2 finally emerged to serve what needed to be served as they were introduced one by one to the delight of the crowd. Here’s Jean Vilogue strutting like the glam star that she is.

Russia Fox exuded confidence and sex in every fabulous stride. 

“Dahil sa inyo po, nagkaroon tayo ng season 2 ng Drag Den. Hindi lang double, hindi lang triple, but quadruple of what we had before. So, thank you so much times four,” said Rod Singh, creator and director of Drag Den.

The hosts gave the new Drag Den contestants a moment to answer questions. Here, Mrs. Tan mentioned that her family is in the audience, and it’s their first time to see her in full drag.

“Last season, ako ‘yung nag-makeup kay Manila, and now, I’m officially a contestant. And I’m so happy to be representing the AFAB drag community,” Marlyn Ocampo said. 

Drag Den season 2 class picture.

We moved up to the cinema floor of Trinoma Mall, where they had laid out the blue carpet. 

RELATED: The Drag Fashion Slayage at the Drag Den Season 2 Premiere Night

Watch a new episode of Drag Den Season 2 on Prime Video every Thursday at 7 PM.

Photography KIM SANTOS

The post Drag Den Season 2 Grand Opening Night Captures the Essence of Pinoy Queer Fun appeared first on MEGA.

The Drag Den Season 2 premiere night at Trinoma in Quezon City was a drag-tacular event. Many artists and industry insiders attended to express their support and positive anticipation for the second season of the homegrown drag competition series on Prime Video. A blue carpet leading to the cinema theatre was rolled out, where fierce drag fashion was in full force. 

Multi-awarded host and Drag Lord Manila Luzon looks absolutely gorge in electric blue and exudes 80s synth-pop band vibes.

Rod Singh, the genius behind Drag Den, embodies powerhouse woman vibes in a stunning Ushi Sato.

Fashion designer Fernando Garcia created an illusion that made areas of Sassa Gurl appear pixelated. 

She’s turning heads! Nicole Cordovez is an exquisite beauty in Rafa Worldwide.

The Drag Den Season 2 Cast

The Drag Den Season 2 premiere night was a fabulous opportunity for the cast to show off creativity with their fashion choices. Whether paying homage to their origins or manifesting any desired vision, each one slayed the house down boots and delivered. 

Strawberry is her jam! Baguio queen Deja wears Andrei Valera.

Elvira paired an embellished mesh jumpsuit with a puff sleeve cape. Slay, mawma!

From the House of Brandy, Rapture Royalty Feyvah Fatalé is a dazzling showgirl and a vision in lavender.

Jean Vilogue looks exceptionally glamorous wearing a Kinala Wang headpiece.

Margaux shimmers in a vibrant red mermaid gown by Jan Garcia that spells E-L-E-G-A-N-C-E.

Deserve niya ang bouquet. Proudly representing Cebu drag, Maria Lava wears Ramel Roche with a dramatic cape to the Drag Den Season 2 Premiere.

As if stepping out of Japan’s Fruits’ pages, makeup maven Marlyn Ocampo graced the blue carpet in a visual kei-inspired look.

It’s giving a lot like first-day-of-school realness with teacher Moi, complete with a group of students.

It was as if the balloons whisked her away from the sea. We love a conceptual queen! Mrs. Tan sure knows how to make a glorious entrance.

Russia Fox gives off Celia Rodriguez vibes in the best way possible. The beauty pageant queen looks incredibly stunning in this gold ensemble. 

Drag Den Season 1 pioneers

The inaugural season of Drag Den was a groundbreaking moment that created many opportunities within the Philippine queer scene. The season 1 queens supported the new contestants by making a splash on the blue carpet with breathtaking looks.

The first Drag Supreme, Naia, takes on the role of hosting the blue carpet while wearing a magnificent Mara Chua creation. 

Runner-up Shewarma in what seems like a high-drag version of Naia’s boy jersey look in their season’s first episode—a slam dunk couture by RSCreations.

Shredded and tattered to perfection—Herwin Cardoza crafted an outfit for Aries Night that echoed a poem’s beauty and darkness.

Pura Luka Vega appears to be a pop-up image from another fairy tale book.

Lady Gagita is known to be fast on her toes regarding drag recreations. Here she is as Taylor Swift at the 2024 Golden Globes with her boyfriend as Jokoy.

Yellow looks good on O-A! The radiant gown perfectly matches the queen’s sunshine-y, infectious, and joyful aura.

Barbie Q is the undeniable show-stopper of the night. I mean, look at her! Show them how it’s done, girl! The scene-stealing paandar and pasabog is by no other than Patrick Isorena.

Premiere Night Guests

The fashion parade at the Drag Den Season 2 premiere night shows how vibrant our drag scene is — how it progressed, evolved, and upgraded in just a short amount of time is mind-blowing. 

Fashion designer Emanuel Riñoza dressed Victoria Salt, who’s looking savagely cuntiana — we live!

Maureen Biology stuns in a crystalized black number, showing off her beauty and allure.

ZJ flaunts a bold red look with shoulders that scream power. 

Cubao in the house! The Rapture Royalties arrive in style to support their sister. 

Lady P Galore appears on the Drag Den Season 2 Premiere Night blue carpet in a fiery Roel Rosal. 

Drag queen boyfriends Ezra and Dysco are in custom Samuel Ang.

Salmo Nella, the mother of motherology mothers on the Drag Den blue carpet, to mother us all into motherism.

Hard-of-hearing drag queen Panthera Arma pays homage to Manila Luzon by donning a recreation of the iconic pineapple gown. Werq!

PHOTOGRAPHY: Kim Santos

The post The Drag Fashion Slayage at the Drag Den Season 2 Premiere Night appeared first on MEGA.

Durex Philippines aims to convey a strong message by cultivating a community that motivates one another and shares the joy of personal pleasure. The night unfolded at Ugly Duck in Poblacion, where the blend of entertainment, empowerment, and drag came together in an explosion of holiday fun. 

RELATED: The Sisterhood of Hana Beshie, Arizona Brandy, and ØV CÜNT Warms Our Festive Spirit

Marina Summers, Arizona Brandy, M1ss Jade So, Bernie, Matilduh, and Myx Chanel kept the flame of self-expression alive with captivating performances throughout the evening. Beyond entertainment, this was a strong commitment by Durex Philippines to embrace diversity and celebrate everyone’s uniqueness. 

2 Days of Durex-mas

Durex Philippines featured a showcase of products designed to maximize fun and “experience maximum pleasure.” Guests got to check out top-notch items like condoms, lubricants, and toys that “go beyond pleasure essentials.” 

Flipping the script on the notion that condoms kill the fun, Durex Invisible offers an ultra-thin design that’s practically invisible. Coming in hot is the stamina-boosting Durex Performa 12, which tosses out the old idea that slipping on a condom is a buzzkill for your performance. Play Classic and Saucy Strawberry lubricants enhance pleasure to a higher plane, “where friction disappears, and smooth sensations reign supreme.” For that extra fun, there’s the Durex Intense Vibe Ring “designed to bring 20 minutes of quivering pleasure to partners or self.”

“Just as the holiday season builds excitement, the 12 Days of Durex-mas showcase aims to spark anticipation and fulfill the commitment to make pleasure not just a possibility, but [also] a guaranteed and extraordinary experience waiting to be discovered,” Durex Philippines mentioned. Their goal is to get across the idea of being able to explore, enjoy, and dive in with a sense of adventure and thrill centered on pleasure.

#ComingTogether

Chriselda Segunda from Durex Philippines established the mood for the night, extended a welcome to all, and invited them to #ComeTogether for an exciting party ahead. Baus Rufo then took charge of the show as host and elevated it to his trademark level of gay fun. The night was filled with engaging games and fabulous drag performances, all in a fun way that reminded its guests to stay safe. 

“We’ve #ComeTogether to laugh, learn, and celebrate pleasure for everyone—creating memories that will last longer than just tonight,” declared Camille Taguba from Durex Philippines.

Photos: DUREX PHILIPPINES

The post Durex Philippines Stages a Party Celebrating Uniqueness, Exploration, and Pleasure appeared first on MEGA.

Beshie, Brandy, and CÜNT, collectively called BBC, resemble a tasty dish where each ingredient complements the other. Individually, they have distinct personalities and art that shine strong. But serving them together on a single plate creates fireworks of flavors that tickle us in all the right places. 

Seeing their apparent magnetism towards each other on Drag Race Philippines and witnessing the friendship first-hand at viewing parties, it’s only fitting to bring their unique charm to different stages around the country. “A Very BBC Holiday” was a drag show filled with wild comedy, fashion, and merry havoc. 

RELATED: The Bekenemen Viewing Party Just Had Its Biggest and Most Tear-Jerking Event Yet

Joining BBC in the spotlight at the Arcana Lounge in Greenhills are 4 of their fellow contestants from Season 2: Captivating Katkat, Bernie, Matilduh, and Tiny Deluxe.

After the show, we chatted with Arizona Brandy, Hana Beshie, and ØV CÜNT to dig into the story behind their sisterhood.

How has the BBC friendship grown and changed since you were on Drag Race Philippines together?

Arizona: “We got to know each other on a super personal level now. Sa Drag Race kasi pwedeng naging close lang kami kasi wala kaming choice, joke! Pero paglabas namin, dun ko napatunayan na these girls are really my bestest friends.”

ØV: “When the first-meet confrontation with the episode one queens happened, Arizona and I just kept looking at each other like we were talking without even talking. Then, we sat beside each other and had our little corner together. Our friendship just blossomed since we were the smokers and constantly bugging Miss 5 Minutes Girl to let us smoke every moment we had a chance.”

Hana: “Nagsimula lang talaga siya sa Drag Race dahil lagi kaming magkasama sa yosi breaks. Tapos nagde-destress [kami together] ng mga bagay-bagay [hanggang] lumalim siya nang tumagal. Na-realize ko sa loob na silang dalawa ang maaasahan ko sa mga bagay nung mga times na sila ‘yung tinatakbuhan ko ‘pag alam kong nahihirapan ako sa mga pangyayari. Most of the times, sila mismo ang lumalapit sa’kin para i-uplift ako. Paglabas [namin sa Drag Race], sobrang barkada vibes lang talaga. Sobrang love ko ‘yang dalawa!”

ØV: “I’ve known Hana Beshie since our House 628 virtual parties. When asked about my first impressions, I was trying to sound catty during a confessional: ‘I think she’s a fan.’ I vividly remember approaching Hana when the cameras went off, giving her a big hug, and saying how proud I am of her for being there with me.

You bring different styles and personalities to the table, which really makes BBC stand out. What have you learned from each other during and after your time on DRPH?

ØV: “I felt like we could literally do anything without hesitation, without fear of doing anything wrong, and without fear of imperfection because that’s what makes us human. It’s the magic of imperfection. Having fun even when it’s the darkest time of your life made me realize that doing drag is actually fun and that we don’t have to take everything seriously.”

Hana: “Natutuwa nga kami lagi ‘pag suot namin ‘yung mga damit namin. Nasasabi namin, ‘grabe, ang lalayo ng drag natin, pero nagme-make sense in a way.’ Baka ‘yun siguro ang strong suit namin as a group in drag. I’ve learned a lot from my sisters, sobra! Kay ØV, I have learned the art of being firm and standing your ground. Kay Arizona, she really sees the practical side of things; realistic siya mag-isip, ganon!”

Arizona: “N/A, chour! Hana and ØV inspired me to explore more when it comes to my fashion and makeup.”

What do you feel is that glue or magnet that drew the three of you together?

Hana: “I think it’s because even on very challenging situations, nasisingitan parin namin siya ng reason to have fun. Pareho [rin] kami ng wavelength sa mga kalokohan.”

Arizona: “We are all crazy in our unique, different way.”

ØV: “We just love stupid things — unserious to the nth degree. But we’re still there for each other. I remember the day when we filmed the finale  and heard how sad Arizona was when Hana and I got eliminated. We asked for a yosi break with Ari to lift her up.” 

Please share something about the other two that would surprise us.

Arizona: “May balat na heart-shaped si ØV and si Hana sa bandang singit.”

Hana: “As tough as ØV might look outside, in reality, siya ‘yung softy sa amin. She really enjoys bonding time, ganon! May ugali siya na mahilig magpalambing. Si Arizona naman, siya ‘yung matrona vibes sa grupo! KJ minsan; mas gusto niyang umuwi ng bahay keysa gumala.”

ØV: “Arizona is a softy that wants to be strong for everybody. Hana is a scaredy cat while watching a horror movie.”

What’s the most fun or memorable on-stage moment together?

ØV: “Our favorite moment every time we perform is when it’s time for our banter on the microphone.”

Arizona: “All of it! Pero seriousely, ‘pag magkakasama kami sa stage, expect nothing but chaos and fun!”

Hana: “Sure ako na on-stage ‘yung sasabihin ng dalawa, kaya ibahin ko na lang sa’kin. This is more on experiences while touring, ganon: nahulog si Arizona sa kanal sa CDO!”

How do you support each other outside drag?

Hana: “Well, sobrang daming support na ang natanggap ko sa kanila. May times na sobrang kailangan ko ng tulong at hindi sila nagatubiling mag-extend ng help. Same din sa kanila na I would never [hesitate] to help if they’re in need.”

ØV: “We’ve already experienced one of our hardest experiences together and one of our toughest moments, but something undeniable is we’ll always find a way to cheer each other up. We hate seeing one of us lose that glitter of joy that makes us us.”

Arizona: “‘Yung simpleng pagse-send nila ng random meme sa GC namin; ang laking bagay nun sa’kin. It makes me feel na may 2 sisters akong laging nandiyan for me.”

How do you envision BBC in the coming years?

Arizona: “We’ll conquer the world! We’ll accomplish greater things no one has ever imagined — oh, pasabog!”

ØV: “I know we’re just getting started. With the skills that we have right now, what more can we give to the world? I know we’re meant for bigger things!”

Hana: “We always imagine ourselves being in a movie, sitcom, or TV show. Lagi namin yan ini-imagine ‘pag nag-uusap kami. ‘Yan ang pinaka-what if and dream project naming tatlo.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: Gabbi

The post The Sisterhood of Hana Beshie, Arizona Brandy, and ØV CÜNT warms our Festive Spirit appeared first on MEGA.

Are you ready for a glittering two-hour journey of a Christmas-themed drag show? Brace yourselves for a spectacular variety show like no other. Eva Le Queen and Marina Summers, who rocketed to global fame after their much-celebrated run on Drag Race Philippines Season 1, are joining forces to launch their first main event together. The duo is gearing up to give their Filipino fans an unforgettable night of comedy, beauty, and drag excellence!

RELATED: Drag Show 101: The Essential Guide to Drag Show Etiquette

We were all gagged to the nth power with the duo’s iconic Snatch Game performances. So, in addition to their iconic performances, the characters they brought to life will also appear on the show. “Marina and I were intensively trained in improv and comedy during our preparations for Drag Race, and there is so much more that we have not shown the fans yet,” says Eva Le Queen. 

Expect hair-pulling hilarity with the Queens Roast: The Roast of Lady Morgana. Marina Summers, Eva Le Queen, and special guests will take turns reading the Drag Race Philippines Season 1 Miss Congeniality to the absolute filth. The girls will also have a live interactive improv challenge called the Eme-prov, also known as “3rd World Improv”.

A Festive Blend of Queer Talent

Comedian and Bekenemen podcaster Baus Rufo will host Joy to the World: The Thunderpuke Christmas Special. The show also shines a spotlight on four of the country’s sensational up-and-coming drag artists making a big splash in the scene: Deja from Drag Den Season 2, Myx Chanel from Bekenemen, Zymba Ding from the House of Ding, and Empy Radora from Hara. You don’t want to miss the special live music performance of International Filipino Drag Popstar Maxie from Queen of the Universe Season 2! 

The drag show is on December 23, 2023 at Apotheka and will start at 7:00 p.m. VIP tickets sold out within 24 hours of their announcement, but there are still available tickets under the Gold (PHP 1,300), Silver (PHP 900), and Bronze (PHP 700) categories.

The post Eva Le Queen and Marina Summers are Ambassadors of Holiday Joy in Their Christmas Drag Show Extravaganza appeared first on MEGA.

In this golden age of drag, where artists are getting more love and spotlight than ever, Captivating Katkat’s journey to the Drag Race Philippines crown is more than just a tale of triumph. Her story reminds us how rich our drag culture is and how it has blossomed from the underground into a cultural phenomenon. 

From Shadows to Showtime

With a background in dance, Captivating Katkat was encouraged to audition at a theatre bar in Malate called Politixxx. She nailed the performance and was invited to start that very day. This was in the year 2000, and she didn’t know anything about makeup, let alone that it was a necessary part of the process. The venue’s mama took care of it and asked her to focus on perfecting the choreography instead. And as if by magic, the powerful effect of makeup created a spark that ignited an emerging passion within her. “Naaliw ako kasi, oh my god, ang ganda-ganda ko!,” she recalls saying. A young transwoman having that kind of profound moment was nothing short of life-changing. 

It should be emphasized that from a young age, her family already embraced her identity as a woman. “Hindi ko na kailangan mag-out kaya hindi ako nahirapan,” she says. “Nahirapan lang ako dun sa magpapambabaeng damit.” She wasn’t really allowed to go out, perhaps due to the perils of societal discrimination. However, as she began to earn her income (working from Thursday to Sunday and making P700 a night), she found freedom and eventually positioned herself as the family’s provider. The motivation for the latter gave her the bravery and the confidence to explore more about herself and her art. 

Captivating Katkat was granted a chance by her boss in Politixxx to shine. Aside from dancing, she would need to acquire another skill to do this: lip-syncing. Like many local drag performers who embarked on their journeys before the advent of RuPaul’s Drag Race, she had zero understanding of drag. “Noon kasi hindi drag ang tawag eh. Ang tawag samin female impersonators.” Her first attempt into this new performance style was a high-energy routine set to “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez. “Aliw na aliw ako kasi ‘yung mga tao nagpapalakpakan,” she remembers. “Doon ako na-oh my god, gusto ko ‘to!”

The Makings of a Queen

After Politixxx, Katkat heard about Bahaghari Productions Inc., which wanted to bring the fabulous allure of female impersonators into the musical theatre scene with Illusione. Pop divas that needed channeling were legends like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, etc. She bagged the Madonna role and worked under the strict direction of Fritz Ynfante, who taught her the rigorous discipline of the art. “Doon ako na-train kasi meron din kaming training sa Powerdance ni tito Douglas Nierras. Nagkaroon kami ng chance magsayaw ng jazz, ballet, and hiphop,” she says. 

“Nag-start ako sa Cubao nung 2006. Doon na ako na-start na makilala. Sa Palawan 1 (P1) before, Miss Gay Lotto [ang nilalaro] ng mga audience. ‘Yung owner naisipan magkaron ng performers at kami ‘yung kauna-unahang nag-perform dun hanggang nag-boom siya [up to the pont na] ‘yung mga tao hindi na magkasiya,” narrates the transwoman icon. “Nung dumami na ang tao, gumawa ng Palawan 2 Bar (P2) sa kabilang street lang. Ganon siya [nag-hit] sa mga bakla noon  nagkaroon pa ng Palawan 3.”

The Cubao scene marked a significant point in shaping her career. During that time, comedy was almost a requirement for female impersonators to earn the applause and appreciation of the audience. Knowing this, Katkat was compelled to exert more effort and become the dynamic performer she is acclaimed for. 

“Pinapanood ko ‘yung mga kasama ko kung paano sila nagpapatawa,” she says. “Tapos from there, nag-iisip ako ng sarili kong [atake]. Doon nag-start ‘yung comedy na may drama, ‘yung may mga movie lines na katulad kila Vilma [Santos] o Maricel [Soriano] na isasama sa piyesa. May mga piyesa na bigla mong babaliin at lalagyan ng sound effects. Doon din galing ‘yung nauuso ngayon na ‘pag may hello sa lyrics, may ilalabas na Hello chocolate. [Ganyan] ‘yung mga katarantaduhang piyesa sa P2.”

In that era, performers were free to secure bookings at any venue. So, Captivating Katkat pranced her way to several establishments like Government, Punchline, Laffline, Metro Bar, Fahrenheit, Bar Uno, and many more, sprinkling her fabulousness wherever she went. 

“Nag-22nd Street ako sa Cebu tapos bigla ako naka-receive ng text na inalis na ako sa P2 nang walang rason,” she laments. So, parang may beef sa akin ‘yung manager. Tinext ako ni Precious Paula Nicole na, ‘beh, alam mo ba na tinanggal ka na.’ Si PPN kasi backup dancer namin sa P2. Umiyak ako nun, as in ang sama ng loob ko kasi aalisin ka nang walang rason. Pagkauwi ko from Cebu, nag-audition ako sa O Bar. That was late 2009 or early 2010. Ang audition ko [was] ‘Jingle Bells’ na umiihi. Ilang years din ako sa O Bar, pero nung pandemic, umalis na ako,” she says. Umalis ako, hindi ako inalis,” Katkat clarifies immediately. She found a new home in 690, and following that, she ventured into Drag Race Philippines.

Strutting to a new Zeitgeist

Recognizing the contributions and efforts of our trailblazers helps safeguard our culture from getting lost in the shuffle. Now that everything is just a click away, imagine what it was like back then. Captivating Katkat and her peers didn’t have YouTube to learn new makeup techniques or Instagram as a platform to showcase their talents. 

It shook things up when RuPaul’s Drag Race hit the scene. For the artists already doing drag, it opened their eyes to a bigger world of endless possibilities and limitless creativity inherent in their art. “Simula nung nakilala ang Drag Race dito sa Pilipinas nung panahon ni Manila Luzon, dun nag-start ‘yung, ‘ay, drag queen pala kami!’ Drag queen pala [ang] tawag samin,” says Katkat on the time she embraced the word drag.

The dawn of RuPaul’s Drag Race awakened a wave of young queer people to immerse in the vibrancy of its culture. The scene is bigger than ever — and it’s great! Consequently, this culture-shifting period somehow also overshadowed what was already happening. Suddenly, the benchmark for drag became exclusively based on Drag Race. 

“Sa audience ngayon, mas marami silang alam keysa sa mga drag queens,” she expresses with a sneer and then laughs. “Ngayon mas mataas ‘yung standards nila. Lagi nila kino-compare sa mga napapanood nila sa US. Ang hindi kasi alam ng audience, meron tayong sariling drag culture dito; ito ‘yung kinagisnan namin. Parang kung ano lang ‘yung napapanood nila, ‘yun dapat.”

Turning a New Leaf

“Alam mo dati dini-dream ko lang ang Drag Race. Super powerful ng manifestation. Winning Drag Race Philippines is a validation of my career and my craft as a drag queen,” says her eyes that sparkle with joy and fulfillment. “Akala namin napaka–imposible magkaroon ng franchise. Nag-try ako mag-fill up sa US before pero kailangan [resident ka ng] US, so, nawalan ako ng gana.”

It’s no secret that she’s been through a handful of controversies and may have others still look at her negatively. Katkat admits that she messed up in the past, not because she had bad intentions, but because she didn’t know any better. She gets that things have shifted, so like in the past, she’s rolling with the changes to grow as an artist and person. It hasn’t been easy, especially with the constant barrage of hate thrown at her online glooming over her Drag Race win. “Siguro part na rin siya ng evolution ng drag. ‘Yung ‘evolution na ‘yun, kailangan mo i-embrace; hindi mo rin naman ikakabawas ‘yun,” she says about welcoming cultural change, showing us that growth comes from acknowledging and learning from our shortcomings. 

“May mga point na nawawalan ako ng gana dahil sa mga taong hindi ako naiintindihan. ‘Yung mga taong walang alam kundi mang-husga. Iniisip ko [na lang na] hindi ako dapat magpa-apekto sa kanila. Ang iniisip ko ‘yung mga taong sumusuporta sakin. ‘Yun ‘yung nag-[papa-blaze] ng fire [sa akin] para ipagpatuloy ang laban.”

Photography ALAN SEGUI, assisted by JEO LUIS JINGCO, MILES WENCY GAYOTIN, LYNDON KYLE ASUNCION
Creative Direction & 3D Rendering BRIE VENTURA, assisted by JONES PALTENG
Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO
Styling GEE JOCSON, assisted by ANGELO VASALLO
Makeup TINY DELUXE
Hair IAN GARCIA using wigs by WIGALOO
Nails PAINT N’ STYLE
Sittings Editor JUJIIN SAMONTE
Fashion Assistant BITHIA REYES
Production Design JUSTINE ARCEGA-BUMANLAG
Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO

The post A Queen’s Odyssey: Captivating Katkat’s 23-year Drag Career appeared first on MEGA.

Going to a drag show isn’t just a night out—it’s a dive into an electrifying world of art with its own unwritten rules. Drag shows are no longer confined to gay clubs thanks to the influence of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The spellbinding effect of drag is now enjoyed at brunches, beach spots, corporate events, etc. Wherever they may be, the immersive experience of drag is best appreciated when you understand proper drag etiquette. Here’s how to savor every moment while giving the artists and fellow spectators the respect they deserve.

The One About Tipping

Tipping is tightly integrated into drag culture. While cheers and applause are cute ways to show appreciation for the artistry of drag, money helps them buy more nice wigs. 

Break your bills before coming to the venue. No cash in hand? Digital tipping is a more convenient way to do it and is often part of a drag show. 

Know your timing. Read the room. Don’t disrupt the performance if you want to tip.

There are no rules as to how much one should tip a performer, but don’t tip a Peso if you’re only trying to be funny or rude.

Tipping is a gesture of appreciation and not to be used as an excuse to develop a false sense of authority.

No one can and should shame anyone for not tipping. You’ve probably already paid for your table, drinks, or a ticket. If you can’t shell out more, follow the artist’s social media account, take videos of their performance, and tag them. 

Hands Off, Ate!

If you’re too mesmerized by the fanciful intricacy of their hair or the sheer size of their breastplate and have the urge to touch, girl, stop. These artists spent hours perfecting their vision so you would not mess up the fantasy. These over-the-top artworks are meant for viewing only, so keep your dirty paws to yourself!

There will be instances when a performer will share a moment with you. Enjoy it, but don’t get handsy. Avoid engaging in physical interaction without mutual consent. You see, it goes both ways.

Don’t expect the same level of interaction when you see the performer displaying extra affection towards an audience member; they’re likely friends.

Respect costs nothing, but means everything

Respect the performance space. To avoid the wrath of a fiery hell, please never get on the stage without an invitation. Avoid blocking the view during a performance or walking where someone is performing.

Respect the spotlight. Remember that the audience is there to see a drag show, not you. Remember that a drag show is a meticulously planned spectacle; you don’t want to be the one who will kill the flow by acting like an idiot. If your vibe isn’t boosting the performer, it’s probably bringing them down. Please don’t ruin the joyous atmosphere for everybody in the room. 

Most drag shows offer alcohol, and some audience members can get inebriated. If you’re with someone who has too much to drink and begins to heckle, take the initiative to end their disruptive behavior. 

Embrace the culture. Honor the queer space. 

Enjoy, sis!

Have a fabulous time. Your energy enlivens a performer’s spirit, so go ahead and scream, clap your hands, bawl your eyes out, laugh like a hyena, sing along, and howl. It’s a damn drag show!

The post Drag Show 101: The Essential Guide to Drag Show Etiquette appeared first on MEGA.

Cosmic Fest was a music festival held at the popular beach vacation hotspot of La Union. The event was a vibrant junction of performance art, music, and community, intensely devoted to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and support for queer artists. And a fabulous drag brunch at Alpas La Union in Bacnotan set the Cosmic Fest in motion. 

We chatted with Astral88’s Jon Galvez, whose vision for Cosmic Fest is to stage the show at different beach locations in the Philippines. 

What inspired you to start Astral88?

“I’ve been working overseas for most of my professional career. Now that I am based in Manila, the plan is to continue to create various platforms and opportunities for queer artists to get more exposure to a larger audience by producing events, festivals, films, and other creative endeavors that showcase queer talent and performance art.”

What were your favorite moments from the Cosmic Fest Drag Brunch?

“Cosmic Fest started with a bang. The sun was scorching hot, but the performances of Eva Le Queen, Arizona Brandy, Hana Beshie, ØV CÜNT, and Myx Chanel were hotter!”

“Myx Chanel, the ethereal host of Cosmic Fest, kicked off the show with an electrifying performance of Beyonce’s Summer Renaissance.”

“Everyone felt blessed to witness a beautiful beach wedding in La Union from the enigmatic provocateur, ØV CÜNT.”

“Hana Beshie performed Salamat Musika wearing her Drag Race Philippines Season 2 promo look that gagged everyone.”

“The crowd went wild when Arizona Brandy performed “Walking On Air.” For the first time in La Union, there was a jumping ovation for Arizona Brandy.”

“Eva Le Queen was hotter than ever while slaying with a performance of Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer.'”

“Cosmic Fest was blessed with Marina Summers’ presence. That’s why Hana Beshie gave a wet and wild performance of Marina Summers’ “Divine” as a tribute to the Filipino diva in time for her birthday.”

“ØV CÜNT delivered a powerful performance of Jessie Ware’s Say You Love Me in a fierce red ensemble.”

“Arizona Brandy brought a giant Vape on stage, and everyone was hypnotized by her performance of Rihanna’s ‘Where Have You Been.'”

“Eva Le Queen closed the show by giving everyone opulence in a gold number. The queen supreme gave a breathtaking, heartfelt, and awe-inspiring performance of ‘A Million Dreams’ that made the audience tear up.”

What are your future plans for Astral88?

“My vision for Astral88 Prod is to create more events where there is no divide. I have always believed that one can appreciate, support, and love different forms of art. One can be into drag artistry while also supporting rock and metal bands. One can love hip-hop acts while also loving music by queer artists. I dream of producing more festivals, creative projects that provide equal opportunities for talented queer and local artists to celebrate all forms of performance art, hoping that more people will be open to embrace it all.”

The post The Cosmic Fest Drag Brunch in La Union Made Waves With Its Unique Mix of Beach Vibes and Queer Brilliance appeared first on MEGA.

Drag culture’s soaring ascent shapes the vast panorama of fashion and beauty. They’re all intimately connected like a three-way tango, merging and blending into an art of visual spectacle. The drag revolution is more than just a trend; it’s a cultural reset cultivating a universal willingness to accept queerness and its many shapes and forms.

Let’s look at how the exquisite hand of drag has reworked the world’s overall presentation of fashion and beauty.

Makeup Techniques

Many of today’s popular makeup techniques originated from drag queens. In 2012, Kim Kardashian brought contouring to the masses when she revealed the process of sculpting her face with makeup. Her makeup artist, Scott Barnes, became widely well-known for this routine: contour, highlight, and baking, which is now common practice. Before social media, drag queens have used this practice to create an impression of a more enhanced facial structure. 

Extravagant Makeup

More vibrant colors and products are easily accessible to the market. Because of the allure of drag in the zeitgeist of today’s generation, whether you realize it or not, more people are willing to embrace being adventurous with makeup: intense eyeshadow, big lashes, and outlined lips. From pop stars to the everyday person, the template set by drag artists is a motivating force to feel the confidence and joy that the magic of makeup brings. 

Gender Ambiguity

Drag is an exaggeration, mockery, and breaking of gender norms. Its prevalence influences how we grasp traditional beauty and fashion, normalizing, in a way, its ambiguity. Not so long ago, society harshly judged and insulted the self-expression of queer people. Nowadays, people celebrate and laud cross-gender styling and androgynous fashion as cutting-edge and progressive.

RELATED: Queer Fashion Finds Its Muse in Style Icon Sef Loseo

Representation

There’s a frenzy of in-demand engagements for drag artists in this day and age. They have dominated the scene in fashion shows, fronting beauty campaigns and attracting collaborations left and right. Every strut draws all eyes and adds another sparkle to everything they encounter. This is about asserting their power over molding industry trends while representing the rainbow community in blazing colors. 

Exaggerated Silhouettes

Fashion has long been a creative driver for drag, today more than ever, as the world gets smaller because of the fast advancement of information. The mutual exchange deeply embeds its metamorphic power to express one’s identity, culture, or narrative. Over-the-top silhouettes, from exaggerated female curves to extraterrestrial shapes, have fired up the imaginations of many. Examples that permeated our consciousness are Violet Chachki’s literal breath-taking cinched waist, Jimbo’s giant fake breasts, and drag fashion designer Diego Montoya’s alien-like creations.

Theatricality, Camp, and Flamboyance

The 2019 MET Gala’s theme highlighted how the queer community, mainly embodied by drag artists, contributes to the drama, grandeur, wit, and excess of camp. Wigs are bigger. Costumes are louder. Everything is outright outrageous. Even the way we present ourselves, we sometimes have a sense of audacity and pageantry from watching too much Drag Race. 

Special Mention

It is necessary to point out that the materialization of Lady Gaga in her early years as a pop star was the shock value that ignited a fabulous flame. Her emergence, along with the rise of RuPaul’s Drag Race, emboldened the queer community to take pride in presenting their style in distinctive aesthetics, paving the way for self-expression to be appreciated and celebrated by the wider audience. Lady Gaga’s legacy goes beyond altering the music industry; she carved the path for the othered to accept themselves and help the world understand them. 

The post The Pivotal Role of Drag in Shaping Contemporary Fashion and Beauty appeared first on MEGA.

When the stage is ablaze with lights,and the whole space is enraptured with a mix of screams and delighted eyes from the audience, there’s an apparent energy like a fire that overwhelms all of us. One of the event industry’s primary objectives is to deliver memorable experiences to its target consumers. To Adrian Sevilla, it’s an achievement that’s bigger than himself. The producer of Adonis Production House has spent the last decade of his life surrounded by drag artists, making this job the fulfillment of a dream. 

It began as a vision

“It started way back in 2013 when my best friend Brigiding became my housemate. She introduced RuPaul’s Drag Race to me. Then, I met a lot of drag queens who became my close friends: Precious, Viñas, Bernie, and Bench. I started going to O BAR to watch shows, and from there, I fell in love with the art of drag,” Adrian Sevilla recalled. “Before Brigiding came into the competition, we had already planned on starting a production house. Since we all came from a theatre organization [in FEU Theater Guild], sabi namin, we can play with our strengths and start to produce shows once Drag Race Philippines airs. By doing this, we’ll be able to provide a platform for our drag queen friends, including Brigiding.”

Adrian is particularly proud of D’Intervention Viewing Parties, which he co-produced with Hany Capistrano and Abi Macaranas. “It was actually our love for the Divine Divas kaya namin ginawa ito. Then, naging bonus na lang ‘yung love ng mga Divotos sa amin,” he said. “We only had 70 guests nu’ng episode one, hindi pa namin napuno ‘yung venue. Fast forward to Divine Divas Live na napuno namin ‘yung New Frontier Theater! It was so heartwarming to see how drag connects people.”

Baksilog was Brigiding’s idea. She had a light bulb moment when traveling and got a taste of how drag was being done elsewhere. “We’ve created the best drag brunch in the metro,” declared Adrian. “What I love about Baksilog is the energy it exudes. Morning shows are different compared to evening shows dahil makikita mo talaga ‘yung energy ng tao—nakaka-noontime show!”

RELATED: Baksilog’s First Anniversary Was a Fabulous Display of Drag Splendor

Adrian Sevilla aims to produce more drag shows in places where drag lacks visibility. “Gusto namin dalhin ang drag far south and north, like what we did with Drag Del Norte,” he added.

Spotted in full drag

Who did your makeup?

“Kieffy Nicole from the House of Precious Queens (House of Nicole).”

Was it your first time doing drag?

“No, it was actually my third time in drag.”

How did the process of getting in drag feel like?

“It feels liberating! Imagine showing your feminine side to a lot of people, that side of you na you kept hidden for a very long time. Parang may kumalawa sa akin—I felt [a sense of] freedom!”

What was going through your mind when you first saw yourself in full drag?

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Grabe, ang ganda ko! Mas maganda pa ‘ko kay Brigiding! Emi!’ Shout out to my best friend, Brigiding, for letting me borrow her Barbie outfit!”

They say getting into drag is empowering. How did this experience resonate with you? Would you do it again?

“It really is! At some point, I felt that I needed to like a queen kasi that’s what drag queens do, right? I felt empowered! Pero, the corset was killing me! Pero, at least, empowered ako! Yes, I’d do it again! I’ll definitely use a different wig because that wig gave me a migraine!”

The post We Spotted Adrian Sevilla in Full Drag and Asked About How He Started Adonis Production House appeared first on MEGA.

Andy Crocker is a dedicated artist and a performer through and through. Her passion becomes evident when she speaks about her art. She is known in the scene to be a master chameleon, skillfully using the magic of makeup transformation and her talent for impersonation to create a show rooted in nostalgia. Through her art, she wants us to remember never to abandon our childhood. 

RELATED: Rapture Royalty Diaries: Notes From Cubao Drag’s DEY XD

When being on stage is embedded in one’s DNA, the soul of artistry is revealed. “Ang goal ko is to make one person smile a day. With my job and passion as a drag queen, isang buong bar ang napapasaya ko. So, every performance, quota na ‘ko,” she says. 

To the mother of the House of Crocker, drag is not an escape or an extension of one’s self, but rather the totality of one’s identity and inspirations. “Walang difference si Andy Crocker at si Rj,” she assertively says.

The Skill of Makeup Transformation

How did you master the art of impersonation?

“Isa si Viñas sa mga inspirations ko. Magaling siya tumingin ng contours. Ang dami kong natutunan sa kanya noon. Ang pinaka inspiration ng lahat ng magaling sa makeup transformation ay si Paolo Ballesteros. Tinitingnan ko lagi kung paano niya ginagawa. Na-master ko ‘yung art ng pagta-transform sa mukha nung pandemic dahil araw-araw ako nagme-makeup.”

Could you provide some advice for perfecting drag impersonation?

“Ang rule diyan, dapat ang pipiliin mong picture na gagayahin ay kung saan sila may pinaka-nakaharap tapos maganda ‘yung contours and shadows. May isa akong hack na natutunan on my own. Ang style ko ‘pag kumukuha ako ng mga ginagaya, kumukuha ako ng art works, sketches, and paintings nila. Andun kasi ‘yung strokes tapos susundan mo lagi kung saan ‘yung highlights, contours, and saan ‘yung mga lukot sa mukha. May mga kailangan i-tweak at i-omit na details para mag-work sa stage. Trial and error talaga siya and it takes time to master. Huwag ka matakot maglagay ng makeup; madali lang magbura.”

What else?

“Kapag may i-impersonate ka, panoorin mo ‘yung videos niya. Tingnan mo ‘yung mannerisms, paano bumuka ‘yung bibig, paano pumikit ‘yung mata, at ‘yung gestures. Madali sa’kin si Lady Gaga kasi simula pa lang nakitaan ko na siya ng attributes na pareho sa’kin.”

Lady Gaga awakened the drag within

How did you first get into drag and impersonation?

“Nag-start lang ako kasi gusto ko gayahin si Lady Gaga. Ginamit ko ‘yung pag-impersonate para mag-cross-dress sa mga speech class nu’ng college. Hindi ko pa alam ‘yung word na drag nu’ng kasagsagan ng Born This Way era. Ultimo Humanities class nagle-Lady Gaga ako! Nag-perform din ako sa eleksyon tsaka mga dance competitions na walang bayad—Lady Gaga lahat. Gusto ko lang talaga ng venue para makapag-perform.”

Where did you learn to do your makeup?

“Hindi ako marunong mag-makeup nu’ng panahon na ‘yun pero feeling ko marunong na ako. Marunong kasi ako mag-drawing at mag-paint. Artist naman talaga ako growing up.”

The Dawn of Andy Crocker, the virtuoso of makeup transformation

Tell us about how you evolved as an artist. How did you refine your drag persona?

“Akala ko phase lang ‘yun. Pinangako ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako magtatrabaho sa bar. Nagbago siya nung nauubos na ‘yung channels tsaka opportunities sa school pero gusto ko pa mag-perform. Nag-audition ako sa Buddhakan Bar sa Cubao. Sa araw ng audition ko nung 2011, ang tumulong sa’kin ay si Maria Cristina. Kami ‘yung baby drag nu’ng panahon na ‘yun. Ang mga nyora nu’n ay sila Marla, Susie, at Gorgeous Dawn. Parang nauna lang ng one year sa’kin si Precious saka si Gagita. Ang unang nakapanood sa unang night ko sa Buddhakan Bar ay si Brigiding; hindi pa siya drag queen.”

Bar Hopping

What were the pivotal moments that started to define your path as a virtuoso of makeup transformation and impersonation?

“Nag-stop ako ng school nu’ng 2013. Nakahanap ako ng opportunity nu’ng may na-meet akong senior drag queen sa Malate. Naging regular ako sa Che’lu for a while bago nakahanap ng mas magandang opportunity sa Greenfield nu’ng nagbukas ‘yung bagong branch ng Bed Manila. Doon ako nahulma. Doon din ako nagkaroon ng drag mom. Isang legendary drag queen si Boomerang Joey. Ka-batch niya sila Katkat and Lumina. Doon ako nag-try ng impersonation na hindi Lady Gaga. Isa ako sa mga unang Ariana Grande. Walang gumagawa noon kasi mahirap ang ponytail sa hindi long hair at hindi lace front wig—walang lace front noon! Sa sobrang amats ko kay Ariana, Monday pa lang niya ni-release ‘yung “Break Free,” Friday may costume na ako.”

Many drag artists mention how they’re huge fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race. When did you start watching the show?

“Sa latter years ng Bed ko nakilala ang Drag Race. Ang unang-una kong napanood ay season 3. Si Manila Luzon talaga ang pinaka favorite ko kasi bukod sa Filipino siya, campy siya. Gusto ko ‘yung nagre-reference siya ng mga cartoons. Meron akong building blocks ng brand ko now dahil du’n.”

What happened when Bed Manila closed?

“Nagsara ang Bed Manila nung 2015 kaya napunta ako ulit sa Che’lu in Malate at dun ko nakasama sila Lumina and Arizona. Nasa G-Spot, Cubao din ako kaya Cubao queen and Malate queen ako at the same time, tapos nagtatrabaho pa ako sa film—sabay-sabay sila! Sa film, ako ‘yung gumagawa ng digital signages for fake brands and products. Nagpho-photoshop din ako ng mga photo albums ng mga magkakapamilya na hindi naman magkakasama. Nagpe-paint din ako ng sets.”

Will you ever go back to the film industry?

“Babalikan ko na lang siguro ‘yung prod ‘pag mas matanda na ko tapos hindi na ko suitable mag-show. Pero I still don’t see myself na tatanda na hindi nagsho-show. I aspire to be [like] Mama Eva, Mama Let, and Raging Divas. Ang agang nasemento sa isip ko na magsho-show ako. Alipin talaga ako ng art.”

Finding a Home as a Nectarine

What led you to Nectar Nightclub?

“Nagpa-audition sila dahil gusto nila may opening act kay Alaska. Ang napili was ako and Gagita. Kinabahan ako nu’n kasi nasa Che’lu pa ako tapos may nag-bad mouth sa pag-raket ko sa Nectar to the point na pinapili na ako ng owner. Sumugal ako. Nag-quit ako sa Che’lu tapos umasa lang ako kung mabu-book lagi. Ang ending, ako ‘yung unang naging Nectarine tapos sumunod sila Viñas, Marla, Vivora, Jona Quin, etc. Nectar is my home talaga.”

Visit Andy Crocker’s YouTube channel to watch her parody videos.

The post Tracing the Trail to Mastery: The Story of Makeup Transformation Performance Artist Andy Crocker appeared first on MEGA.

Sasha Colby stands at the apex of supremacy. She holds two of the most coveted crowns in the rainbow community and has earned the reputation of being the favorite drag queen of our favorite drag queens. With her RuPaul’s Drag Race victory, the world is at her feet. The legendary beauty queen and eminent figure in drag performance art is known for owning the stage but more so for her kind heart—and nothing shines brighter than that.

I believe I can speak on behalf of the HalloQueen Ball Manila audience when I say what an epoch-making blessing to have witnessed an icon perform live right before our eyes. It was akin to seeing a miracle happen in full view. It was a moment that seemed too gloriously incredible to be real. Whenever we find ourselves in perfect scenarios, it blurs the line between reality and fantasy. My brain struggled to process watching her perform a few feet away from me. I remember malfunctioning and feeling happy liquid leaking from my bewitched eyes. 

Minutes before Sasha Colby was called upon the stage, the energy in the room was already accelerating. I don’t know how many smartwatches alerted their users for raised heart rates despite being inactive because mine did. 

When HalloQueen Ball Manila host ØV CÜNT summoned the headliner, her name reverberated throughout the space. The continuous utterance of the letters that form Sasha Colby’s name carried a profound weight that filled the entire room. 

Got us burning with her love

Our screams became a symphony of the highest praise when the spotlight landed on her face. She slowly made her way to the stage—taking all our loud love in—from the back of the audience as Loleatta Holloway’s “Love Sensation” echoed through the walls. She is a true maestro in using every inch of her body—from the tips of her hair to the fringes of her dress—to animate a song and imbue it with a spirit of art and heart we can’t find anywhere else. 

The gospel-charged disco track matched the G-O-D-E-S-S’ sublime presence and elevated our appreciation to a higher plane. The power of music combined with the power of Sasha Colby gave the audience its own power to connect to something greater than all of us. 

Fully immersed in drag artistry that we’ve never experienced, we were a collective outburst of pure joy. 

Ms. Sasha Colby from the Philippines

“My babies, my loves, my angels, we did it,” Mother said about snatching the RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 crown. “For the AAPI, for the trans girls, for the dolls, and for God. I thank God everyday that he made me a transwoman, honey!”

“I am contestant number 17, Sasha Colby from the Philippiiiiines,” the winner of Miss Continental 2012 screamed into the mic, to which the entire room responded with record-breaking shrieks of the purest form of delight. “Oh my god, as a pageant girl, I’ve been waiting to say that my whole life! Y’all, Manila, the Philippines, y’all know good drag. Y’all know good pageants. And that means y’all know Sasha Colby, bitch!” 

The trans icon also revealed that she likes pork adobo and sinigang, and showed interest in judging a season of Drag Race Philippines. “The Philippines is my favorite franchise! I love watching because it shows the ingenuity, it shows the love, it shows the passion that Filipinos are all about,” Mother Colby said. She’s been very vocal about her love for the show when she met season 1 queens at this year’s DragCon in LA. 

Her final performance was a song from a rock band that infuses electronic music, She Wants Revenge, with the fantastic track from 2006, “Tear You Apart.” 

Beyond the perfection, the poetry of her performance comes from an aura that lures anyone in. Every undulation and masterful hair flip felt like warm hugs that enveloped us. Sasha Colby is a rare artist. 

HalloQueen Ball Manila was brought to us by Beyond Limits Event Production.

Photography KIM SANTOS and GRANT BABIA

The post In Sasha Colby, the Quintessence of Mythological Essence is Personified appeared first on MEGA.

“Sex on legs has arrived,” Krystal Versace said when she entered the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3 Werq Room. The British drag supervixen was crowned at age 20, making her the youngest winner across all franchises. Two years after her victorious run on the show, her entrance line still rings true—perhaps even more correct than ever. 

RELATED: 9 Drag Performers at HalloQueen Ball Manila

I was wildly awestruck the second KV appeared within my sight. Involuntary cussing is a decent form of emotional release when we marvel at such splendor. I mean, LOOK AT HUH! A face snatched like a cunty diva is a gift to the gays. 

Straight out of the Batman Returns movie, Krystal Versace embodied Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic portrayal of Catwoman in a glossy, black bodysuit that screams sex. She nailed the character down to lip-syncing the dialogues flawlessly. The whip lashing was the icing on the cake that took it several heavens higher. 

She finished “You Don’t Own Me” with the final lines of Catwoman from the 1992 movie and transitioned to Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman.” 

KV bathed herself in “catnip” for her second set.

Slayyyter’s “Purrr” served as the music to match Krystal’s cat-like grace. 

Thank you for blessing us with beauty that is so intense.

HalloQueen Ball Manila was brought to us by Beyond Limits Event Production.

Photography KIM SANTOS and GRANT BABIA

The post Krystal Versace is the Most Exquisite Beauty Splendor appeared first on MEGA.

Drag has profound parallelisms to Halloween, as both revolve around transformation and fantasy. Each embodies ingenuity and explores identities, sexualities, and different expressions. The reciprocity stresses a strong cultural synergy and fosters a fun and safe environment for individuals to discover more about themselves. HalloQueen Ball Manila brought together the finest drag artists to throw a party and celebrate what most queer people consider their favorite holiday. 

RELATED: Let’s Traverse the Uncharted Expanses of Alternative Drag

ØV CÜNT

ØV CÜNT opened the show by marching to the stage with 4 men in red hooded robes. The avant-garde Etivac-ian served ritualistic cunt while perfectly capturing “Sex to the Devil” by Icky Blossoms.

ØV shed her robe to reveal a fully stoned muscle anatomy bodysuit against a fiery backdrop. 

The use of satanic imagery or symbols in the context of queer performance represents the multilayered intersections of the two. It’s acting on the otherness society has imposed on us—a rebellious form of expression. Some of us have embraced the labels thrown at us as a response to being vilified by the world for so long, the devil included. 

ØV CÜNT was the mistress of the dark ceremonies at this year’s HalloQueen Ball Manila as her eerie yet incredibly charming persona was a balance that fit the occasion. 

Yudipota

Yudipota looked like she had descended on Earth from a planet run by robot-like avians that devour mercury. 

The Bacolod queen used “Monster” by Lady Gaga to showcase her art. Judging from her social media content, there’s an otherworldly appeal to her visuals that is remarkably enchanting. We can’t wait to see more from her.

Slaytina

Clad in an intricately detailed creature costume, the mother of the alternative drag scene Slaytina radiated in the most menacing aura. 

Her performance included a loud cry for supporting local alternative drag artists. Slaytina considered her performance at the HalloQueen Ball Manila as a realized dream. “To be lined up with these amazing, talented, legendary, iconic queens is such a dream come true,” she said.

Aries Night

Drag Den contestant Aries Night was a dark version of a Kylie Minogue showgirl, seen here with Nunoy Revlon and Kervs Revlon from the House of Revlon.

Choreographed by Nectar Nightclub’s Merckz, her performance was a spectacle. “Isa kami sa mga spooky dolls ng Nectar dati na mahilig umeksena, and now we have so many alternative drag queens, my god,” host ØV CÜNT shared when introducing Aries to the audience.

Aries Night recounted her experience doing Drag Den and said, “It helped me discover myself even more. Mas mamahalin ko pa pala ‘yung sarili ko after that journey.”

Tiny Deluxe

Tiny Deluxe served us live vocals, singing “Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo.”

The mesmerizing performance was coupled with a spine-tingling song encapsulating a persistent social issue in our country. 

Hana Beshie

Drag Race Philippines Season 2 Miss Congeniality Hana Beshie was a tombstone statue at the HalloQueen Ball Manila. The way this queen’s mind works? We’re always going to be a super fan!

The monochrome Angel sprang to life when Amy Lee of Evanescence started singing “Bring Me To Life.” She was then joined on stage by two zombadings from Cubao DEY XD and Moonlight. 

Arizona Brandy

Drag Race Philippines Season 2 first runner-up Arizona Brandy will always find a way to mix her thirst for a good drink into her performances. 

The Rapture Royalty personified an Olivia Rodrigo hit: “Vampire.”

Bernie

A clear crowd favorite, Bernie stunned the HalloQueen Ball Manila just by merely existing.

I remember hearing the crowd’s hearts cheering when she updated us on her eye operation. “Mga ka-diday, na-operahan na po ako,” she said while getting emotional as she took in the loud applause that progressed to chanting her name. “Pero hindi pa rin siya tapos,” she added. “May second operation pa sa November 7, ‘yung retina ko naman ‘yung aayusin.”

M1ss Jade So

M1ss Jade So gave a burlesque number with Kylie Minogue’s “The One.” It was also the song she performed last year at the same venue supporting headliner Pangina Heals, but now as a trans superstar who conquered the hearts of the world.

The ultimate “One of one” dazzled in pure goddessa fashion.

ØV CÜNT: “M1ss Jade, ang tanong ng bayan: did you eliminate yourself or you were eliminated?”

M1ss Jade So: “You wanna know the real tea? I eliminated myself because I am Mama Pao. Because I am you, you are me, and we are all one within. Not just I eliminated myself, I crowned myself. I am Katkat in my old life because as the day goes by, when you incarnate, you improve to your highest self for humanity’s maturity. I am now here living my life as M1ss Jade So to fulfill the goddessa that I am so that I could send the message to Earth for humanity’s maturity. I am now the new female Jesus.”

The crowd exploded in glitters and queer jubilation.

HalloQueen Ball Manila is brought to us by Beyond Limits Event Production.

Photography KIM SANTOS and GRANT BABIA

The post 9 Drag Performers at HalloQueen Ball Manila appeared first on MEGA.

Drag queen Khianna made her Manila debut to the crowd of the Bekenemen Viewing Party at Apotheka. The girl wore a costume referencing either fashion designer BCalla or the cartoons Aaahh!! Real Monsters and instantly gained points in my book! The song she performed wasn’t familiar to an aging millennial, but it echoed the short-lived Electroclash moment that exploded in the 2000s nightlife scene that we were heavily into. She translated the jarring, repetitive music into rhythmic twitches that gave the impression that she was being electrocuted.

The young queen from Cagayan de Oro ensured everybody in that room would remember her name. Khianna lept to grab an exposed beam, then dropped to the ground in a split. I remember how my whole body felt like expanding in response to that; there was a surge of blood that my heart started drumming. Shouting, screaming, and cursing in gayspeak helped to accommodate a rush of awe. But when a tongue came out of the large cartoon-like lips she was wearing, I lost it. “God, I love drag,” I recall saying—a sudden burst of gratitude sent to the universe for having drag in my life. 

RELATED: Maharlika and Khianna are the Fabulous Embodiment of CDO Drag

The Khianna Experience

“Maraming tao nagsasabi ‘pag nakikita nila si Khianna performing, parang nababaliw daw sila. Parang nababaliw daw sila kasama ko. ‘Yun talaga eh: baliw-baliwan rockstar,” says the CDO queen. Pretty much accurate based on my description above. 

Drag Makeup

“I did my first makeup when I was in Grade 6. Tapos, ‘yung peg ko nu’n Halloween, kunwari may sugat ako sa leeg,” remembers Khianna. Around that same time, she chanced upon RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8, which prompted her to explore more about the artistry via YouTube. She lists good black eyeliner and neutral or green eyeshadows as the beauty products she can’t live without. 

Fashion that best represents her Drag

“Dadalhin ko ‘yung Leo energy ko with a latex bodysuit with fur hoodie, tail, and ultra-long nails,” she says and growls. 

First Drag Show

Khianna moved to CDO from Cavite in 2019. Like many of today’s young queens, she gave drag a go during the pandemic. “Magkasama kami ni Maharlika nung 2020 for the Northern Mindanao Pride kineso,” she recalls. 

3 People that Inspire Her

1. Naomi Smalls – “She’s giving hair, lips, and legs!”
2. Yvie Oddly – “Nakaka-inspire siya and her story.”
3. Hana Beshie – “Kasi napaka galing niya talaga”

5 Favorite Songs

1. Ayesha Erotica – Literal Legend
2. Björk – It’s Oh So Quiet
3. Pussycat Dolls – Hush Hush
4. Katy Perry – Peacock
5. Lady Gaga – Always Remember Us This Way

Khianna’s Icon

“Bretman Rock! Pinapasaya niya ‘ko. ‘Yung tipong uuwi ako ng bahay kasi titingnan ko ‘yung YouTube videos niya nang paulit-ulit. I just really love her!”

CDO drag family

Her chosen family has provided support, guidance, and encouragement. It’s also from them that Khianna finds inspiration and artistic exploration that help improve her persona. “Mas nag-improve ako sa fashion nung nakilala ko sila. Sila rin ‘yung nagpu-push sa’kin na galingan ko,” she says. “Mahilig kasi sila mang-okray kaya ginagalingan ko!” It’s the kind of okray that is constructive and comes from good intentions rather than being spiteful. “‘Yung critique nila, hindi masama kasi kailangan ko siya,” she concurs.

Lesson from CDO sister and Drag Race Philippines Season 2 Miss Congeniality Hana Beshie

“Oh my god, I don’t want to cry. I’m so proud of her talaga. Always niya sinasabi sa’min na huwag kang maging someone else; be you! Be authentically you! Sana mabuhay ka pa nang matagal. Sana huwag ka na mag mukhang tanga always.”

The Best thing about Drag

“Expression! Wala kasing rules eh. Kung anong gusto mong gawin, magagawa mo! Drag takes you somewhere else!”

The post Drag on the Rise: Khianna’s Magnetic Force appeared first on MEGA.

The unofficial Christmas of the LGBTQIA+ community that’s seen the birth of many drag personas is upon us. Halloween gives people—queer or not—the unbelievable confidence and the audacious motivation to step outside the comfort zone through our Halloween costumes. It’s an empowering holiday for everyone to unleash a different side of themselves with creativity and unadulterated fun. 

RELATED: Why Halloween is a Queer Holiday

Halloween party posters have been popping up on our social media feeds these past few weeks. Don’t worry if you’re still pondering your Halloween costume this year; we’ve listed 12 easy-to-make costume ideas from the Drag Race universe.

Lala Ri’s Paper Bag Runway Look

What you need: Tiny paper bags—we’re pretty sure you have them lying around the house—that you will hot glue on a black swimsuit or underwear.

Jiggly Caliente’s Post-apocalyptic Runway Look

What you need: Rolls of aluminum foil that you will turn into a skirt. Incorporate other distressed materials and tattered fabric. The amputated limb is an essential accessory to complete the look.

Monét X Change’s Sponge Runway Look

What you need: A yellow dress and as many sponges as you can buy. You may use small foam balls as a fascinator to add that bubble touch.

Alaska’s Trash Bag Entrance Look

What you need: Trash bags for the gown and massive ribbon, and black opera gloves.

Willow Pill’s Entrance Look

What you need: Run to the nearest ukay-ukay or fast fashion brand to shop for these basic, easy-to-find items, then spray paint “Angle” on your top.

Trixie Mattel’s Signature Makeup

What you need: Your phone to watch makeup tutorials. This could go either very good or bad, but don’t settle for the middle.

Gigi Era’s Tiyanak Runway Look

What you need: A white shower cap, an adult diaper, and a plain white pillowcase with ruffles. Put them all together and shower with fake blood. Pray that RuPaul’s Glamazon will play at your chosen Halloween party so you can have a moment.

Hana Beshie’s Noodle Runway Look

What you need: Lots of yellow yarn, glue, and patience!

NAIA’s Basketball Look

What you need: Red basketball shorts and a jersey. Paminta swagger is a must, so good luck! Practice in front of the mirror!

Minty Fresh’s Basahan Runway Look

What you need: Hot glue, rugs or door mats, a large belt, black opera gloves, yellow tights, and the freshest beauty.

ØV CÜNT at Untucked

What you need: Any undergarment will do, then roll around in the dirt.

Borrow

What you need: Connections to designer friends. Couture is optional.

The post 12 Easy Halloween Costumes Inspired by Drag appeared first on MEGA.

Drag was born to twist, break, and make fun of what is conventional. What happens when it becomes the standard? Art will always rebel against the typical, pushing it further into wilder territories. Alternative drag gives birth to different expressions that explore other perceptions of beauty, fashion, and performance. 

It’s time to meet the final set of competitors who joined the recent Crypt Floorshow Drag Supermonster alt-drag contest, including Marga Rita, who emerged as the grand winner.

RELATED: Venturing Into The Creative Landscape of Alternative Drag

“Alt is art in the highest form. It requires creativity to the highest level.”

Marga Rita

Tell us how you got started in drag

Marga Rita: “It was in 2016 when I auditioned for Showtime’s Next Tough Model. That was when I discovered RuPaul’s Drag Race because one of the staff asked us to pull inspiration from the show. Since then, I always pictured myself on stage, strutting the runway and serving different looks. It took me years to compose myself and started doing drag. Marga Rita was born at Nectar’s Drag Cartel last November 24, 2022. That was my very first time in drag, first time going out in drag, first time in Nectar, and first time in Cartel. It was fun, but that was when I realized my journey wouldn’t be as easy as I imagined. Yes, the road is very rough to the point that I almost quit, but quitting is not for Marga Rita. I now focus on my strengths and let people enjoy them.”

Sintax: “Like many drag queens, I started during the pandemic in May 2020. I was only a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race; then, I got inspired by local drag queens. I began practicing in my bedroom and posting pictures and videos online. Given the pandemic, I viewed it as an opportunity to improve my makeup skills and grasp the essence of being a drag queen.”

Iyah Ohara: “I started doing drag when I was 17 years old. Sumali ako sa pageant, at ayun, may isang bar sa Baguio na nakakita ako ng mga drag performances. Naaliw ako kaya nag-try ako. Napalapit ako sa pagiging drag artist. Marami ako natutunan. Maraming gastos pero worth it naman.”

“Alternative drag is an experience and an evocative performance with a fresh and engrossing take on queer expression.”

Iyah Ohara

Who or what are your biggest inspirations when it comes to your drag?

Marga Rita: “Sasha Velour was the very first queen that I looked up to. I just love her creativity and uniqueness. I want to possess the power that she has when she’s performing. Now, I am very inspired by our local alternative queens, such as Slaytina, Gersana, and Malayaugh. I love them so much!”

Sintax: “I’m a devoted admirer of Sasha Velour, Aquaria, and Yvie Oddly. Their artistry truly inspires me. Here in the Philippines, I find constant inspiration from queens like Slaytina, Gersana Pilipina, ØV CÜNT, Mrs. Tan, and many more.” 

Iyah Ohara: “Isa sa mga nag-inspire na drag artist ay si Evah Destruction. Sobrang naaliw ako sa mga performances niya. Sa kanya ko natutunan ang pagiging alternative drag. Halos gusto kong gayahin lahat ng movements niya.”

Describe your drag. What influenced your approach to your drag?

Marga Rita: “Marga Rita is a package. She’s not a dancer, but she can sing. She will give you face, body, and looks. Before, I wanted to look like Valentina: very Latina with curls. But now, I don’t wanna limit my makeup to just a pretty face. I wanna let people know that whatever makeup is on my face, Marga Rita is a queen!”

Sintax: “I adopted the name Sintax for my drag persona after being inspired by the Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. The show consistently emphasizes that drag is art and art is subjective. Their unique approach and the presence of ghouls and monsters motivated me to elevate my own drag style and approach.”

What is alternative drag?

Marga Rita: “It is disgusting, and that’s why it’s interesting. It’s disgusting in a way that everyone will like it. Everyone will love it. Everyone will be craving for more. Alt is art in the highest form. It requires creativity to the highest level.”

Sintax: “It’s a form of drag performance that breaks away from the norms. It involves diverse, creative expressions that challenge gender norms, push artistic limits, and play with unconventional styles. Performers blend elements like glamour, punk, goth, fetish, horror, and surrealism to authentically showcase their individuality and creativity.”

Iyah Ohara: “For me, it’s allowing performers to express their queerness in a way they often can’t in their everyday lives. It’s also an experience and an evocative performance with a fresh and engrossing take on queer expression.”

“Alt-drag involves diverse, creative expressions that challenge gender norms, push artistic limits, and play with unconventional styles.”

Sintax

Tell us about the inspiration or the story behind your performance at Crypt of Slaytina

Marga Rita: “It was about a girl who was raped and killed. Her soul returned to let everyone know her story. For my music, I decided to go with ‘Anino Sa Baba (Mayro’n Akong Nakita)’ by Mei Teves. I made it very emotional and high energy.”

Sintax: “My performance was centered around advocating for justice for the queer community, which has always been treated poorly by the system due to our SOGIE. I used the case of Jennifer Laude as an example because I strongly believe that Pemberton did not deserve to be released, and people needed to remember. My performance was dedicated to her, to you, and to all of us. We are alive, and we are still breathing.

Iyah Ohara: “It was my first time to join a pure alternative drag competition kaya sobrang pinaghandaan ko. About my performance, ‘Pity Party’ ‘yung song na pinakaunang performance ko in Planet G in Baguio.”

Photography ITSDPHOTOGRAPHY

The post Decoding the Nuances of Alternative Drag appeared first on MEGA.

The drag community has had a spotlight shining on them in recent years. The Rapture Royalties have squeezed into the dense crowd to catch the light. These sisters aren’t just basking in glory; they have ensured a path to keep a steady glow on their faces. We’re about to get personal with one of them—besos to DEY XD!

RELATED: Midnight Revelations: The Rapture Royalty Slambook

What inspired you to pursue drag?

“Nag-inspire sa’kin ‘yung mga nam-bully sa’kin nung nagsa-start pa lang ako mag-drag. Pinagtatawanan nila ‘yung itsura ko. Aminado naman ako na pangit ako noon, pero ‘di ba dapat sa safe space tayo makakakuha ng support? Pero hindi eh, sila ‘yung nag-down sa’kin before, kaya ganon na lang din ‘yung uhaw ko to prove them wrong.”

Who or what are your inspirations that help shape your drag persona and performances?

“Nag-inspire sa drag persona at brand ko is ‘yung mga nakikita at kinalakihan ko nung bata ako sa Tondo. Proud akong jeje queen at gangsta queen ang tawag sa’kin dahil sobrang inspired ako sa paligid ko sa Tondo. Sa performance ko, gusto ko lagi nakasuot ako ng pink and kahit na sobrang feminine ng pink, gusto ko pa din lagyan ng swag at angas. Si Nicki Minaj ang naka-impluwensiya sa’kin sa pink colors.”

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?

“‘Yung nakakapag pundar ako ng magagandang damit at gamit na hindi ko magawa noon. First ko mag-TV show (Family Feud) at minake sure ko na maaaliw sa’kin ‘yung mga nanonood.”

What’s the best thing about drag?

“‘Yung more tip! Charet! [The best thing about drag is] ‘yung natatago ko ‘yung weak side ko at nagagawa ko ‘yung mga fantasy ko nung maliit pa lang ako.”

Fashion and Beauty

Best makeup tip or hack?

“Maghilamos at skincare bago mag-makeup!”

Best fashion or styling tip or hack?

“Hindi ako magaling sa fashion eh. Basta dapat hindi mabaho ‘yung damit!”

Top 3 drag essentials?

1. Efficascent oil
2. Mouthwash
3. Pabango

Cubao Drag

What is Cubao Drag? What makes it different and unique from the others?

“Pang-masa kami at mura [ang] entrance sa amin. Maaaliw ka din sa mga performances namin dahil hindi lang kami ang nag-eenjoy sa stage, pati mga nanunood sa’min.”

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your Rapture Royalty sisters?

“Walang maiiwan sa baba! Lahat tayo sabay-sabay makikilala at iingay ang pangalan.”

On Performing Live

What was your first performance like?

“‘Yung first performance ko was ‘yung sa classroom namin nung grade 8 ako. Ang pinerform ko was ‘yung ‘Applause’ ni Lady Gaga from the VMAs. Sobrang fulfilling sa’kin nung moment na ‘yun as a fan at namulat sa impersonation. Sobrang saya ko noon at feeling ko artista ako.”

Top 3 go-to songs when you perform?

1. Super Bass
2. Marilyn Monroe
3. Whip It

Describe your best performance so far.

“‘Yung fantasy ko na prod na ‘Scheiße’ na kanta ni Lady Gaga.”

Where do you want to see your drag in the future?

“Gusto ko makilala at mag-tour kasama ‘yung mga Rapture Royalty sisters ko kasi ayun ‘yung goal namin sa family namin.”

Photography KIM SANTOS

The post Rapture Royalty Diaries: Notes From Cubao Drag’s DEY XD appeared first on MEGA.

A group of queer individuals organized a drag show to raise money for a sister battling cancer, but a few days before the scheduled date, the show took a heart-rending turn that converted the planned fundraiser into a memorial tribute. The community’s solidarity flourished and was flaunted as they pressed on while wrestling with their grief. Their shared mourning turned the night into a display of support and sisterly love, all while delivering outstanding acts that will be impossible to forget. The funds raised that night were given to the family left behind by Femmedas. 

Here’s a recap of the performances that evening:

Ava Manawari

One of the hosts, Ava Manawari, performed Janine Berdin’s version of “Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo,” a song from the band Yano. The pre-colonial Philippines deeply inspired her drag: a hybrid of Libulan and Sidapa, the gods of moon and death, respectively.

Salmo Nella

She had the crowd singing Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Salmo Nella has an innate ability to keep her audience engaged and hooked with her impressive charisma. Her banter with Ava as hosts of the evening was like peanut butter and jelly—deliciously matched to hosting perfection!

Lady Morgana

When Morgana learned of Femmedas’ passing, she felt compelled to change her song to fit the occasion. Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,” matched with Morgana’s top-tier lip-syncing, was the embrace everyone needed to receive at that moment. 

Zymba Ding and Precious Paula Nicole

Zymba graced the stage with her signature high-octane act to a medley of classic Beyonce hits. Precious Paula Nicole, who wasn’t initially performing due to her not feeling 100%, joined Zymba Ding during the song “My Power.” The first Filipino Drag Superstar shared, “Masama ‘yung pakiramdam ko pero dapat nandito ako tonight. Thank you very much po sa mga bumubuo nito. Maraming maraming salamat po! Please, patuloy niyo lang po ‘yung ginagawa ninyo kasi sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayo-tayo rin.”

Worshipthegays

You can always count on her to serve the audience with a totally outrageous, thought-provoking, and hella entertaining number! Worshipthegays gave us bubbles, flying panties, sex toys, labandera-to-sex-vixen-realness, and “Bongga Ka Day” in one act.

Marga Rita

A vision in red, the winner of the latest Crypt Floorshow Drag SuperMonster gave a highly emotional act using Mei Teves’s “Anino Sa Baba (Mayro’n Akong Nakita).”

Bubble Pop

She is the winner of Drag Cartel August. Here, she transformed Devi Lovato’s “Anyone” into a remarkable park-and-bark moment. There is no other way to spark life into Lovato’s lyrics than this.

Fifi Fairview

Fifi dazzled the guests with the energetic beat, empowering lyrics, and powerful vocals of “No Way” from the musical Six. She shared that this was her first time performing at an event since she started drag a few months ago. 

Aurora Boreális

This girl can make a song come alive with her renditions. Aurora’s theatrical leanings are evident, giving her a significant edge when performing. 

Panthera Arma

She appeared in a shine-encrusted pink gown worthy of any red carpet moment. Pero nilaro tayo ni madame with a campy performance of “Lucky” by the legendary Britney Spears. It was mentioned that the hard-of-hearing queen was awarded Huwarang Indibiduwal from the Jesse Robredo Foundation—the first drag queen to earn such recognition. 

RELATED: Struggles Be Damned, Hard Of Hearing Drag Artist Wants You To Follow Your Dreams

Kimi The Doll

Kimi brought the Renaissance tour to us with Cozy! 

Dagang Costa

Hailing from the Cult of Worship, Dagang Costa performed WILLOW’s “G R O W” and brought punk energy, showcasing the show’s diverse drag expression and representation.

Kieffy Nicole

The first bio queen to win Nectar Nightclub’s Drag Cartel (September) shared her electrifying Beyonce moves with the crowd.

Key Fang

The artist used Paramore’s “Last Hope” to communicate the message of perseverance amidst rough times. Toward the end of the performance, Key Fang brought out a piece of fabric with the words: Thank you for being a spark. And at the back, it wrote, “until the end.”

Photography KIM SANTOS

The post Drag Artists Come Together to Honor Femmedas With a Show Filled With Love appeared first on MEGA.

Lady Gagita has come a long way since her meteoric rise from doing Lady Gaga parody videos on Youtube in 2010. She’s established herself as one of the most undisputed drag artists in the local scene, inspiring legions more. Labeling someone as an icon these days may not have the weight worthy of its distinction. People toss the word around easily and carelessly. Still, I’ll use it here but with complete thoughtfulness, prudence, and accuracy: Lady Gagita is an icon. 

RELATED: A Round of Applause for Lady Gagita, the Internet Icon of Drag Den

Witnessing her ascent from her roots in Davao to becoming an influential figure makes me an even bigger fan. The heart and blood of her work are in plain view when you watch her perform. It’s where you can see—and feel—the passion for her art in full display. Lady Gagita was born to be the epitome of metamorphosis and mimicry. She’s also set the standard in providing an audience with a spectacular show. 

The Drag Den Season 1 alum headlined a show that mirrored Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball. As a Lady Gaga fan, having attended that particular tour twice and after seeing hundreds of clips on YouTube, Lady Gagita’s meticulous attention to detail was insane. It extends beyond recreating the setlist, costumes, choreography, and concert spiels, further capturing the spirit of the pop star. The little monster in me was, for lack of a better word, happy. 

On top of that, Lady Gagita shared the stage with the Haus of Gagita and some of the illustrious drag queens from Drag Den and Drag Race Philippines. The show not only underscored her position as a premier performer and entertainer but also as a mentor within the drag community. 

Precious Paula Nicole was scheduled to perform, but wasn’t feeling well. Since the show was aligned with Gagita’s birthday, the DRPH season 1 winner still showed up to show her love. “Pupunta ako kahit anong mangyari kasi lahat naman ng meron ako ngayon, utang na loob ko sa kanya ‘yun,” PPN said. “‘Yung pagiging selfless ko po, isa ‘yun sa mga natutunan ko sa Haus of Gagita. ‘Nung unang time na sinabi ko sa kanya na gusto ko mag-drag, hindi siya nagdalawang isip na bigyan ako ng spotlight para du’n sa show 13 years ago. Patuloy siyang tumatanggap ng mga panibagong queens para suportahan at para maging bagong inspirasyon sa mga tao.”

Photography ITSDPHOTOGRAPHY

The post An Ode to the Genius of Lady Gagita appeared first on MEGA.