Get ready to go island-hopping with the new set of queens of Drag Race Philippines.
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Well, you probably knew this moment would come, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting. If you thought the summer season was over, Drag Race Philippines said, “Hold my purse” and brought the fierce and fabulous heat with the official trailer of the new season of the hit reality show. Dropping this August 2 (that’s less than a month from now!), the sophomore season of Drag Race Philippines will premiere on HBO GO in the Philippines and WOW Presents Plus Worldwide, with sickening new episodes dropping every following Wednesday.
And, as RuPaul says, if you aren’t watching Untucked, you’re only getting half the story, which is why Drag Race Philippines: Untucked will also be returning and airing at 7 PM. Mama Pao herself, Paolo Ballesteros is back as the host and main judge, where she will be joined again by iconic Drag Race alum Jiggly Caliente and Filipina writer, actress, TV personality, and activist KaladKaren on the judges’ panel.
While all that is exciting, what has gotten most people’s attention is the new batch of twelve queens that are set to grace the new season of Drag Race PH. Given how iconic the OG cast is, these newly-minted Rugirls have a lot to live up to. But it seems that some of them are already meeting expectations. As we count down the days before the new season’s premiere, get to know the twelve Filipino queens who are bringing the best of Pinoy drag excellence with their Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent.
Who’s your pick for the crown?
ARIZONA BRANDY
Arizona effortlessly fuses together a pedestrian-chic style and her own brand of humor, drawing audiences in with her irresistible presence. A self-proclaimed Adele impersonator, Arizona takes the stage by storm at Rapture, a popular drag bar in Cubao, and is a drag mother to the Rapture Royalties. With a mischievous grin, she utters her iconic catchphrase, “shot puno!” as she downs a full bottle of beer, perfectly embodying her philosophy of not taking life, or drag, too seriously.
ASTRID MERCURY
Astrid Mercury serves up a mesmerizing array of looks that transition from pretty to absolutely stunning. With a background as a former cheerleader and a stunt queen, she fearlessly delivers performances that leave the audience wanting more. She dons a headset as a dedicated call center agent at her day job, but at night, she reigns as a magnetic performer at Nectar, Club Level and Chelu.
BERNIE
Bernie stands as one of the most esteemed and established queens in Manila with more than 16 years of experience in the drag scene. As a transgender woman, she has paved the way for inclusivity and acceptance within the community. Gracing the renowned O-Bar as a regular performer, she exudes an irresistible energy that draws in audiences night after night. A true pillar of strength, Bernie’s unwavering dedication to her craft not only supports her family but also fuels her own dreams.
CAPTIVATING KATKAT
Captivating Katkat, one of the most prominent drag queens in the Philippines, holds audiences captivated with her extraordinary talents. As a transgender woman, she has fearlessly embraced her identity and shattered boundaries in the drag world. Her claim to fame is a viral video of her rendition of Let It Go which garnered attention from all over the world. Countless titles have been bestowed upon her, cementing her status as a luminary in the drag community. She currently performs at The One 690 Entertainment Bar, a cherished haven for the LGBTQ+ and drag community in Manila.
DEEDEE MARIE HOLIDAY
DeeDee Marié Holliday, a notable figure of the drag world for well over a decade, is celebrated not only for her enchanting performances but also for her unwavering advocacy for AIDS Awareness and LGBTQIA+ rights. Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, she temporarily withdrew from the world of drag and sought solace in the United States. Now, returning to her beloved Philippines, she rekindles her love and passion for the art of drag, ready to reignite stages with her unparalleled talent.
HANA BESHIE
One day, Hana Beshie and her boyfriend were in their room thinking of what drag name Hana is going to have. When the queen noticed that the brand of her electric fan was Hanabishi, a Eureka moment popped in her head that would make Archimedes proud. An architect by day and a dazzling drag queen by night, Hana Beshie effortlessly blends her creative professions.
Representing the vibrant drag community, together with her sisters from the Haus of LaFeya and the queer-events managing team that is G-Spot, Hana Beshie pushes for Drag and Queer visibility in Cagayan de Oro City. Hana infuses a delightful blend of camp and creativity into the competition. With every performance, she paints a vivid picture of self-expression, adding new hues to the evolving palette of the drag world.
MATILDUH
From the vibrant region of Ilocos, Matilduh proudly proclaims herself a “Multimedia Drag Superstar,” leaving an indelible mark across various print and digital media platforms. She channels her artistic talents as an events designer and florist, transforming her creative visions into breathtaking looks. With each dazzling appearance, Matilduh astounds the audience with a fusion of daring stunts, awe-inspiring dance moves, and an unrivaled creative spirit.
M1SS JADE SO
The queen of the susos makes her way to the Drag Race stage. M1ss Jade So, a fashion design student and a queen of impeccable style, lives life as if she were the star of her very own music video. Embracing her identity as a proud transgender woman, she stands as a beacon of unity among her fellow transwomen, viewing them not as competitors but as sisters on a shared journey. With a commanding presence as a body queen and a fierce advocate of Doll domination, this “power top na bratzy” is prepared to weave a tapestry of unforgettable fantasies that will leave an everlasting impression.
NICOLE PARADUX
In the realm of Cebu Drag, Nicole Pardaux shines as “The Face of Cebu Drag.” Your favorite MILF proudly represents the dynamic drag scene of The Queen City of the South. Venturing into drag during the challenging times of the pandemic, she aims to defy stereotypes and demonstrate that Cebuana Drag Queens embody more than just their feisty and fierce attitude. Nicole Pardaux is here to showcase the depths of her artistry and captivate audiences with her unique flair.
ØV CÜNT
Born in the province of Cavite, ØV CÜNT embraces her enigmatic persona as the “Enigmatic Provocateur,” fearlessly delving into the edgier realms of drag. Unafraid to showcase the darker side of her art, ØV CÜNT stands alongside fellow DRPH alums Eva Le Queen, Marina Summers, and Prince, united in their mission. Together, they envision a new era of Filipino Drag, where boundaries are shattered, and creativity knows no limits.
TINY DELUXE
The house of Deluxe is back to take home the crown. Despite being a relative newcomer to the industry, Tiny Deluxe refuses to dwell in the shadow of her drag mother, Viñas Deluxe. With two years of experience under her belt, this multi-talented queen showcases her vocal prowess, impeccable fashion sense, and razor-sharp humor to ascend to the apex of the drag world. Tiny Deluxe is a force to be reckoned with, proving that true greatness knows no boundaries of time or experience.
VERUSCHKA LEVELS
Hailing from Hong Kong, Veruschka Levels is no stranger to the realms of fashion and beauty. As a skilled photographer and makeup artist, she has lent her talents to luminaries like Rita Ora, Nicky Hilton and acclaimed Filipino celebrities such as Gretchen Barretto. Having made a name for herself as a Drag Queen abroad, Veruschka Levels now sets her sights on serving an exquisite blend of C.U.N.T in her motherland, enrapturing audiences with her artistry and creative prowess.
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