'Drag Den Philippines' hails Naia Black as its first ever winner
We have a winner!
Naia, also known as Brian Black, was named the first winner of Drag Den Philippines. She was crowned by host Manila Luzon during a watch party in Taguig City held on Thursday, Jan. 26.
In the final episode, Naia competed against two other finalists Maria Cristina and Shewarma in a swimsuit, evening gown, and national costume competition. They also battled it out in a lip-sync battle to Kilometro by Sarah Geronimo.
Like in any other beauty pageant, the Top 3 drag queens also had to participate in a question-and-answer portion. Each of them were asked the same question and were given a minute to answer.
The question was: "What is the one and only one quality that makes you the true drag supreme?"
Naia answered: “I’ve stumbled and I’ve gone through so much hardship, especially in this competition, and Manila you’ve opened my eyes to what drag can truly be,” Naia said.
“It is free of expression and I can’t be more happy to be here. I hope that my story inspires young queer artists who are afraid of putting themselves out there because I was afraid. But thank you, Manila, for giving this platform because I was able to prove that growth is what you need to become the next drag supreme,” she added.
Drag Den Philippines, the first of its kind in the Philippines, first premiered on December 8, 2022 on streaming giant Prime Video.
RuPaul's Drag Race alumna Manila Luzon, aka the show's "Drag Lord," serves as the host and judge, while content creator Sassa Gurl and former beauty queen Nicole Cordovez as panelists.