The Pinoy flair of drag
Drag queens have traditionally been portrayed in the media as mere entertainers. However, it is starting to change with the rise of reality shows like Drag Race Philippines, which offers Filipino drag queens a platform to promote their talent and their causes. As Filipino drag culture continues to grow, viewers are now able to see drag queens beyond the stereotype.
Although drag queens have a variety of styles, they all share a common goal: self-discovery. Drag is an art form that allows people to explore their gender identity and expression. It is a multifaceted career that includes dressing up in fancy costumes and getting glammed.
But it is more than just glitz and glam. It is a way for people to express themselves and connect with others. The queens of Drag Race Philippines Season 2 spoke to PhilSTAR L!fe about the significance of drag and why it's here to stay.
For ØV CÜNT, drag is an unexplainable feeling. She loves the rush of adrenaline she gets when she steps on stage.
"There's something about drag that's really magical and it's hard to explain. When you step on the stage, merong mabilis na rush. I can feel the rush, ika nga... As if an enigmatic feeling, na once you feel it, hahabul-habulin mo sya. You'll definitely not stop doing it," she told L!fe.
Hana Beshie—an architect by day and a dazzling drag queen by night—said that it made way for her to learn more about herself especially when she joined Drag Race Philippines.
"Yung pinaka best na lesson na natutunan ko sa loob is may mga madidiscover ka pa sa sarili mo. Like you thought na hindi mo sya kaya, but in the long run 'pag na test ka ng challenges magugulat ka na lang, kaya ko pala sya, hindi ko lang sya kaya nag-excel pa," she expressed.
The Pinoy drag experience
The drag culture movement is more than just about sparkle and glamour. It is also about fighting for equality and freedom of expression. Drag queens have a long history of challenging social norms and advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Bernie, one of the most esteemed and established queens in Manila, said that people often misunderstand drag. They think it is just about dressing up in women's clothing and lip-syncing to music. But, drag is much more than that. It is an art form that allows people to express themselves and challenge gender norms.
Bernie said that the best way for others to understand drag is to show them who you are.
"Kung ano yung nasa puso nyo ilabas nyo yan. Wag nyo kimkimin kasi may mga tao talaga na para sa kanila lang, sa kanila lang. I-open nyo yung sarili nyo sa ibang tao para magkaroon kayo ng idea at magkaroon din sila ng idea para sayo at magkakaroon din sila ng mga suggestion [na] malay mo mali ka," said Bernie.
"I agree. Have an open mind, not just from other people, but for you also so you can also accept critics—bad man or good," Nicole Pardaux, who represented Cebu, added.
Drag as an art and a movement
With the recent debate on up to what extent can drag can be considered a form of art, ØV CÜNT briefly discussed her stance, emphasizing that every drag queen is a canvas and themselves are the visual artist.
"You are the canvas itself," ØV CÜNT said. "Everybody is an art form, everything we do is an art form. Especially with us, visual artists, performance artists, all kinds of multimedia artists, hanggang social media, gumagawa ng art. And you know, just like art, maraming klase o genre ng art, especially with this group you can see so much diversity in art," she explained.
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In terms of creative expression, the contestants also said that drag is limitless, but remarked that each queen has its branding and must know their boundaries to transcend respect towards each other.
"We all know everything is political and we can say drag is political. If [you] won't agree that drag is not political maybe let's reconsider your basic concept of what drag is because us standing here and even having the show, having the opportunity to do drag is already political," ØV CÜNT expressed.
Through drag 'we can be just somebody'
Filipino drag is distinct from the worldwide scene because of its subtleties and taste. Aside from the unique materials that Filo drag queens utilize to create their outfits, they have a particular take on humor and entertainment.
From Regine Velasquez to Beyonce, Pinoy drag queens are like fairy godmothers who can turn themselves into anyone they want.
"[Through drag], we can do anything we want. We can be just somebody," Captivating Katkat said who fearlessly embraced her identity as a transgender woman. Her claim to fame is a viral video of her rendition of Let It Go which garnered attention from all over the world.
"It’s we're like fairy godmothers sa club. Parang everybody is your best friend you’re beautiful but out of drag is like you’re nothing," said Veruschka Levels, who is known as a photographer and makeup artist who has worked with big names like Rita Ora, Nicky Hilton, and Gretchen Barretto.
Beyond the glam
Ultimately, these drag queens are using their platform to educate and empower others and make a real difference, especially in the local drag scene.
DeeDee Marié Holliday, a notable figure in 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.
"I am an adult, a big advocate of HIV awareness. As a boy, I couldn’t do anything about it, but when in drag I am able to hold testing events, free HIV testing, and education. Being in drag, I was able to have a purpose in life, and I was able to help people to actually save lives," she said.
Drag Race Philippines Season 2 is available on HBO Go in the Philippines and WOW Presents Plus internationally.
