As the sequins settle from the record-breaking first season of ‘Drag Race Philippines,’ the raceway readies itself for round two. On August 2, HBO GO will premiere the much-awaited second season of the show that redefines glamour, featuring twelve of the fiercest, most fabulous Filipino drag artists from across the globe. The scintillating reality series, hosted by multi-awarded Filipino actor, model, and drag artist Paolo Ballesteros, will also see the return of celebrated judges Drag Race alum Jiggly Caliente and Filipina writer, TV personality and activist KaladKaren.
Sashaying Back to Your Screens
Every Wednesday following the premiere, a new episode of Drag Race Philippines will air alongside the official after-show, ‘Drag Race Philippines: Untucked.’ This season promises to be a dizzying whirlwind of fashion, fierceness, and first-rate performances. The shows will air at 7pm in the Philippines, with the broadcast primarily in English, interspersed with some Tagalog elements.
Meet the Queens: Season Two
Here’s a sneak peek into the fierce competitors battling it out for the coveted title of ‘Drag Race Superstar of the Philippines.’
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!” (bottoms up!) 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, including the coveted VP’s Choice Awards for Favorite Local Drag Queen of the Year, 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 Marié Holliday
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
Hana Beshie, an architect by day and a dazzling drag queen by night, 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
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 Pardaux
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
Despite being a relative newcomer to the industry, Tiny Deluxe refuses to dwell in the shadow of her drag mother, Drag Race Philippines season one’s 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.
The race is on! Stream Drag Race Philippines season 1 now and gear up for the premiere of season 2 from August 2 on HBO GO in the Philippines and WOW Presents Plus Worldwide. Subscribe to HBO GO online or via the mobile app for just ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. You can also access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe, and Skycable, or on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV, and Samsung Smart TV.
Ready, set, drag! The stage is set, the spotlight’s on, and the crowns are waiting. Let’s see who has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to reign supreme this season.
