Emerging Filipino Drag Artists in the form of XelleFieQueen
In the words of Drag Superstar herself, Manila Luzon, ‘there’s nothing like the beauty’ of Filipino Drag Queens.
As the Philippines gears up to witness its own drag queen show, Drag Den Philippines, the drag community is put into the spotlight as they showcase their talents in makeup, fashion, and overall artistry.
“Anywhere around the world you won’t find any queens more beautiful than the Filipino drag artists, so you guys have something to look at and aspire to because these queens are gorgeous,” Manila Luzon said.
One of these gorgeous, gorgeous queens is in the form of Xelle Obar or better known as XelleFieQueen.
Based in Caloocan, this 29-year old stunner is making her way to the top of the totem pole of drag artists by producing videos of her drag makeup routines, mostly posted on TikTok.
Xelle to XelleFieQueen
She shared that she was first fascinated by makeup in 2011 when she stumbled upon a YouTube video of Promise Phan — a content creator and a makeup artist.
“Super namangha talaga ako that time kasi hindi ko alam na pwede pala manggaya ng mukha gamit lang ang makeup. So I got addicted watching [Promise Phan’s] YouTube videos all day and all night, hanggang sa dumating na sa point na gusto ko na siyang gayahin,” she said.
Her first makeup transformation was Angelina Jolie. Then, she tried to transform into different artists like Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga.
She is mostly inspired by doll looks because of her eyes. “I have very Asian eyes, sobrang liit, and I used to hate it, kaya I always go for doll inspired looks. You know, big eyes and big lashes. And it was not easy ’cause not all people can understand the vibe since it’s not very natural looking.”
Also, she is motivated to master her craft because of haters. “There are bashers and haters here and there which motivated me to move and go further and do a better job.”
Next level XelleFieQueen
Out of all her drag looks, Ms. Xelle shared her personal pick as the “most iconic one.” Although this was not her favorite, it was the one that catapulted her into TikTok fame.
@xellefiequeen A tribute to all the #DragQueens #duet #xyzbca #tiktokph #foryoupage #fyp #makeup #makeupartist #makeuptransformation #sasswars #sasswarsph ♬ original sound – Gage
Makeup is literally her life. She spends most of her time tinkering with makeup. “I am a full-time social media makeup artist, so makeup is really what I do in the daily.” She also creates looks for brands, joins online makeup contests, and does creative and glam looks from time to time.
Forever exists when it comes to XelleFieQueen’s love for makeup. Although she had thought about quitting makeup, she still went back to pursue her passion.
“Somehow, I still end up in my vanity table, in front of my ring light, holding a brush and putting on makeup. So is this makeup a forever thing for me? I guess so. I might die with a makeup brush in my hand.”
She looks forward to what the future holds for her and her craft. She is currently practicing her video editing skills, especially in transitions so that she can produce quality makeup content for her followers.
@xellefiequeen MY FULL SEMI FINALS ENTRY. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT I PLACED 1ST SA SEMI FINALS. SANA SUPPORT NIYO AKO SA GRAND FINALS! TIKTOK ILABAS MO TO. 1 WEEK NA EFFORT AT PUYAT TO #XelleFieQueen #TikTokPH #tiktokphilippines #TikTokUSA #TikTokUS ♬ original sound – XᴇʟʟᴇFɪᴇQᴜᴇᴇɴ👑 – xᴇʟʟᴇVHI3ǫᴜᴇᴇɴ👑
@xellefiequeen ☀️🌙 #TikTokUS #dragrace #makeuptransformation #dragracephilippines #dragdenPH #dragqueen #dragtok #drag #xellestials #xellefiequeen ♬ On The Floor – 1:23am
Also, she shared her thoughts on the current state of the drag community in the Philippines.
“Drag in the Philippines is now getting the exposure and support they deserve. Kasi matagal naman nang may mga drag queen sa Pilipinas eh. Atleast now, they are being recognized, appreciated and respected as they should. And I am hoping in the future na mas kumalat at lumawak pa ang drag scene dito sa atin. Drag is an art, and everyone should see it!”
Message to fans and fellow Filipino drag queens
She thanks her fans and family for the never-ending support in her drag queen journey.
“First of all, everything I am right now, I owe it all to you. You guys are my fuel in this road trip I am driving. I am here because of you. Thank you so much for all your love and support. Special shoutout to my XELLESTIALS, and my girls at BOLTEZ B, to my Dad in heaven na for sure super proud sa akin ngayon, sa Mama at Ate ko, I love you at salamat sa lahat!”
Additionally, she reminded her fellow drag queens to ignore the haters and just keep on doing what they love.
“Ignore the hate and feel the love. Ang makeup looks natutunan, ang performance, napapractice, as long as you love what you’re doing, The Drag Community got your backs! So shantay you stay and slay all the way! Go Baby Queens!”
Drag fans or not, we support the Filipino drag community and their craft. May they always keep the spirit of artistry and passion alive, even at times of struggle and defeat.
More power to you, Ms. Xelle! You are the very definition of #KeepDragAlive!
