HONOR-X7c-ADS
Now Reading
The Filipino Drag Scene: A quick guide on how to support it

The Filipino Drag Scene: A quick guide on how to support it

https://open.spotify.com/track/5vovcpODLZpQsZBJOG3Ujv?si=3c39552debd0459a

Following the huge success of the Drag Race Philippines franchise, the local drag scene became introduced to the general public. Being underground before, the show became a huge step for the LGBTQIA+ community since doing drag was considered taboo in the Philippines.

Supporting the drag artists would not only benefit themselves, but it would also be a stepping stone since it would promote the culture towards an inclusive environment for everyone, no matter where we came from. But, what can we do to help them boost the culture towards the mainstream?

Here is a quick guide on how to support the local drag scene in the Philippines:

Watching Drag Performances Live

Besides watching drag artists on reality shows, we could also show them love by watching their fabulous performances on stage. By watching them live, be sure that you are ready to witness acrobatic, high-energy, and some death-defying acts that entices everyone, even international audiences.

These are some of the venues to remember if you are free and in the mood to experience the glam of the local drag scene. To know more about their upcoming shows and schedules, be sure to follow them on their own social media accounts.

A drag performance in O Bar
Photo | Rocky Sunico

Located in Ortigas, O Bar is known as the Home of Asia’s Finest Dancing-Drag Queens. They give their stage to artists to showcase their own sickening moves and performances. If you ever come up with photos or videos online where queens perform on harnesses, this is probably the place that you saw.

Drag Cartel 2022
Photo | Nectar Nightclub

The Nectar Nightclub is an LGBTQIA+ space in the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It hosts events like Poison Wednesdays and the famous Drag Cartel every last Thursday of the month, wherein Drag Queens compete in a series of lip-sync smackdowns for the title. Then the winners of each month would compete at Drag Cartel All-Stars where it would determine which of them would acquire the ultimate title.

NAIA performing on Butterboy Bakehouse
Photo | Butterboy Bakehouse

In Butterboy Bakehouse, located in Quezon City, you can experience a different setup of performance. Having reserved a table, you can enjoy their delicious brunch while witnessing artists perform and strut their drag around the whole venue.

But remember, the local scene could not only be found in Metro Manila, there are also known spaces for drag performances located in Davao and Cebu.

Giving the artists tips

Doing drag is really expensive. From having their own makeup up to preparing a glamorous outfit, it really costs the artists much. Some even share their own GCash QR Codes online. So, be sure to check out and follow their socials. Besides, following them is the least we can do.

Buying products from the merch

Shirts from the Merch of Drag Race Philippines Queens
Shirts | Viñas Deluxe, Marina Summers, and Lady Morgana

Drag artists also sell their own merch and products. It includes shirts, fans, or even bath towels. So, basically, things related to their own branding. If you want to have them on hand, don’t forget to check out their availability since there are limited stocks.

Streaming and sharing local online content

Music and Podcast of Queens from Drag Race Philippines

Drag Kings and Queens are not only limited to lip-syncing hits, the local artists also produce and write their own songs. Currently available on streaming platforms, you may check these out and prepare yourself to prance along with them.

See Also

  • Fresh (Minty Fresh)
  • Pop Off Ate (Flexbomb Girls and Pink Pussy Energy from Drag Race Philippines)

You may also take a dive into Eva Le Queen’s podcast named Evangelism on Spotify. In her own words, you may want to tune in while “hearing the healing words of a tired-ass showgirl” as they spill their own tea about their experiences and aspirations about the Philippine drag scene.

Some personas also use other platforms to showcase their own talents. They have their own vlogs on YouTube and content on TikTok. While some prefer to engage with their audience by serving lewks on Instagram. So be sure to follow them on their socials to know the latest about their upcoming gigs.

Looking out for future franchises of local reality shows

Logos | WOW and Drag Den PH

Of course, we should also look out for the shows that provide local drag scenes the platform to showcase their craft. The Drag Race Philippines and the upcoming Drag Den with Manila Luzon.

Being renewed for a second season, Drag Race Philippines gained a huge audience worldwide. Especially since it’s the first for our Filipina Queens to have their own franchise of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

On the other hand, Drag Den with Manila Luzon has finally given the audience a teaser after a year of production. This reality show has its own setup that will be revealed soon, so stay tuned on their page for more updates.

Seeing the local drag artists *pop off* their way on the mainstream platform means that it is a step forward for the queer community’s goal of visibility and acceptance. It is a way of showing not only the Philippines, but also the whole world how our local drag scene really has its elevated level of Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent.

Scroll To Top