Mabu-Hey! Why Drag Race Philippines Is Groundbreaking for the Local Drag Scene
The iconic drag queen reality competition television series has made its way to the Philippines! Filipino drag queens compete in fashion and performance challenges to become the next “Drag Superstar,” putting their talents to the test. Drag Race Philippines, however, will not only search for the country’s next drag superstar; it will also help to shape the local drag culture.
Even while I love the Drag Race series, I don’t know much about the local drag scene. I even knew international drag queens that didn’t participate in Drag Race, yet I still don’t personally know any Filipino drag queens. Thus, having the competition here in the country helps me in discovering our very own drag queens. It will also show to the rest of the world—and especially to our fellow Filipinos—how skilled and fierce our drag queens are.
Additionally, Drag Race Philippines has more to offer the country’s drag community.
Some of the reasons why Drag Race Philippines is revolutionary for the country’s drag scene:
Brings out the fierceness of drag queens
Drag queens are entertainers, therefore just being one call for talent and skill. Local queens will undoubtedly have a platform on Drag Race Philippines to get recognition internationally. Local drag queens’ talent and potential to compete on the world stage are without doubt. Manila Luzon, Jiggly Caliente, Ongina, Stephanie Prince, and many others are examples of this.
Local drag queens also possess the confidence, conviction, and strong point of view required for the show. Local queens also possess charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent (C.U.N.T.), as RuPaul is finding in a “Drag Superstar.” The challenges of the show will undoubtedly bring out the brilliance and fierceness of Filipino drag queens.
Additionally, it can be a center for innovation in a variety of fields. The runway and design challenges of the show can help to highlight the growth of fashion, style, and design in the country. It may serve as a source of inspiration for Filipino designers and help in the improvement of their work as well as the growth of their creativity and skillset. Lip-syncing performances, which are mostly performed by drag queens, have the potential to become more popular and become a trend. This show will vastly improve the art of drag in the Philippines.
Flaunts the quality of drag we have
Aside from having C.U.N.T. of the local queens, it can also showcase the uniqueness of Filipino drag queens. Fans from other countries may witness drag queens’ distinctive talents, creativity, and high-caliber performances here. Through lip syncs, runway, acting challenges, Snatch Game, and more other challenges. They can see how dynamic local drag queens are and that the community deserves its recognition. Through Drag Race Philippines, local drag queens can prove that drag in the Philippines should not be underestimated.
Furthermore, while we can only see 12 queens on the show, it can also serve as a gateway for a wide range of local drag queens. It may entice viewers to visit various clubs and watch a variety of drag queens perform. They can show the level of entertainment and performance that local queens are capable of bringing to the stage. Since these 12 queens basically represent the local drag community, the show is more than a competition.
Features the Filipino talent
Drag Race Philippines can showcase the talent of Filipinos in addition to exhibiting the local drag community. In addition to the drag queens, it may highlight the talent, inventiveness, and dedication of the show’s creative and production teams. The fact that Filipinos make up the majority of those who work to put on the show tells off their creativity and capacity to keep up with the other international franchise.
Moreover, it can highlight Filipino culture and customs in addition to Filipino talents. Some of the challenges and runways of the show draw inspiration from Filipino culture. Also, it showcases the talent and creativity of Filipino designers since most of the queens’ wardrobes are made by Filipino designers. Even the set design is influenced by the aesthetics and culture of the Philippines. The show didn’t miss the hit when they utilize and maximize its exposure to showcase the beauty of our country.
Making it the voice for the LGBTQ+ community
More than just a drag competition, Drag Race Philippines can be also an image of the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Since its competitors are part of the LGBTQ+ community, it unravels its stories and struggles. Also, they can depict how the drag scene in the country has been one of the safe spaces for Filipino queers. It was the home for a lot of Filipinos who felt different.
Moreover, there could be more queer and trans representation in the mainstream media if this succeeds. It can lead to numerous things like it can promote a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community across media platforms. We could see drag queens on television and on other media platforms if the show succeeds in showcasing their talents. More publicity might entice more people to attend their performances.
In addition, Drag Race Philippines may serve as an inspiration for others. People will see that it is acceptable to unleash the diva on you and be as gorgeous as you can. They may even think while watching the show that “that person is bold and simply being themselves and being unapologetic for who they are.” We only have a short time in this universe, so why not make the most of it?
Indeed, Drag Race Philippines may have made a significant impact not only on the local drag scene but also on the LGBTQ+ community. For local fans of the Drag Race franchise and local drag queens, having our version of Drag Race is such a victory. More than just showcasing our local drag queens, it helps to promote the drag scene that has been underground for so many years.
