Manila’s finest drag artists gather to showcase Filipino drag excellence
Avid fans of "RuPaul's Drag Race" know that if there is a true "make it or break it" part of the competition. It is the part where drag queens have to lip sync for their life. Although the segment is nerve-wracking in every bit, it cannot be denied that in that moment is where a true queen shines.
Filipino fans of the show have long protested to see a Philippine version of the reality show. While we wait for that to happen, Manila's finest drag artists come together to give a glimpse of what a Pinoy Drag Race would look like.
Drag Playhouse PH (DPH), in partnership with Sony Music Philippines, drops a music video featuring nine of the most sought-after and talented drag artists in Manila. Dubbed as "Manila Drag Icons," the video features a Pride Anthem Megamix with songs from different generations that have been themes of empowerment and freedom by the LGBTQIA+ Community. The music video was shot in Shutterspace Studios, with Niko Francisco as director of photography and Yan Alabado as director, and produced in celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
DPH has been providing platforms and shows for fellow drag artists since the pandemic, and was able to do drag-related content and virtual events for several companies. With its humble beginnings as an Instagram account with the #KeepDragAlive, DPH have grown into a full creative team with a network of drag talents and production crew that aims to bring sickening Filipino drag experience to more people.
The stellar and diverse cast of drag artists in "Manila Drag Icons" include the legendary Electrifying Amanda, who has been in the industry for 25 years. Also joining the lineup are drag performers Vinas Deluxe, Brigiding, Miss Jade So, and drag king Alpha Venti. Leading them are DPH's founders Eva Le Queen, Marina Summers, Prince Marell, and OV Cunt.
"It is important for people to have something to aspire to be and believe that they can be more than what they are now,” says DPH CEO Eva Le Queen. "'Manila Drag Icons' hopes to open up more doors for local drag artists and entertainers in the mainstream and give more opportunities for queer representation even beyond the Pride Month."
Watch "Manila Drag Icons" below.