Taking the art of drag to the next level
What drag means to these young Filipino artists.
By John Legaspi
Published Jun 26, 2023 01:46 am
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Updated Jun 26, 2023 01:46 am
Saying that the art of drag is a phenomenon these days is an understatement. Before, drag was only alive at night as drag performers hit the bars and clubs wearing their highest heels, sickening looks, and signature mugs. This time, we see drag artists everywhere, still drop-dead gorgeous, but their presence goes beyond their lip-synch performances. We now see them grace the runways, star in TV series and movies, and even host a friendly game of Bingo. One of the things that brought drag closer to people locally is drag brunch, where casual dining meets the glamorous world of drag. Its epicenter is at Butterboy Bakehouse, a humble dining spot in Quezon City.
Savvy Tan, Miss Jamie, and Alpha Venti
Since its inception, Butterboy Bakehouse has been delighting everyone with its special pastries. But during the weekend, its baked goodies come with a gag-worthy performance courtesy of drag artists from all over the Philippines. Its stage not only brought the art of drag closers to Filipinos, but it also allowed drag performers to have an avenue for their creativity—to elevate their craft. During Telus International Philippines’s Pride celebration, in collaboration with Spectrum Philippines, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got a chance to experience Butterboy Bakehouse’s drag brunch and meet some of the new drag artists who are using their talent and passion to take the art of drag to the next level. The first to hit the stage was Alpha Venti. Unlike other Filipino drag artists, which are often called queens, the 23-year-old prefers to be called a drag king. Drag king, while somewhat new in the country, is a concept that has been going on for years. If you’ve been a “Sex and the City” fan, you may have encountered the term during the series’ run. Alpha, an assigned female at birth (AFAB), identifies as a non-binary genderfluid and constantly struggles with sexist remarks from people who do not align with his identity. “A lot of people only know drag as men dressing as women and they don’t consider other AFAB or gender non-conforming people to take part in the art of drag,” Alpha told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “The biggest way to challenge that is by being ourselves. For us to shine this bright and still question us, it means there are lots more that need to be addressed.” There aren’t many drag kings in today’s Filipino drag scene. But for Alpha, introducing that concept through his performances and appearances can motivate other AFAB and genderfluid individuals to explore the art of drag in trying to express themselves and their creativity. Joining him in that mission is Savvy Tan, a femme-presenting lesbian and the winner of the drag competition series “Mudrakels.” As a drag artist, she faces pressure from people, especially cis-hetero men, who attempt to invalidate or alter her identity based on her appearance. But through drag, she was able to break stereotypes and use her platform to represent those who aren’t represented. “Seeing trailblazers defy societal expectations and thrive on their own terms reminds me that I, too, possess the power to break barriers and forge my own path toward success,” she said. “As a young AFAB drag artist, what makes me feel empowered to be my best self is the transformative power of drag itself. It allows me to tap into a version of myself that radiates confidence, creativity, and self-expression.”
Miss Jaime, Savvy Tan, and Alpha Venti with Bogs Orial of Spectrum Philippines and Telus International Philippines
Apart from the runways, Bingo sessions, and drag brunches, drag can also be seen celebrated on the work floor. With its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating spaces, Telus International Philipines help its employees belonging to LGBTQIA2S+ community to thrive, celebrate their passions, and bring their authentic selves to work—that includes the art of drag. A testament to this is the story of Miss Jamie. A transwoman communications associate of the company, Miss Jamie also moonlights as a drag performer, which is supported by her leaders and team members. “The company has consistently shown support towards both my drag persona and my career growth,” Miss Jamie said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have team members, leaders, and managers who actively support me as well as other LGBTQIA2S+ people in the company.” The drag brunch was just one of the many activities the company is doing this Pride season. Some of its events include “Ready, Set, Drag ” (an internal drag competition held across all of its sites), gender sensitivity training, SOGIE 101, and HIV awareness, testing, and counseling sessions. *Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? Send us a message on* [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/ManilaBulletinLifestyle)*,* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/manilabulletinlifestyle/)*,* [*Tiktok*](https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletinlifestyle)*, and* [*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/MBLifestyle) *and let’s talk about it.*
Savvy Tan, Miss Jamie, and Alpha Venti
Since its inception, Butterboy Bakehouse has been delighting everyone with its special pastries. But during the weekend, its baked goodies come with a gag-worthy performance courtesy of drag artists from all over the Philippines. Its stage not only brought the art of drag closers to Filipinos, but it also allowed drag performers to have an avenue for their creativity—to elevate their craft. During Telus International Philippines’s Pride celebration, in collaboration with Spectrum Philippines, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got a chance to experience Butterboy Bakehouse’s drag brunch and meet some of the new drag artists who are using their talent and passion to take the art of drag to the next level. The first to hit the stage was Alpha Venti. Unlike other Filipino drag artists, which are often called queens, the 23-year-old prefers to be called a drag king. Drag king, while somewhat new in the country, is a concept that has been going on for years. If you’ve been a “Sex and the City” fan, you may have encountered the term during the series’ run. Alpha, an assigned female at birth (AFAB), identifies as a non-binary genderfluid and constantly struggles with sexist remarks from people who do not align with his identity. “A lot of people only know drag as men dressing as women and they don’t consider other AFAB or gender non-conforming people to take part in the art of drag,” Alpha told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “The biggest way to challenge that is by being ourselves. For us to shine this bright and still question us, it means there are lots more that need to be addressed.” There aren’t many drag kings in today’s Filipino drag scene. But for Alpha, introducing that concept through his performances and appearances can motivate other AFAB and genderfluid individuals to explore the art of drag in trying to express themselves and their creativity. Joining him in that mission is Savvy Tan, a femme-presenting lesbian and the winner of the drag competition series “Mudrakels.” As a drag artist, she faces pressure from people, especially cis-hetero men, who attempt to invalidate or alter her identity based on her appearance. But through drag, she was able to break stereotypes and use her platform to represent those who aren’t represented. “Seeing trailblazers defy societal expectations and thrive on their own terms reminds me that I, too, possess the power to break barriers and forge my own path toward success,” she said. “As a young AFAB drag artist, what makes me feel empowered to be my best self is the transformative power of drag itself. It allows me to tap into a version of myself that radiates confidence, creativity, and self-expression.”
Miss Jaime, Savvy Tan, and Alpha Venti with Bogs Orial of Spectrum Philippines and Telus International Philippines
Apart from the runways, Bingo sessions, and drag brunches, drag can also be seen celebrated on the work floor. With its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating spaces, Telus International Philipines help its employees belonging to LGBTQIA2S+ community to thrive, celebrate their passions, and bring their authentic selves to work—that includes the art of drag. A testament to this is the story of Miss Jamie. A transwoman communications associate of the company, Miss Jamie also moonlights as a drag performer, which is supported by her leaders and team members. “The company has consistently shown support towards both my drag persona and my career growth,” Miss Jamie said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have team members, leaders, and managers who actively support me as well as other LGBTQIA2S+ people in the company.” The drag brunch was just one of the many activities the company is doing this Pride season. Some of its events include “Ready, Set, Drag ” (an internal drag competition held across all of its sites), gender sensitivity training, SOGIE 101, and HIV awareness, testing, and counseling sessions. *Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? Send us a message on* [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/ManilaBulletinLifestyle)*,* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/manilabulletinlifestyle/)*,* [*Tiktok*](https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletinlifestyle)*, and* [*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/MBLifestyle) *and let’s talk about it.*