The thing about the art of drag is that it presents themes, topics, and other things on a grand scale. Its maximalist sense grabs people’s attention, creates conversations, and highlights the beauty of the things that are unknown to others. That can be seen in the forthcoming edition of "Drag Den Philippines," a drag reality series. For its sophomore season, the show gathered 10 drag artists from different parts of the country for a competition to become the successor of its first Filipino drag supreme Naia Black.
In the past weeks, the series has shared glimpses of the dragdagulan it has to offer with its cast’s promo looks. These drag artists celebrate Filipino heritage with stunning garbs inspired by beloved local dishes, ancient deities, and iconic literary works, among others.
Deja
Representing Baguio City is Deja. For her promo look, the drag artist dons a terno gown by Kalvin Barrios that celebrates the city's signature elements such as souvenir shirts, strawberries, and the colorful Panagbenga Festival.
Margaux Bertrand
Tondo City’s Margaux Bertrand is serving a drag take of what looks like an iconic religious figure. Designer Roman Sebastian crafts a look complete with a majestic crown and scepter.
Elvira
Looking truly stellar is Elvira of Quezon City. Her promo ensemble, designed by Basha Subijano, is a blue and silver gown dotted with stars—a nod to the city’s legacy in the entertainment industry.
Feyvah Fatale
Like an ancient warrior, Bulacan’s Feyvah Fatale is striking and fierce in her Xioti Chiu promo look featuring a multi-colored dress with a butterfly sleeve on one side and a church sculpture on the other.
Maria Lava
Maria Lava imbibes the spirit of Visayas’ goddess of light, Lisuga. The drag artist from Mandaue City dons a look by Lyndon Adolfo, which features indigenous tattoo patterns, native beading, and a fiery backpiece.
Mrs. Tan
With her promo look, Mrs. Tan of Laguna aims to spotlight the legacy of Filipino hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Created by Job Dacon, the gown presents a print of the scanned pages of Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” The piece’s tiered skirt has a burnt-like finish, which “serves as an imagery of our history getting constantly burnt into memories, forgotten, and revised by those in power,” according to the drag artist.
Moi
When we talk about Bacolod City, it is hard not to think of its delicious dishes like the Chicken Inasal. That is the inspiration behind Moi’s promo look, crafted by designers Jude Chael and Cecilia Gangoso.
Marlyn
The promo 'fit of Pasay City’s Marlyn is a romantic piece by designer Axel Que. The ensemble looks similar—maybe the same piece—to Tracy Maureen Perez’s costume for Miss World Philippines 2021, which is about Christianity in the Philippines.
Jean Vilogue
Batangas City’s Jean Vilogue takes a classic style to drag territory. The look, designed by Aaron De Chavez, features a double-breasted dress with an exaggerated bow. Its nude and brown color palette is a nod to the Kapeng Barako.
Russia Fox
Russia Fox of Daraga, Bicol dons a look, created by Gerald Malagum, Ramily Santillan, and Bong Acosta, that merges the beauty of the National Flag’s colors and the mightiness of carabao.
"Drag Den Philippines" season two is set to premiere on Jan. 18 on the streaming platform Prime Video. Returning for its sophomore edition is “Drag Race” alum Manila Luzon as host or “Drag Lord,” together with influencer Sassa Gurl and beauty queen Nicole Cordoves as “Drag Runner” and “Drag Dealer,” respectively.
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