Drag Race Philippines

{{short description|Philippine reality television series}}

{{use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{infobox television

| image = Drag Race Philippines.png

| genre = Reality competition

| director = {{plainlist|

}}

| presenter = Paolo Ballesteros

| judges = {{plainlist|

}}

| end_theme = {{based on|"Rock It (To the Moon)"|RuPaul}}

| country = Philippines

| language = {{plainlist|

  • English
  • Filipino / Tagalog

}}

| num_seasons = 3

| num_episodes = 30

| list_episodes = List of Drag Race Philippines episodes

| executive_producer = {{plainlist|

  • Randy Barbato
  • Fenton Bailey
  • Tom Campbell
  • RuPaul Charles
  • Alex Godinez-Lopez
  • Yanah Laurel
  • Jimson Tamano
  • Maricel Ticar Santos
  • Gina Godinez

}}

| camera = Multi-camera

| runtime = 55–90 minutes

| company = {{plainlist|

}}

| budget =

| network = {{plainlist|

}}

| first_aired = {{start date|2022|08|17}}

| last_aired = {{end date|2024|10|09}}

| related = Drag Race Philippines Slaysian Royale

}}

Drag Race Philippines is a Philippine reality competition television series, an adaptation based on the American television franchise RuPaul's Drag Race. It documents contestants participating different challenges, at the invitation of drag performer Paolo Ballesteros, every week to compete and be inducted as the Philippines' Next Drag Superstar.

In every episode, it employs a panel of judges with Paolo Ballesteros and KaladKaren, with BJ Pascual, Jon Santos, and Rajo Laurel as alternative judges. Jiggly Caliente served as a judge for three seasons until it was announced in April 2025 that she would not be returning as a judge due to a “severe infection” which led to the amputation of her right leg.{{Cite web |last=Segarra |first=Edward |title='RuPaul's Drag Race' star Jiggly Caliente loses 'most of her right leg' after infection |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/04/24/jiggly-caliente-leg-amputated-rupauls-drag-race/83257685007/ |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} Caliente died days after the announcement, aged 44.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-27 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44, days after leg amputation |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/828782/rupauls-drag-race-jiggly-caliente-dies-aged-44-after-leg-amputation/?viewas=amp |access-date=2025-05-17 |website=HELLO! |language=en}}

The series is the tenth international adaptation from the Drag Race franchise. It is co-produced by Fullhouse Asia and World of Wonder, and first premiered for streaming services HBO Go and WOW Presents Plus on August 17, 2022. After three seasons, Precious Paula Nicole, Captivating Katkat, and Maxie Andreison were crowned as winners of the series.

Series overview

{{series overview

| seasonT = Season

| infoA = Winner

| infoB = Runner-up

| infoC = Miss Congeniality

| auxA = Contestants

| color1 = #F16A80

| link1 = Drag Race Philippines season 1

| auxA1 = 12

| episodes1 = 10

| start1 = {{start date|2022|08|17}}

| end1 = {{end date|2022|10|12}}

| infoA1 = Precious Paula Nicole

| infoB1 = Marina Summers

| infoC1 = Lady Morgana

| color2 = #F78954

| link2 = Drag Race Philippines season 2

| auxA2 = 12

| episodes2 = 10

| start2 = {{start date|2023|08|02}}

| end2 = {{end date|2023|10|04}}

| infoA2 = Captivating Katkat

| infoB2 = Arizona Brandy

| infoC2 = Hana Beshie

| color3 = #979797

| link3 = Drag Race Philippines season 3

| auxA3 = 11

| episodes3 = 10

| start3 = {{start date|2024|08|07}}

| end3 = {{end date|2024|10|09}}

| infoA3 = Maxie

| infoB3 = Khianna

| infoC3 = Versex

}}

Production history

American drag queen RuPaul Charles first announced the Philippine adaptation, and is credited as an executive producer alongside Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, and Tom Campbell.{{Cite web |last=Quieta |first=Racquel |title=Drag Race Philippines is looking for the first Filipino drag superstar! |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/79709/drag-race-philippines-is-looking-for-the-first-filipino-drag-superstar |date=August 17, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2025 |publisher=Global Media Arts Network |language=}} Casting soon opened from production company World of Wonder, alongside their partnership with Fullhouse Asia,{{cite magazine |last=Rude |first=Mey |title=RuPaul's Drag Race is getting another international edition |url=https://www.out.com/television/2021/8/16/rupauls-drag-race-philippines-announcement |date=August 16, 2021 |access-date=March 21, 2025 |magazine=Out }} on August 16, 2021.{{cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |title=RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines is on the way |url=https://ew.com/tv/rupauls-drag-race-philippines-season-1-announcement-video/ |date=August 16, 2021 |access-date=May 15, 2025 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly }}

Entertainment Weekly reportedly that entertainer Jiggly Caliente will show up as a permanent judge on May 14, 2022;{{cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |title=Jiggly Caliente joins Drag Race Philippines as a judge |url=https://ew.com/tv/jiggly-caliente-drag-race-philippines-judge/ |date=May 14, 2022 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly }} she previously competed in RuPaul's Drag Race (2012) and All Stars (2021). A short trailer showcased the workroom and mainstage, with a silhouette of the host, and revealed it will have a companion series.{{cite web |last=Antonio |first=Josiah |title=Drag Race Philippines to air on August 17 with Untucked; Jiggly Caliente serves as judge |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/15/22/drag-race-ph-to-air-on-aug-17-with-untucked |date=May 15, 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=ABS-CBN }} A month later, it was confirmed that actor and comedian Paolo Ballesteros was given the opportunity to host Drag Race Philippines on July 13.{{cite magazine |last=Damshenas |first=Same |title=World of Wonder announces legendary actor as host of Drag Race Philippines |url=https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/world-of-wonder-announces-legendary-actor-as-host-of-drag-race-philippines/ |date=July 13, 2022 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |magazine=Gay Times }}

This soon unveiled another judge, whom is television personality KaladKaren;{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Amrie |date=2022-07-20 |title=Judge KaladKaren completes the 'Drag Race Philippines' trinity |url=https://preen.ph/131311/kaladkaren-judge-drag-race-philippines-trinity |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Preen.ph |language=en-US}} this marked the first franchise to have two transgender women appear in the panel of judges.{{cite web |last=Riedel |first=Samantha |date=July 22, 2022 |title=Drag Race Philippines makes history with two openly trans judges |url=https://www.them.us/story/drag-race-philippines-jiggly-caliente-kaladkaren-trans-judges |access-date=March 31, 2025 |website=Them}} Before the franchise aired, photographer BJ Pascual, fashion designer Rajo Laurel and actor and comedian Jon Santos were announced as the alternating judges on August 11.{{Cite web |last=Roque |first=Nika |date=August 11, 2022 |title=BJ Pascual, Jon Santos, and Rajo Laurel join Drag Race Philippines panel of judges |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/841199/bj-pascual-jon-santos-and-rajo-laurel-join-drag-race-ph-panel-of-judges/story |access-date=December 14, 2024 |website=GMA News Online |language=}} Actor and singer Ice Seguerra revealed and made his television directorial debut on August 20.{{Cite web |last=Esguerra Olarte |first=Steph |date=August 20, 2022 |title=Liza Dino is super proud of Ice Seguerra's directorial debut on Drag Race Philippines: Untucked! |url=https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/ice-seguerra-directorial-debut-drag-race-ph-untucked-a1031-20220820 |access-date=November 17, 2024 |website=Cosmo |language=en-ph}}

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+ Former and recurring judges on Drag Race Philippines

rowspan="2" style="width:20%;" scope="col" | Judge

! colspan="4" | Season

style="width:7%;" scope="colspan" | 1

! style="width:7%;" scope="colspan" | 2

! style="width:7%;" scope="colspan" | 3

! style="width:7%;" scope="colspan" | 4

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Paolo Ballesteros

| colspan="3" {{cMain}}

| colspan="1" {{TBA}}

scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Jiggly Caliente

| colspan="3" {{cMain}}

| colspan="1" {{n/a

}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | KaladKaren

| colspan="3" {{cMain}}

| colspan="1" {{TBA}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | BJ Pascual

| colspan="3" {{cMain}}

| colspan="1" {{TBA}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Jon Santos

| colspan="3" {{cMain}}

| colspan="1" {{TBA}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align: center;" | Rajo Laurel

| colspan="3" {{cMain}}

| colspan="1" {{TBA}}

|}

Before the first season ended, Laurel teased about the renewal for the series on October 6, 2022,{{Cite web |last1=Deni Bernardo-Afinidad |first1=Rose M. |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Rajo Laurel confirms Drag Race Philippines season 2, Project Runway Philippines revival plans |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/10/06/2214707/rajo-laurel-confirms-drag-race-philippines-season-2-project-runway-ph-revival-plans |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}} but its streaming services denied this comment and was not in production.{{Cite web |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |title='Drag Race Philippines' Season 2 not yet confirmed — HBO Go, discovery+ |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/10/10/2215641/drag-race-philippines-season-2-not-yet-confirmed-hbo-go-discovery |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Philstar.com}} It was shortly renewed the same month with casting opened until December 1.{{Cite web |title='Drag Race Philippines' renewed for second season |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/10/19/drag-race-philippines-season-2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711172411/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/10/19/drag-race-philippines-season-2.html |archive-date=2023-07-11 |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=cnn |language=en}} Warner Bros. Discovery Asia-Pacific soon announced that Discovery+ would be discontinued in the Philippines on 27 April 2023,{{Cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=2023-04-12 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery Unveils 'Max': Everything Revealed at Combined HBO Max-Discovery+ Streaming Presentation |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/max-streaming-service-hbo-warner-discovery-1235579785/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} this left the national broadcasting exclusivity to video-on demand service HBO Go.

A family statement revealed that Jiggly Caliente would not return as judge,{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Charlie |date=2025-04-24 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente suffers 'loss of leg' |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/04/24/jiggly-caliente-rupauls-drag-race-leg-amputation/ |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=PinkNews {{!}} Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news {{!}} LGBTQ+ news |language=en-US}} due to her right leg having been surgically amputated from a severe infection on April 24, 2025.{{Cite web |title=Jiggly Caliente exits 'Drag Race Philippines' after losing 'most' of right leg - UPI.com |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2025/04/24/jiggy-caliente-drag-race-health-leg/8601745500841/ |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=UPI |language=en}} Three days later, she died in a hospital at age 44.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-27 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race star dies aged 44 following 'severe infection' |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/news/jiggly-caliente-death-bianca-castro-rupauls-drag-race-b2739497.html |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

Season synopses

= Season 1 (2022) =

File:DragCon 2024 @ DVSROSS Photgraphy -34 (cropped).jpg won the first season.]]The contestants were first announced in their visual presentation throughout social media on July 27, 2022.{{Cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=July 27, 2022 |title=RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines season 1 cast of queens revealed |url=https://ew.com/tv/drag-race-philippines-cast-meet-the-queens/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727042720/https://ew.com/tv/drag-race-philippines-cast-meet-the-queens/ |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} A teaser was released on August 4, featuring Paolo Ballesteros waving two checkered flags with every contestant introducing themselves.{{Cite web |last=Roque |first=Nika |date=August 4, 2022 |title=Watch: Drag Race Philippines releases bongga teaser |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/840449/drag-race-ph-releases-bongga-teaser/story/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=GMA News Online |language=}}

It debuted through streaming services Discovery+ and HBO Go for the Philippines simultaneously,{{Cite web |last=Rafid |first=Sabiq |date=2022-07-21 |title='Drag Race Philippines' to stream on discovery+ and HBO Go |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/drag-race-philippines-to-stream-on-discovery-and-hbo-go-3273768 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} with Crave for Canada, and including WOW Presents Plus internationally in August 2022.{{Cite web |last=Madarang |first=Catalina Ricci S. |date=2022-07-20 |title=Host, judges, premiere date: 'Drag Race Philippines' unveils more details ahead of premiere |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/hobbies-interests/2022/07/20/222710/drag-race-ph-host-judge-premiere-date/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Interaksyon |language=en-US}} An online video was released through YouTube that featured the first 20 minutes from the first episode.{{Cite web |last=James |first=Alastair |date=August 17, 2025 |title=Exclusive: Watch the first 20 minutes of new Drag Race Philippines |url=https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/film-tv/exclusive-watch-the-first-20-minutes-of-new-drag-race-philippines-404113/ |access-date=May 17, 2025 |website=Attitude |language=}} Ongina and Rock M. Sakura hosted the American webseries Fashion Photo RuView, where they reviewed the garments from contestants.{{Cite web |last=Manipon |first=Roel Hoang |date=September 5, 2022 |title=Ongina and Rock M. host Fashion Photo Ruview |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2022/09/04/ongina-and-rock-m-host-fashion-photo-ruview |access-date=April 18, 2025 |website=Daily Tribune |language=}} This season ran for ten episodes and concluded in October.

Precious Paula Nicole won the season after lip-syncing to "Sirena" (2012) by rapper Gloc-9 and was crowned as the Philippines' First Drag Superstar.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-19 |title=Precious Paula Nicole addresses backlash to Drag Race Philippines win |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/originals/exclusive-drag-race-philippines-winner-precious-paula-nicole-is-ready-to-rule/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023030029/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/originals/exclusive-drag-race-philippines-winner-precious-paula-nicole-is-ready-to-rule/ |archive-date=23 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=Gay Times |language=en-GB}} This also included a one-year supply from ONE/SIZE cosmetics, with a crown and scepter, and a cash prize of 1,000,000.{{Cite web |last=Manipon |first=Roel Hoang |date=October 17, 2022 |title=Precious Paula Nicole crowned as first Drag Race Philippines winner |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2022/10/16/precious-paula-nicole-crowned-as-first-drag-race-phillipines-winner |access-date=October 29, 2024 |website=Daily Tribune |language=}} Marina Summers was the runner-up,{{Cite web |last=Antonio |first=Josiah |date=October 13, 2022 |title=Marina Summers still grateful for Drag Race Philippines stint; praises Precious Paula Nicole's win |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/13/22/marina-summers-still-grateful-for-drag-race-ph-stint |website=ABS-CBN}} with Lady Morgana (whom eliminated fifth overall) voted as Miss Congeniality.{{Cite web |last=Madarang |first=Catalina Ricci S. |date=October 14, 2022 |title=Miss Congeniality: Lady Morgana's message to queens of Drag Race Philippines season 1 |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/celebrities/2022/10/14/231531/miss-congeniality-lady-morganas-message-to-queens-of-drag-race-philippines-season-1/ |access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=Interaksyon |language=}}

The contestants who competed and eliminated were Prince, Corazon, Gigi Era, Turing, Viñas DeLuxe, Brigiding, Minty Fresh, Xilhouete, and Eva Le Queen.

= Season 2 (2023) =

File:DragCon 2024 @ DVSROSS Photgraphy -32 (cropped).jpg won the second season.]]

After season one concluded, it was immediately renewed on 19 October,{{Cite web |last=Angan |first=Kara |date=October 19, 2022 |title=Drag Race Philippines and Untucked renewed for second season |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/drag-race-philippines-untucked-season-2-3331694 |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} with casting opened the same month until December 2022.{{Cite web |last=Fabella |first=Lendl |date=October 30, 2022 |title=Drag Race Philippines announces casting for season 2 |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/169383/drag-race-philippines-casting-season-2-a4579-20221030?s=5f6vhehjplp0fri37fkl59rnpu |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=PEP.ph |language=en}} A teaser image was soon posted through Instagram on June 29, 2023.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-06-29 |title='Drag Race Philippines' drops tropical-themed poster for Season 2 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/874289/drag-race-philippines-drops-tropical-themed-poster-for-season-2/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629043025/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/874289/drag-race-philippines-drops-tropical-themed-poster-for-season-2/story/ |archive-date=2023-06-29 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}} This led to showcase its previous panel of judges in a tropical-themed set,{{Cite web |last=BASINA |first=CARBY |date=2023-07-05 |title=Paolo Ballesteros returns for 'Drag Race Philippines' Season 2 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/874924/paolo-ballesteros-returns-for-drag-race-philippines-season-2/story/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}} with the contestants and their visual presentation announced on July 11.{{cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Meet the Drag Race Philippines season 2 cast of queens and their stunning promo looks |url=https://ew.com/tv/drag-race-philippines-season-2-cast-promo-looks/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} The season premiered through HBO Go for the Philippines and WOW Presents Plus internationally in August 2023.{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Meet the queens of Drag Race Philippines season 2 |url=https://www.adobomagazine.com/entertainment/drag-race-philippines-season-2-unveils-this-seasons-queens-ahead-of-august-2-premiere-on-hbo-go/ |access-date=April 6, 2024 |website=Adobo Magazine Online |language=en-US}} It was ended in October which ran for ten episodes.

Captivating Katkat was crowned as the Philippines' Next Drag Superstar,{{Cite web |last=Antonio |first=Josiah |date=2023-10-04 |title=Captivating Katkat wins "Drag Race Philippines" season 2 |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/04/23/captivating-katkat-wins-drag-race-philippines-season-2 |website=ABS-CBN}} after lip-syncing to "Kapangyarihan" (2021) by iDolls.{{Cite web |last=Joy Tunac |first=Hermes |date=October 5, 2023 |title=Drag Race Philippines{{'}} lip sync song "Kapangyarihan" is a love letter to the trans community, says singer Enzo Almario |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/884276/drag-race-ph-s-lip-sync-song-kapangyarihan-is-a-love-letter-to-the-trans-community-says-si/story/ |access-date=May 20, 2025 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}} She was handed a cash prize of ₱1,000,000, with a crown and scepter, and a one-year supply from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Arizona Brandy was the runner-up, with Hana Beshie (whom eliminated fifth overall) voted as Miss Congeniality.{{Cite web |last=Antonio |first=Josiah |date=October 4, 2023 |title=Hana Beshie voted Drag Race Philippines S2 Miss Congeniality |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/04/23/hana-beshie-voted-drag-race-ph-s2-miss-congeniality |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=GMA News Online}}

The contestants who competed and eliminated were Nicole Pardaux, Astrid Mercury, Tiny DeLuxe, Veruschka Levels, Matilduh, DeeDee Marié Holliday, ØV Cünt, M1ss Jade So, and Bernie.

= Season 3 (2024) =

{{Main|Drag Race Philippines season 3}}

{{Expand section|date=October 2024}}

Spin-offs

= ''Untucked!'' =

After a teaser trailer was released, this announced a companion series subtitled Untucked! which marked the first international iteration based from the American television franchise.{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Scott |date=2022-08-11 |title='Drag Race Philippines' drops new teaser for premiere this August |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/tv/drag-race-philippines-drops-new-teaser-for-premiere-this-august-3287821 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812053310/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/tv/drag-race-philippines-drops-new-teaser-for-premiere-this-august-3287821 |archive-date=2022-08-12 |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=NME |language=en}} It showcases deleted or unseen footage, short altercations, unresolved conflicts from contestants, and key moments. This documentary format began to premiere two days after its main edition, its scheduling changed for season two.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Dana |date=19 October 2022 |title='Drag Race Philippines,' 'Untucked' series renewed for season 2 |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/468896/drag-race-philippines-untucked-series-renewed-for-season-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024225717/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/468896/drag-race-philippines-untucked-series-renewed-for-season-2 |archive-date=24 October 2022 |access-date=24 October 2022 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}

= ''Slaysian Royale'' =

On 13 March 2025, World of Wonder announced that Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale, a spin-off series of Drag Race Philippines, would premiere in late 2025. The series is set to feature contestants from previous Drag Race Philippines series compete with Asian queens from other franchises, similar to the vs. the World format previously featured in the United Kingdom and Canada.{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=2025-03-14 |title='Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale' Ordered At World Of Wonder With A Twist On 'Vs. The World' Format |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/drag-race-philippines-slaysian-royale-world-of-wonder-1236325416/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

See also

References