Twelve queens are set to compete for the ultimate title of becoming the newest Drag Race Superstar!
After the highly followed success of “Drag Race Philippines” Season 1 in 2022, the campiest drag competition in the country is now back in the house for its sophomore installment— now with a new set of pasabogs, including a roster of guest judges and racers oozing with “charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.”
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
Reprising his role as program host is “Die Beautiful” actor Paolo Ballesteros, who also sits as one of the judges among other program’s mainstays: Drag Race personality Jiggly Caliente, LGBTQIA+ advocate and television personality KaladKaren, and renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel.
The excitement never runs scarce, as guest judges—both controversial and otherwise, foreign and local—are all set to grace the program and render their critiques.
The lineup includes Filipino-American content creator Bretman Rock, Sisters Almira and Mylene of Filipino girl group 4th Impact, “The Diamond Star” Maricel Soriano, Kapamilya actress-TV host Anne Curits, drag queen Pangina Heals, and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz.
Brought by HBO Go, discovery+, and WOW Presents Plus, the new season started with an exclusive viewing party at XYLO at the Palace on Tuesday, August 1.
READ ALSO: Drag Queen Turing Banners GCash’s Pride Feature Film
Drag Race Philippines Season 2 Brings New Setup
During the event, the first batch of participants was introduced, with a roster composed of both established names and newcomers. The first six racers include Arizona Brandy, M1ss Jade So, Tiny Deluxe, Nicole Pardaux, Captivating Katkat, and Matilduh.
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
Completing this year’s cycle are ØV CÜNT, DeeDee Marie Holliday, Bernie, Astrid Mercury, Verushka Levels, and Hana Beshie, who will get a separate episode on Wednesday, August 9.
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
IMAGE: dragraceph on Instagram
For the first time in Drag Race history, the Philippine franchise has opted for a split premiere, wherein the twelve racers were divided into two groups.
The first episode blew the roof off with “BOOGSH,” a double group challenge performance that follows last year’s well-received “Pop Off, Ate.”
The culmination of the first episode saw Matilduh win the mini-challenge of posing with a spider. Meanwhile, Arizona Brandy’s dream catcher-inspired orange number placed her as the winner of the maxi challenge.
Tiny Deluxe and Nicole Pardaux’s respective performances across categories did not quite appeal to the judges, sending them head to head against each other for the lipsync round.
Reigning queen Precious Paula Nicole is set to relinquish the title and crown once the roster slimmed down to two queens.
Drag Race Philippines is regularly airing every Wednesday on discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus. A backstage special coverage called “Untucked” then follows every Friday.
Banner Art Paulo Correa
