In a mere two years since its debut, Drag Race Philippines has rapidly established itself as a formidable force within the global Drag Race franchise. From sparking online discussions and community debates to fostering a strong sense of support, Drag Race Philippines has quickly become more than just a reality competition. To understand the factors driving its popularity and rapid evolution into a cultural phenomenon, let's explore the highlights of season three.
Dynamic cast, season of drama
The foundation of any reality competition, including Drag Race, lies in the cast and their dynamic interactions. Season three of Drag Race Philippines showcased a well-balanced mix of front-runners and underdogs, setting the stage for compelling moments. Maxie Andreison's entrance, fueled by her previous success in the international drag singing competition show ‘“Queen of the Universe,” created high expectations.
Meanwhile, the early exits of fan favorites Versex and Yudipota surprised viewers. However, the season offered refreshing moments as less popular queens like Kihanna, Popstar Bench, and John Fadelleaga quickly captured hearts and built dedicated fanbases. The established names of some contestants naturally brought baggage. Versex's unresolved conflict with fellow Drag Race alum Minty Fresh, for instance, fueled drama early in the season, creating buzz among viewers.
Exciting Maxi-challenges
Season three kicked off with a bang, featuring an innovative branding challenge that required the queens to create viral short-form videos showcasing their unique talents. This dynamic approach immediately captivated audiences and set the tone for the season.
The talk show challenge, featuring guest judge daytime host and award-winning actress Melai Cantiveros, was a highlight of the season. All queens were paired up to host a variety of shows, including cooking, dating, and bag raids. This innovative challenge showcased their versatility and comedic abilities, entertaining audiences with their unique approaches. Another standout moment was the Wicked musical-inspired “Ru-sical.” This comedic and innovative take on the popular Broadway show offered a fresh and exciting twist on the Drag Race main stage.
Compelling drama and storylines
The season premiere brought an interesting revelation when it was revealed that contestants Angel Galang and Maxie were biological siblings whose bond was immediately tested as they faced off against each other in the competition. Tensions escalated when host Paolo Ballesteros asked them to choose who should stay, resulting in a highly emotional confrontation.
Meanwhile, Khianna entered the competition determined to defy the stereotype of provincial queens being inferior. She quickly proved her doubters wrong by winning the first “Ru-Badge” of the season, establishing herself as a formidable contender.
Myx Chanel, already known for her Bekenemen podcast, garnered a significant following before the show. However, her popularity took a hit after she made a controversial comment suggesting that none of the other queens had contributed to uplifting the local community. This statement sparked backlash, even from past Drag Race contestants.
Showstopping runways
The third season of Drag Race Philippines didn’t fall short in the fashion department as the queen “sashayed” their sickening looks. Myx Chanel’s back-to-back “Sari-Sari Store Eleganza” and “Trash-ion” runway provided a contrasting theme between a superhero and a supervillain. John Fadelleaga’s “Victoria’s-Secret-Angel” inspired “Gosh With The Wind” runway left audiences blushing in pink as she struts it in bright Fuschia.
Angel’s “Ang Gown-Da” look which took inspiration from images of the Virgin Mary was both beautiful and comedically juxtaposed with her sex-positive brand as the self-proclaimed “delicious” queen of the season. Lastly, was Khianna’s carousel “Per-Yeah!" The runway look gained traction even among international viewers for its intricate and innovative take on a carnival-inspired runway.
Unapologetically raunchy
While sex positivity has been a recurring theme in previous seasons of Drag Race globally, Drag Race Philippines' third season took it to a new level, particularly during the highly anticipated “Snatch Game.” Angel's portrayal of Maria Clara, a character from Dr. Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere, quickly became a viral sensation due to her subversive twist on the traditionally demure and conservative portrayal.
Surprisingly, Angel's performance involved gradually shedding her clothing, leaving little to the imagination. The other queens followed suit in an attempt to capture the attention of guest judge actor and heartthrob Kyle Echari. This risqué turn of events prompted resident judge Rupaul’s Drag Race season four alum Jiggly Caliente to declare the season's snatch game as the “funniest and most provocative yet."
Not afraid to keep it real
Beyond entertainment and shock value, the show has consistently been a platform for raising awareness about the real challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, often leading to emotionally charged moments. For instance, during the competition, contestant Myx Chanel bravely shared her experience of living with HIV. She described her initial struggle to cope with the diagnosis but emphasized that being infected doesn't necessarily mean a death sentence.
Tita Baby, the oldest queen of the season, also demonstrated courage by openly discussing her personal journey. She revealed the decades-long internal struggle to come out to her parents due to fear of disappointment. This emotional turmoil led to thoughts of self-harm as she yearned for a more authentic life. Ultimately, drag became a source of solace and liberation. Tita Baby proudly shared that she began her drag career in her mid-forties.
A victorious conclusion
Beyond its entertainment value, Drag Race Philippines has emerged as a catalyst for social change. It has sparked online discussions, fueled community debates, and fostered a strong sense of support within the LGBTQIA+ community. The show's ability to blend captivating reality television with meaningful social commentary has resonated deeply with audiences, transforming it into more than just a competition.
Season three exemplified the show's strengths, showcasing a dynamic cast, innovative challenges, compelling storylines, and showstopping runways. The inclusion of challenges that highlighted Filipino culture and history, such as the “Sari-Sari Store Eleganza” and the Wicked Musical-inspired “Ru-sical,” further resonated with local audiences.
As Drag Race Philippines continues to evolve, it is poised to become a global cultural touchstone, inspiring future generations of performers and advocates. Its impact on Filipino society and the LGBTQIA+ community is undeniable, and its legacy is sure to endure for years to come.
Want to catch up to all the drama or marathon all three seasons? Drag Race Philippines is available on HBO GO and WOWPresents+.
