Mabu-heyy!
The wait is over — ‘Drag Race Philippines’ has officially unveiled the 12 dazzling queens competing in the first-ever ‘Slaysian Royale’, which premiered on August 13 exclusively on WOW Presents Plus.
This groundbreaking edition brings together an all-Asian lineup of queens from different ‘Drag Race’ franchises worldwide, marking the first time Asian drag artistry takes full spotlight on the global stage.
Hosted by Filipino comedian and actor Paolo Ballesteros — or “Mama Pao” to fans — the competition adopts an All Stars format where eliminated queens get their shot at redemption, with one ultimately snatching the crown.
Five homegrown drag icons are carrying the Philippine flag in this royale battle:
- Arizona Brandy (Runner-up, Drag Race Philippines Season 2), known for her witty humor, fearless stunts, and punchline-packed performances.
- Bernie (DRPH Season 2), a proud trans artist celebrated for her powerful O Bar performances and unmatched stage presence.
- Brigiding (DRPH Season 1), the fierce Drag Mother of the House of Ding, remembered for her electrifying performances and unapologetic energy.
- Viñas Deluxe (DRPH Season 1), one-third of the Divine Divas, whose campy looks, comedic chops, and singing career make her a total package.
- Khianna (DRPH Season 3 finalist), the Cagayan de Oro queen famed for her death-defying stunts, high-fashion looks, and jaw-dropping finale showdown.
Joining the Filipinas are seven international queens:
- Ivory Glaze (Drag Race Down Under S3, Australia/China)
- Kitty Space (Drag Race France S2, Vietnam/France)
- Madame Yoko (Drag Race Belgique S2, Vietnam/Belgium)
- Siam Phusri (Drag Race Thailand S3, Thailand/USA)
- Suki Doll (Canada’s Drag Race S2, Miss Congeniality, Canada)
- Sum Ting Wong (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK S1, UK/China/Vietnam)
- Yuhua (RuPaul’s Drag Race S10, USA/China)
First Episode Gag: Khianna Snatches the Win
The premiere episode delivered no shortage of drama, fashion, and hair-flips. The Filipinas proved why the Philippines has become a drag powerhouse, with comedy, glamour, and fierce performances lighting up the runway.
It was Khianna with a K who emerged as the night’s breakout star, winning both the hairflip dance-off mini challenge and the main ‘Miss Shuttacca’ pageant challenge — securing a flawless victory. Meanwhile, Madame Yoko of Belgium became the first queen to sashay away.
Since its debut in 2022, ‘Drag Race Philippines’ has cemented itself as one of the most beloved franchises in the ‘Drag Race’ empire, alongside the US and Spain, earning rave reviews and a loyal global fandom. With ‘Slaysian Royale’, the series is not only celebrating Filipino drag but also championing Asian drag excellence on an international stage.
Catch ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ weekly on WOW Presents Plus — and may the fiercest queen win.
