Pride Month takes center stage with the glittering return of one of Filipino queer cinema’s most beloved icons, as ‘Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza’ premieres this June 13–22 at Illumination Studio, Makati City.
Starring rising drag talent Jamila Rivera, the show marks a bold new chapter in the legacy of ‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros’ and its 2013 musical adaptation. Now, Maxie has grown up—and she’s discovering herself all over again through the transformative art of drag.
Presented by J+Productions and PETA Plus, and directed by acclaimed actor-director Melvin Lee, this part-drag show, part-musical, part-political statement reimagines Maxie’s journey as a 17-year-old navigating life, identity, and queerness in a time of turmoil and triumph.
Set five years after the events of the original story, ‘Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros’ finds Maxie stepping into a new world of sequins and self-discovery. Leaving behind the trauma of her youth, she enters the vibrant drag community and discovers a chosen family that empowers her to shine.
Taking on this iconic role is Jamila Rivera, a 25-year-old college student and drag newcomer from Naga City. Jamila’s own story mirrors Maxie’s—both are new to the drag scene, both navigating their evolving identities, and both yearning for a space to truly belong.
“This is a dream I never dreamt of, but it came true,” said Jamila during the show’s press launch. “To portray Maxie, a queer icon in Philippine pop culture, is an honor—and a big responsibility. I just want to do it justice.”
Jamila, a member of Bicol Drag PH, found her voice as a performer through theater and live singing. It was drag queen Maxie Andreison (winner of ‘Drag Race Philippines’ Season 3 and the inspiration for the musical) who ignited her passion for drag performance.
According to Melvin Lee, the production doesn’t stop at sparkles and lip-syncs. “We want the audience to see the human side of drag—the performer behind the persona,” he said. “Every performance is a reflection of their truth.”
Set in 2018, at the height of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, the musical also confronts the real-life violence that shaped Maxie’s past, while celebrating her resilience and joy as she finds liberation through art and community.
The script is co-written by Julia Icawat Enriquez and Mikaundre Gozum Santos, with music by JJ Pimpinio, featuring original songs and drag-standard covers. The experience is immersive, with performances unfolding not just on stage, but around and among the audience.
Jamila shares the stage with powerhouse drag artists Zymba Ding, Corazon, MRS TAN, and Winter Sheason Nicole, along with theater actors Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher, and Gabriel Villaruel. Completing the ensemble are Ado Villanueva, Air Paz, Gerald Magallanes, Honey Bravo, Jay Cortez, Marit Samson, Misha Fabian, and Robert Macaraeg.
More than just entertainment, the production partners with Pantay, a youth-led movement advancing LGBTQIA+ rights. A portion of the proceeds will support their work in creating inclusive spaces and pushing for gender-equal legislation.
With tickets priced at ₱2,500 and available via Ticket2Me, ‘Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros’ is a Pride Month celebration that promises glitter, guts, and heart.
As Jamila puts it: “Maxie’s story is every queer person’s story—of wanting to be seen, heard, and supported. This show is for all the young queer kids still looking for their voice. And this Pride, we say: you belong, you are powerful, and you are loved.”
Catch the magic, the music, and the message—June 13 to 22, only at Illumination Studio.
