Slaysian Persuasian Ep 9
In this extended episode of the informal podcast Slaysian Persuasian, hosts Calypso and Virginia Please sit down with drag content creator and Drag Race Philippines Season 3 contestant John Fedellaga to dissect the latest season (Slaychan Royale) and broader drag culture. The conversation begins with reflections on John’s early content‑creation work, his hesitant audition for Drag Race Philippines, and his brief US audition experience. John contrasts the full creative control he enjoys as an independent creator with the limited agency and intense pressure of televised competition, noting his introverted personality and mental‑health considerations. The hosts and John evaluate production upgrades in Slaychan Royale—larger stage, LED backdrops, improved lighting—while also critiquing specific technical choices. They delve into the mini‑challenge that forms a new Filipino girl‑group (Reina), discussing its structure, collaborative songwriting, and cultural references. A substantial portion of the episode focuses on narrative dynamics: the appeal of underdogs versus polished contestants, the concept of a "dark horse" (Arizona), and audience preferences for contestants who face highs and lows. The hosts debate the role of the host, comparing Manila Luzon’s English‑centric style with a local host who could better deliver Filipino queer lingo, highlighting how language affects humor and audience connection. They recount Untucked moments, including quirky awards (worst wig, best pork chop) and a lingering tension between Marina and Vinyas stemming from a past season. The discussion moves to the lip‑sync showdown featuring Morissette’s "Power," analyzing song choice, performance style, and the challenges of delivering ballads versus high‑energy numbers. Production decisions such as awarding a Ru badge provoke controversy; the hosts argue that provocation fuels fan engagement. Throughout, John offers advice on authenticity, mental‑health, and navigating competition, while the panel reflects on cultural representation—incorporating Filipino heritage, local humor, and the desire for a permanent Filipino drag girl‑group. They also speculate on future roles for contestants (behind‑camera work, supergroup formation) and exchange light‑hearted banter about runway looks and fan reactions, concluding with predictions for the upcoming finale.
Chapters
Hello and welcome to Slayjin Persuasion. I'm Virginia Please and I'm Calypso and we are now on our 9th episode. Is it 9th? We made it to 9 episodes. We made it to 9 episodes.
I'm a little bit confused. I thought it was the final episode already.
I also thought it was the final episode, so next week you may or may not see me, but you know what, we'll figure that out when we get there.
And today we have a very special guest.
Yes, we've been— we really got such a great array of guests. We're keeping that going. Third episode in and we've got another guest with us.
Yeah, we're so lucky.
We're so excited.
Especially today.
And this guest also has a song. Should we sing a little bit of this guest's song to summon her in? Yes, yes, yes. Okay, our guest is— oh my gosh, how does it go? 3, 2, 1— John Fedoyaga, the queen of OMG! That's what you meant. That's what I meant. That's what I meant. Ah, yeah!
Yes, bitch!
Here. Oh my God! Hello! Mama, she didn't come across the sea. She came from outer space.
Yeah!
What a travel. Oh yeah.
Let me get that from you.
Okay, here we go. You're no stranger to creating content. How would you rate our setup compared to your setup?
It's bomb. This shit is—
A+.
No, your setup looks really good on camera.
No, because yours is like— You can stand, you can, you can literally, um, yeah, mine is just literally for like a makeup beauty vlog, like just this. You could just see this, but this is the most important part.
Yeah, we're so, we're so grateful that you're featuring it here today.
Yeah, and John, you had a really interesting journey. You started off as a content creator. Were you really eyeing on joining Drag Race Philippines when you were doing your content?
So I was already doing content when I was— when Drag Race Philippines Season 1 was released, they should have an audition. And I'm like, should I join it? But I'm like, nah, I think it's not a time yet. I'll just see first what's gonna happen. But then when I saw it, I'm like, fuck, I want to join now. But then on Season 2, they were really— someone was like asking me, which is, um, the person who— hey, Mama Pat— the person who really took care of me. But then he's already taking care of Bernie, and I found out that Didi was there too. So I'm like, I'm not gonna compete with these dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs!
Dinosaurs!
So I said, calm down, you might be in the next one. So the next one, they were really bugging me to just like just do it. So I'm like, okay, I'll do it. But then I'm still like not sure if I should do it because I'm like, what if I lose? Which is— I did.
But I don't think you lost though.
But then, you know, like, that was like my, my mind before. Like, I don't— what if the people bash me? Because no, nobody really knew that I do drag because I've been doing, doing it since like 2008, and then I stopped 2010. And so no one really knew that I used to do drag. And yeah, let's see.
So that was 3. Do you audition every single season? No. Oh no, so your first and only audition was for season 3?
Yeah.
Work.
Okay, but I auditioned here.
Oh, you auditioned for the US version? Yeah. How many times have you auditioned for the US version?
2.
2? Okay, okay.
By the way, the US version has their audition open right now.
Are we going to see you on season 19?
No, no, you won't.
But I must say, John has made a really huge impact for season 3. Like, when I think about like the highlights of season 3, John definitely made a mark in those episodes. Yes.
And it was so, you know, that stack— that cast was truly stacked. Like, every single queen on that epis— on that season had a memorable moment. I think about every single episode. I think about when they left, what they did. From the first girl, from Versace all the way to Kiana, every single one of y'all girls really turned it out.
Yeah, yeah, you're right. Oh my God. Yeah, Versace, you're the puta.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Oh my God, right? And of course Maxi. I'm just saying, like, every queen who didn't win still made such a big impact. Like, from first out to runner-up, it was so impactful.
And I think the way they cast season 3 is just it blends with our personalities. And we have our own personalities that blends together, and it was a chaos that you guys loved.
And John, I'm pretty sure like you brought something from your content into Drag Race. Like, what did, did your performance— did your content inform your performance during the season? Like, what skills did you bring in that was very helpful?
Actually, from episode 1, going to Snatch Game, it was all from my content. Imagine the TikTok challenge. Oh yeah, right. Exactly. The hosting challenge. I host because I host online for like TV shows too. And then the Snatch Game, which is, you know, and so it It— you just— I just always think like, how am I going to bring my content in Drag Race Philippines stage? And that's how I always like— right, when I was there, that's how I— and I remember that was from Mama Kaalad Kat, and she asked me, oh, you've been doing already content, and I know you already know this, but how are you gonna bring this to Drag Race Philippines stage? And that makes me like You know what? She right, she right. You know, you're cool.
How did it feel going from— because when you're creating your own content, you control everything from how you present yourself to the editing to the posting. Everything is your control. Did it feel like you had to give that up when you were on Drag Race Philippines where you're really just in front of the camera? Well, when you make content, you're in front of the camera, behind the camera, doing pre-production, post-production, everything. How did that feel?
It was really hard because I'm an introvert. You know, like people thought I was like, ah, I'm not like that. Oh, I'm like that when I'm around with the people that I know I'm safe. But when it comes to like outside, I'm a very shy person. And content creators, most of us are introvert because we're only literally talking to camera. We're not, we don't even know people are here. Imagine you're talking to yourself, like, but then that's the thing, like, I— everything on me is like control. Like, I have my start remote, lights, I, I have it under my desk. But when I was in Drag Race Philippines, it's just like someone's already watching you and someone's controlling the set. So I'm always like loss of thoughts, like, how, how But then the more I get pressured is the more I like flourished, I guess. And then the more I get like— because I'm very competitive when it comes to competition.
Yeah, right. And we can tell, we can tell, Mama.
Yes.
And how— well, now this is the first season of Drag Race Philippines right now, Salazn Royale, that has aired after your season. Are you getting flashbacks? Are you getting like PTSD? Are you getting any— like, how does it feel watching this season so far? What do you think of the season?
This season I really enjoyed how I'm seeing Philippines versus the world. And the— what do you call this? The production right now is really— especially the stage, I feel like it's bigger. I feel like it's bigger. I feel like it's more of like a global— the way they did the background.
Yeah.
And the lighting.
Like the LED backgrounds, right?
LED backgrounds, the lighting. So I'm like— and the mics are good.
Just kidding.
Everything is working. And I'm like, okay, they really prepared for this. But I kind of like not seeing how they did some spotlights on each screen.
Oh, so she's so technical. She's thinking about the ways that the production itself works.
She's her own production.
That's right. Exactly. I'm like, oh, I thought you were going to be like, oh, it's fine. It's good. You're like, no, actually on this specific scene and in this episode, they could have done a little bit better. I live. I live.
I think she's going to be a director or something.
No, literally. We want to see you behind the camera for next season, actually.
Like their stories. Yes, it was not— they kind of like next season, next episode, and next episode, but then I'm not seeing they spotlighted.
Oh, they did. Oh, I see.
They did dive deep like they did with you.
Yeah, because that you—
that was a very per— I could really remember that distinctly because I was sobbing like crazy.
Yes, right, right. There were more instances perhaps on your original season and on original seasons to focus on each contestant or give them those moments and give them those storylines. Well, here it was just like, let's keep it moving, let's keep moving. There's a wider—
yeah, I feel it. Like, though the performances and all is, is good, but then I'm kind of like looking for queens to know more.
Yeah, right. Let's talk a little bit, if you don't mind me talking about, like, how did that come about and how did you decide to reveal those really sensitive information? Did the production ask you about that, or was that your decision on the spot?
It was really my decision because because ever since I started doing content, I really wanted to tell the world what happened to me. And then I always tell myself, you know what, one day I'm gonna tell my story because there's a lot of kids out there and I don't want that to happen to them too. And it's for the parents as well, because if, if you could just give your kid a safe place and a home where that kid could trust, that kid won't look for love outside of your home. So give your kid that love inside the house, if that means—
yeah, that makes so much sense. And a lot of us really look for love outside the house, and, um, and that includes me as well. I don't know about you, Calypso.
Mama, I get love everywhere, let's just say that. No, no, that's so true, that's so true. I think, um, That's a really beautiful way to frame it because sharing your story provides that insight to someone and people can relate to you in any kind of way because Drag Race across the world, the power that it has is because every single person watching it, regardless of their background or identity, can see themselves reflected in some way or another on the screen.
From then on, we were like stuck with Jon Furliegen. I remember when you got eliminated, the world was sad.
Like everyone was so sad.
Yes.
Remember that?
I'm sad right now.
I mean, like that episode was crazy. Crazy. I was just like, I could not have picked a bottom 2. So it literally just felt— the cards just fell as they did.
When we're doing the viewing parties and then the peak is going on, especially on Snatch Game, I'm really like shaky already because I just don't know how to tell everyone that next episode I'm not there anymore. So I'm gonna say bye. Yeah, so there's, there's so many things. And of course, one thing that I actually miss in, in Drag Race is Mama Jigby's face.
Well done.
I really— that's what I really miss because I always think, what would she say, you know? What would she tell to this kind of performance? Because you're right, she's a mother.
She really brought a different persona in that show, and I, I would say there's something missing Yeah, I just realized that now that you pointed it out.
This is what I was like thinking too, because I'm like, something is not— the flavor is not there. Yes. Like, you know, like there's always like a different kinds of adobo, but we always have that. Yes, bitch, this is adobo. You got the right adobo right here, you know. And jiggly is, is that one. Yeah, in our adobo.
Yeah.
I love you, Mama Jiggly. Oh, Mama Jiggly, wherever you are, stay there. I love you.
Don't come haunting, John.
It's Halloween, so no.
No, but here we are. It's because of Mama Jiggly that we've reached this far. We have Slay Chan Royale.
Exactly, exactly.
Oh my gosh, would you guys imagine if Jiggly is one of the competitors?
That would be insane.
That would be like, I'm sorry Jiggly, but you have to go. That's a part of it.
No, but I'm excited to review this episode with you.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. So have you been keeping up? Have you been watching every episode of Slay Chan Yes, but I was kind of like, don't want to watch this episode because my baby's not here anymore. Who's your baby? Who's your baby?
Why is there no season 3, girl?
They made— well, listen, 8 episodes is a strong showing. 8 episodes is a very strong showing.
Yes, very much.
How did you feel? Okay, so they split up the representation of the Filipina girls you know, 2 from season 1, 2 from season 2, and 1 from season 3. If they had another person from season 3, who would you have sent? Kiana and who?
I think Mick.
Mick Chanel?
Yeah.
Okay, okay. Yeah, you know, when she left, she kind of had a lot to prove, and she was just like, I'm— she had like— I remember during her exit, she was just like, I'm ready to take the world, you know?
I feel like we haven't seen the real Mick.
Yeah.
Oh really? Okay.
She have a lot. I, I know she, she could flourish more. But I wanted— because, you know, I've seen Angel already and Kiana, but then I want more from Mixx.
Yes, I agree.
She's really good.
Yeah.
And she has more ideas in her head that when you shake her, it's— and, you know, she's one of the person in Drag Race Philippines when I was starting, she was pushing me because I was very quiet. And like what I said, I'm an introvert where when there's a lot of people looking at me, I always like— yeah, I'm like a makahiya. I do that because I'm really shy. You know what's makahiya?
No, I don't.
Tell me, please. Oh yes, there's an actual English term for it, but I just forgot. You know these leaves that when you touch it, it retracts?
They have them in India. They're called touch-me-nots.
There you go.
Yeah, touch-me-nots.
Yeah, that's it.
That's it. Yeah, you can touch it, but yeah, like the leaves, as soon as you touch it, it'll just like— yeah, it'll just—
you don't have concentration.
Thank you.
Reminds me of my pussy, actually.
Oh my God. Oh my God, someone touches it, it just goes—
yeah, mine, it's the bush. My pubic hair grows. That's kidding, that's kidding, girl.
Venus flytrap, Mama Venus. Let's go back to the episode. Okay, well, yeah, so we come in, it is officially our top 4. We just said goodbye Kiana. We come in, um, the queens are kind of gagging. They're like, well, you know what, Kiana's gone. Second Filipina girl to go. But also like, it was her time. Like, she kind of showed us everything that she needed to, and she's going to be very successful moving forward. Um, they get into the mini challenge, which is very interesting because they know that it's going to be girl group related, and it's kind of nearing the end. So they come in, it's a new day, and Mama Pal introduces the challenge. Yeah, which is they will be performing a verse in the new super girl group's latest song, Raina's latest song.
Hold on, prior to that though, there was a revelation between Brigading and Ari of them both saying, "I did not expect you in the top 4." Oh, you're right.
Oh my gosh, I'm getting ahead of myself.
We should talk about that.
Oh yes, please. Um, yes. Well, okay, who did— is this the top 4 that you expected? We'll go each of us.
Do you—
how— what do you think, John? Do you think this is the top 4 that you expected?
I expected Kiana to be there.
Okay.
Me too.
You did? Okay, I thought it would have been Arizona, Kiana, Viñas. Honestly, I thought— yeah, I agree. I was like, wait, no, I agree.
But it's so hard because Tsuki is so good too. Yes, like, fuck, like, I— you guys are just bomb.
Yeah, I just think that this wasn't Kiana's time, but you— but you could really see her potential. It's just things didn't work for her.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I agree, I agree. So I think, I think, I think out of the international girls, I saw Yua going the farthest. And I think like it really could have just been her or Suki because I think everybody else kind of like fell where they did.
Because Yua is like a storyteller.
I love you. Yua was the narrator of the season.
I'm like, oh my gosh, I love you all.
From literally in the workroom to the confessionals, she was the one like keeping the pace going in the momentum. I miss Yua the most actually.
But do you think there's a tension between Ari and Brigitting right now, especially when Ari said, I did— this is not the top 4 I expected. And then Brigitting answered by saying I also did not expect you to be in the top 4, although they kind of explained it, you know, tried to make it more positive.
But I know they like that. Oh my gosh, you know what? You know what they said?
Sure, tell us, tell us, tell us. There's no NDA here. Didi had an NDA, Mama, you don't have an NDA.
Tell us. No, I'm kidding. But yeah, I really think when you're inside, you will see some competitors and you will see some like allies.
Yeah, allies.
The competitors are the allies. Yeah, like, because— but, but you're gonna be like, am I thinking right? Because maybe, maybe this person would, you know, eliminate me. Because it's hard, because sometimes you think you did good, but no.
Yes, I know.
Well, are you speaking from experience?
No, but I think the show design is designed exactly to be like that and for the contestants to feel that way.
Yeah, that's true. So you don't You know, you don't have that confidence.
But I could see that they're pretty much like really having a great time together with the videos that they presented with their screenings, right? Ari and Beginning, I think they're totally fine. Do you think there's an issue between them?
I don't think so. I think they were just being real about their feelings.
They're being honest. They're being honest. Showcasing honesty.
I'd rather have a queen be honest in front of me than keeping it in confession. Oh yeah, because they're going to see it anyways. Yes, the world's gonna—
true.
See you.
Yeah, but yes, very important moment that he asked. But then they go in, um, before they do the actual main challenge and before Raina walks in and everything, they actually get, uh, the main challenges. They do these stripped-down black and white photos and they have like this kind of like kiki time with, um, Mama Pal and Colored Karen.
How do you feel about them eating dogs?
Like, this is not working. No, I was— I was like, wait a minute, because you were just telling us like It takes so long to film each of those things. I'm like, were Mama Pal and College Karen eating for like 2 hours? Because they were, they were eating with all 4 of the girls, and I'm like, girl, what? It's like, I think that's why RuPaul makes a joke about it when she does her Tic Tac.
Yeah, it looks really awkward, but I, I appreciate it because it's very Filipino.
It's very cultural. Like, the same way that they've done it with every single mini challenge is some cultural element. Speaking of cultural element, I wanted to shout out my, my She said Filipino. Yeah, I know. I'm a Filipina.
There's been a lot of comments requesting for you to wear—
Yes, and we did it.
We did it.
The cultural—
where did you get it, girl?
It looks really good. Oh, thank you. So this is a gift from my gappa, twinner, Ariola. She went to the Philippines, I think, like exactly a year ago. So she went right after we won, and she was like, girl, I'm gonna get you one.
Yes.
And I was like, I will wear it. And I performed Pwedeba wearing yours.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
It was like exactly a year ago, I think. So Since then, this is my second time wearing it. Very beautiful. And the back has the same kind of like, uh, embroidered detail. Yeah, but you know, this is my finale episode even though it's not the finale of the series, so I was like, let me showcase my Filipina heritage.
Come on, Tara, no!
Tara knows she better do better. But yes, cultural elements in the mini challenge.
What were the highlights of this mini challenge? Do you remember?
Uh, Arizona. I think like Arizona had the stronger storyline of like she was proving something to herself and to the world and to the competition, and she was able to receive that validation that she was looking for, which I was really gobsmacked. Gobsmacked! I was kind of dumbfounded.
K-pop sounds like gobsmacked.
That's a K-pop, that's a K-pop. Maybe I'll reverse. But I was really kind of like, I thought she was so good in her original season, but looking back, of course, from her perspective and from the way that I guess it played out, yes, she was kind of like a secondary character. But I think she really fell into her own this season, and I'm happy to see that growth for her.
It's interesting because I think— but I would ask you, John— but I think this was the chance for the girls to really prove themselves, not only to the judges but also the producers. If they can relay a really good story, I think that producer will ride on it, right? I think that's what Ari tried to do.
And also, I really, I really think that what— what the way they cast this season is all the girls don't want to prove something, something on from there to that.
Absolutely.
No, I have some more.
So although, although I was really not surprised, but I—
well, can I see your surprise?
Let's just say surprise when, um, they asked like, Binias, who would you want to battle it out in the finale? And her answer was Big Edding, and she's really affirming 'Yes, she is the best.' Yeah, remember that?
Yeah.
And I thought, like, like, in a producer's point of view, like, she diverted the attention towards Biggiting instead of to herself.
I thought that was interesting as well, because in her talk, it felt like, 'Girl, we're the top 2. Yes, crown one of us.' Yes. Which I think is really interesting when you're like, 'This is not— you need to talk about yourself.' And I thought it was interesting how she was just like presenting that case. Yeah. But I think she was also like, 'Let's just cut to the chase.' let's just get there. Like, that's what's gonna happen.
Yes, it's already beginning.
Yeah, yeah, you know, I mean, to be fair, she was asked about it, so that was her answer for it.
So, but what about you, what do you think? What are, what are the rumors that you've heard so far, or are there any—
No one's gonna win this.
Um, Mama Pao is going to be like, uh, uh, uh, John Fidel Yaga, support to the stage, you are the winner. No, you are the queen of OMG, and then she gives you a crown.
Yeah, no, but I really think I really love how the top 4 was like, "Yeah, I know you're supposed to be there too." But then I feel like all of them, their stories are like, "No, because on my last season I want to prove something." And like, they all have the story of proving that they want more and they can show more. Especially Brigadine. Brigadine is really the ding ding ding.
Yes.
You know.
Yeah, because I think she has the most to prove.
Oh my gosh, like her runways are like— but then fucking Venus came in. Yeah, you know, like it— this, this is so hard to decide because like everyone is just so strong.
Yeah.
And Arizona really leveled up and yes, her fucking runways are like Bon, like, fuck, like, I would say between the three of them.
Oh, and none for Suki Doll. That's interesting too, because Suki too. Yeah, it's like these three have such strong cases, and Suki Doll. No, but like, I think I— did y'all watch that season of Canada that she was on?
I haven't.
You have? Did you?
No.
Okay, so she was kind of unceremoniously given the boot during Snatch Game. Like, that was like her ending performance. So she was a force because she was so visually appealing and she was such a character. But this is the first time we've seen like every side of Suki, and I feel like we, we got to see every side of all the other contestants in some way or another, either through their seasons or through what they've done afterwards. But for Suki, it was really just kind of fashion, fashion, fashion. So this time we were able to see all the other facets of Suki's artistry, and she's becoming a Filipino too. No, literally, literally, that's why I'm becoming a Filipino. I mean, out of the three, out of the three people here, I'm the only one rocking. Sorry. Ow, not kidding. But, um, yes, uh, I just think it like, it's a beautiful example. I'm glad that out of all the international girls, she was the one to stay because she embraced the culture and has carried it forward, I think, beautifully.
Yeah, and she's, she's, she stand by her culture. Yeah, that's what I really love. I really love a queen when they really like owns what they are. Yeah, who they are and what they want to present. Like, they literally own them because, dude, that's you.
Yeah.
Who do you want to fucking own it, right? Like, yeah. So when I'm seeing that fire is on them, I'm like, I get it. I fell in love so fast.
Yeah.
Because, you know, like this girl right here.
Oh yeah, no, because I remember you telling me this. You were talking about Gappa because she was one of the— she was the extra special guest judge when I did Gappa.
Yes.
Remember what she was wearing, girl?
Oh girl, the pearls. She represented the pearl of the Orient Sea.
She was just late.
Oh, she was late. She showed up fashionably late. She didn't see half of the—
I went to the sea to collect all the pearls.
And she rose from the sea as the pearl of the Orient Sea. I remember she had this sickening ponytail. She had this beautiful corseted performance. But she told me that one of the reasons she really liked my performance, maybe she gave me a high score there, I don't know. Um, she said that it was because I did something more cultural. I did a song from an Indian movie that I grew up watching, and she just said like, seeing you do that was more impactful, especially in the context of talent, because you're showcasing your culture but then also showcasing how that connects to your drag. And I think all of these queens— oh, thank you, thank you. But all of these queens, and what I loved so much about Slayshun Royale, is because all these queens had the opportunity to do so, even though like at the beginning of the season we saw queens like Madame Yoko and Kitty Space who grew up detached from their culture, this was their chance to incorporate that in.
You know what, I just realized something. Come to think of it, Gapa is the original Slay Shenroyale.
Exactly, let's make that up.
We have our own Slay Shenroyale here.
Right here in San Francisco.
37 years, girl.
Exactly. 37 years and she's still alive.
That's crazy.
Imagine.
Anyways, back to that. She's forgetting about that. Yes, back to the episode.
I really love Binyas's picture. I think she deserved to win it.
I thought that was a little too much. I'm gonna be a hater. I'm like, this is too much. At that point, if I was one claiming it— I know if I was one of the other competitors, I would have been pissed. I would have been like, ah, rigged, rigged. That's what I would How's this bitch holding the crown in her head? And they're like, you're the winner?
No, no, no, no, no, no. It was a cute photo though.
No, it was, it was a cute photo.
But then they said if you go to, um, Drag Race already, like if you competed and you're already inside and one of your runway already have a crown, yeah, it's like a bad sign.
Oh yes, it's bad luck.
That's what actually was actually on my head as well.
You were thinking about that too? It was like jinxing it.
Yeah, yeah, it was a jinx.
You were jinxing the producers.
They were like, girl, let's give her this one, but not that one.
Oh, we're gonna edge you.
Bring her back for season 2.
Anyways, what happened after the awarding of that mini challenge?
Um, basically they get to do their Reyna. So Reyna is this new super pop girl group that comprises of all 3 winners of Drag Race Philippines plus Marina Summers. And, um, I talked to Precious Paula Nicole about this when she was visiting San Francisco. So it's actually very interesting. It's the first time that World of Wonder— they have like their own record company. Yeah, they like, they, they release all the songs from all the Drag Race franchises, but this is the first time they've created a supergroup that was not created on the show. So like, for example, the Froc Destroyers in the UK, like, that was one of the bands that were on the show that then released their own music. So this time it's very like, they were very intentional. They're like, these are going to be these 4 girls representing Filipino drag. And when they talked about that on the episode, I got so excited. Because it's so true, like Filipino drag is so excellent. It's so— it's like a world standard.
I know, I just wish they came out looking like a girl group though.
Oh girl, here's my thing on that. I bet they were like, they were coming up with the ideas and they're like, oh, oh, oh, we should make them a girl group, make them a girl group. Okay, you four are available, come in.
Yeah, no, it didn't look like there was any synchronicity in there amongst them.
Synchronicity. Damn! No, what do you think?
Well, maybe because, you know, they're like, no, this is mine, I'm gonna fucking win this, watch it. Maybe it's about like that.
Well, I liked Kat Kat's look the most. I honestly, Kat Kat entertained me the most this episode because she was like, Marina's the leader, Maxi's the singer, Precious is the dancer, and I'm the manager.
Actually, I'm kind of wearing her color combination.
Very trans, very trans. Do you have something to say?
Virginia, you're here! Marina, Moxie!
Exactly, exactly. And Precious is behind me.
That's all welcome, Precious.
No, but have you heard the songs that they've released?
Slayshun Royale was the name of— I thought that was— I'm like, girl, not the first song being called Slayshun Royale. That really tickled me. I'm like, okay, work. I feel like the first song should have been called Reina.
I know, but do you remember the song even?
This one is called High Time.
Yeah, I know, but they said, does it ring a bell?
Like, oh, I just remember Cat Cat's line. She's like, hi, bro. I don't even know. I don't even know.
No, I don't.
I'm trying to— I'm trying to say— I just remember, first letter of the alphabet, let me hear you say A. I like that. I— that's still stuck in my head. But maybe they should have released that song. Raina should have— anyway.
Anyway, I'm sure it's me, the hater between the both of us.
Oh wow, literally me trying to find— me doing backbends and backflips trying to justify it, but just like, no, it's not giving straight.
But I mean, challenge, I commend them for doing this. I think it's, it's time we should— there should be a Filipina girl group, drag group.
Exactly, yeah, a drag queen girl group. Come on, come on.
So the winner of the mini challenge, Vinyas, gets to dock 2 minutes from another queen and get— and everybody else gets the same amount of time to do their thing. I'm like, where did I— that feels crazy to me because like there were so many components of this challenge where I'm like, does that 2 minutes even make a difference? Because between the verse writing, the dancing, and the actual filming, you know, like 2 minutes of the preparation. That's what I'm like, where is it? I think the 2 minutes came from I think the 2 minutes came from when it was them filming it. Filming it. But then I'm like, that just doesn't matter. That's what I'm saying. I'm like, anyways.
But it's a challenge.
You're right, you're right. But it should have been like, you can't use these 3 words in your verse. You can delete 1 line from there.
You can only have 1 ring light.
Oh, literally. Give us a real challenge. You're like, 2 minutes? Anyways.
Maybe they thought it was TikTok.
Oh, literally. So Tala, see, you wrote a verse. And I still sing it whenever I see you in my mind. It goes, "Across the sea, the fanboy." The fanboy is me, right? John Fede Llaga, the queen of OMG. How did you write those lyrics?
Actually, I got help.
ChatGPT?
No, no, it was Mix. It was Mix and John Knight. It was Mix and J-Queen. So it was actually Omegle Queen, and then they were keep helping each— well, we keep actually helping each other. No, I'm not the one who's helping them. They were helping each other. And then I was like, I don't know what to do. Like, this doesn't just make sense because my song and then Mix and Jaqueline was the leader, so they were like checking our work, which is really good. It was like they were checking each song, was that where it's gonna match, because Jaqueline and Mixx, you mix them together, it became Jaquixx. Just kidding.
The new pop girl group from the Philippines, Jaquixx.
But then yeah, they're really good on lyrics. Lyrics.
Yes.
And like making it sense.
Yeah, yeah.
So I'm like, oh my God.
Yeah, and it did make sense.
It did.
I really owe it to her, to J.
Queen, and, um, so Queen of OMG came from Queen of Omegle, but you cut it?
Yeah, they cut it because they're like, you can't say a brand name. No, and it's too long.
Oh, I see.
It's kind of hard to— Queen of Omegle. Yeah, as opposed to Queen of OMG.
And that's so cool. Queen, I, I— that's I'm gagged. I'm so gagged. That's a really cool fact that we got.
Yes, yes, yes, yes. Did you— I actually wrote my verse already.
Can we hear? Can we hear?
Yeah, drop the beat.
Drop the beat.
Can we hear?
It's in my phone.
Maybe later.
I'll—
oh yeah, give us one line. Give us one line.
I need to read it.
Oh, you're like, okay, you put me on the spot. Okay, okay.
I'll shoot.
So prepared. Okay, where's my phone? Where's my phone?
My name is Perdijana Tatang in Grenada, Anuman, Exeter, man. You gonna pass a girl? My hand down. Anuman, Exeter, my hand down. Loko in mo sarimo, tabe!
Um, I think that's smart, coming in with some kind of idea of what you want to say, or like having some things that rhyme. I think it's smart because you know that it's going to come up sometime in the challenge, right?
Yeah, yeah.
And it always needs to like, like, what do you call this, sync with any kind of music. Yes, pop, rock, right, whatever it is, it has to like land. That's why Turing, I'm gonna call you next.
No, literally, what is more iconic than boom, Turing, right? Stop, I lied. Anyway, so they wrote their verses, and so I think they must have done that before because I'm like, how can you— can't do this all in 24 hours. So they write their verses, they do their choreography, and they record it as well. They recorded as well immediately, right off the bat. Oh, when they were recording it, I actually really liked how all 4 of them were there because Maxi was giving such good advice. Marina was kind of giving stylistic advice while, um, Maxi was giving like very specific, like, this doesn't make sense, this is because she's truly like the most trained singer out of all of them. And Cat Cat was, you know, just there making jokes, managing, and I don't know if Precious gave a lot of advice.
She's the accountant there.
Ah, okay.
Tomorrow you're not gonna call me. She's like that. Tomorrow I'm pissed off you. You're not gonna get booked.
How did it feel recording in your— during your season? Oh, you get nervous? Like, is it nerve-wracking in front of the camera recording?
I don't know, you know, at that day, because every day you won't really know what's gonna happen. But at that day, I just woke up feeling like so inspired, and then like, I just feel so I don't know, because when I was watching it too, I saw my face like it's happy. I mean, it's the, the vibrant is there. Like, I just feel happy and I feel like I'm in the right spot.
Yes.
And girl group challenge is one of, um, the one that I'm looking for. Like, forward, backward, fast. But, um, it's, it's one of like, I'm excited to like, why'd you guys give me the fucking girl group? I'm gonna fucking do this. Yes, because I, I'm really waiting for it, and I'm really happy too when Kiana didn't pick me, bitch. That's why he got eliminated.
Oh, that's what— and that's why you didn't win.
Yeah, no, no, but then because I'm happy too because um, the what, what they did on the other team is like full dance.
Wow.
Yeah, they all split their wall. So I'm okay on my what she gave me, but then, um, I'm happy as well because of the verse and the way it was like, it was like, um, accepted by the people. That's why I'm— when girl group was, was the episode of girl group was about to release, I'm just so excited for everyone to like see because I'm This season 3's girl group is so good. I always keep telling everyone.
What was the hardest part of the whole process? Singing, choreography, performing? Do you pick up choreography easy?
Yeah, but it's because constructing it with the girls. Yeah, I'm just scared. What if everyone was like, "I don't want to do this anymore, tired." Wow, you were scared. Look at Cutie Poota. She went away. She ran away. I'm scared she might run away this time. But no, you know, because it's exhausting. You guys already did recorded and then do a fucking choreo, and y'all are so tired. Yeah, like, how are we gonna do this and then gonna come up on stage right away? So it's, it's, um I'm excited, but at the same time I'm like, I wish— because it's a girl group, right?
So you—
they better see a girl group. And that's what I wanna like— that's what I wanted to like put it out there, that we need— they need to see us as a girl group. But at the same time, you gotta show yourself too, you know? Like, how are you? Yeah, like, yeah, together, like, 1 1 2.
What advice would you give to someone who's kind of struggling like let's say Suki or Vinyas?
Don't put it in your mind. Girl group is like supposed to be fun, and if you keep thinking like, oh, how am I gonna nail this? How am I gonna get— you know, you, you'll forget who you are. Because you know, when I was inside, I, I was really keep looking at girls like, oh, she's, she's so good on this, she's so good on this. 'Oh, I like her too.' But then I just realized, so you never like yourself. So what about you? You keep giving it to them, you know. So I stopped doing that when I was inside, and then I, I focus on looking at what I can showcase, what I, what really I am, like, what's my brand, what's, what I, what I really love showing people, which is I love showing them my smile.
So just smile through it, have fun, and you'll get through it, right?
Yeah, because you just People need to see you having fun. The moment they see you like kind of like nervous, worrying, they worry also. Worried so much, that's where it's like, okay, you're next.
Oh no. Well, in this case, then the two queens who are doing what you're saying is Arizona, who's just having so much fun with it, and Reading, who's like blazing through it with this steely confidence and this demeanor where she's just like, no, I'm gonna fucking do this.
This is mine already. Just give me that round, right?
I really don't expect Vinnies to be in such a—
me too—
neurosis at this point because she's achieved so much already during this season and she's really, really strong. Yeah, I know, you did it already and it's like now you're struggling.
It's like you won and you're doing so well.
I know, and Vinnies is so smart, like you just saw from her runway, her lyrics, her— she's always smart that she always thought about— she always thought about it, but this time I think she thought about it too much.
I think she may have PTSD from her season.
That's what I was getting to. Like, I feel like she thinks she's disap— she might disappoint everyone again, you know?
But that can really get into you.
But if me, if ever I'm gonna be in top 4, I'm just gonna fucking enjoy it.
Yeah, girl, enjoy the ride.
Fuck this, I'm gonna fucking enjoy it because there's like the last the last choreography that you're gonna do.
One thing that I really found funny was that Arizona, every single time she had to introduce the next challenge or whatever the next component was, she was like, "Next we're gonna be doing our choreography, which I'm excited for because I'm a professional dancer." Next we're gonna be filming our individual scenes, which I'm excited for because I'm a model. Did you notice that? That was really funny. I was like, she's hilarious.
I really love her.
Maybe she wasn't kidding and she was being serious, but you know what, it was still— So the next component is very interesting. This music video, the way it works is Reina comes out, they open this like, like a shutter to like a truck, and then each queen is performing inside that, like, yeah, that boxy kind of wall. And they're doing their verse and they're doing like, they're like, they're licking, licking the walls like Arizona is. And then all the other ones are like just doing that.
How do you think?
Yeah, go ahead, please.
No, I was like, with a truck, it's giving human trafficking for me.
Oh my God, no, it's giving. Oh my God, that's hilarious. That's hilarious. Who is human trafficking in a custom graffiti bespoke—
Drag queen trafficking.
Literally drag queen trafficking.
Drag queen trafficking because they're gonna compete to that.
Yeah, no, literally, this is how they shipped all the international queens to the Philippines.
By a truck.
By a truck. This is how the traffic queens come out.
Oh my God.
Oh my God.
Not the truck traffic queen.
Oh my God, I want to go on to the— I want you to comment that, like, this I love the music video, but the vibe is giving human cat.
No, but yeah, no, it just, it just came out of my head.
Who did the best to you while you were watching the music video?
For me, I really love Arizona.
Same, she was my top.
I agree.
I'm sorry, if I had to rank them, Arizona, Brigadine, yeah, uh, Vinyas, Suki.
You know why? Because you wouldn't expect Arizona to be good at this, and I mean as good as Brigadine and and, and Vinius. But here she really is leading.
I think she's a performance queen when it comes down to it. So I didn't— I did not expect her to do good. I just think the elements of like the fashion and then the modeling, those two elements she kind of nailed. Because we know that she can dance really well, we know that she can perform really well. It's that extra-ness, like that video music star quality that she brought in.
Yes.
And she was really feeling the fantasy.
Yeah.
Oh, absolutely, absolutely.
She's, she's very following The director, right? The wall, she's gonna leak it, literally. You know, you know, they said they were— they asked Arizona to split. She split, but in the air. They didn't just air it.
But yeah, so they get through the runway, or so they get through the filming of it, they do their challenge, and then here we are on the runway, and the extra special guest this week is Nymphia Wind. I'm so excited. I, I really liked how they had 5 different international perspectives. They started off with Jimbo, Alyssa Edwards, Pangina Heels, and then we got a little bit more like relevant with Sasha Colby, and now Nymphia Wind. I'm really excited to see her there.
Girl, I'm sorry to say, but it felt like Nymphia Wind didn't sleep this day.
Oh, so she did? She was tired?
Yeah, she wasn't—
did you notice that? Oh, I thought it was as active as I expected her to be. I think I was just super focused on how good of a judge Marina Summers was. I think Marina—
that's why you did not notice.
No, because I was just looking at Marina the whole time. I was just like, girl, even at the finale dance, she was just like, right, right.
What happened? Did she—
what did she come on? Did she—
she—
her flight just arrived.
Oh, she's jet lagged like that.
Yeah, I felt like she was so disinterested, like she did— she didn't have her own, like, like she was not there. Yeah, she was not there at all. You're right, that's the— that's the right word.
Yeah, I think people have different strengths when it comes to their personas and Maybe her— perhaps hers isn't doing this kind of, uh, yeah, no.
But I also heard from another drag queen— now we're gonna go see, we're gonna do another drag queen in DC who've met— okay, I guess I— let's go with skipping this. But they met Nymphia Wind and the reaction was, girl, I'm too tired.
Oh, backstage.
Yeah, but I don't blame her because if you're a superstar like that You're on the jet every single day.
She's also not as young as people think she is.
Yeah, well, how old is she?
I think she's like in her 30s. Am I getting that wrong? I don't know. Me too. Me too. I don't know. I'm 40. I'm fucking 48 years old, and she has more energy than Nymphia Wind, so let's wake that up.
That, that thing.
Anyways, where were we?
Yes, so Nymphia, yeah, I love her outfit though. Yeah, yeah, of course, the fish swirling around her naked body. Marina looks gorgeous in this blonde updo. Mama Pal, what do you think? Well, okay, I need you to tell me because now I want to know.
Joan Rivers.
My hair, the—
oh yeah, and then all of these flowers, it really made her look old, girl. I'm sorry.
I—
the— okay, now let me— now let— for the positives, I liked the, the draping of the fabric and the inner part of the skirt. Yeah, what did you like, John? Did you not like it? What do you think? Tudor boot from Mama Pal?
I love it.
She's waiting for that All Stars call.
I hope they don't see this because I'm still going to audition.
Oh my God, I'm sorry.
As soon as Virginia gets to write it for the first time—
did really great here. Yes, yes, I love her performance here. I love her here. You should love it too.
No, but no, me and Mama Pal, we go way back. We actually know each other. Oh, okay, so it's all just good, good, just She used to comment on my drag as well when there was no Drag Race Philippines yet.
Oh, and what would she comment now?
She's like, "Oh, the girls is gonna come to me now." Anyways, yeah, runway category is award show, like eleganza.
So you, you, you, as if you're on the red carpet, and then also you have your own trophy. That's a part of the thing too. Uh, what, what would you have done?
I would wear the red carpet.
Sickening, sickening. But what would the award be? Red carpet award.
The red carpet— I'll be the, the Congenial Award.
Oh, okay. And you'll be wearing a red carpet ensemble.
Ooh, red.
Why would you have—
Okay, go.
I don't know, I think, I think I would have thought about like one of my favorite red carpet moments, which is like Lady Gaga meat dress or in her egg. Like, I would think of something that's like really stunt-y because I think I love how they all did like gorgeous gowns. I think it would have been cool to do like a political statement type of thing because that's what people do at red carpets now. So what can you do to turn heads? What can you do to make a stunt? So maybe like something like the same way the meat dress was about one of the laws here, but through the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, or like how people are making these stunt moments. Like, there's this one, like, MAGA woman. Like, I don't forgot her name. I think her name was like Joy something. Every time when she got invited to the Grammys— no, this was like a few years ago. I don't know her name. It's like Joy something. Joy, girl, the only thing she was famous for— I don't even think her music was that good. She would just come to the Grammys with like an abortion dress, or she would come in with a dress that said Make America Great Again. Like, that was the dress. So I, like, similar to how you are— yeah, I would think about like how— but I would, I wouldn't make it super serious. I think I would make it something like tongue-in-cheek or funny, but like, I think it would be interesting to think about like what kind of political statement or what kind of stunt can you do on the red carpet. Or maybe you're wearing like a fake fur coat and then you have blood poured on you. Oh, you're like fake blood, you know?
Yeah, you're right.
How about you?
No, the first thing that came into my mind was the stanchions, you know? Ah, yes, those velvet ropes.
Yes.
And I was gonna incorporate that into my dress.
Oh, we're all so out of the box. We're all so Crazy and unique.
Yeah, no, but that political statement made me think. Yeah, because I'm— I claim to be a political queen.
Exactly. And she's, she's here with the velvet ropes. Break them. Cut the velvet rope. Let the people in. Like, you know how like AOC had a dress that said tax the rich? Even that, like something like that, like something with a statement on it.
Oh, maybe I'll have a miniature bomb on my head. Oh my God.
Nagabu.
And what's the statement there?
What's the statement there? Genocide, of course.
Wow, of course.
Of course. Um, so, okay, so I'm on to— on to the runway looks. Um, first we have Suki Doll. Very gorgeous, very intricate, you know, lots of draping, lots of pleating, very beautifully done. Kind of like a beige, gold, black type of ensemble, right?
So fucking gorgeous.
And then next we had Arizona, who came up with this orange, silvery, bluish type of thing with the antenna. Well, yes, she's trying to phone home.
Yes, yes.
You know, I, I was, I was looking at that, I'm like, Suki Doll made her own.
Of course.
And with that in mind, I'm like, she should have won this, um, challenge. Yeah.
Did that make up for her performance?
Yes, I would think so. But that dress was fucking amazing. Oh yeah, yeah, the gold thing, the fact that she made it. Yeah, because the three of them, I don't think they made Well, we don't know.
Well, here's the thing. I think it's like, I don't think you need it. I don't— I think making it, yes, gives you an edge up. I don't think not making your outfit automatically docks you though, because, you know. Yeah, but I mean, we're surrounded by a lot of the gorgeous works that Virginia has made, so that's Virginia's mind being like, well, I made it, crown it.
Bye.
You're right.
Yeah, right.
You're right. Yeah, that's really— that's the name of the game. Yeah, you're not being judged just by what you make. Think, but entirely as a drag queen.
Exactly, exactly.
But anyways, where were we?
Arizona. Did y'all like it? Yeah, yeah, I liked it too.
I like it, but what was she—
I can't remember how— why can't I remember it?
It was like silvery with like an orange heart.
Oh yes. Oh, do you like the— you like orange? And she didn't know how to answer it.
No, no, she said— I said, like, it was like a joke because Nymphia doesn't know her, but like, obviously Arizona Nymphia is like synonymous, synonymous with orange.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Oh, that's a joke. Yeah, I didn't get it.
She was just like, uh, yeah, because I don't think— because everybody else knows that she's obsessed with orange, but Nymphia doesn't.
Got it.
That would be like if Nymphia was like, do you like bananas? And it feels like, I don't know if I like bananas. Like, like that.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
Um, and then next is Brigitting.
Beautiful.
She looks like Cinderella. She looked exactly like Cinderella to me. Beautiful princess. Yeah, um, I liked Venus's the best because I thought it was so cute to have that big stunt. Give us a stunt, give us a statement.
But I love her backpack.
Yeah, her what?
The backpack.
What is that?
The flashlight?
Is that really a flashlight? Was that really— oh my God, is, is, is what it's called in the Philippines?
Yeah. Well, yeah, well, a flashlight is used for you know what, right? Yeah. And her— she's known to be the The mouth of the nation. And then you know what mouth is used for.
Ah, it was just so smart how always—
so there's another double, triple entendre in there.
Yeah, work.
And plus her work—
Vinyas, I love the story behind her runway too.
Yes.
And then plus she, she really have a— what I got— a competition like the Bunga, and that's where Zimba was.
Yes, she has a drag competition that she holds.
Really?
Okay, but see, this is where I I think the difference between Brigiding and Venus comes out. Yeah, because if you put them in terms of conceptualization, Brigiding comes out too vanilla for me compared to Venus. Venus really thinks about all these details and what it means, you know what I mean? But Brigiding is like Cinderella, you know, you, you get it right. Yeah, I mean, it's given, you know, pretty.
There's a little bit of an under— like an undercurrent in everything that Vinyas does. Yes, it's more cerebral. Exactly.
That's what I, that's what I really love about Vinyas because like she would really think out of the box. You know what I really love? Like one of the best, aside from the, yeah, the dwarf one, is her lambat.
Yes, the, the fish.
The fish.
Oh, that was my favorite one.
Oh my God, like who would have thought? Like if, if they said I'm moving something couture, yeah, you would have thought of a lot of things, but fucking Vinyas just bought a fucking fish.
That moves.
Yeah, I'm like, that is just so fucking smart. Yeah, she's just so smart.
I'm not trying to put down Brigitta. It's like Brigitta and Binyas, they are the best of what they represent. And it's like Glinda and Elphaba. Yeah, it's like—
and I think it's— and in that instance, it's always much— you always root for the underdog. You always root for the person who is doing it so different.
Yeah.
Your analogy was really good. Yeah, Glinda versus Elphaba. It's always easier to root for the person who has a little bit of an underdog story, you know, versus the polished. Yeah. Yes.
And I think versus the polished, let's talk a little bit about storyline.
Yeah, Miss Producer, Miss Reality TV Producer, what is a better storyline? No, literally, someone who went all the way to the end without struggling at all, or someone who had their highs and lows in a competition?
I'm always such a big fan of underdogs.
Underdogs. Yeah, yeah, too.
And everyone relates to underdogs as well. So even though I think that this is— that Brigetting has it out of the bag, we still don't know what's gonna happen, I think. Sure, sure.
Excuse me. I think in that instance then, if you love an underdog, Arizona should get the crown. You're right, you know, because you, you're seeing the girl who maybe was even snubbed of a win. Yeah, or two, or three, or four. Yeah, right. So, so yes, uh, the judges give their critiques very, uh, you know what, I realized Ari is not an underdog, she's the dark horse.
Oh yes, and like a dark horse, she have a big one. Oh no, no, no.
Oh, is this some tea? Is this some tea? Are you spilling something?
You know, I just realized she said as a dark horse she has a big one as well.
A girl.
No, I just realized Arizona, I've never knew that, that her— that she was already one of my friends on Facebook long, long. I added her because I'm like, you're so cute. Like, and I did not know that it was— she's gonna be come Arizona. But then when I was like checking, I think I think a few months ago I was checking my Facebook and there was like a notification. I'm like, wait, we're already friends? I don't know how. And I was like looking on her— oh, that's why.
Oh, you're like, now it makes sense.
She was your crush.
Yeah, yeah. Okay, that's why. But you know what, speaking of Arizona too, um, we— when I was in Philippines Uh, like last February, we kind of had a talk where I was like, so did they call you? Did someone call you already? She was like— she was really talking to me like she's down, but then she's trying to hold back. But she was like, you know what, sis, if they did, they will. They will, if they really want me to be in the show, they will call me. But I didn't got any calls right now. So, and it makes me sad because I feel like it, it, it, she really thinks that she's not going to get called, you know, like, and she's, she even said, if it's for me, if it's for me. And now I, I saw her in this show doing so fucking well. I'm just like, I'm just so— I'm gagged.
Unbelievable.
Yeah, why are we— listen, show us how you gag. Show us how you gag.
The fanboyism.
Arizona, we gag for your eye.
Oh my gosh, Arizona, I gag for you too, but in like a— in an internal way. Um, so did you get a call for Slay Jin?
Anyways.
Okay, NDA, NDA.
No, no, no, no, no.
Okay.
And even if they call me, I can't say.
Okay. She has something to ask.
No, I can't say yes because I'm not ready to compete. Yeah. Because I really believe in joining this reality TV competition in any kind of way. You have to be ready for your mental, emotions, physical, and then your wallet. So there's 4 of them.
Yes.
And if you— if they're all good, and then you're ready for competition. Because especially in your mental, if you're not ready, if your mental is not like ready for a competition, you would You would look miserable on your competition. Yeah, you can't focus, right?
Right.
Yeah, it's really up to you. This is why they call you and they ask you because you have to decide if you really are ready because yeah, and then you're gonna say because of the edit.
Yeah, I would love to know who was on that like board because they got 12 contestants out of like the hundreds of people, not hundreds, I guess out of all the 85. Only. There's only 85 Asian queens.
I'm just kidding.
I'm like, wait, I'm like, wait, no, no, no, no. But like, out of all the Thai queens, all the Filipino queens, you know, like, you know. But, uh, yeah, I think it's—
it's—
that's really important. And I, I think like sometimes it's like you— some queens, even on this season, it's clear like they might have just taken the opportunity to come back without fully being ready or like there to do it, while others are like ready and primed and like in the mode, you know.
Like they— you have a strategy, you would have. Because if, if you really are ready, you would have all those— like, everything will be—
it's a lot of sacrifice.
Yeah, yeah.
Um, yeah, I'm just like, I'm not gonna jinx myself, but are you ready? If I was gonna say what information— like, I did not specifically— did not look for work to really prepare. Yeah. Wow.
So you're not gonna prepare?
No, no, no, no, she meant—
I meant I didn't look for work. I didn't. I, I got out of my job, and I said, I'm not gonna look for work. This is the only thing I'm gonna do aside from my art, from the arts.
Yeah, I'm so happy she's back.
So we'll see what's gonna happen.
The world needs more Virginia, please. But yeah, so, um, let's maybe fast forward to Untucked. In Untucked, all, uh, 4 members of Raina come in and they're all talking to each of the queens. And then before that, they do a little retrospective and they give each of the eliminated queens an award. Were there any that stood out to you about like awards that they gave out? Like they said that Yua had the worst wig. They said that Madam Yoko was the best pork chop because she came in with her bags ready to leave. Did any of those like stand out to you?
The Yua. Yeah.
Worst wig.
Worst wig.
I like it. When I saw her perform live, she had a mullet wig just like that one. I think it was neon green when I saw her perform live. It's her brand.
It gives her a lot of character.
I love it. But were there any other moments from Untucked, like, um, any other queens that you missed? Or like—
oh yeah, and, and I saw some videos of follow-up videos of this, but I was so like on, on my— on the edge when Marina and Vinyas met.
Really?
Because they haven't spoken— they haven't spoken to each other since their season.
Are they beefing? I didn't know.
No, but they had an interaction which was very severe. Marina— uh, Venus was like, oh, from the last season, was likening— uh, Venus was likening Marina to a horse.
Wait, I need the tea.
I need to see that. It's on the episode.
On the episode? This episode itself?
No, no, no, in season 1.
Season 1. Because I knew that the only tense situation that I remember of them was when Venus was really drunk and did the whole gravity.
Yeah, yeah, that was a woman, and she was like, girl, she implied that Marina looks like a horse.
Ah, oh yes, yes, this is— yeah, I just, I remember that moment. I, I get lost in translation. I'm sorry.
Yeah, so when I saw that moment now, I was like, oh, okay. I wish they, they talked about it.
So since that moment, they were like, they have not— they've just been icy.
I just saw a video of BTS being asked about that, and she's like, yeah, um, we haven't spoken since season 1, but we've, you know, she implied that they, they really joked to each other outside of, outside of the season, even before, because they, they used to perform the same club, Nectar, which is Nectar. Yeah, and Venus was supposed to be the, the queen in that club.
I see.
And Marina was just one of those performers as well in Nectar, to my understanding. Avinas was like the drag queen for Nectar. Oh yeah.
Oh, did— is Avinas part of Drag Cartel?
I know Drag Cartel happens in Nectar. Yeah, I don't know if she's— I think she's— I think she should be, I would assume.
Yeah, which part of— because yeah, Drag Cartel is like a competition, a competition in Philippines for drag.
Hello?
Okay, yes, yes.
Very witty though. Drag cartel.
Yeah.
No, well, I'm curious because how— maybe both of you can provide insight on this— what, how does the drag scene react to Drag Den by Manila Luzon and Drag Race Philippines? Is it similar to like the scene here where like queens are like Dragula versus Drag Race or like, you know, any other competition series like that? Because Philippines is the only market where they have two televised drag performance competitions that came out around the same time.
You can't say— because Dragula is the aesthetic in Dragula.
Oh, you're right. Absolutely right.
But the drag den has pretty much similar, um, concept with Drag Race. So when they change it for season 1, like the formula of it, it didn't kind of fly. But the season 2, I kind of like it.
I really love season 2.
I love the season 2. I love their girl group. Feeling good tonight. And you know what I noticed in Drag Race? These queens are like, they're just so good.
Like, Russia Foxx, is that her name?
Yeah.
Yeah. I still, I saw clips of her doing like Snake performance where she has like fire? No, like, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You know, Russia Fox was the first queen that I just realized that I've seen in my life.
Like, really? Work?
Okay, so she's very old, and she— I did not know that she changed her name. I was watching fucking Drag Race and I was like, I know this this bitch. She, she kind of like remind me of this person, but then, but I'm like, nah, maybe that's not her. Until I went to Philippines and she was like, uh, she was talking about things that I used to do before, but I'm like, how do you know that? Yeah, I'm like, wait, we've met already? And then she was like, you don't know me? This is me. And I keep still thinking, and when she said, oh, it's me, Britney, because she used— she did fucking Britney Spears.
Really?
Britney Spears, so fucking clean, so good. And then that's where I like the fantasy of Thalia too, because she fucking did Thalia. And then my gayness at that night, I'm like, yeah, I'm gay. But then, because she's just so good, and that's what I was saying, like, Drag Race queens are just so good that— not them all, but a lot of queens in Drag Race are really good. And I was really hoping that, yeah, I would be part of Drag Race Philippines.
A lot of them are really thriving as well. They're part of all the gigs. Yeah, yeah.
Okay, that's good. Yeah, I'm just curious, clearly the Filipino audience is ready to take on and consume two drag shows It was successful enough to have another season. They had really good guest judges as well. I was just curious if there was like a dynamic or anything.
What I liked about Drag Race was very, very overtly— very, very overtly political. Yeah, they were very, very political. They were not even hiding it. They were naming, naming people. Yeah, politicians.
They just—
yeah.
Well, my question would then be, I know this— we're talking about Drag Race Slayshion Royale, but now we're talking about Drag Race. I'm I'm curious, what was Manila Luzon like as a host? I haven't seen Drag Race. I'm just curious as someone who grew up in the US who doesn't have that same— because I would argue that even like, like someone similar—
argue?
No, we're here to make peace. But like, how would you say she was as a host then?
So here's my personal opinion, and I've always said this, that Manila Luzon and Paula Balisera should have exchanged places.
Really?
Okay, it's my personal opinion because Paula can get into the innuendos, the jokes jokes, and that's what they do in drag then. They, they joke a lot. They, they, they speak in the Filipino gay lingo or the queer lingo, and Mama Pal can easily get into that, whereas Manila Luzon couldn't. She needed context all the time, and she would be laughing, like, pretending. Yeah, apparently laughing, but she didn't understand anything.
Yeah.
And also, I, I just did not get why would you get a host that won't get our humor?
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
That's why Drag Race is so good, because I'm not comparing— but you cannot compare this to competition because they have a word, right? But the way the script thing— yeah, the host was—
I was so impressed with season 1 with Drag Race because everything made makes sense. Even like, can I get an M up in here? M is a term that we use as queer people. M, like, we're like, we joke with people. Like, if we— if I want to say something and I'm just joking, I'm gonna say M lang. So amen was replaced by M, which is really used by the gay people, by queer people in the city.
And even that, it was very brilliant.
Yes, this is—
your mom is a queen.
Yeah, instead of putang inomo, putang inomo is your mom is a they change it to Queen of—
you know, that's the magic that I think having a local host who knows the lingo, who knows the conversation, like Paolo. Exactly, right?
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Um, yeah, so I think both.
Yeah, you're right. Okay, well, sign up, revive it.
But I, I just thought that if Manila Luzon was exchanged with Mama Pao, she could do that, all the English, uh, scripts that Mama Pao tries to do.
Yeah, yeah, I will say the one—
Manila is in Drag Race, it won't still like that because, yeah, the humor.
Yes, you know, you're right, you're right.
It would still— that's— people gave that— I, again, I'm— the only reason I'm asking is because you, you both can provide that perspective. Yeah, because I read so many comments about this with Valentina and Drag Race Mexico because Valentina was born and raised in the US and she was fluent enough in Spanish to read the dialogue But she did not understand any of the jokes. They said that there was such a disconnect. That's why Lolita Banana, who is the queen who was from Mexico, was the co-host with her because she was able to fill in those gaps. Yeah, but they said that a lot of the times the delivery was maybe was wooden or like she didn't understand. Like Snatch Game, how can you do Snatch Game if you don't know any of the celebrities?
Oh yeah, the references.
Yeah, that's true.
Yeah, you're right.
But yes, I love that. I was just curious and thank you for your insight. Back to Slayshon Royale.
So now we're back.
Now we're back. So Untucked happened. They're doing this, they're doing that. They're all reviving and doing it. My favorite scene from Untucked was when Kat Kat was like, "Brigiding, you're over-accessorized. Come here." And then all of them started taking her jewelry off, like very Cinderella, very Cinderella. Like all the stepsisters ripping off the—
"That's mine!" Yeah.
I thought that was funny. Yeah.
Okay.
Fast forward immediately. Top 3. Well, right now, who is making it to the finalists? Brigiding gets announced as the winner of this challenge and the finalist. If I were to make one change I wouldn't have given a Ru badge for this episode, and I would have just said, this is your ticket to the finale. That way, I think there wouldn't be such an uproar, because as soon as Brigette got that third win, I think everybody in the comments that I was reading was just very upset. They were like, this is— they're forcing a win, we don't want this, like Arizona should have gotten this win, like that, you know.
On the contrary, it's very effective because people are talking about it.
Absolutely, absolutely. Because in— because in this same episode, in other drag races, especially in the US Sometimes they announce a winner, sometimes they don't announce a winner. Like RuPaul, sometimes if it was this episode, it would just be, okay, everybody did the music video, everybody's going to the finale. Or sometimes they're like, congratulations, you're the winner.
So yeah, so here's— I would say how skillful the producers are, because the situation is very ripe for a lot of controversy. Yes, no matter where it goes, whether Brigiding or Vinius wins, people will talk about it and will clamor for it. Yeah, right.
Uh, so we go to the lip sync. The song is Power by Morissette. Are you familiar with Morissette?
Yes, girl, Morissette is like—
it worked, Mama! I'm only asking because some of the other queens, she was like, who, who was the lip sync song again? I'm like, okay, who is Morissette?
Yeah, so this song was performed during the Binibining Pilipinas Universe. Yes, 2 years ago or 3 years ago, something like that. And I am the power.
Are they a band?
Is it one person?
So one person. Okay. Uh, she's a really, really powerful vocalist.
There's been another song of hers as a lip sync. I know that, right? Yeah, yeah. But this— oh yeah, it was a good song. It was a good song. Very— um, they said it was a slow song and Suki was like, this is my song, and Venus was still doing better.
Someone said that Venus— another Drag Race contestant, former contestant, said that she didn't like Venus's performance, but I beg to disagree.
Oh, okay.
Venus was hands down, like, she was really doing it.
It was Gabriella.
Yeah, but what do you think though of Venus's performance?
I thought Suki— okay, whether or not Venus won, Suki definitely lost. Let me just say that. I think it was like, yes, it was a slow song, but I think I'm learning this as a drag artist. There is power in lack of movement. There's power in holding that moment because I think for me, whenever I'm on stage, I'm like, move, move, move, keep it moving, keep it moving. So I, for a long time, never performed ballads because I was so scared of like, what would I do in that blank space, you know?
Yeah, go ahead, go ahead, go ahead.
Yeah, go ahead. But no, Yeah, when you're doing ballad, it's like you have to convince the people that you're the one who's singing the song. And like, you have the connection to the song, you're really fantasizing it. Every beat, every breathe, every— even that, the gasp, you have like to get it. And because A ballad is like one of my favorite doing, even I don't really do it here because— but then I really love doing ballad because I get really into it and then I fantasize it. And ballad is like a fantasy that— I mean, ballad is like a statement that if you do just standing and convincing me that you're fucking, um, performing.
And like, yeah, pause, I'm gonna grab another tissue.
Yeah, and then that's the time.
She's good, we're almost done.
So, I know.
Oh my God, no worries, girl, it happens.
On my last fucking episode too.
Yeah, yeah, and you got that from the professional herself.
I— the last time I saw you perform, it was a ballad. It was right after the viewing party that I was at, and you did Love in You. Yeah, yeah, you— whatever you just said, you exemplified— exemplify— because, um, because when you did it, because every breath— and that song has all those whistle notes— and the way that your mouth would open wider and wider and wider when it was going— because you— no, I'm just saying, it's a very studied performance. And that's why sometimes doing a ballad is harder than doing like That's what—
but going back to this battle between Suki and Vinyas, the thing I noticed with, um, Suki, she was like, you know, like trying to emulate the mouth.
She have, uh, a what? I think she has the— what do you call that?
Cleft lip? Cleft palate?
So a ring— ring nose? A nose ring? What is it?
What it is?
What are you trying to say?
She have this video where, where she was lip-syncing and then the people was like, it was the nose.
It's moving, it's moving. Yeah.
And then they said something on the comment, I just forgot. Don't put that. Yeah, but don't put this. But then I think it's something, um, a sickness. Yeah.
Oh, interesting. Okay, well, we'll cut that out. But, um, yeah, I think the key thing here is that Viniyas knew how to use her mouth correctly.
Like, she's a bonggara, güey.
But I, I could see the emotions as well. It was, it was there. It was very strong. Yeah.
So result of the lip sync, Venus makes it through. Do you think we needed a top 4, or do you think a top 3 would have been enough?
Top 4 for—
yeah. What do you think, Virginia?
Well, to make, to make it fair for the international girls, of course.
Exactly.
Put the top 4.
Yeah, it would look really bad if they got rid of every single I thought that it's a finale, but then no, it's gonna be next week. That's what, girl, same. I booked a flight thinking that this would be the last episode, so they fooled all of us. Next week is going to be crazy. There's a ball, there is a performance, there is a runway. So, yeah, right.
Like, do they even know about it? Like, well, I mean, did they just thought about it, or— because I'm like confused too.
I'm like, no, I mean, 10 episodes makes sense. Every other season of Drag Race Philippines has been 10 episodes, so I think that does make sense. Yeah, but I was also gagged. I'm like, what more do we need? Because it is— if they did eliminate someone here, then it would have been like perfect, right? I think if— I think the best scenario, I think they shouldn't have eliminated someone on the first episode and they could have eliminated someone here. Do you know what I mean?
Yeah, or just shift it because this time there's no Shantay, you stay. Yeah, yeah, yeah, double Shantay.
Exactly. Which I think would have been tricky here, but yes. So ultimately, this is the top 4. Brigette gets another win. She has 3 wins. Venus and Arizona both have 2 wins, and then Tsuki has 1 win, uh, or badges, right?
Yeah, so badges here, huh?
Yeah, they do. I mean, that's what we were talking about in the episode before, like they gave 2 badges in the last episode to kind of even out the playing field, so it's still anybody's game, kind of. But you know, so John, who is winning? Who is winning Drag Race Philippines Slaytion Royale?
You know, at first when they released this, um, Slaytion— really, like, just kidding. First when they released this, I, I really— I was— on my mind, I was like, this is for Brigadine. It's like they made this from Brigadine. But then every fucking episode I see Venus fucking slay a challenge, it fucking blew me off. But then he kind of a little tripped. Yeah, in some episode where Brigading is consistent, but Venus is taking a risk. So it's like, oh, it is so hard. But then I've seen Arizona too Arizona is so good too in, in this challenge, but then he was tripping as well. If we're gonna go with track record, I'll go with Brigadine. Okay, but then they always say it's not about a track record, it's about how you do it on that episode, remember?
That's true, that's true.
So if we're going to do on the, the episode. That's why— that's, that's like what I'm excited for next week because it's—
I think you're true. I think Drag Race Philippines has a track record of giving the award to the most perfect at that thing, at that episode. Well, I would say yes, but then I would also think about like, think about Precious, think about Kat Kat, think about Maxi. All of them I think had the most— well, I said I think Precious— did Marina have more wins than Precious, I think?
Or didn't— I don't think Precious did. Did she lip sync for her life?
I don't think so. I don't think Marina nor Precious— Maxi didn't either. Kat Kat did. But like, I think it goes back to like whoever did the best, I think almost kind of gets rewarded. Because I'm thinking about Precious, thinking about Kat Kat, I'm thinking about, uh, Maxi. All of them did their best on the season track record-wise.
Well, why would you do the track record record if— why would you base it on track record if they always have the lip sync for battle?
True, true. So I guess it just depends on what happens next week.
That's the thing, like, I'm like, where are they gonna base it this time? Where? Track record or the finale, right?
Right.
I— yeah.
And we're gonna be back.
We will see next week.
Yes, we will see next week. I think my prediction, I think I think it's gonna be— I would want— I would love to see Venus win. Now that I really thought about it, I would love to see Venus win.
I would love her to win.
Yes, I love her too. Win.
Yes.
But well, how do we make it to the end of the episode? Do we need to pause again so I can blow my nose?
They said this episode is not going to be released. I'm sorry.
Well, well, this has been really fun. Really fun. I think this is the longest— this is literally the longest episode ever made. I don't know how Virginia's gonna cut this down. Yeah, and thank you because, you know, I think out of all of our guests, you provided the most like extended commentary. Yes, insight, information. Yeah, but perfect. Thank you so much, John. Thank you, John, our king of OMG.
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for having me. I'm in this box.
And thank you for joining us for another episode of Swayzian Persuasion.
Bye!
Bye!
